An interventional study of Exercise group and 3 ESWT sessions in Plantar Fasciitis, Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy and Ultrasonography, sponsored by Kirsehir Ahi Evran Universitesi. Not yet recruiting at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye). Open to participants aged 18 Years to 65 Years, including healthy volunteers. Per ClinicalTrials.gov, last updated 2026-06-04.
Sponsored by Kirsehir Ahi Evran Universitesi · Not applicable, Interventional, and Treatment
Among 42 studies in Fasciitis, Plantar with a site in Turkey — 15 open to participants now, 16 under way, none of them phase 3. Fasciitis, Plantar · Turkey.
Among the 42 studies in Fasciitis, Plantar with a site in Turkey, this one is the 14th largest by planned enrollment of the 28 interventional ones that give a count, is one of 9 that started in 2026, is one of 28 with no phase, reaches primary completion later than 13 of the 15 other live ones, and was the 33rd registered.
223 studies on the registry are indexed under Fasciitis, Plantar; 58 are open to participants now.
This study's planned enrollment of 57 is close to the median of 56 across 194 interventional studies indexed under Fasciitis, Plantar.
Browse Fasciitis, Plantar studies →15 of the 42 studies in Fasciitis, Plantar with a site in Turkey are open now, in 1 country. Each count lists the studies.
Of the 29 Fasciitis, Plantar studies recruiting now, 5 (17%) set no upper age limit and 21 (72%) stop at 75 or younger; 0 take children under 18; 4 take healthy volunteers.
This study: 18 Years to 65 Years · all sexes · healthy volunteers too.
The full table on the hub →42 studies; the count open now beside each. This study's row is marked.
First in 2018; this study’s year is marked. 9 started in 2026.
Median enrollment 57 across the 28 interventional studies, 77 across the 14 observational. Of the 22 that completed or were terminated, 1 (5%) have results posted.
None of the 42 has an industry lead sponsor. The 10 most frequent:
Kirsehir Ahi Evran Universitesi is the lead sponsor of 138 studies on the registry; 52 are open to participants now.
Kirsehir Ahi Evran Universitesi has 1 study filed under Fasciitis, Plantar — fewer than ten, so there is no comparison to draw.
8 of the studies in Fasciitis, Plantar with a site in Turkey that are under way reach primary completion within a year, 0 of them phase 3. Phase 3 first, then by date:
| Study | Primary completion |
|---|---|
| NCT07628218Balikesir Ataturk City HospitalVideo-Based Versus Physician-Led Exercise Training for Plantar Fasciitis | 2026-11-12 |
| NCT07761000Ahi Evran University Education and Research HospitalEvaluation of Spinal Posture, Balance, and Core Muscle Endurance in Individuals With Plantar Fasciitis | 2026-12-01 |
| NCT07878273Sultan Abdulhamid Han Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, TurkeyTibial Nerve Size and Clinical Features in Chronic Plantar Fasciitis | 2026-12-01 |
| NCT07754214Karamanoğlu Mehmetbey UniversityOutcomes of the Proprioception and Strengthening Exercise Program in Chronic Plantar Fasciitis | 2026-12-31 |
| NCT07688876Ankara City Hospital BilkentPulsed Radiofrequency Versus 5% Dextrose Injection in Chronic Plantar Fasciitis | 2027-01-01 |
Among the 42 studies in Fasciitis, Plantar with a site in Turkey, from their registry updates:
Extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) has become widely preferred in Turkey and worldwide in recent years for the treatment of musculoskeletal diseases due to its non-invasive nature, ease of application, and low risk of complications, as it does not require surgical intervention. However, there is no consensus in the literature regarding the energy level used in ESWT applications, the frequency of application, and especially the ideal number of sessions. Different centers apply varying protocols in clinical practice, which can lead to heterogeneity in treatment outcomes. Scientifically determining the effect of variation in the number of ESWT sessions on clinical outcomes is important for establishing standard treatment protocols. Therefore, the aim of our study is to contribute to the existing literature by investigating the effect of variation in the number of ESWT sessions on clinical parameters such as pain, functional status, and quality of life in the treatment of chronic plantar fasciitis, and to develop more effective and evidence-based treatment approaches in patient management.
Plantar fasciitis is a common musculoskeletal disorder resulting from a degenerative and inflammatory process of the plantar fascia, which supports the medial longitudinal arch of the foot (Roxas M, 2005). While it affects both sexes, all age groups, and ethnicities, it is more common in women aged 40-60 (Latt LD et al., 2020). The most frequent cause of chronic heel pain, plantar fasciitis typically presents with tenderness on palpation at the medial tubercle of the calcaneus and pain that begins with the first step in the morning (Unuvar BS et al., 2024). This clinical picture can negatively impact patients' daily activities, work capacity, and quality of life, leading to significant functional limitations. The pathophysiology of plantar fasciitis is multifactorial, with mechanical overload, repetitive microtraumas, prolonged standing, obesity, inappropriate footwear, and biomechanical disorders being among the main etiological factors (Avraham D et al., 2025). This process leads to microtears in the plantar fascia, collagen degeneration, and the development of a chronic inflammatory response. Recent histopathological studies, particularly in cases of chronic plantar fasciitis, have revealed that the pathological process is not limited to an inflammatory response but also involves significant degenerative changes. This degenerative process is characterized by disorganization of collagen fibers, increased fibroblast activity, and tissue deterioration. These findings explain why classical anti-inflammatory treatment approaches are insufficient in some patients and the underlying mechanism for limited clinical response (Wearing SC et al., 2006). Diagnosis is usually based on the patient's history and physical examination findings; advanced imaging techniques are typically not required in such cases. Ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging can be used in atypical or treatment-resistant cases where differential diagnosis is necessary (Cole C et al., 2005). The first-line approach in treatment is conservative methods. Physical therapy programs including non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, night splints, orthotics, activity modification, and stretching-strengthening exercises are frequently applied (Cole C \& Crawford R, 2011) (Garrett TR \& Neibert PJ, 2013). However, in approximately 10-20% of patients, symptoms persist for more than six months, developing into chronic plantar fasciitis, and this group requires additional treatment methods. In recent years, minimally invasive methods have gained increasing importance in the treatment of chronic plantar fasciitis. Extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT), being a non-invasive method that does not require surgical intervention, easy to apply, and with a low risk of complications, has become widely preferred in our country and worldwide in the treatment of musculoskeletal diseases in recent years. ESWT is thought to promote tissue healing by increasing local microcirculation, stimulate neovascularization, and provide analgesic effects by modulating pain transmission. It is also believed that ESWT modulates pain transmission and supports regenerative processes in degenerated tissue (Simplicio CL et al., 2020). Clinical studies have reported positive results, particularly in chronic plantar fasciitis cases, in terms of reducing pain intensity, increasing functional capacity, and improving quality of life. Thanks to these properties, ESWT stands out as an effective alternative to surgery in patients who do not respond to conservative treatments (Melese H et al., 2022) (Gerdesmeyer L et al., 2008) (Kudo P et al., 2006). In addition, laser therapy, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections, and corticosteroid injections are among other minimally invasive treatment options used (Aleid AM et al., 2025). However, there is no consensus in the literature regarding the energy level used in ESWT applications, the frequency of application, and especially the ideal number of sessions (Park KD et al., 2018). Different centers apply varying protocols in clinical practice, which can lead to heterogeneity in treatment outcomes. Therefore, scientifically determining the effect of the number of ESWT sessions on clinical outcomes is important for establishing standard treatment protocols. In this context, investigating the effect of the number of ESWT sessions on clinical parameters such as pain, functional status, and quality of life in the treatment of chronic plantar fasciitis will contribute to the existing literature and help develop more effective and evidence-based treatment approaches in patient management.
Go through the criteria one by one — yes, no or not sure — and take the list to your doctor or the study team. Kept in this browser only.
Exclusion Criteria:
Underlined terms in the criteria open these too. Explained by clinicaltrials.gg, not part of the registry record. The study team decides who can take part.
Before you join, the study team explains what taking part involves — its purpose, what happens, the risks and possible benefits — and answers your questions, so you can decide freely. Consent is usually recorded on a form (the informed consent form, ICF) signed by you or, where the law allows, by someone legally authorised to decide for you.
You can keep asking questions during the study, you are told of new information that matters, and you can choose to leave at any time.
Malignancy means cancer. Criteria about another or earlier malignancy ask whether you have had a different cancer, usually within a set number of years.
Some are commonly allowed, such as treated skin cancers other than melanoma and early cancers removed completely — check the exceptions this study lists.
An allergy, or another reaction of the immune system, to a substance. “Hypersensitivity to the study drug” means a known allergic reaction to it — not every side effect a medicine can have.
Informed consent
Before you join, the study team explains what taking part involves — its purpose, what happens, the risks and possible benefits — and answers your questions, so you can decide freely. Consent is usually recorded on a form (the informed consent form, ICF) signed by you or, where the law allows, by someone legally authorised to decide for you.
You can keep asking questions during the study, you are told of new information that matters, and you can choose to leave at any time.
Explained by clinicaltrials.gg, not part of the registry record. The study team decides who can take part.
Cancer (malignancy)
Malignancy means cancer. Criteria about another or earlier malignancy ask whether you have had a different cancer, usually within a set number of years.
Some are commonly allowed, such as treated skin cancers other than melanoma and early cancers removed completely — check the exceptions this study lists.
Explained by clinicaltrials.gg, not part of the registry record. The study team decides who can take part.
Hypersensitivity
An allergy, or another reaction of the immune system, to a substance. “Hypersensitivity to the study drug” means a known allergic reaction to it — not every side effect a medicine can have.
Explained by clinicaltrials.gg, not part of the registry record. The study team decides who can take part.
ESWT treatment will not be given to this group; instead, exercise therapy will be performed by the patient alone for 3 weeks. Plantar fascia stretching exercises, gastrosoleus stretching exercises, and foot intrinsic muscle strengthening exercises will be taught to the patients by the same physiotherapist with over 5 years of clinical experience and expertise in these areas, and they will be asked to perform these exercises 10 times twice a day for a total of 3 weeks.
Other: Exercise group
A physiotherapist with over 5 years of clinical experience will apply radial ESWT treatment to the most painful point in the heel area and surrounding soft tissues, targeting the attachment site of the plantar fascia on the medial calcaneus. The treatment will be performed at a frequency of 10 Hz, a pressure of 2.5-3 bar, and 2000 pulses, once a week for a total of 3 sessions. The exercises taught to the exercise group will also be taught to this group, and they will be asked to perform them 10 times twice a day for a total of 3 weeks.
Other: Exercise group · Other: 3 ESWT sessions
The same physiotherapist, with over 5 years of clinical experience, will apply radial ESWT treatment to the most painful point in the heel area and surrounding soft tissues, targeting the attachment site of the plantar fascia on the medial calcaneus. The treatment will consist of 2000 pulses at a frequency of 10 Hz and a pressure of 2.5-3 bar, once a week for a total of 5 sessions. The exercises taught to the exercise group will also be taught to this group, and they will be instructed to perform them 10 times twice a day for a total of 3 weeks.
Other: Exercise group · Other: 5 ESWT sessions
exercise
exercise and ESWT
exercise and ESWT
Visual Analog Scale
In this scale, pain intensity is generally rated from "absence of pain" (0 points) to "imagined most severe pain" (10 points on a 10-point scale) (Wewers et al., 1990). The pain intensity scoring ranges are: \<3 mild pain, 3-6 moderate pain, \>6 severe pain. VAS is a widely used and practical scale for chronic pain worldwide.
Time frame: baseline, 3th week, 6th week, 12th week
Food Function Index
The scale consists of 23 items with three subgroups: pain, disability, and activity limitation. The nine-item pain subscale measures the level of foot pain in various situations. The nine-item disability subscale determines the degree of difficulty in performing various functional activities due to foot problems. The five-item activity limitation subscale evaluates activity limitations caused by foot problems.
Time frame: baseline, 3th week, 6th week, 12th week
Pain Pressure Threshold
519 It refers to the first point in a tissue where pressure is converted into pain. It is measured with an algometer. The measurement is taken from a predetermined standard anatomical point. In this study, it was planned to measure plantar fasciitis from the medial calcaneal tubercle. The algometer is held vertically, and the pressure is increased at a constant rate. The patient is asked to indicate when the pressure is converted into pain. The value displayed on the device is recorded (in kg/cm2 or Newton-N). Three measurements are taken from the same point. A 60-second waiting period is observed between measurements. The average value is recorded.
Time frame: baseline, 3th week, 6th week, 12th week
Timed up and go test
The TUG test is planned to be used to assess the mobility and balance of the participants. During the test, participants are asked to stand up from a chair with a seat height of approximately 45 cm upon the command "Stand up," walk 3 meters, turn around a cone, and then sit back down in the chair. The test duration will be recorded in seconds. The test will be repeated twice, and the average of the two test durations will be calculated and recorded.
Time frame: baseline, 3th week, 6th week, 12th week
Ultrasound Measurement of Plantar Fascia Thickness
Ultrasound imaging can be used in the diagnosis of plantar fasciitis, in the exclusion of soft tissue pathologies in the differential diagnosis, and in monitoring treatment. In USG, a plantar fascia thickness greater than 4 mm, or a plantar fascia thickness of 1 mm or more on the symptomatic side compared to the asymptomatic side, increased vascularity in Doppler mode, and the presence of hypoechoic areas in the plantar fascia are important in the diagnosis of PF. In this study, thickness measurements were performed in all groups at week 0 (before treatment) and week 12, with patients in the prone position with the ankle dorsiflexed at 90 degrees, along the longitudinal axis at the attachment point of the plantar fascia to the calcaneus.
Time frame: baseline, 3th week, 6th week, 12th week
Plan to share: Undecided
Start is estimated for Jul 2026; primary completion for Feb 2027, 7 months later.
Of 104 non-industry interventional studies with no phase under Fasciitis, Plantar, half reached primary completion within 11 months of starting (the median), counting those still running; a quarter within 6 and three quarters within 21. This study's planned 7 months is below that.
Counting every sponsor, half of 109 studies reached it within 11 months; a quarter within 6 and three quarters within 22.
How these figures are worked out, and which studies are left out of them.
This study is not yet recruiting, as verified in Jun 2026. You cannot join it, but the record below documents what was studied.
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