An interventional study of Physician-Led Face-to-Face Exercise Instruction and Video-Based Exercise Instruction in Plantar Fasciitis of Both Feet and Plantar Fascitis, sponsored by Balikesir Ataturk City Hospital. Recruiting at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye). Open to participants aged 18 Years to 70 Years. Per ClinicalTrials.gov, last updated 2026-08-28.
Sponsored by Balikesir Ataturk City Hospital · Not applicable, Interventional, and Treatment
This prospective, single-center, two-arm, parallel-group randomized non-inferiority trial will compare physician-led face-to-face exercise instruction with standardized video-based exercise instruction in adults with plantar fasciitis. Participants will be randomized in a 1:1 ratio to receive either face-to-face exercise training by an orthopedic physician or access to a standardized exercise video via QR code/web link. The exercise content will be identical in both groups; only the method of instruction will differ. The primary outcome will be the change in the Foot Function Index total/index score from baseline to 3 months. Secondary outcomes will include pain score, Foot Function Index subscales, exercise knowledge, exercise adherence, education time, video viewing status, additional treatment requirement, and patient satisfaction.
Plantar fasciitis is a common cause of chronic plantar heel pain and may lead to functional limitation and reduced quality of life. Exercise education is an important component of conservative treatment; however, in busy outpatient settings, the time available for detailed face-to-face instruction may be limited. Standardized video-based education may provide a practical alternative by delivering the same exercise content in a reproducible format.
This study will evaluate whether video-based exercise instruction is non-inferior to physician-led face-to-face instruction in patients with plantar fasciitis. All participants will receive standard information about plantar fasciitis, load management, footwear recommendations, weight control, short-term analgesic or anti-inflammatory use when needed, and heel pad or insole support. The home exercise program will be identical in both groups and will include plantar fascia-specific stretching, gastrocnemius/soleus stretching, plantar fascia self-massage, gradual toe raises, and towel pull exercises.
Assessments will be performed at baseline, 1 month, and 3 months after randomization. Functional status will be assessed using the Foot Function Index, and pain will be measured using a 0-10 numerical rating scale. Exercise knowledge, adherence, education duration, video viewing behavior, additional treatment use, and satisfaction will also be recorded.
Balikesir Ataturk City Hospital is the lead sponsor of 2 studies on the registry; 2 are open to participants now.
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Exclusion Criteria:
Participants in this arm will receive standard plantar fasciitis education and physician-led face-to-face instruction of the home exercise program. The orthopedic physician will explain and demonstrate the exercises during the baseline visit. The exercise program will include plantar fascia-specific stretching, gastrocnemius/soleus stretching, plantar fascia self-massage, gradual toe raises, and towel pull exercises.
Behavioral: Physician-Led Face-to-Face Exercise Instruction
Participants in this arm will receive standard plantar fasciitis education and a QR code or web link providing access to a standardized exercise video prepared by the study team. The video will not be watched in the outpatient clinic; participants will be instructed to perform the exercises at home by watching the video. The exercise content, order, repetitions, and frequency will be identical to the physician-led group.
Behavioral: Video-Based Exercise Instruction
Face-to-face instruction and demonstration of a standardized home exercise program by an orthopedic physician. The program includes plantar fascia-specific stretching, gastrocnemius/soleus stretching, plantar fascia self-massage, gradual toe raises, and towel pull exercises.
Access to a standardized home exercise video prepared by the study team via QR code or web link. Participants will be instructed to watch the video at home and perform the same exercise program used in the physician-led group.
Change in Foot Function Index Total/Index Score From Baseline to 3 Months
The Foot Function Index total/index score is a patient-reported measure of foot pain, disability, and activity limitation, converted to a 0-100 score. Higher scores indicate worse foot-related function. The primary endpoint will be the change from baseline to 3 months, calculated as baseline FFI score minus 3-month FFI score; higher positive values indicate greater clinical improvement.
Time frame: Baseline and 3 months after randomization
Change in Numeric Rating Scale Pain Score From Baseline to 1 and 3 Months
Heel pain while walking during the previous week will be assessed using an 11-point numerical rating scale ranging from 0 to 10, where 0 indicates no pain and 10 indicates unbearable pain. Change scores will be calculated from baseline to each follow-up visit.
Time frame: Baseline, 1 month, and 3 months after randomization
Change in Foot Function Index Pain Subscale Score From Baseline to 1 and 3 Months
The pain subscale of the Foot Function Index will be used to assess foot-related pain. Scores will be converted according to the standard Foot Function Index scoring method; higher scores indicate worse pain.
Time frame: Baseline, 1 month, and 3 months after randomization
Change in Foot Function Index Disability Subscale Score From Baseline to 1 and 3 Months
The disability subscale of the Foot Function Index will be used to assess foot-related functional disability. Higher scores indicate greater disability.
Time frame: Baseline, 1 month, and 3 months after randomization
Plan to share: No — Individual participant data will not be publicly shared because the ethics approval and informed consent do not include public sharing of participant-level data. De-identified aggregate study results will be reported in scientific presentations and publications.
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Balikesir Ataturk City Hospital