An interventional study of Protocol B: Foot Core Exercises, Plantar Fascia Stretching, and Myofascial Release and Protocol A: Foot core Exercises and Plantar Facia Streching in Pes Planus and FMS, sponsored by Sultan Abdulhamid Han Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey. Not yet recruiting at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye). Open to participants aged 18 Years to 35 Years. Per ClinicalTrials.gov, last updated 2026-06-29.
Sponsored by Sultan Abdulhamid Han Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey · Not applicable, Interventional, and Prevention
This randomized crossover clinical study aims to investigate the immediate effects of plantar fascia release combined with foot exercises on Functional Movement Screen sub-scores in physically active young adults with pes planus.
Participants aged 18-35 years with pes planus, determined by the Navicular Drop Test, will complete two different intervention protocols in a randomized order. Protocol A will include foot-core exercises combined with plantar fascia stretching. Protocol B will include the same foot-core exercises and plantar fascia stretching, with the addition of plantar fascia myofascial release. Each participant will receive both interventions on separate sessions, with a 24-hour washout period between sessions.
Functional movement quality will be assessed using two Functional Movement Screen subtests: Deep Squat and Hurdle Step. These tests will be performed before and after each intervention session to evaluate acute changes in movement performance.
The main hypothesis of the study is that plantar fascia myofascial release combined with foot-core exercises and plantar fascia stretching will produce greater immediate improvements in Functional Movement Screen Deep Squat and Hurdle Step scores compared with foot-core exercises and plantar fascia stretching alone.
This study is planned as a randomized crossover interventional clinical study designed to evaluate the acute effects of plantar fascia release combined with foot exercises on functional movement quality in young adults with pes planus.
Pes planus is associated with reduced medial longitudinal arch support and excessive pronation, which may influence lower extremity alignment, load transfer, postural control, and functional movement patterns. Foot-core exercises aim to activate and strengthen the intrinsic muscles of the foot that support the medial longitudinal arch. Plantar fascia stretching and myofascial release may improve the flexibility and mechanical properties of the plantar fascia and may contribute to improved ankle and lower extremity movement capacity. Therefore, combining active foot stabilization exercises with plantar fascia interventions may provide an immediate effect on movement quality.
The study will include physically active young adults aged 18-35 years with pes planus. Pes planus will be determined using the Navicular Drop Test. Physical activity level will be assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. After eligibility screening and written informed consent, participants will complete two different intervention protocols in a randomized order.
The crossover design will allow each participant to receive both intervention protocols and serve as their own control. A 24-hour washout period will be provided between the two intervention sessions to minimize possible carryover effects. In each session, Functional Movement Screen subtests will be assessed before the intervention. The assigned intervention protocol will then be applied, followed by a one-hour waiting period. After this waiting period, the Functional Movement Screen subscores will be repeated to determine the immediate effect of the intervention.
Protocol A will consist of foot-core exercises combined with plantar fascia stretching. The foot-core exercise program will include short foot exercise, towel curl, toe spread, great toe extension, and reverse tandem walking. Plantar fascia stretching will be performed using a plantar fascia-specific stretching technique.
Protocol B will consist of the same foot-core exercises and plantar fascia stretching, with the addition of plantar fascia myofascial release. Myofascial release will be applied manually along the plantar fascia, from the calcaneal region toward the metatarsal heads, with controlled pressure and within the participant's tolerance.
Functional movement quality will be evaluated using the Deep Squat and Hurdle Step subtests of the Functional Movement Screen. These tests were selected because they reflect lower extremity mobility, stability, balance, and movement control, which may be influenced by foot posture and plantar fascia mobility.
The primary aim of the study is to compare the immediate effects of the two intervention protocols on Functional Movement Screen Deep Squat and Hurdle Step scores. The study hypothesis is that the protocol including plantar fascia myofascial release, plantar fascia stretching, and foot-core exercises will result in greater immediate improvement in Functional Movement Screen subscores compared with foot-core exercises and plantar fascia stretching alone.
All assessments and interventions will be performed face to face in a clinical setting by trained physiotherapists. Procedures will be conducted according to standardized instructions, and participant safety and comfort will be monitored throughout the study.
173 studies on the registry are indexed under Flatfoot; 44 are open to participants now.
This study's planned enrollment of 29 is below the median of 40 across 122 interventional studies indexed under Flatfoot.
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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.
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.
Participants will receive Protocol A, which includes foot core exercises combined with plantar fascia stretching. In the randomized crossover design, Protocol A may be administered either in the first session or in the second session, depending on the randomized intervention order. FMS Deep Squat and Hurdle Step scores will be assessed before and after the intervention session.
Other: Protocol A: Foot core Exercises and Plantar Facia Streching
Participants will receive Protocol B, which includes foot core exercises combined with plantar fascia stretching and plantar fascia myofascial release. In the randomized crossover design, Protocol B may be administered either in the first session or in the second session, depending on the randomized intervention order. FMS Deep Squat and Hurdle Step scores will be assessed before and after the intervention session.
Other: Protocol B: Foot Core Exercises, Plantar Fascia Stretching, and Myofascial Release
Protocol B consists of all components of Protocol A, including foot core exercises and plantar fascia stretching, with the addition of plantar fascia myofascial release. Myofascial release will be applied manually along the plantar fascia from the calcaneal region toward the metatarsal heads, with pressure adjusted according to participant tolerance. This protocol may be administered in either the first or second session according to the randomized crossover order.
Protocol A consists of foot core exercises combined with plantar fascia stretching. Foot core exercises include short foot exercise, towel curl, toe spread, great toe extension, and reverse tandem walking. Plantar fascia stretching will be performed using a plantar fascia-specific stretching technique. This protocol may be administered in either the first or second session according to the randomized crossover order.
Change in Functional Movement Screen Hurdle Step Score
The Hurdle Step subtest of the Functional Movement Screen will be used to assess single-leg balance, hip stability, knee control, and ankle stability. Scores ranges from 0 to 3, with higher scores indicating better movement quality. The change from pre-intervention to post-intervention will be compared between protocols.
Time frame: Before intervention and 1 hour after intervention in each session
Change in Functional Movement Screen Deep Squat Score
The Deep Squat subtest of the Functional Movement Screen will be used to assess functional movement quality involving the lower extremities, trunk, shoulders, hips, knees, and ankles. Scores range from 0 to 3, with higher scores indicating better movement quality. The change from pre-intervention to post-intervention will be compared between protocols.
Time frame: Before intervention and 1 hour after intervention in each session
Plan to share: No
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