An interventional study of Hip muscles Strengthening Exercises and Hip muscles Strengthening Exercises Combined with Calf Myofascial Release in Chronic Planter Fascitis, sponsored by University of Management and Technology Lahore. Not yet recruiting at 1 site in Pakistan. Open to female participants aged 25 Years to 45 Years. Per ClinicalTrials.gov, last updated 2026-11-02.
Sponsored by University of Management and Technology Lahore · Not applicable, Interventional, and Treatment
This study aims to compare the effects of hip muscle strengthening with and without myofascial release of the calf muscle on pain and disability in females with chronic plantar fasciitis.
Chronic plantar fasciitis is a common cause of heel pain and may lead to limitations in walking, daily activities, and functional performance. Factors such as calf muscle tightness, restricted ankle dorsiflexion, altered lower-limb biomechanics, and proximal hip muscle weakness may contribute to persistent symptoms. Although strengthening exercises and myofascial release have shown beneficial effects, limited evidence is available regarding the combined effect of hip strengthening and calf myofascial release in females with chronic plantar fasciitis.
The study will be conducted as a randomized clinical trial with a total sample of 34 females, aged 25-45 years, who meet the specified criteria for chronic plantar fasciitis. Participants will be randomly allocated into two groups. Group A will receive hip muscle strengthening exercises, while Group B will receive the same strengthening program combined with myofascial release of the calf muscles. Both groups will receive treatment three times per week for six weeks, for a total of 18 sessions.
The primary outcome measures will include the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), Foot Function Index (FFI), and Morning First-Step Pain Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Assessments will be performed at baseline and after completion of the six-week intervention.
University of Management and Technology Lahore is the lead sponsor of 34 studies on the registry; 19 are open to participants now.
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Participants fulfilling the diagnostic criteria for plantar fasciitis. Age between 25-45 years. NPRS score between >3-6. History of chronic plantar heel pain for at least 3 consecutive months. Positive Windlass Test. Morning first-step pain intensity >5 cm on a 10-cm Visual Analog Scale (VAS).
Exclusion Criteria:
Recent history of foot, ankle, or lower limb surgery. Corticosteroid injection for plantar fasciitis within the previous three months.
Diagnosed neurological disorders affecting lower limb function. Pregnancy. Heel pain due to any other systemic inflammatory condition such as rheumatoid arthritis, gout, hyperuricemia (uric acid disorders), or other causes of heel pain.
Foot or ankle fracture within the previous six months. Participation in any structured physiotherapy program for plantar fasciitis during the previous month.
Presence of tarsal tunnel syndrome, Achilles tendon rupture, or other significant foot pathologies.
Participants will receive hip abductor strengthening exercises three sessions per week for six weeks to improve pain and functional outcomes associated with chronic plantar fasciitis.
Other: Hip muscles Strengthening Exercises
Participants will receive hip muscles strengthening exercises combined with myofascial release of the calf muscles three sessions per week for six weeks to evaluate the additional effects of calf myofascial release on pain and functional outcomes associated with chronic plantar fasciitis.
Other: Hip muscles Strengthening Exercises Combined with Calf Myofascial Release
hip abductor strengthening exercises three sessions per week for six weeks
hip muscles strengthening exercises combined with myofascial release of the calf muscles three sessions per week for six weeks
Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS)
The Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) will be used to assess the intensity of pain associated with chronic plantar fasciitis. It is an 11-point numerical scale ranging from 0 to 10, where 0 represents no pain and 10 represents the worst imaginable pain. Higher scores indicate greater pain intensity.
Time frame: Baseline and after 6 weeks
Foot Function Index (FFI)
The Foot Function Index (FFI) will be used to assess foot-related pain, disability, and activity limitation in females with chronic plantar fasciitis. The questionnaire evaluates the impact of foot symptoms on functional activities. Higher scores indicate greater pain and functional limitations.
Time frame: Baseline and after 6 weeks
Morning First-Step Pain Visual Analog Scale (VAS)
The Visual Analog Scale (VAS) will be used to assess pain experienced during the first steps taken in the morning after a period of rest. Participants will indicate their pain intensity on a 10-cm visual analog line, with one end representing no pain and the other representing the worst imaginable pain. Higher scores indicate greater morning first-step pain.
Time frame: Baseline and after 6 weeks
Plan to share: Yes — The results data collected , de-identified individual participant data will be shared.
Supporting information: Study protocol, Statistical analysis plan, Informed consent form
Time frame: 6 months after the publication of the manuscript.
Access criteria: The data can be requested from the corresponding author.
Start is estimated for Oct 2026; primary completion for Dec 2026, 2 months later.
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From the registry record's own update history. This site started tracking changes on Sep 25, 2026; for anything earlier, see the record history on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗
This study is not yet recruiting, as verified in Oct 2026. You cannot join it, but the record below documents what was studied.
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University of Management and Technology Lahore