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NCT Number: NCT07463794

Comparison of Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy and Whole Body Vibration Therapy in Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis is a common cause of heel pain that can lead to functional limitation and decreased quality of life. Various conservative treatment modalities are used in its management. This study aims to compare the effectiveness of extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) and whole body vibration therapy in patients with plantar fasciitis. The study is designed as a randomized, prospective, single-blind clinical trial. Clinical outcomes will be evaluated using pain and functional assessment scales before and after treatment.

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Key information

Conditions

Plantar Fasciitis Bone Diseases Calcaneal Spur Exostoses Fasciitis Fasciitis, Plantar Foot Diseases Heel Spur Hyperostosis Musculoskeletal Diseases

Age range

18 year–65 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Gaziosmanpaşa Training and Research Hospital

Istanbul, 34245, Turkey (Türkiye)

About this study

This randomized, prospective, single-blind clinical trial was conducted to compare the effects of extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) and whole body vibration therapy in patients diagnosed with plantar fasciitis. A total of 60 patients aged between 18 and 65 years were included in the final analysis. Participants were randomly assigned into two groups.

The first group received extracorporeal shock wave therapy applied once weekly for a total of five sessions. The second group received whole body vibration therapy three times per week for five weeks. Both groups followed the same standardized home exercise program during the treatment period.

Clinical evaluations were performed at baseline, at the end of treatment, and at the ninth week. The primary outcome measure was functional status assessed using the Foot Function Index (FFI). Secondary outcome measures included pain intensity assessed by the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score, and the Roles and Maudsley score.The aim of this study is to determine and compare the clinical effectiveness of ESWT and whole body vibration therapy in the management of plantar fasciitis.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • Age between 18 and 65 years
  • Clinically diagnosed plantar fasciitis
  • Heel pain lasting at least 4 weeks
  • Ability to understand the study procedures and provide written informed consent

Exclusion criteria

  • History of inflammatory rheumatic diseases
  • Previous foot or ankle surgery
  • Major trauma to the foot or ankle
  • Neurological or vascular disorders of the lower extremities
  • Pregnancy or lactation
  • Corticosteroid injection to the foot within the last 3 months
  • Physical therapy, extracorporeal shock wave therapy, or whole body vibration therapy within the last 3 months

Treatment and study plan

Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy

Device

Extracorporeal shock wave therapy was applied once weekly for a total of five sessions to the affected heel.

Whole Body Vibration Therapy

Device

Whole body vibration therapy was applied three times per week for five weeks using a vibration platform.

Primary outcomes

  1. Foot Function Index (FFI)

    Time frame: Baseline, 5 weeks and 9 weeks

    Foot Function Index (FFI), a self-reported questionnaire consisting of 23 items in three subscales (pain, disability, and activity limitation), with scores ranging from 0 to 100. Higher scores indicate worse foot-related disability.

Secondary outcomes

  1. Visual Analog Scale (VAS)

    Time frame: Baseline, 5 weeks and 9 weeks

    Pain severity assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS).Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for pain, ranging from 0 to 10, where 0 indicates no pain and 10 indicates the worst imaginable pain. Higher scores indicate worse pain.

  2. American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society Score (AOFAS)

    Time frame: Baseline, 5 weeks and 9 weeks

    American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) Ankle-Hindfoot Score, ranging from 0 to 100, where higher scores indicate better function.

  3. Roles and Maudsley Score

    Time frame: Baseline, 5 weeks and 9 weeks

    Clinical outcome assessed using the Roles and Maudsley score.Roles and Maudsley Score (RM score), a 4-point ordinal scale ranging from 1 (excellent) to 4 (poor). Lower scores indicate better clinical outcome.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Gaziosmanpasa Research and Education Hospital

Other Gov

Registry information

Official study title

Plantar Fasiit Tedavisinde ESWT ve Tüm Vücut Vibrasyon Uygulamalarının Etkinliğinin Karşılaştırılması: Randomize, Prospektif, Tek Kör Çalışma

Important dates

Study start
2025
Primary completion
2026
Study completion
2026
First posted
Mar 11, 2026
Registry last updated
Jun 10, 2026

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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