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NCT Number: NCT07588776

Effect of Myofascial Release With and Without Taping in Patient With Heel Spur:

The current study is a randomized controlled trial comparing the effectiveness of myofascial release therapy used alone versus myofascial release combined with clinical taping for individuals with heel spurs. The trial aims to evaluate improvements in pain, foot function, and overall disability. Interventions will be delivered twice weekly for a specified duration. The primary outcome is pain reduction, while secondary outcomes include improved foot function and reduced disability. The hypothesis is that the combination of myofascial release and taping will result in significantly greater clinical improvements compared to myofascial release alone.

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Key information

Conditions

Heel Spur Bone Diseases Exostoses Foot Diseases Hyperostosis Musculoskeletal Diseases Planter Fasciitis

Age range

30 year–40 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Green International University

Lahore, Punjab Province, Pakistan

About this study

Heel spur is a common musculoskeletal condition often associated with chronic plantar heel pain and functional limitations. This study will evaluate the added value of clinical taping when used in conjunction with Myofascial Release (MFR) therapy. Combining these approaches may offer a complementary effect by addressing both the soft tissue restrictions through manual therapy and providing mechanical support and proprioceptive feedback via taping. The trial uses a randomized controlled design to compare two intervention groups. Participants diagnosed with heel spurs will be randomly assigned to either the experimental group or the comparison group. The experimental group will receive standardized Myofascial Release sessions focusing on the plantar fascia and posterior chain musculature, followed by the application of therapeutic taping. The comparison group will receive the Myofascial Release protocol alone. Both interventions will be provided for a set duration, with sessions occurring twice per week. The study aims to investigate whether the addition of taping results in greater improvements in pain intensity, foot function, and overall disability. Outcome measures, including pain scales and functional assessment tools, will be assessed at baseline and at the conclusion of the treatment period. The trial will be carried out at clinics in Lahore to ensure standardized procedures and consistent delivery across sessions.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

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

Inclusion criteria

  • Age 30-40 years
  • Both males and females
  • Clinically or radiographically confirmed heel spur
  • Pain intensity ≥ 3 on Visual Analog Scale
  • Symptom duration ≥ 4 weeks
  • Able to attend treatment sessions 3 times per week
  • Able to provide informed consent

Exclusion criteria

  • Previous foot or heel surgery
  • Current physiotherapy treatment for heel pain
  • Neurological disorders (e.g., neuropathy, radiculopathy)
  • Systemic inflammatory diseases (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, gout)
  • Severe musculoskeletal deformities of the foot
  • Open wounds, skin infection, or allergy to tape
  • Corticosteroid injection in the last 3 months
  • Pregnancy
  • Any medical condition preventing safe participation

Treatment and study plan

Myofascial Release with Clinical Taping

Other

Participants will receive a 45-minute intervention session. The integrated components consist of manual myofascial release techniques followed by the application of clinical taping to the affected foot.

Other names: Group A Intervention

Myofascial Release Alone

Other

Participants will receive the same 30 minutes of specialized myofascial release (MFR) manual therapy targeting the plantar fascia and calf musculature. No clinical taping will be applied. Sessions will be conducted twice weekly to ensure a consistent treatment frequency with the experimental group.

Other names: Group B Intervention

Primary outcomes

  1. Pain Intensity

    Time frame: Baseline and 4 weeks post-intervention.

    Pain intensity will be measured using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), where participants mark their pain level on a 100mm line ranging from "no pain" (0) to "worst imaginable pain" (100). Higher scores indicate greater pain intensity.

Secondary outcomes

  1. Foot Function

    Time frame: Baseline and 4 weeks

    The FFI will be used to assess changes in foot related functional limitations. The FFI evaluates pain, disability, and activity restriction related to foot conditions. Scores range 0 to 100, with high scores indicating greater impairment. This outcome will determine the improvement in functional ability following 4 weeks of Myofascial Release with or without taping.

  2. Disability level

    Time frame: Baseline and 4 weeks

    The Disability subscale of the Foot Function index will measure the degree to which heel pain affects daily activities, including walking, standing, and mobility tasks. The score ranges from 0 to 100, with higher values reflecting greater disability. This outcome will evaluate the reduction in functional disability after the intervention period.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Green International University

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Effect of Myofascial Release With and Without Taping in Patient With Heel Spur: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Acronym: MFR-Taping

Important dates

Study start
2026
Primary completion
2026
Study completion
2026
First posted
May 15, 2026
Registry last updated
May 18, 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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