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NCT Number: NCT07487753

Instrumental Soft Tissue Mobilization and Foam Rolling

This study compares instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) and foam roller therapy in individuals with plantar fasciitis. Both groups receive structured exercises. The study evaluates changes in pain, ankle dorsiflexion range of motion, and functional ability after treatment to determine which intervention is more effective for improving symptoms and physical function.

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Key information

Conditions

Plantar Fasciitis, Chronic Fasciitis Fasciitis, Plantar Foot Diseases Musculoskeletal Diseases

Age range

18 year–45 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

MRIIRS

Faridabad, Haryana, 121004, India

About this study

This randomized comparative study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) and foam roller therapy in the management of plantar fasciitis. Plantar fasciitis is a common musculoskeletal condition characterized by heel pain and reduced functional mobility, often associated with restricted ankle dorsiflexion and plantar fascia tightness.

Participants diagnosed with plantar fasciitis were recruited from a physiotherapy outpatient department and randomly allocated into two intervention groups. Group A received instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization applied to the plantar fascia and surrounding soft tissues along with a structured exercise program. Group B received foam roller therapy targeting the plantar fascia region in addition to the same exercise protocol. Both interventions were administered over a defined treatment period under physiotherapist supervision.

The study aimed to compare the effects of these interventions on pain intensity, ankle dorsiflexion range of motion, and functional disability related to plantar fasciitis. Measurements were obtained at baseline and after completion of the intervention period. The findings of this study may help identify effective physiotherapy interventions for improving pain and functional outcomes in individuals with 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 45 years
  • Pain on palpation at the medial tuberosity of the calcaneus
  • Pain during the first steps in the morning that decreases after walking
  • Symptoms present for more than one month
  • Both male and female participants were included Exclusion Criteria
  • History of foot surgery
  • Inflammatory rheumatic disease
  • Previous steroid injection
  • Radiculopathy affecting the lower limb

Treatment and study plan

Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM)

Other

Instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization applied to the plantar fascia and surrounding soft tissues to improve tissue mobility and reduce pain.

Foam Roller Therapy

Other

Self-myofascial release using a foam roller applied to the plantar fascia region to reduce pain and improve flexibility.

Primary outcomes

  1. Pain intensity measured using the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS)

    Time frame: Pre (baseline) and Post (4 weeks)

    Pain intensity will be assessed using the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), an 11-point scale ranging from 0 (no pain) to 10 (worst imaginable pain).

  2. Ankle dorsiflexion range of motion measured in degrees using a goniometer

    Time frame: Pre (baseline) and Post (4 weeks)

    Ankle range of motion will be measured in degrees using a universal goniometer.

  3. Health-related quality of life measured using the Short Form-36 (SF-36) questionnaire

    Time frame: Pre (baseline) and Post (4 weeks)

    Quality of life will be assessed using the Short Form-36 (SF-36) questionnaire, which evaluates physical and mental health domains. Each domain is scored separately and then transformed to a 0-100 scale, where higher scores indicate better health status and quality of life.

  4. Foot pain and disability measured using the Foot Function Index (FFI)

    Time frame: Pre (baseline) and Post (4 weeks)

    Foot function and disability related to plantar fasciitis were measured using the Foot Function Index (FFI) questionnaire. Each item of the Foot Function Index (FFI) is rated on a Visual Analog Scale (VAS) from 0 to 10, where 0 indicates no pain or difficulty and 10 indicates the worst pain or extreme difficulty. Scores for the answered items in each subscale are summed and divided by the maximum possible score for that subscale, and the result is multiplied by 100 to obtain a percentage score (FFI Score = Sum of item scores / Maximum possible score × 100). The scores range from 0% to 100%, where 0% represents no pain or disability and 100% represents maximum pain and disability. Higher scores indicate greater pain, functional limitation, and disability related to foot problems. A total FFI score can be calculated by averaging the three subscale scores: Pain, Disability, and Activity Limitation.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Manav Rachna International Institute of Research and Studies

Other

Registry information

Official study title

The Role of Instrumental Soft Tissue Mobilization and Foam Rolling in Managing Plantar Fasciitis: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Acronym: IASTM

Important dates

Study start
2025
Primary completion
2025
Study completion
2025
First posted
Mar 23, 2026
Registry last updated
Mar 23, 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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