NCT07179666

Comparing Neural Mobilization and Traditional Physiotherapy in Plantar Fasciitis Patients

Effectiveness of Neural Mobilization in Patients With Planter Fasciitis: A Pilot Study

• Status: Not Yet Recruiting
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 12 (estimated)
• Sponsor: Gulf Medical University · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 19 Years – 40 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

Summary

To evaluate the short-term effectiveness of neural mobilization targeting the posterior tibial nerve compared to traditional physiotherapy in cases diagnosed with plantar fasciitis, a pilot study will be conducted on 12 patients who will have been diagnosed with plantar fasciitis. Participants will be randomly divided into either the neural mobilization group or the conventional physiotherapy group, and all will receive three weeks of structured treatment. Results will be evaluated using techniques that will measure plantar pressure with Algometry, Foot Function Index (FFI) scores, and the Foot Health Status Questionnaire (FHSQ). Differences before and after treatment will be tested within the group using paired t-tests, and others will be examined between the groups with independent t-tests.

Conditions

• Plantar Fasciitis

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
OTHER	Neural moblization group	The intervention will involve neural mobilization of the tibial nerve, beginning with distal sliding through ankle dorsiflexion and foot eversion, followed by dorsiflexion of the toes. The movement will then be reversed into plantarflexion to allow proximal nerve excursion. In addition, a tensioner technique will be applied, in which participants will perform 45° hip flexion combined with ankle dorsiflexion and eversion, followed by knee extension, to place a controlled tensile load along the tibial nerve pathway.
OTHER	Conventional therapy group	The intervention will include manual therapy techniques such as myofascial release and soft tissue mobilization to reduce fascial tension and improve local circulation. Stretching exercises will be prescribed to target the plantar fascia, Achilles tendon, and gastrocnemius-soleus complex in order to enhance flexibility and reduce mechanical strain. In addition, ultrasound therapy will be utilized for its thermal and non-thermal effects to promote tissue healing and reduce inflammation.

Timeline

• Start date: 2025-09-12
• Primary completion: 2025-10-30
• Completion: 2025-12-15
• First posted: 2025-09-18
• Last updated: 2025-09-18