Comparative Effectiveness of Muscle Energy Technique and Trigger Point Release in Plantar Fasciitis

University of Faisalabad

Status: Completed

Conditions: Plantar Fasciitis

Treatments: Procedure: Trigger Point Release; Procedure: Self-Stretching of Calf and Plantar Fascia; Procedure: Muscle Energy Technique

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT05050331

TUF/DR/MSPP/174

Details and patient eligibility

About

This study aimed to investigate the comparative efficacy of Muscle Energy Technique (MET) and Trigger Point Release in the treatment of Plantar Fasciitis. A single-blinded, randomized clinical trial was conducted, wherein thirty participants were randomly assigned to two parallel groups. One group received MET, while the other received Trigger Point Release, with both groups performed self-stretching exercises as part of their home program. Outcome measures included pain intensity and foot function. Treatments were administered three times a week for a duration of four weeks.

Enrollment: 30 patients

Sex: All

Ages: 25 to 45 years old

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• Unilateral plantar heel pain that worsens with weight-bearing activities
• Age range: 25-45 years
• Pain exacerbation with initial morning ambulation (i.e., walking a few steps)
• Presence of at least one identifiable trigger point in the calf muscles

Exclusion criteria

• Bilateral heel pain
• History of tumors in the leg or foot
• Previous lower limb fractures
• Recent or unresolved lower limb injuries
• Achilles Tendinitis
• Ankle arthritis
• Surgery
• Vascular Disease

Trial design

Primary purpose: Treatment

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Parallel Assignment

Masking: Single Blind

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30 participants in 2 patient groups

Muscle Energy Technique (MET) Group

Experimental group

Description:

The MET protocol consisted of post-isometric relaxation applied to the gastrocnemius and soleus muscles, with 5 repetitions per set, 3 times a week, for 4 weeks

Treatment:

Procedure: Muscle Energy Technique

Procedure: Self-Stretching of Calf and Plantar Fascia

Trigger Point Release Group

Experimental group

Description:

The gastrocnemius muscle was subjected to trigger point release therapy, 3 sessions per week, over a period of 4 weeks

Treatment:

Procedure: Self-Stretching of Calf and Plantar Fascia

Procedure: Trigger Point Release