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Comparing Bowen Therapy and Tennis Ball Technique for Pain and Disability in Plantar Fasciitis Patients, A Randomized Controlled Trial (PF)

23. května 2026 aktualizováno: Manahil Mustafa, Green International University

Comparative Effects of Bowen Therapy and Tennis Ball Technique on Pain and Functional Disability in Patients With Plantar Fasciitis, A Randomized Controlled Trial

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain and can make everyday activities such as walking, standing for long periods, or climbing stairs difficult and uncomfortable. It usually occurs due to stress and inflammation in the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that supports the arch of the foot. People suffering from this condition often experience sharp pain, especially during the first steps in the morning or after long periods of rest.

This study focuses on comparing two non-invasive treatment methods: Bowen Therapy and the Tennis Ball Technique. Bowen Therapy is a gentle manual therapy that uses soft rolling movements over muscles and connective tissues to reduce tension, improve circulation, and promote the body's natural healing process. On the other hand, the Tennis Ball Technique is a simple self-treatment method in which patients roll a tennis ball under the foot to massage the plantar fascia, relieve tightness, and reduce pain.

The main purpose of this research is to determine which technique is more effective in decreasing pain and improving functional ability in patients with plantar fasciitis. By comparing these two methods, the study aims to provide a safe, affordable, and easy treatment option that can improve mobility, reduce discomfort, and enhance the quality of life of individuals suffering from heel pain.

Přehled studie

Detailní popis

Plantar fasciitis is a musculoskeletal condition that causes pain and tenderness in the heel and the bottom of the foot. It develops when the plantar fascia, a strong fibrous tissue that connects the heel bone to the toes, becomes irritated or overstretched due to repeated stress. The condition is commonly seen in individuals who spend long hours standing, athletes, overweight individuals, and people with improper foot posture or unsuitable footwear. Patients often complain of severe heel pain during the first few steps after waking up or after prolonged sitting. If not treated properly, the pain can gradually interfere with walking, work performance, physical activity, and overall quality of life.

Different conservative treatment approaches are used to manage plantar fasciitis, including stretching exercises, manual therapy, massage techniques, strengthening programs, and pain-relieving modalities. Among these approaches, Bowen Therapy and the Tennis Ball Technique have gained attention because they are simple, non-surgical, and cost-effective methods that may help reduce pain and improve foot function.

Bowen Therapy is a gentle hands-on therapy that involves specific rolling movements over muscles, tendons, and soft tissues. The technique is performed with pauses between movements, allowing the body to respond naturally and promote relaxation and healing. It is believed that Bowen Therapy helps improve blood circulation, reduce muscle tightness, decrease stress on the plantar fascia, and restore normal movement patterns. Because the technique is gentle and non-invasive, it may be suitable for patients who cannot tolerate aggressive manual treatments.

The Tennis Ball Technique is a self-management approach commonly used for stretching and releasing tension in the plantar fascia. In this method, a patient rolls a tennis ball under the sole of the foot while applying controlled pressure. This movement provides a massage-like effect that may help loosen tight tissues, improve flexibility, stimulate circulation, and reduce discomfort in the heel area. The technique is easy to perform at home, requires minimal equipment, and can be incorporated into daily routines, making it a practical treatment option for many patients.

The purpose of this study is to compare the effectiveness of Bowen Therapy and the Tennis Ball Technique in reducing pain and improving functional disability in individuals with plantar fasciitis. The research aims to evaluate which treatment method provides better outcomes in terms of pain relief, mobility, and the ability to perform daily activities comfortably. Understanding the comparative effects of these two interventions may help healthcare professionals select more effective rehabilitation strategies and provide patients with accessible and beneficial treatment options for long-term management of plantar fasciitis.

Typ studie

Intervenční

Zápis (Aktuální)

80

Fáze

  • Nelze použít

Kontakty a umístění

Tato část poskytuje kontaktní údaje pro ty, kteří studii provádějí, a informace o tom, kde se tato studie provádí.

Studijní místa

    • Punjab Province
      • Lahore, Punjab Province, Pákistán
        • Alara Healthcare Wapda town Lahore

Kritéria účasti

Výzkumníci hledají lidi, kteří odpovídají určitému popisu, kterému se říká kritéria způsobilosti. Některé příklady těchto kritérií jsou celkový zdravotní stav osoby nebo předchozí léčba.

Kritéria způsobilosti

Věk způsobilý ke studiu

  • Dospělý

Přijímá zdravé dobrovolníky

Ne

Popis

Inclusion Criteria: Patients aged 20-50 years. Diagnosis of plantar fasciitis is outlined by a physiotherapist or medical expert. The condition lasts more than 4 weeks

-

Exclusion Criteria:

  • History of injury in the lower limb within the last 6 months or surgery on the lower limb within the last 6 months. Known diseases which are systemic (or neurological) in nature (e.g., diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, peripheral neuropathy). The use of corticosteroid injections or medications that disrupt the connective tissue has continued to be administered

Studijní plán

Tato část poskytuje podrobnosti o studijním plánu, včetně toho, jak je studie navržena a co studie měří.

Jak je studie koncipována?

Detaily designu

  • Primární účel: Léčba
  • Přidělení: Randomizované
  • Intervenční model: Paralelní přiřazení
  • Maskování: Trojnásobný

Zbraně a zásahy

Skupina účastníků / Arm
Intervence / Léčba
Experimentální: Bowen Therapy Group

Participants in Group A will receive Bowen Therapy. The procedure will be as follows:

  1. Frequency and Duration:

    Bowen therapy sessions will be conducted twice a week for a duration of 12 weeks.

    Each session will last approximately 30 to 45 minutes.

  2. Treatment Focus:

During each Bowen therapy session, the therapist will apply gentle and precise neuromuscular manipulations to specific anatomical points, focusing on the lower limb and foot. These points include fascial trigger spots and other myofascial tension areas that are implicated in plantar fasciitis.

The Bowen technique involves rolling motions applied with the therapist's fingers or thumbs, working through the fascia and muscle tissues to promote fascial release, improve circulation, and reduce pain.

Participants in Group A will undergo Bowen Therapy and the treatment will be provided twice weekly for 12 weeks, with each session lasting about 30 to 45 minutes, depending on individual response and condition.

During each session, the therapist will apply gentle, targeted rolling movements using fingers or thumbs on specific points of the lower limb and foot. These points are selected based on areas of muscle tightness, fascial restriction, and pain related to plantar fasciitis. The technique aims to promote muscle relaxation, improve tissue circulation, and reduce pain by working on the fascial system and supporting overall neuromuscular balance

Experimentální: Tennis Ball Technique Group

Participants in Group B will perform self-myofascial release (SMR) using a tennis ball. The procedure for self-administration will be as follows:

  1. Frequency and Duration:

    Participants will be instructed to perform the self-myofascial release (SMR) using a tennis ball once a day for 12 weeks.

    Each session will last about 10 to 15 minutes, with the participant rolling the tennis ball under the foot for about 5 to 10 minutes per foot.

  2. Technique and Procedure:

The participants will be taught the correct technique for rolling the tennis ball under the sole of the foot, with emphasis on applying appropriate pressure to trigger points or areas of tightness (e.g., arch, heel, and plantar fascia).

A standardized pressure will be recommended to ensure the ball is rolled with sufficient force to produce fascial release without causing excessive discomfort or injury.

Participants in Group B will perform self-myofascial release (SMR) using a tennis ball. The procedure for self-administration will be as follows:

  1. Frequency and Duration:

    Participants will be instructed to perform the self-myofascial release (SMR) using a tennis ball once a day for 12 weeks.

    Each session will last about 10 to 15 minutes, with the participant rolling the tennis ball under the foot for about 5 to 10 minutes per foot.

  2. Technique and Procedure:

The participants will be taught the correct technique for rolling the tennis ball under the sole of the foot, with emphasis on applying appropriate pressure to trigger points or areas of tightness (e.g., arch, heel, and plantar fascia).

A standardized pressure will be recommended to ensure the ball is rolled with sufficient force to produce fascial release without causing excessive discomfort or injury.

Co je měření studie?

Primární výstupní opatření

Měření výsledku
Popis opatření
Časové okno
pain Intensity
Časové okno: Baseline and 12 weeks post intervention
Pain (VAS): Pain is the subjective experience of discomfort related to plantar fasciitis, measured using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS). Participants rate their pain on a 10-point scale from 0 (no pain) to 10 (worst possible pain), assessing pain at rest, during activity, and in the morning
Baseline and 12 weeks post intervention

Sekundární výstupní opatření

Měření výsledku
Popis opatření
Časové okno
change in function disability
Časové okno: Baseline and 12 weeks post intervention
Foot Function Index (FFI): The Foot Function Index (FFI) is a self-reported tool that measures pain and functional limitations caused by plantar fasciitis. It consists of three subscales-pain, disability, and activity limitation-each scored from 0 (no difficulty) to 10 (extreme difficulty), evaluating the impact on daily activities like walking and standing
Baseline and 12 weeks post intervention

Spolupracovníci a vyšetřovatelé

Zde najdete lidi a organizace zapojené do této studie.

Vyšetřovatelé

  • Vrchní vyšetřovatel: Department of physical therapy, Alara Healthcare Wapda town Lahore

Termíny studijních záznamů

Tato data sledují průběh záznamů studie a předkládání souhrnných výsledků na ClinicalTrials.gov. Záznamy ze studií a hlášené výsledky jsou před zveřejněním na veřejné webové stránce přezkoumány Národní lékařskou knihovnou (NLM), aby se ujistily, že splňují specifické standardy kontroly kvality.

Hlavní termíny studia

Začátek studia (Aktuální)

2. listopadu 2025

Primární dokončení (Aktuální)

29. dubna 2026

Dokončení studie (Aktuální)

6. května 2026

Termíny zápisu do studia

První předloženo

23. května 2026

První předloženo, které splnilo kritéria kontroly kvality

23. května 2026

První zveřejněno (Aktuální)

1. června 2026

Aktualizace studijních záznamů

Poslední zveřejněná aktualizace (Aktuální)

1. června 2026

Odeslaná poslední aktualizace, která splnila kritéria kontroly kvality

23. května 2026

Naposledy ověřeno

1. května 2026

Více informací

Termíny související s touto studií

Další identifikační čísla studie

  • GIU/REC/26-29 (Jiný identifikátor: Green International University)

Plán pro data jednotlivých účastníků (IPD)

Plánujete sdílet data jednotlivých účastníků (IPD)?

ANO

Popis plánu IPD

only IPD used in the results publication will be shared

Časový rámec sdílení IPD

It will be available after the completion of the study

Kritéria přístupu pro sdílení IPD

Through the corresponding author

Typ podpůrných informací pro sdílení IPD

  • PROTOKOL STUDY
  • MÍZA
  • ICF
  • CSR

Informace o lécích a zařízeních, studijní dokumenty

Studuje lékový produkt regulovaný americkým FDA

Ne

Studuje produkt zařízení regulovaný americkým úřadem FDA

Ne

Tyto informace byly beze změn načteny přímo z webu clinicaltrials.gov. Máte-li jakékoli požadavky na změnu, odstranění nebo aktualizaci podrobností studie, kontaktujte prosím register@clinicaltrials.gov. Jakmile bude změna implementována na clinicaltrials.gov, bude automaticky aktualizována i na našem webu .

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