Comparing Bowen Therapy and Tennis Ball Technique for Pain and Disability in Plantar Fasciitis Patients, A Randomized Controlled Trial (PF)
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.
Visão geral do estudo
Status
Condições
Intervenção / Tratamento
Descrição detalhada
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.
Tipo de estudo
Inscrição (Real)
Estágio
- Não aplicável
Contactos e Locais
Locais de estudo
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Punjab Province
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Lahore, Punjab Province, Paquistão
- Alara Healthcare Wapda town Lahore
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Critérios de participação
Critérios de elegibilidade
Idades elegíveis para estudo
- Adulto
Aceita Voluntários Saudáveis
Descrição
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
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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
Plano de estudo
Como o estudo é projetado?
Detalhes do projeto
- Finalidade Principal: Tratamento
- Alocação: Randomizado
- Modelo Intervencional: Atribuição Paralela
- Mascaramento: Triplo
Armas e Intervenções
Grupo de Participantes / Braço |
Intervenção / Tratamento |
|---|---|
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Experimental: Bowen Therapy Group
Participants in Group A will receive Bowen Therapy. The procedure will be as follows:
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 |
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Experimental: 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:
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:
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. |
O que o estudo está medindo?
Medidas de resultados primários
Medida de resultado |
Descrição da medida |
Prazo |
|---|---|---|
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pain Intensity
Prazo: Baseline and 12 weeks post intervention
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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
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Baseline and 12 weeks post intervention
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Medidas de resultados secundários
Medida de resultado |
Descrição da medida |
Prazo |
|---|---|---|
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change in function disability
Prazo: Baseline and 12 weeks post intervention
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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
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Baseline and 12 weeks post intervention
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Colaboradores e Investigadores
Patrocinador
Investigadores
- Investigador principal: Department of physical therapy, Alara Healthcare Wapda town Lahore
Datas de registro do estudo
Datas Principais do Estudo
Início do estudo (Real)
Conclusão Primária (Real)
Conclusão do estudo (Real)
Datas de inscrição no estudo
Enviado pela primeira vez
Enviado pela primeira vez que atendeu aos critérios de CQ
Primeira postagem (Real)
Atualizações de registro de estudo
Última Atualização Postada (Real)
Última atualização enviada que atendeu aos critérios de controle de qualidade
Última verificação
Mais Informações
Termos relacionados a este estudo
Palavras-chave
Termos MeSH relevantes adicionais
Outros números de identificação do estudo
- GIU/REC/26-29 (Outro identificador: Green International University)
Plano para dados de participantes individuais (IPD)
Planeja compartilhar dados de participantes individuais (IPD)?
Descrição do plano IPD
Prazo de Compartilhamento de IPD
Critérios de acesso de compartilhamento IPD
Tipo de informação de suporte de compartilhamento de IPD
- PROTOCOLO DE ESTUDO
- SEIVA
- CIF
- CSR
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