High Intensity Laser Versus High Power Pain Threshold Ultrasound in Treatment of Plantar Fasciitis
Trial Snapshot
- Phase
- Not Applicable
- Status
- Completed
- Sponsor
- Cairo University
- Enrollment
- 51
- Locations
- 2
- Primary Endpoint
- Assessment of change of pain intensity
Study Overview
Brief Summary
The purpose of the study is to
- Investigate the Effect of High-intensity laser therapy versus High power pain threshold ultrasound on pain level in patients with plantar fasciitis.
- Investigate the Effect of High intensity laser therapy versus High power pain threshold ultrasound on ROM in patients with plantar fasciitis.
Detailed Description
Plantar fasciitis (PF) is one of the most prevalent musculoskeletal disorders of the foot, affecting individuals across different age groups and activity levels. It is clinically characterized by localized pain at the medial aspect of the heel, typically exacerbated during weight-bearing activities, with marked intensity upon the first steps in the morning or following periods of prolonged rest or non-weight bearing. Persistent symptoms may significantly impair functional mobility and quality of life.
Among contemporary conservative management strategies, laser therapy has emerged as a promising non-invasive modality for PF treatment. Recently, High-Intensity Laser Therapy (HILT) has been introduced as an advanced therapeutic option. Due to its high peak power and deeper tissue penetration capability, HILT can effectively stimulate large and deep fascial structures, potentially enhancing tissue repair, modulating inflammation, and reducing pain perception.
High-Power Pain Threshold Ultrasound (HPPTUS) represents a modified therapeutic ultrasound technique that delivers energy at intensities approaching the patient's pain threshold. This approach aims to maximize deep tissue stimulation while maintaining patient tolerance. HPPTUS has demonstrated superior clinical outcomes compared to conventional ultrasound techniques, particularly in the management of myofascial pain syndrome, with significant reductions in pain intensity and improvements in range of motion (ROM) achieved within fewer treatment sessions.
The study aims to Investigate the Effect of High intensity laser therapy versus High power pain threshold ultrasound in the treatment of plantar fasciitis.
Study Design
- Study Type
- Interventional
- Allocation
- Randomized
- Intervention Model
- Parallel
- Primary Purpose
- Treatment
- Masking
- Single (Participant)
Eligibility Criteria
- Ages
- 30 Years to 60 Years (Adult)
- Sex
- All
- Accepts Healthy Volunteers
- No
Inclusion Criteria
- •The patient age ranged from 30 to 60 years.
- •Plantar heel pain lasting for at least one month, mainly during the first few steps upon rising in the morning, which worsens with increased weight-bearing activity through the day.
- •Tenderness at the insertion site of the plantar fascia on the calcaneus.
- •Body mass index (MBI) <30 kg/m2
Exclusion Criteria
- •Medical red flag history (such as tumor, fracture, heterotrophic ossification, and acute inflammatory disease in the ankle-foot area.
- •If the patient has history of recent trauma or foot surgery.
- •Wounds, infections in the treatment area.
- •Subjects with referred pain from sciatica and other neurological disorders.
- •History of corticosteroid injection in the last 6 months.
Arms & Interventions
Arm 2 → High power pain threshold ultrasound
High power pain threshold ultrasound this group consists of 20 subjects will receive conventional treatment combined with high power pain threshold ultrasound , three times per week for one month
Intervention: Conventional treatment (Other)
Arm 3 → Conventional treatment
conventional treatment this group consists of 20 subjects will receive conventional treatment only, three times per week for one month
Interventions:
Conventional treatment
Intervention: Conventional treatment (Other)
Arm 1 → High intensity laser therapy
High Intensity Laser therapy this group consists of 20 subjects will receive conventional treatment combined with High-intensity laser therapy, three times per week for one month
Intervention: High intensity laser therapy (Device)
Arm 1 → High intensity laser therapy
High Intensity Laser therapy this group consists of 20 subjects will receive conventional treatment combined with High-intensity laser therapy, three times per week for one month
Intervention: Conventional treatment (Other)
Arm 2 → High power pain threshold ultrasound
High power pain threshold ultrasound this group consists of 20 subjects will receive conventional treatment combined with high power pain threshold ultrasound , three times per week for one month
Intervention: High power pain threshold ultrasound (Device)
Outcomes
Primary Outcomes
Assessment of change of pain intensity
Time Frame: At baseline and after 4 weeks of intervention
The Visual Analog Scale is a self-reported pain measurement scale with a 10-cm line labeling extreme pain levels. It is valid, reliable, and suitable for clinical practice. Studies have shown moderate to strong correlations for VAS validity in pain measurement.
Secondary Outcomes
- Assessment of change of pressure pain threshold(At baseline and after 4 weeks of intervention)
- Assessment of change of Ankle Range of motion(At baseline and after 4 weeks of Intervention)
- Assessment of foot pain and Functional Disability(At baseline and after 4 weeks of Intervention)
Investigators
Sarah Khaled Attia Mohamed
Demonstrator
Cairo University