Terrain Variation for Plantar Fasciitis
Recruiting in Palo Alto (17 mi)
Age: 18+
Sex: Any
Travel: May Be Covered
Time Reimbursement: Varies
Trial Phase: Academic
Recruiting
Sponsor: University of Florida
Must not be taking: Anti-inflammatories, Nerve medications
Disqualifiers: Foot surgery, Diabetic neuropathy, BMI > 35, others
No Placebo Group
Trial Summary
What is the purpose of this trial?Modern footwear has been implicated as a contributor to foot pathology and changes in the biomechanics of gait. In addition to footwear, the investigators propose that the lack of terrain variation may directly contribute to the development of common foot pathologies, resulting from decreased intrinsic foot muscle function. This study will examine the current understanding of terrain variation on foot musculature strength and its possible correlation with structural and functional changes within the foot.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
Yes, if you are currently taking any anti-inflammatory medication or medication to control nerve issues, you will need to stop, as these are not allowed for participation in the trial.
How does the Terrain Variation treatment for plantar fasciitis differ from other treatments?
The Terrain Variation treatment for plantar fasciitis is unique because it focuses on altering the walking or running surface to address biomechanical factors, unlike traditional treatments that may focus on medication or physical therapy alone. This approach aims to modify the forces on the foot during movement, potentially reducing the overload on the plantar fascia.
12345Eligibility Criteria
This trial is for adults over 18 in Gainesville who either have healthy feet or suffer from plantar fasciitis, experiencing heel pain that hasn't improved with standard treatments like stretching, medication, and supportive insoles for at least 6 months.Inclusion Criteria
My pain worsens with activity or after resting.
I have had heel pain for more than 60 days.
My pain decreases after doing light activities.
+5 more
Trial Timeline
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
2-4 weeks
Treatment
Participants will utilize a minimalist shoe and follow a training protocol on either natural terrain or hardscapes
9 weeks
Weekly assessments
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment
4 weeks
Participant Groups
The study investigates how walking on different terrains affects foot muscle strength. It will compare the foot musculature of healthy individuals against those with plantar fasciitis to see if terrain variation influences foot structure and function.
2Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Active Control
Group I: Control CohortExperimental Treatment2 Interventions
Control Cohort: Will utilize the same minimalist shoe and follow the same training schedule as the treatment group, with the modification of training on hardscapes.
Group II: Treatment CohortActive Control2 Interventions
Treatment Cohort: Will utilize a minimalist shoe (Vibram® Fivefingers) and follow the training protocol described below for training on natural terrain.
Find a Clinic Near You
Research Locations NearbySelect from list below to view details:
UF Health Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine InstituteGainesville, FL
Loading ...
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
University of FloridaLead Sponsor
References
Predictors of plantar fasciitis in Thai novice conscripts after 10-week military training: A prospective study. [2019]To identify the individual, anatomical, and biomechanical predictors of plantar fasciitis among novice conscripts.
Risk factors for plantar fasciitis among assembly plant workers. [2010]The objective of this study was to determine the relative contributions of work activity (time spent standing, walking, or sitting), floor surface characteristics, weight, body mass index, age, foot biomechanics, and other demographic and medical history factors to the prevalence of plantar fasciitis.
Consistency of visual assessments of arch height among clinicians. [2017]Flat feet and high-arched feet have been cited as risk factors for musculoskeletal injury and functional problems among runners and other active individuals, although there are no established quantitative definitions or measures for assessing either condition. As part of a larger study, four-plane photographs were made of the weight-bearing right foot of 246 young male Army trainees. These photographs were independently evaluated by six clinicians and rated on a scale of clearly flat-footed (category 1) to clearly high arched (category 5). There was much interclinician variability in the assessments, even for extremes of foot type. The probability of a clinician assessing a foot as clearly flat, given that another clinician had rated the foot as clearly flat, ranged from 0.32 to 0.79, with a median probability of 0.57, while for clearly high-arched feet, probabilities ranged from 0.0 to 1.00, with a median of 0.17. These findings demonstrate the need for objective standards and quantitative methods of evaluating foot morphology.
Biomechanical and anatomic factors associated with a history of plantar fasciitis in female runners. [2022]To compare selected structural and biomechanical factors between female runners with a history of plantar fasciitis and healthy control subjects.
Functional biomechanical deficits in running athletes with plantar fasciitis. [2022]Plantar fasciitis is a relatively common injury that occurs in running athletes. The disease entity is a good example of an overloaded process of the plantar fascia at its calcaneal insertion. This study was designed to examine the strength and flexibility findings in the muscles that are put on tensile load during running, and which are responsible for controlling the forces on the foot during stance and pushoff, thus modifying the overload. Three groups of athletes underwent physical examination, including checking ankle range of motion in plantar flexion and dorsiflexion. Cybex peak torque measurements were taken at 60 and 180 deg/sec. The groups were a control group of 45 athletes with no symptoms, a group that included 43 affected feet with symptomatic plantar fasciitis, and a group that included the 43 unaffected contralateral feet. Analysis of data showed dynamic range of motion deficits in 38 of 43 affected feet, static range of motion deficits in 37 of 43 affected feet, deficits in peak torque at 60 deg/sec in 41 of 43 affected feet, and deficits in peak torque at 180 deg/sec in 37 of 43 affected feet. Statistical comparison of range of motion showed that the group with symptomatic plantar fasciitis was significantly restricted compared to both control and unaffected contralateral feet groups. Statistical comparison of peak torque showed that the symptomatic plantar fasciitis group was significantly lower than both other groups at both velocities. This study documents strength and flexibility deficits in the supporting musculature of the posterior calf and foot that are affected by plantar fasciitis.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)