This study will compare the effects of Kaltenborn and Mulligan ankle mobilization techniques, combined with intrinsic foot muscle strengthening, on pain, functional status, and dorsiflexion range of motion in patients with plantar fasciitis. Eighty-two participants with chronic heel pain will be randomly allocated into two groups. Both groups will receive standard care including ultrasound therapy, stretching, and cryotherapy, while Group A will receive Kaltenborn mobilization and Group B will receive Mulligan mobilization. Pain, function, and ankle range of motion will be assessed at baseline and after three weeks of treatment.
This prospective randomized clinical trial will aim to evaluate and compare the effectiveness of two manual therapy techniques-Kaltenborn and Mulligan mobilizations-combined with intrinsic foot muscle strengthening in the treatment of plantar fasciitis. The study will be conducted at two physiotherapy clinics in Sialkot, Pakistan. A total of 82 eligible participants aged 30-60 years, diagnosed with plantar fasciitis, will be enrolled using non-probability convenience sampling and then randomised into two equal groups through the lottery method. Group A will receive Kaltenborn mobilization techniques applied to the talocrural and subtalar joints, in addition to conventional treatment (therapeutic ultrasound, plantar fascia and calf stretching, intrinsic foot muscle strengthening, and cryotherapy). Group B will receive Mulligan mobilization with movement (MWM) applied to the same joints, alongside the same conventional treatment. Interventions will be delivered twice weekly for three weeks (total six sessions). The primary outcomes will include changes in pain intensity (Numeric Pain Rating Scale), functional disability (Foot Function Index), and ankle dorsiflexion range of motion (measured using a goniometer). Measurements will be taken at baseline and at the end of the third week. It is hypothesised that Kaltenborn mobilization may demonstrate superior outcomes in pain reduction and functional improvement compared to Mulligan MWM when combined with strengthening exercises.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
DOUBLE
Enrollment
74
Participants in this group will receive Kaltenborn mobilization techniques applied to the talocrural and subtalar joints. Mobilizations will be performed as Grade III passive accessory glides for 10 repetitions per joint, each sustained for 15 seconds with a 10-second rest interval Conventional treatment includs therapeutic ultrasound (3 MHz, 1.5 W/cm², continuous mode for 5 minutes), plantar fascia and calf stretching (10 minutes, 1 set of 10 reps), intrinsic foot muscle strengthening exercises (toe curls and towel curls for 10 minutes, 2 sets of 10 reps), and cryotherapy at home for 10 minutes daily. The intervention will be delivered twice weekly for 3 weeks.
Participants in this group will receive Mulligan mobilization with movement (MWM) techniques applied to the talocrural and subtalar joints. Mobilizations will be applied as 3 sets of 10 repetitions per joint with 1-minute rest between sets. Conventional treatment includs therapeutic ultrasound (3 MHz, 1.5 W/cm², continuous mode for 5 minutes), plantar fascia and calf stretching (10 minutes, 1 set of 10 reps), intrinsic foot muscle strengthening exercises (toe curls and towel curls for 10 minutes, 2 sets of 10 reps), and cryotherapy at home for 10 minutes daily. The intervention will be delivered twice weekly for 3 weeks.
Bashir Health Services
Sialkot, Punjab Province, Pakistan
Numeric Pain Rating Scale
Pain intensity will be assessed using the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), a validated 11-point scale ranging from 0 (no pain) to 10 (worst imaginable pain).
Time frame: Baseline and at the end of Week 3 (post-intervention)
Foot Function Index - FFI
Functional disability will be evaluated using the Foot Function Index (FFI), a validated questionnaire assessing foot pain, disability, and activity limitation. It comprises 23 items scored on a visual analogue scale, with higher scores indicating greater impairment.
Time frame: Baseline and at the end of Week 3 (post-intervention)
Ankle Dorsiflexion Range of Motion
Ankle dorsiflexion will be measured using a universal goniometer to assess changes in passive range of motion.
Time frame: Baseline and at the end of Week 3 (post-intervention)
Windlass Test
The Windlass Test will be used as a clinical indicator of plantar fascia integrity and responsiveness. The test will be performed in a weight-bearing position by passively dorsiflexing the great toe while the patient stands on the affected foot. A positive result is defined by reproduction of heel or arch pain during the manoeuvre.
Time frame: Baseline and at the end of Week 3 (post-intervention)
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