NCT07600229 Barefoot Walking VS Standardised Conservative Care for Plantar Fasciopathy
| NCT ID | NCT07600229 |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Phase | — |
| Sponsor | Elisabetta Brigo |
| Condition | Plantar Fasciopathy |
| Study Type | INTERVENTIONAL |
| Enrollment | 74 participants |
| Start Date | 2026-05-07 |
| Primary Completion | 2027-10-31 |
Eligibility & Interventions
Eligibility Fast-Check
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What to Expect as a Participant
You will actively receive the study intervention — which may be a drug, biologic, device, or procedure.
This trial targets 74 participants in total. It began in 2026-05-07 with a primary completion date of 2027-10-31.
⚠ This information is for research awareness only. Always consult your physician before joining any clinical trial. Participation is voluntary and you may withdraw at any time.
Brief Summary
The goal of this clinical trial is to learn if a barefoot walking programme can treat plantar fasciopathy (heel pain) in adults aged 18-70. The main questions it aims to answer are: * Does a barefoot walking programme reduce heel pain compared to a standardised stretching and strengthening programme? * Does a barefoot walking programme improve foot function and quality of life in adults with plantar fasciopathy? Researchers will compare a barefoot walking programme to a standardised stretching and strengthening programme to see if barefoot walking is an effective conservative management approach for plantar fasciopathy. Participants will: * Be randomly assigned to either a barefoot walking programme or a stretching and strengthening programme * Complete a 12-week home-based exercise programme * Complete short weekly questionnaires throughout the 12 weeks * Complete 3 follow-up surveys over 6 months after the intervention ends * Receive education on load management and plantar fasciopathy
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Aged 18-70 years; * Clinical diagnosis of Plantar Fasciopahty, defined by: a) Pain localised to the medial calcaneal tubercle of sharp or stabbing quality; b) Pain worst with the first few steps in the morning or after a period of rest (first-step pain); c) Pain reproduced with palpation of the medial calcaneal tubercle OR positive Windlass Test; * Symptom duration greater than 4 weeks; * Able to walk independently without a mobility aid * Able to provide informed consent and comply with study protocol Exclusion Criteria: * Prior surgery on the affected foot * Diabetes with peripheral neuropathy or other neurological condition affecting lower limb sensation or motor control * Active inflammatory arthropathy, uncontrolled vascular disease, or inability to walk unaided * Current or recent (less than 6 months) bony stress fracture or other acute foot or ankle injury on the affected side * Pregnancy during the intervention period * BMI greater than 40 kg/m² * Corticosteroid injection to the affected foot within the previous 3 months * Night splints initiated less than 4 weeks prior to enrolment * Any condition that would make participation unsafe, including open foot wounds
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can join the NCT07600229 clinical trial?
This trial is open to participants of all sexes, aged 18 Years or older, up to 70 Years, studying Plantar Fasciopathy. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria are listed in the Eligibility Criteria section. Always confirm your eligibility with the research team before applying.
Is NCT07600229 currently recruiting?
Yes, NCT07600229 is actively recruiting participants. Visit ClinicalTrials.gov or contact Elisabetta Brigo to inquire about joining.
Where is the NCT07600229 trial being conducted?
This trial is being conducted at Carlow, Ireland.
Who is sponsoring the NCT07600229 clinical trial?
NCT07600229 is sponsored by Elisabetta Brigo. The trial plans to enroll 74 participants.