Actively Recruiting
Clinical and Economic Effectiveness of Barefoot Walking Compared to Standardised Conservative Care for the Treatment of Plantar Fasciopathy: a Pragmatic Randomised Controlled Trial
Led by Elisabetta Brigo · Updated on 2026-05-22
74
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
N/A
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Researchers are evaluating if a barefoot walking program can help treat plantar fasciopathy, a condition causing heel pain, in adults aged 18 to 70 years. The study aims to find out whether barefoot walking reduces heel pain more effectively than a standard stretching and strengthening routine, and if it improves foot function and quality of life. This pragmatic randomized controlled trial compares these two conservative management approaches to better understand their effects on plantar fasciopathy. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups. One group will follow a 12-week home-based barefoot walking program on grass, gradually increasing walking duration and frequency, along with education on plantar fasciopathy and load management. The other group will complete a 12-week home-based stretching and strengthening program focused on the plantar fascia, calf, foot, and lower limb muscles, also with education provided. Both groups will track adherence and symptoms weekly using short questionnaires. During the study, participants will complete weekly questionnaires over the 12-week exercise period and three follow-up surveys up to six months after finishing the intervention. Researchers will measure first-step pain, foot function, adherence, cost-effectiveness, and any adverse events throughout the intervention and follow-up. Education on load management will be provided to all participants. The total involvement spans from baseline through 12 weeks of intervention and six months of follow-up to assess outcomes comprehensively.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Barefoot Walking VS Standardised Conservative Care for Plantar Fasciopathy
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Aged 18-70 years
- Clinical diagnosis of plantar fasciopathy with pain at the medial heel area
- First-step pain present (pain worst with first steps in the morning or after rest)
- Symptom duration longer than 4 weeks
- Able to walk independently without a mobility aid
- Able to provide informed consent and follow the study protocol
You will not qualify if you...
- Prior surgery on the affected foot
- Diabetes with peripheral neuropathy or neurological conditions affecting lower limb sensation or motor control
- Active inflammatory arthritis, uncontrolled vascular disease, or inability to walk unaided
- Current or recent (less than 6 months) bony stress fracture or acute foot/ankle injury on the affected side
- Pregnant during the intervention period
- Body mass index over 40 kg/m²
- Corticosteroid injection to the affected foot within the previous 3 months
- Night splints started less than 4 weeks before enrollment
- Any condition making participation unsafe, including open foot wounds
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - 12 weeks
Participants follow a structured 12-week home-based programme either barefoot walking on grass or standardised stretching and strengthening exercises. Education on plantar fasciopathy and load management is provided. Adherence and symptoms are monitored weekly through questionnaires.
Weekly visits or contacts for adherence and symptom monitoring
Duration - Approximately 5 months post-intervention
Participants are monitored for adverse events and cost-effectiveness outcomes up to 6 months after completing the intervention.
Visits at 2, 4, and 6 months post-intervention
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
South East Technological University
Carlow, Carlow County, Ireland, R93 V960
Actively Recruiting
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
SINGLE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
2
Similar Trials
Frequently Asked Questions
Have more questions? Get in touch with our team for quick support
Not the Right Trial for You?
Explore thousands of other clinical trials that might be a better match.
Sign up to get personalized trial recommendations delivered to your inbox.
Already have an account? Log in here