QUANTIFY: Quantitative Understanding of Advanced Novel Techniques for Imaging Fasciitis and Yielding Biomarkers

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are studying myofascial pain, a condition affecting muscle and fascia tissue, to develop a new test that can accurately detect and measure problem areas related to this pain. The study aims to create better tools that help identify changes in muscle and fascia tissues, which could lead to more personalized treatment for people with myofascial pain. The project is funded by the HEAL initiative and focuses on plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinopathy, and pain-free controls to compare tissue differences. Participants will undergo a clinical exam by a physical therapist specializing in dry needling to confirm myofascial pain presence. They will also receive magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and ultrasound imaging of their foot and ankle, including advanced techniques like shear wave elastography and special MRI sequences called T1rho and IDEAL to capture detailed biomechanical, biochemical, and structural profiles of the muscles involved. The study includes three groups: plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinopathy, and healthy controls. During the study, researchers will assess muscle trigger points and develop an imaging biosignature to distinguish affected tissue from healthy tissue. They will measure pain intensity, interference with daily activities, movement-evoked pain, and physical function at enrollment. The data collected will help evaluate the accuracy of the diagnostic imaging test. Participants' involvement includes clinical exams and imaging procedures, and the study expects to complete by August 2026.

QUANTIFY: Quantitative Understanding of Advanced Novel Techniques for Imaging Fasciitis and Yielding Biomarkers