Clinical Effectiveness of Video-Based Exercise Training Compared With Physician-Led Face-to-Face Exercise Instruction in Patients With Plantar Fasciitis: A Randomized Non-Inferiority Trial

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating two different methods of exercise instruction for adults with plantar fasciitis, a common cause of chronic heel pain that can limit function and reduce quality of life. The study compares face-to-face exercise guidance by an orthopedic physician with video-based exercise instruction delivered via a QR code or web link. Both methods provide the same exercise content, aiming to determine if the video-based approach is not worse than the physician-led method in improving foot function. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups. One group receives in-person training, where the physician demonstrates exercises including plantar fascia stretching, calf stretching, self-massage, toe raises, and towel pull exercises. The other group receives access to a standardized exercise video to perform the same exercises at home. All participants also receive standard education on plantar fasciitis management, including footwear advice, weight control, pain relief options, and support devices. Participants will be assessed at the start, 1 month, and 3 months after starting the exercise program. Researchers will measure changes in foot function using the Foot Function Index and pain levels with a numeric rating scale. They will also track exercise knowledge, adherence, education time, video viewing habits, any additional treatments needed, and patient satisfaction. The primary outcome is the change in foot function score from baseline to 3 months.

Video-Based Versus Physician-Led Exercise Training for Plantar Fasciitis