Not yet recruitingNCT07919743ClinicalTrials.gov record

Efficacy of TECAR Therapy in Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar Fasciitis

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THE QUICK READ

What this study involves

The registry does not currently label this study as recruiting. Ask about its status before planning a screening visit.

Study type: Interventional
Phase: Not applicable
Age range: 18 years - 65 years
Sex eligible: All sexes
Healthy volunteers: Not accepted
Participants: 60 Estimated

These are starting points, not an eligibility decision. The research team must review the full requirements.

About the research

This randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled clinical trial aims to evaluate the efficacy of Capacitive and Resistive Energy Transfer (TECAR) therapy combined with an exercise program in patients with plantar fasciitis. The effects of active TECAR therapy will be compared with those of sham TECAR therapy, both combined with the same exercise program, in terms of pain intensity, foot function, pressure pain threshold, ultrasonographic plantar fascia thickness, and health-related quality of life.

TECAR therapy is a non-invasive physical therapy modality used in musculoskeletal rehabilitation. Although it is increasingly used in clinical practice, evidence from sham-controlled randomized trials in patients with plantar fasciitis remains limited. This study aims to determine whether active TECAR therapy provides additional benefits over sham treatment when combined with exercise. The findings are expected to contribute to the evidence regarding the clinical efficacy of TECAR therapy in the management of plantar fasciitis.

Who may be able to participate?

The list below is the sponsor’s full registry wording. It can include conditions, prior treatment, test results and other requirements. A match in search does not mean you qualify.

Inclusion Criteria:

Adults aged 18-65 years
Clinical diagnosis of plantar fasciitis
Presence of tenderness over the medial calcaneal tubercle and/or morning first-step pain
Symptom duration of at least 3 months
Pain intensity ≥4 on the Visual Analog Scale (VAS)
Plantar fascia thickness ≥4.0 mm at the medial calcaneal insertion, measured by ultrasonography
Willingness to participate in the study and provision of written informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

History of injection therapy, extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT), or surgery for plantar fasciitis within the previous 3 months
Presence of systemic inflammatory rheumatic diseases
Diabetic neuropathy or peripheral neuropathy
Other conditions that may cause heel pain (e.g., stress fracture, infection, or tumor)
Pregnancy
Presence of a cardiac pacemaker or other implanted electronic device
Active infection or open wound at the treatment site

Understand screening

Treatment, groups and participation

The registry may describe treatments and study duration without a complete visit calendar. Ask the study team for the exact schedule, procedures, risks, costs and alternatives. Keep your usual care plan unless your treating clinician tells you otherwise.

Assignment: Random assignment
Masking: Double masked

Active TECAR Therapy + Exercise

Participants will receive active TECAR therapy for 15 minutes per session (5 minutes in capacitive mode and 10 minutes in resistive mode), 5 days per week for 2 weeks (10 sessions), using the BTL TECAR Therapy device. All participants will also perform a standardized exercise program consisting of plantar fascia and calf stretching and intrinsic foot muscle strengthening exercises.

Device: Capacitive and Resistive Energy Transfer (TECAR) therapy · Other: Standardized Exercise Program

Sham TECAR Therapy + Exercise

Participants will receive sham TECAR therapy using the same device and application procedure without therapeutic energy delivery, for 15 minutes per session, 5 days per week for 2 weeks (10 sessions). All participants will perform the same standardized exercise program as the active treatment group.

Device: Sham Capacitive and Resistive Energy Transfer (TECAR) Therapy · Other: Standardized Exercise Program

Capacitive and Resistive Energy Transfer (TECAR) therapy DEVICE

Active TECAR therapy will be administered using the BTL TECAR Therapy device for 15 minutes per session, 5 days per week for 2 weeks (10 sessions). Each session will consist of 5 minutes of capacitive mode followed by 10 minutes of resistive mode. Treatment will be applied along the plantar fascia of the symptomatic foot, focusing on the medial calcaneal insertion, using conductive cream and continuous probe movement. The intensity will be adjusted to produce a comfortable, mild thermal sensation without pain.

Sham Capacitive and Resistive Energy Transfer (TECAR) Therapy DEVICE

Sham TECAR therapy will be administered using the same device, probe, and application procedure as the active treatment for 15 minutes per session, 5 days per week for 2 weeks (10 sessions). The device will not deliver any energy during sham treatment. The application will otherwise be identical to the active treatment procedure.

Standardized Exercise Program OTHER

All participants will receive a standardized exercise program consisting of plantar fascia stretching, gastrocnemius and soleus stretching, and intrinsic foot muscle strengthening (short-foot exercises). Exercises will be performed three times daily. Stretching exercises will consist of 10 repetitions held for 10-15 seconds, while strengthening exercises will consist of 10-15 repetitions.

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