Effect of extracorporeal shockwave on gait parameters in patients with plantar fascitis: a randomized controlled trial

Abstract Background Plantar fasciitis (PF) is the most common cause of heel pain affecting both young active patients and older sedentary individuals. It most often arises as a result of degenerative changes in the proximal plantar fascia. Aim The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of extracorporeal shockwave on gait parameters in patients with plantar fasciitis. Design A randomized controlled clinical trial. Setting The outpatient physiotherapy clinic of the teaching hospital Shibin El Kom. Methods Participants were randomly divided into two equal groups. Group (A) (study group): received extracorporeal shockwave therapy one session per week and traditional treatment (ultrasound, stretching exercises, and strengthening exercises) three sessions per week for 4 weeks. Group (B)(the control group): received traditional treatment (ultrasound, stretching exercises, and strengthening exercises) 3 sessions per week for 4 weeks. The pre- and post-treatment development of the patients was evaluated by visual analog scale (VAS) to measure pain, foot function index (FFI) to measure foot function, and Kinovea software to analyze gait parameters (stride length, stride time, walking speed, and cadence). Results Both groups showed improvement in all study variables, but the study group showed more improvement. There was a statistically significant decrease in VAS ( p = 0.001), a significant decrease in FFI ( p = 0.001), a significant increase in stride length ( p = 0.001), a significant decrease in stride time ( p = 0.001), a significant increase in walking speed ( p = 0.001), and a significant increase in cadence ( p = 0.01) post-treatment compared to group (B). Conclusion Extracorporeal shockwave treatment is regarded as a useful treatment for improving gait parameters in patients with plantar fasciitis. Clinical rehabilitation impact Extracorporeal shockwave therapy improved gait parameters in patients with plantar fasciitis as it increases stride length, walking speed, cadence, and decreases stride time. So, it is recommended to be included in the rehabilitation program for patients with plantar fasciitis and gait disabilities.