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
This prospective, single-center, two-arm, parallel-group randomized non-inferiority trial will compare physician-led face-to-face exercise instruction with standardized video-based exercise instruction in adults with plantar fasciitis. Participants will be randomized in a 1:1 ratio to receive either face-to-face exercise training by an orthopedic physician or access to a standardized exercise video via QR code/web link. The exercise content will be identical in both groups; only the method of instruction will differ. The primary outcome will be the change in the Foot Function Index total/index score from baseline to 3 months. Secondary outcomes will include pain score, Foot Function Index subscales, exercise knowledge, exercise adherence, education time, video viewing status, additional treatment requirement, and patient satisfaction.
• Adults aged 18 to 70 years
• Clinical diagnosis of plantar fasciitis
• Plantar heel pain lasting for at least 3 months
• Heel pain that is most prominent with the first steps in the morning or after rest
• Tenderness on palpation of the medial calcaneal tubercle
• Baseline heel pain score of 4 or higher on a 0-10 numerical rating scale
• Functional capacity to perform the prescribed exercises
• Access to a smartphone, tablet, or computer to view the exercise video
• Ability to provide written informed consent