Effect of Ergon IASTM technique on pain, strength and range of motion in plantar fasciitis patients. RCT

Introduction Plantar fasciitis (PF) is a common foot problem caused by repetitive microtrauma or excessive overload of fascia. Instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM), stretching, and strengthening exercises are more helpful to reduce the pressure of fascia and improve functional activities of the patients. The objective of the study was to compare the efficacy of instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization using the Ergon technique with conservative treatment in plantar fasciitis. Methods This randomized control trial was conducted at the Department of Physiotherapy of the University of Lahore Teaching Hospital and Citi Hospital Lahore. After assigning, the patients were randomly allocated into treatment and conventional groups. Both groups received therapeutic ultrasound therapy, stretching strengthening exercises, cryotherapy and the experimental group received additional instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization. Pain, strength, and range of motion were assessed at baseline, 1st, 3rd, and 5th week after treatment. Results 64 participants were randomly allocated into two groups; the Ergon group (ET = 32) and the conventional group (CT = 32). The mean age in the ET group was 29.1 ± 6.0 and in the CT group was 29.5 ± 6.0 and the gender distribution of the study population was 28.1% were male and 71.9% were females. There was significant improvement ( p < 0.05) in pain, strength, and plantarflexion range of motion among all participants in the treatment group. However, no significant improvement was noticed in the dorsiflexion range ( p > 0.05). While within-group analysis showed improvement in the dorsiflexion range of both groups ( p < 0.05). Conclusions This randomized control trial demonstrates that the inclusion of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization using the Ergon Technique for plantar fasciitis lasting 5 weeks is an effective treatment intervention in reducing pain and improving strength and ankle range of motion.