Comparison of Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy and Whole Body Vibration Therapy in Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar Fasiit Tedavisinde ESWT ve Tüm Vücut Vibrasyon Uygulamalarının Etkinliğinin Karşılaştırılması: Randomize, Prospektif, Tek Kör Çalışma

Plantar fasciitis is a common cause of heel pain that can lead to functional limitation and decreased quality of life. Various conservative treatment modalities are used in its management. This study aims to compare the effectiveness of extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) and whole body vibration therapy in patients with plantar fasciitis. The study is designed as a randomized, prospective, single-blind clinical trial. Clinical outcomes will be evaluated using pain and functional assessment scales before and after treatment.

This randomized, prospective, single-blind clinical trial was conducted to compare the effects of extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) and whole body vibration therapy in patients diagnosed with plantar fasciitis. A total of 60 patients aged between 18 and 65 years were included in the final analysis. Participants were randomly assigned into two groups.

The first group received extracorporeal shock wave therapy applied once weekly for a total of five sessions. The second group received whole body vibration therapy three times per week for five weeks. Both groups followed the same standardized home exercise program during the treatment period.

Clinical evaluations were performed at baseline, at the end of treatment, and at the ninth week. The primary outcome measure was functional status assessed using the Foot Function Index (FFI). Secondary outcome measures included pain intensity assessed by the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score, and the Roles and Maudsley score.The aim of this study is to determine and compare the clinical effectiveness of ESWT and whole body vibration therapy in the management of plantar fasciitis.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age between 18 and 65 years
• Clinically diagnosed plantar fasciitis
• Heel pain lasting at least 4 weeks
• Ability to understand the study procedures and provide written informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

• History of inflammatory rheumatic diseases
• Previous foot or ankle surgery
• Major trauma to the foot or ankle
• Neurological or vascular disorders of the lower extremities
• Pregnancy or lactation
• Corticosteroid injection to the foot within the last 3 months
• Physical therapy, extracorporeal shock wave therapy, or whole body vibration therapy within the last 3 months