Comparison of three different treatment protocols of low-energy

Objective The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of three dHferent treatment protocols of low-energy radial extracorporeal shock wave therapy for management of chronic plantar fasciitis. Subjects The study was double-blind randomized study. Forty five adult subjects were randomly divided into three equal groups (I, II & III). Methods The treatment group (I) received 2000 impulses with 2.5 bars and frequency of 8Hz, group (II) received 3500 impulses with 3-3.5 bars and frequency of 8Hz while group ( III) received 1000 impulses with 1.5 bars and frequency of 4.8 Hz. All groups received total 3 sessions given at weekly interval. Pain and function of foot were measured at baseline, after 3 weeks of treatment and after 6 weeks of follow up after the end of the treatment by visual analog scale and ankle-hind foot scale respectively. Results The results revealed significant reduction of pain and improvement in function of the foot in all treated groups (I, II & III) (P<.0.0001), significant difference in pain and function scores between group I & III as well as between group II & III and negative correlation between pain and function of the foot (r=-.44) after 6 weeks follow up. Conclusion Radial extracorporeal shockwave therapy significantly improves pain and foot function. The delivery of low-energy radial extracorporeal shock wave therapy 3 sessions given at weekly interval with 2000 impulses, 2.5 bars and frequency of 8Hz is the most effective treatment protocol in terms of relieving pain and restoring the functional activity of people suffering from chronic plantar fasciitis