Abstract
Objective: This study aimed to compare the effects of Kinesio Taping (KT) and Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) on heel pain and ankle dorsiflexion range of motion (ADROM) in patients with plantar fasciitis.
Study Design: A Quasi-experimental comparative study was conducted.
Place and duration of study: The study was conducted at Allied Hospital and Civil Hospital, Faisalabad, from 1st March to 31st May 2025..
Material and Methods: A total of 30 participants aged between 21 and 50 years, diagnosed with plantar fasciitis, were selected using purposive sampling and equally divided into two groups (n=15 each). Group 1 received Kinesio Taping (KT) applied three times per week for four weeks, with each application maintained for 48 hours. Myofascial release techniques were applied prior to taping as a preparatory intervention. Group 2 received Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) targeting the calf musculature and Achilles tendon, also administered three times weekly over a period of four weeks. Outcome measures included pain intensity, assessed using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), and ankle dorsiflexion range of motion, measured with a universal goniometer. Assessments were conducted at baseline and at the end of the 4-week intervention period. Data analysis was performed using appropriate statistical tests, with significance set at p ≤ 0.05.
Results: Both groups demonstrated statistically significant improvements in pain reduction and ankle dorsiflexion ROM following the intervention period (p < 0.05). However, Group 2 (IASTM) showed comparatively greater improvement in both outcome measures, with a highly significant difference (p = 0.000) when compared to Group 1 (KT). The magnitude of change in VAS scores and ADROM was more pronounced in the IASTM group, indicating superior therapeutic effectiveness
Conclusion: The findings of this study suggest that both Kinesio Taping and Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization are effective interventions for managing plantar fasciitis. However, IASTM demonstrated greater efficacy in reducing heel pain and improving ankle dorsiflexion range of motion. Therefore, IASTM may be considered a more beneficial treatment option in clinical practice for patients with plantar fasciitis.
Keywords: Achilles tendon, Calf Muscle, Fascia Tape, Kinesio Tape, KT and IASTM, Myofascial release, Plantar Fasciitis, Plantar Fasciopathy, Soft Tissue Mobilization.
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