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Effects of radial extracorporeal shockwave therapy versus high intensity laser therapy in individuals with plantar fasciitis: A randomised clinical trial

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Abstract

This study aimed to compare the effects of radial extracorporeal shockwave therapy (rESWT) to the effects of high-intensity laser therapy (HILT) in the treatment of individuals with plantar fasciitis. Thirty-two individuals with unilateral plantar fasciitis were randomized into two groups: rESWT and HILT. In each group, the individuals underwent the intervention two sessions per week, for three weeks. Outcome measures included morning pain, resting pain, pain at 80 newtons (N) pressure, skin blood flow and temperature, plantar fascia (PF) and flexor digitorum brevis (FDB) thickness, and Foot Function Index (FFI). There was no significant difference in baseline characteristics of the individuals in both groups. All outcome measures, except skin blood flow and temperature, and FDB thickness, were significantly different (p < 0.05) over time. Skin blood flow was significantly different between groups at the end of the program. Either HILT or rESWT could alleviate pain in individuals with plantar fasciitis significantly. However, HILT was better at reducing FFI (functional limitation domain) rather than rESWT. This study was a randomized clinical trial and was approved by Mahidol University-Central Institutional Review Board (MU-CIRB) following the Declaration of Helsinki, COA no. MU_CIRB 2020/207.0412, the Thai Clinical Trials Registry (TDTR) numbered TCTR2021012500.

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Data availability

The data that support the findings of this study are available on request from the corresponding author.

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Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank all patients participating in this study from the Physical Therapy Center, Faculty of Physical Therapy, Mahidol University. Also, we thank for the Grant for New Researcher supported by Faculty of Physical Therapy, Mahidol University.

Funding

Grant for New Researcher, Faculty of Physical Therapy, Mahidol University.

Ethical approval for this study was obtained from Mahidol University-Central Institutional Review Board (MU-CIRB) following the Declaration of Helsinki, COA no. MU_CIRB 2020/207.0412.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Physical Therapy Center, Faculty of Physical Therapy, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10700, Thailand

    Chutiporn Thammajaree

  2. Musculoskeletal Physical Therapy Research, Division of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Physical Therapy, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom, 73170, Thailand

    Montartip Theapthong, Phongsathon Palee, Phrattaya Pakpakorn, Tippawan Sitti, Prasert Sakulsriprasert, Tipwadee Bunprajun & Suthasinee Thong-On

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  1. Chutiporn Thammajaree
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  8. Suthasinee Thong-On
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Contributions

Study conception and design: Chutiporn Thammajaree, Montartip Theapthong, Prasert Sakulsriprasert, Tipwadee Bunprajun, Suthasinee Thong-On.

Data collection: Chutiporn Thammajaree, Montartip Theapthong, Phongsathon Palee, Phrattaya Pakpakorn, Tippawan Sitti.

Analysis and interpretation of results: Chutiporn Thammajaree, Montartip Theapthong, Prasert Sakulsriprasert.

Draft manuscript preparation: Chutiporn Thammajaree, Montartip Theapthong, Prasert Sakulsriprasert.

All authors reviewed the results and approved the final version of the manuscript.

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Thammajaree, C., Theapthong, M., Palee, P. et al. Effects of radial extracorporeal shockwave therapy versus high intensity laser therapy in individuals with plantar fasciitis: A randomised clinical trial. Lasers Med Sci 38, 127 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10103-023-03791-5

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