Exploratory Analysis of Pain and Function Improvement after Radial Pressure Wave Therapy in Plantar Fasciitis
Original Article | Vol 5 | Issue 1 | January-June 2025 | page: 08-13 | Armando Tonatiuh Ávila García, Ana Lilia Villagrana Rodríguez, Cinthia Citlalli Domínguez Navarrete, Karen Chacón Morales, Marco Antonio González López
DOI: https://doi.org/10.13107/jrs.2025.v05.i01.159
Open Access License: CC BY-NC 4.0
Copyright Statement: Copyright © 2025; The Author(s).
Submitted Date: 07 Mar 2025, Review Date: 30 Apr 2025, Accepted Date: 10 May 2025 & Published: 30 Jun 2025
Author: Armando Tonatiuh Ávila García [1], Ana Lilia Villagrana Rodríguez [1], Cinthia Citlalli Domínguez Navarrete [1], Karen Chacón Morales [1], Marco Antonio González López [1]
[1] Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Hospital Civil de Guadalajara Fray Antonio Alcalde, Jalisco, México, 44280
Address of Correspondence
Dr. Armando Tonatiuh Ávila García,
Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Hospital Civil de Guadalajara Fray Antonio Alcalde, Coronel Calderón 777, Guadalajara, Jalisco, México, 44280
E-mail: atavila@hcg.gob.mx
Abstract
Background: Plantar fasciitis (PF) is a common cause of heel pain, impairing functionality and quality of life. Radial pressure wave therapy (RPWT) is a well-known non-invasive option to treat PF, but evidence on factors influencing outcomes is limited.
Objectives: The objectives of the study are to explore associations between baseline patient characteristics and clinical outcomes and to evaluate the impact of RPWT on pain and functionality in PF patients.
Materials and Methods: This exploratory, pilot study included 19 PF patients treated with three RPWT sessions. Pain intensity (numerical pain rating scale [NPRS]) and functionality (World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0 [WHODAS 2.0]) were assessed pre- and post-treatment. Retrospective data on age, body mass index (BMI), and PF chronicity were analyzed. Statistical tests included Wilcoxon signed rank for outcome comparisons and Spearman’s correlation for associations.
Results: NPRS scores decreased significantly from 6.89 ± 1.88 to 4.42 ± 2.36 (P = 0.001), while WHODAS 2.0 scores improved from 47.60 ± 21.85 to 21.34 ± 20.30 (P = 0.001). Baseline NPRS scores showed a moderate, positive correlation with post-treatment NPRS scores (ρ = 0.561, P = 0.01). No significant correlations were found between post-treatment outcomes and BMI, age, or PF chronicity.
Conclusion: RPWT significantly reduced pain and improved functionality in PF patients, with baseline pain levels emerging as a factor associated with outcomes. These preliminary findings support RPWT as a promising treatment and highlight the need for larger, controlled studies to validate and expand these results.
Keywords: Pain intensity, Plantar fasciitis, Radial pressure wave therapy, Rehabilitation outcomes, Therapeutic effectiveness, Treatment predictors
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How to Cite this article: Ávila García AT, Rodríguez ALV, Navarrete CCD, Morales KC, López MAG | Exploratory analysis of pain and function improvement after radial pressure wave therapy in plantar fasciitis. | Journal of Regenerative Science | Jan-Jun 2025; 5(1): 08-13. |