Self-dosed and pre-determined progressive heavy-slow resistance training have similar effects in people with plantar fasciopathy: a randomised trial

70 patients with plantar fasciopathy were randomized to receive a self-dosed or pre-determined heavy-slow resistance exercise treatment program. The primary outcome of interest was the Foot Health Status Questionnaire (FHSQ) pain score. Secondary outcomes of interest included FHSQ function, footwear, and general health scores, the Global Rating of Change, plantar fascia thickness, exercise compliance, the Pain Self-Efficacy Questionnaire, the Patient Acceptable Symptom State, and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ, short version). Follow up was performed at 4 and 12 weeks post-operation. Results revealed no significant differences in all outcomes except FHSQ footwear at 12 weeks and IPAQ walking at 4 weeks, which were significantly in favour of the pre-determined group.