Riassunto dello studio

Thirty-four adults with chronic plantar fasciitis were randomized to receive either combined extracorporeal shockwave therapy plus local vibration (ESWT-LV) or extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) alone. Treatments occurred twice weekly for 5 weeks. The primary outcome was plantar fascia thickness measured by ultrasonography. Secondary outcomes included pain intensity (NRS) and foot function (FFI). Assessments occurred at baseline and 1 week after the final session (week 6). Overall, the results of the study revealed that both groups experienced significant improvements in plantar fascia thickness, pain, and foot function. However, the ESWT-LV group demonstrated significantly greater reductions in plantar fascia thickness and pain compared with ESWT alone, while improvements in foot function did not differ between groups. These findings suggest that local vibration may enhance the biological and analgesic effects of ESWT in chronic plantar fasciitis.