Isometric Contraction-Based Pain Modulation Versus Eccentric Strengthening in Treating Achilles Tendinopathy

NCT ID: NCT06905743

Last Updated: 2025-04-01

Basic Information

• Recruitment Status: ACTIVE_NOT_RECRUITING
• Clinical Phase: NA
• Total Enrollment: 38 participants
• Study Classification: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Start Date: 2025-03-20
• Study Completion Date: 2026-02-20

Brief Summary

Achilles tendinopathy is a common overuse injury that leads to pain and functional limitations. Traditional rehabilitation focuses on eccentric strengthening, which has been widely studied for its benefits in promoting tendon remodeling and improving strength. However, recent research suggests that isometric contractions may offer superior pain modulation effects, especially in the early stages of rehabilitation.

Detailed Description

This study aims to compare the effectiveness of isometric contraction-based pain modulation versus eccentric strengthening in treating Achilles tendinopathy. Isometric exercises involve maintaining a static muscle contraction, which has been shown to reduce pain through neuromuscular mechanisms, potentially making it a valuable alternative or complement to eccentric loading.

Conditions

Achilles Tendinopathy

Study Design

• Allocation Method: RANDOMIZED
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Primary Study Purpose: HEALTH_SERVICES_RESEARCH
• Blinding Strategy: NONE

Study Groups

Isometric Contraction-Based Pain Modulation Protocol for Achilles Tendinopathy

Group Type: EXPERIMENTAL

Isometric Contraction-Based Pain Modulation Protocol for Achilles Tendinopathy

Intervention Type: DIAGNOSTIC_TEST

The standard recommendation for tendinopathy rehab became 30 to 45 second heavy isometric contractions repeated for 3 to 5 repetitions

Eccentric Strengthening (Alfredson's Protocol for Achilles Tendinopathy )

Group Type: EXPERIMENTAL

Eccentric Strengthening (Alfredson's Protocol for Achilles Tendinopathy )

Intervention Type: COMBINATION_PRODUCT

The eccentric loading protocol, popularized by the research of Alfredson, consisted of 3 sets of 15 for both bent knee and straight knee heel raises with each heel lowering lasting 3-seconds

Interventions

Isometric Contraction-Based Pain Modulation Protocol for Achilles Tendinopathy

The standard recommendation for tendinopathy rehab became 30 to 45 second heavy isometric contractions repeated for 3 to 5 repetitions

Intervention Type: DIAGNOSTIC_TEST

Eccentric Strengthening (Alfredson's Protocol for Achilles Tendinopathy )

The eccentric loading protocol, popularized by the research of Alfredson, consisted of 3 sets of 15 for both bent knee and straight knee heel raises with each heel lowering lasting 3-seconds

Intervention Type: COMBINATION_PRODUCT

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion Criteria

• Clinically Diagnosed with Achilles Tendinopathy using MRI
• At least 3 months incidence period of Achilles Tendinopathy
• Must be able to attend all treatment sessions and follow-up assessments.
• Ability to walk independently without any assistive devices.

Exclusion Criteria

• Severely restricted ROM of ankle
• Patients who underwent surgery for Achilles tendinopathy
• Patients who had undergone previous surgery of lower limb extremity
• Those using ankle orthosis
• Patients with systemic diseases affecting ankle (osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and osteoporosis)
• Individuals with neurological disorders affecting the lower limbs.
• Systemic Conditions like diabetes, cardiovascular diseases.

• Minimum Eligible Age: 20 Years
• Maximum Eligible Age: 60 Years
• Eligible Sex: ALL
• Accepts Healthy Volunteers: No

Sponsors

Superior University

OTHER

Sponsor Role: lead

Responsible Party

Muhammad Naveed Babur

Principal Investigator

Responsibility Role: PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR

Locations

Punjab Social Security Health Management Hospital Manga Raiwind

Lahore, Punjab Province, Pakistan

Countries

Pakistan

Other Identifiers

MSRSW/Batch-Fall23/789

Identifier Type: -

Identifier Source: org_study_id