Early plyometric exercises for Achilles, patellar, and plantar tendinopathy rehabilitation

The Efficacy of Early Implementation of Plyometric Exercises in the Rehabilitation of Individuals Suffering From Lower-Extremity Tendinopathies: A Randomised Clinical Trial

This trial will test whether adding early plyometric exercises to standard heavy, slow resistance training helps adults (18–50) who run or play jumping sports with Achilles, patellar, or plantar tendinopathy recover jump function and avoid re-injury.

Quick facts

• Phase: NA
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 120 (estimated)
• Ages: 18 Years to 50 Years
• Sex: All
• Sponsor: Aalborg University (other)
• Locations: 1 site (Aalborg)
• Trial ID: NCT06774547 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This randomized trial will enroll 120 adults aged 18–50 with Achilles, patellar, or plantar tendinopathy who regularly run or participate in jumping sports. Participants are block-randomized 1:1 to receive either heavy, slow resistance training alone or heavy, slow resistance training plus an early plyometric program for 12 weeks. The primary outcome is jump function after 12 weeks, with re-injury rates monitored up to 52 weeks. The trial is conducted at the Department of Physiotherapy, University College of Northern Denmark, with allocation generated by an independent researcher.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults 18–50 who have run or played jumping sports at least once weekly, have had tendon or plantar fascia symptoms for at least three months, and show pain on provocation tests with at least 2/10 average pain over the past week.

Not a fit: People with recent lower‑extremity surgery, diabetes, inflammatory systemic disease, pregnancy, other recent treated lower‑extremity conditions, or who do not regularly run or perform jumping sports are unlikely to benefit from this protocol.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, the approach could speed return to jumping activities, improve jump performance, and reduce re-injury rates after tendinopathy.

How similar studies have performed: Heavy, slow resistance training is an established treatment for tendinopathy, but adding plyometric exercises early in rehabilitation is a relatively novel approach with limited prior evidence.

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

1. participants are required to have performed either recreational running or participated in sports that include running or jumping activities (e.g., football, basketball, handball, volleyball) at least once per week for at least three months immediately prior to pain onset
2. have had symptoms for at least three months
3. have pain/soreness with palpation of the tendon/fascia
4. mean pain during the past week of at least 2 on a 0 to 10 Numerical Rating Scale
5. pain during a pain provocation test (patellar tendinopathy: five single-legged decline squats, Achilles tendinopathy and plantar fasciopathy: ten single-legged heel raises)

Exclusion Criteria:

1. previous lower-extremity surgery
2. other lower-extremity musculoskeletal conditions that have required treatment by a healthcare professional during the past three months
3. pregnancy
4. diabetes
5. history of inflammatory systemic diseases (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis or spondylarthritis)
6. having received an injection with corticosteroid within the past six months.

Where this trial is running

Aalborg

• University College of Northern Denmark — Aalborg, Denmark (RECRUITING)

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Henrik Riel, PhD

Conditions: Achilles Tendinopathy, Patellar Tendinopathy, Plantar Fasciopathy