Early plyometric exercises for Achilles, patellar, and plantar tendinopathy rehabilitation
Official title: The Efficacy of Early Implementation of Plyometric Exercises in the Rehabilitation of Individuals Suffering From Lower-Extremity Tendinopathies: A Randomised Clinical Trial
Run by Aalborg University · NCT06774547 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 50 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 120 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Aalborg University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Aalborg) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | September 18, 2025 |
| Main results expected | October 2027 |
| Study ends | January 2028 |
| Registry record updated | March 4, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06774547 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a 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.
✕Probably 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.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
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.
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 gone: 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.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion 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 it's running
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University College of Northern Denmark
Aalborg, Denmark Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Henrik Riel, PhD
- Email: heri@ucn.dk
- Phone: 0045 72691014
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.