Foot position during Achilles tendinopathy rehab

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

Participants with mid-portion Achilles tendinopathy will follow a 12-week adaptive exercise program focused on load progression. The study compares an externally rotated (toes-out) foot position to a neutral foot position to see how intra-tendinous sliding, symptoms, and function change, while daily activity is tracked to relate loading patterns to recovery over six months. The aim is to understand whether foot positioning during rehabilitation influences tendon mechanics and patient outcomes. Achilles tendinopathy is common and rehabilitation outcomes vary; this study seeks to optimize exercise therapy by examining tendon sliding and loading during recovery.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

The following inclusion criteria will be used:

PATIENTS WITH ACHILLES TENDINOPATHY:

* Voluntary written Informed consent of the participant or their legally authorized representative has been obtained prior to any screening procedures.
* Age between 18 and 65 years old
* BMI between 18.5-30
* Showing history of intermittent episodes of Achilles tendon pain lasting more than 3 consecutive weeks within the past 6 months.
* Presenting palpable focal thickening of the Achilles tendon.
* Having pain originating from the Achilles tendon on palpation of thickened tendon and on loading activities (such as running, jumping).
* Showing sonographic evidence of tendinopathy, i.e. focal thickening and hypoechocity, consistent with previously reported sonographic characteristics diagnosed of tendinopathy.

Prior to start of the data collection, these inclusion criteria (specifically the ones concerning Achilles Tendinopathy presence) will be checked by a medical doctor at SMAC (Sports medical advisory centre Leuven). Only if they confirm the diagnosis, patients are included in the study.

Where it's running

• KU Leuven
  Leuven, Vlaams-Brabant, Belgium Recruiting

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Laura Lecompte, Msc
• Email: laura.lecompte@kuleuven.be
• Phone: +32499263609

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

• Corticosteroid injections added to standard care for chronic midportion Achilles tendinopathy

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• ATOR screening scores over 12 weeks in senior runners with Achilles tendinopathy

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  Recruiting Universidad de Zaragoza · Zaragoza, Zaragoza · NCT07497217

• Minimally invasive artery embolization for chronic Achilles tendon pain

  This trial will try injecting a temporary Lipiodol emulsion into blood vessels feeding the Achilles tendon to reduce chronic tendon pain in adults 25 to 80 who haven't improved after conservative treatment.

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• Immediate neuromuscular electrical stimulation for Achilles tendon pain and function

  Researchers will try two types of neuromuscular electrical stimulation to see if they immediately reduce pain and improve heel-rise performance in people with Achilles tendinopathy or a past Achilles tendon rupture.

  Recruiting University of Brasilia · Brasília, Federal District · NCT07453485

How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.