Progressive Achilles-loading program with remote clinician support

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

This single-blind, two-arm randomized non-inferiority trial compares a one-time PT-initiated telehealth visit plus asynchronous exercise and education modules to a standard PT-guided program of six telehealth visits. The study will enroll 160 adults with Achilles tendinopathy across two sites (University of Iowa and Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center). Primary outcomes are changes in pain and disability, with a secondary aim to identify early patient-reported changes within two weeks that predict four-week improvements. Interventions are focused on progressive tendon-loading exercises and patient education delivered remotely.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Pain localized to the Achilles tendon (insertion or midportion)
* AT pain greater than or equal to 3/10 with tendon-loading exercise

Exclusion Criteria:

* Younger than 18 years of age or older than 60 years of age
* BMI \> 45 kg/m2
* Pain primarily due to a differential diagnosis, including paratendonitis, bursitis (retrocalcaneal or subcutaneous), posterior ankle impingement or os trigonum, irritation or neuropathy of the sural nerve, plantaris tendon involvement)
* Presence of a partial Achilles tendon tear or rupture on imaging or a history of Achilles tendon rupture that was verified by surgical or conservative management
* Attended physical therapy for AT in the past 3 months
* History of steroid injection to lower extremity tendons/fascia, ESWT or any injection to the Achilles tendon region in the past 3 months
* History of taking fluoroquinolones in the past 6 months
* History of surgery or invasive procedure for AT on side enrolling for treatment
* Diagnosed systemic conditions affecting the foot and ankle (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis), endocrine disorder with complications (e.g., uncontrolled Type I or II diabetes, diabetic peripheral neuropathy), connective tissue disorder (e.g., Marfan's syndrome, Ehlers Danlos), or pregnancy
* At high risk for falls (four step square test \>15 seconds)
* Refusal of randomization or unable or uninterested in completing virtual visits with a webcam or smart phone or completing quizzes and surveys

Where it's running

• University of Iowa Health Care - Gait Analysis Laboratory
  Iowa City, Iowa, United States Recruiting
• Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center (CRDAMC)
  Fort Cavazos, Texas, United States Not yet recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Ruth L Chimenti, PT, PhD — University of Iowa
• Study coordinator: Jessica Danielson, DDS
• Email: chimenti-lab@uiowa.edu
• Phone: 319-356-1722

Similar studies

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

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• Treatment for Achilles Tendinopathy with Collagen and Physiotherapy

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• Using electrolysis to treat Achilles tendon pain

  This study tests if a new treatment using electric currents along with specific exercises can help adults with Achilles tendon pain feel better and move more easily.

  Recruiting Maimonides University · Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires F.D. · NCT05301959

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.