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Active, Not Recruiting

NCT Number: NCT06905743

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

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.

Active, Not Recruiting

This study is active but is not currently recruiting participants.

Key information

Conditions

Achilles Tendinopathy

Age range

20 year–60 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Punjab Social Security Health Management Hospital Manga Raiwind

Lahore, Punjab Province, Pakistan

About this study

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.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

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.

Treatment and study plan

Isometric Contraction-Based Pain Modulation Protocol for Achilles Tendinopathy

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 )

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

Primary outcomes

  1. NUMERIC PAIN RATING SCALE (NPRS):

    Time frame: 12 Months

    The Numeric Pain Rating Scale is a widely used, reliable, and user-friendly tool for assessing an individual's level of pain (NPRS). The patient is required to rate their level of discomfort using a self-reported scale with a range of 0 to 10, where ""0"" indicates no pain and ""10"" indicates the most excruciating pain.

  2. PRESSURE ALGOMETRY:

    Time frame: 12 Months

    The pressure pain threshold (PPT), or the lowest force that causes pain in a particular body part, can be objectively measured using pressure algometry. To test sensitivity and identify shifts in pain perception, a portable instrument called a pressure algometer gently and gradually applies pressure to tissue, such as muscles or tendons. Pressure Algometry offers a methodical, objective way to measure pain sensitivity, which is commonly utilized in clinical and research contexts. It is frequently used to evaluate tenderness and pain in musculoskeletal issues, myofascial pain, and tendinopathy. Pressure algometry is a widely used tool to assess mechanical pain sensitivity by applying controlled pressure to a specific area and measuring the pain threshold. Its reliability is well-established, with intra-rater reliability coefficients ranging from 0.70 to 0.94, depending on the site of application and methodological consistency .

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Superior University

Other

Registry information

Important dates

Study start
2025
Primary completion
2025
Study completion
2026
First posted
Apr 1, 2025
Registry last updated
Apr 1, 2025

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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