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NCT Number: NCT07648199

Morphological and Mechanical Assessment in the Achilles Tendon After Radiofrequency Stimulation in Runners

448 kHz capacitive-resistive monopolar radiofrequency is an emerging physiotherapy technique whose usefulness and clinical relevance still need to be investigated. This study is a pre-post quasi-experimental study in which several variables will be measured before and immediately after 448 kHz capacitive resistive monopolar radiofrequency. It aims to analyze the morphological and mechanical changes in the Achilles tendon following the intervention in healthy runners.

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Key information

Conditions

Achilles Tendon Injury Achilles Tendon

Age range

18 year–65 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

About this study

The Achilles tendon is fundamental to running biomechanics, and its performance directly affects athletic performance and injury prevention. 448 kHz capacitive resistive monopolar radiofrequency has demonstrated effects on vascularization, recovery, and elasticity of musculoskeletal tissues. However, there are no studies that comprehensively evaluate the morphological, mechanical, and functional changes in the Achilles tendón in healthy runners after the application of this technique. The investigators expect the intervention to induce short-term morphological and mechanical changes in the Achilles tendon, providing further insight into the potential of this technique as a preventive tool.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

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

Inclusion criteria

  • Adults aged 18-65
  • Runners with at least one year of regular practice.
  • Must not have suffered any ligament, bone, tendon, or muscle injury in the lower limb or lumbar region during the last year.

Exclusion criteria

  • History of lower limb surgery, rheumatic or neuromuscular diseases or pregnancy
  • Contraindication for radiofrecuency treatment.
  • Athletes with visual, auditory, or any other impairment that may affect their cognitive ability to understand the test.

Treatment and study plan

448 kHz capacitive resistive monopolar radiofrequency

Device

The procedure will consist of a 20-minute radiofrequency session on the Achilles tendon, applying 10 minutes in capacitive mode and 10 minutes in resistive mode. The device has a maximum peak power of 200 W and 450 V. Both modes will be administered as a hyperthermia dose, adjusted according to the patient's subjective perception of heat, with a target of 8/10. The application will be performed longitudinally on the Achilles tendon, from proximal to distal and from distal to proximal, measuring the variables before and after the procedure. In resistive mode, continuous wave will be used, and the return electrode will be a plate placed under the patient's abdomen. The entire procedure will be carried out following the manufacturer's instructions.

Primary outcomes

  1. Achilles tendon thickness (mm) measured by B-mode ultrasound

    Time frame: 1 hour

    The Achilles tendon will be assessed with the participant in a prone position, legs extended and feet resting over the edge of the examination couch. Ultrasound images will be acquired using a linear transducer in the long axis of the tendon, at the level of the medial malleolus, in order to reduce bone-related artefacts. B-mode ultrasound will be used for the evaluation.

  2. Elastography in Achilles tendon

    Time frame: 1 hour

    Tendon stiffness and elasticity were assessed using compression elastography. Color-coded elastographic maps and quantitative tissue deformation values were obtained following standardized procedures previously described in the literature. Measurements were performed at the same procedure used for measuring tendon thickness.

Secondary outcomes

  1. Plantar flexion strength

    Time frame: 1 hour

    It will be assessed using an electronic isometric dynamometer, recording the maximum force generated during a voluntary plantar flexion contraction against fixed resistance, maintaining a standardized ankle position and performing several attempts to obtain a reliable value.

  2. Functionality of the lower limb

    Time frame: 1 hour

    It will be evaluated using the Multijump Rebound Test, a validated test that analyzes the capacity for repeated jumping and the efficiency of the stretch-shortening cycle, allowing the functional changes to be related to the morphological and mechanical properties of the muscle-tendon system.

Study contacts

Contact information is provided by the study sponsor or research team.

José Daniel Gómez-Requena, PT

CONTACT

[email protected]

34 686305704

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

University of Malaga

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Morphological and Mechanical Changes in the Achilles Tendon After the Application of INDIBA® Therapy in Healthy Runners: A Pre-post Quasi-experimental Study

Acronym: RFAchillesRun

Important dates

Study start
2026
Primary completion
2026
Study completion
2026
First posted
Jun 15, 2026
Registry last updated
Jun 17, 2026

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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