Laser treatment with the proper dosage has been found effective in the treatment of chronic Achilles tendinopathy, and animal research indicate that a combination of cryotherapy followed by LLLT could yield an even better result. Thus, the main purpose of this project is to test if the addition of low level laser therapy can enhance the treatment result of exercise and cryotherapy in patients with chronic Achilles tendinopathy, yielding less pain and higher function.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
QUADRUPLE
Enrollment
41
LLLT, 904 nm wavelength, 3 Joules per treatment point in accordance with World Association for Laser Therapy (WALT) guidelines.
Same procedure as in the LLLT group with the exception of laser irradiation (0 mW mean output power).
Concentric and eccentric exercises with a total duration of approximately 20 minutes.
University of Bergen
Bergen, Hordaland, Norway
The VISA-A questionnaire: An index of the severity of Achilles tendinopathy
Range 0-100
Time frame: Change from baseline to week 4 and 12
Pain (Numerical Rating Scale)
Range 0-10
Time frame: Change from baseline to week 4 and 12
Pain pressure threshold algometry
Algometer placed upon the Achilles tendon at the most sensitive spot identified by palpation. If it is unclear what the most sensitive spot is, the algometer is placed 2 cm proximal from the calcaneus.
Time frame: Change from baseline to week 4 and 12
Palpation tenderness
The Achilles tendon is palpated by the assessor while the participant is lying prone. The participant indicates whether the pressure produces pain by answering yes/no.
Time frame: Change from baseline to week 4 and 12
Single legged heel raise
The participant stands solely on one leg and lifts the heel of the floor. The distance from the heel to the floor is measured.
Time frame: Change from baseline to week 4 and 12
Jump for distance
One leg take-off and landing
Time frame: Change from baseline to week 4 and 12
Thickness of the Achilles tendon
Measured with real time ultrasonography in a longitudinal and sagittal view.
Time frame: Change from baseline to week 4 and 12
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.
Twenty minutes of cryotherapy applied to the Achilles tendon.
Neovascularization in the Achilles tendon
Doppler activity measured with real time ultrasonography in a longitudinal and sagittal view.
Time frame: Change from baseline to week 4 and 12
Qualitative assessment of structural changes of the Achilles tendon
Structural changes are assessed by real time ultrasonography. The structural changes of the Achilles tendon is scored as absent, mild, moderate, or severe.
Time frame: Change from baseline to week 4 and 12
Qualitative assessment of effusion within of the Achilles tendon
Amount of effusion is assessed by real time ultrasonography. The amount of effusion within and around the Achilles tendon is scored as absent, mild, moderate, or severe.
Time frame: Change from baseline to week 4 and 12