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

N/AActive Not RecruitingNCT06905743

Superior University38 enrolled

Overview

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.

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.

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

HEALTH_SERVICES_RESEARCH

Masking

NONE

Enrollment

Conditions

Achilles Tendinopathy

Interventions

Isometric Contraction-Based Pain Modulation Protocol for Achilles TendinopathyDIAGNOSTIC_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

Eligibility

Sex: ALLMin age: 20 YearsMax age: 60 Years

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

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.

Locations (1)

Punjab Social Security Health Management Hospital Manga Raiwind

Lahore, Punjab Province, Pakistan

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

NUMERIC PAIN RATING SCALE (NPRS):

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.

Time frame: 12 Months

PRESSURE ALGOMETRY:

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 .

Time frame: 12 Months

Data from ClinicalTrials.gov

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