Non-insertional Achilles tendinopathy Musculoskeletal Diseases
Conditions
Interventions
Current interventions as of 08/03/2022:
Participants with non-insertional Achilles tendinopathy will visit the laboratory over six consecutive weeks for the experimental sessions (at week 1, 3, and
this will be followed by the eccentric training protocol. This protocol consists of 4 x 15 eccentric plantarflexion contractions at 50% of the MVC, range of motion of 30° (neutral position 0° to 30° o
Sponsors
University of Birmingham
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
All
Inclusion criteria
Inclusion criteria: Men or women aged 18 to 55 years old will be recruited for the healthy control and Achilles tendinopathy groups Inclusion criteria for those with Achilles tendinopathy: 1. Non-insertional Achilles tendinopathy determined by an experienced physiotherapist based on defined clinical findings, VISA-A and NRS (Numerical Rating Scale) scores, physical examination, pain duration of at least 3 months and ultrasound evaluation 2. VISA-A scores less than 90 will be considered as a reference to identify individuals with Achilles tendinopathy 3. Ultrasound evaluation will include the identification of local thickening of the tendon and/or irregular tendon structure with hypoechoic areas and/or irregular fiber orientation
Exclusion criteria
Exclusion criteria: 1. Systemic or inflammatory conditions including rheumatic, neuromuscular disorders, and malignancy 2. Current or history of chronic respiratory, neurological or cardiovascular diseases 3. History of lower limb surgery Specific exclusion criteria for the participants with Achilles tendinopathy: 1. Patients participating in any other treatment or rehabilitation program for Achilles tendinopathy 2. Corticosteroid injections in the previous 12 months 3. Insertional Achilles tendinopathy Specific exclusion criteria for the control group: 1. Pain/injury in the lower limbs within the previous 6 months
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame |
|---|---|
| Current primary outcome measure as of 08/03/2022: Motor units mean discharge rate, discharge rate variability, recruitment, and de-recruitment thresholds of the gastrocnemius medialis, gastrocnemius lateralis, and soleus muscles all measured using high-density surface electromyography at baseline, weeks 3 and 6. _____ Previous primary outcome measure: 1. Thickness, length, and cross-sectional area of the Achilles tendon measured using B-mode ultrasonography at baseline, weeks 3 and 6 2. Thickness, pennation angle, and fascicle length of the gastrocnemius medialis, gastrocnemius lateralis, and soleus muscles measured using B-mode elastography at baseline, weeks 3 and 6 3. Stiffness of the Achilles tendon measured using shear-wave elastography at baseline, weeks 3 and 6 4. Motor units mean discharge rate, discharge rate variability, recruitment, and de-recruitment thresholds of the gastrocnemius medialis, gastrocnemius lateralis, and soleus muscles all measured using high-density surface electromyography at baseline, weeks 3 and 6 | — |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame |
|---|---|
| Current secondary outcome measures as of 08/03/2022: 1. Thickness, length, and cross-sectional area of the Achilles tendon measured using B-mode ultrasonography at baseline, weeks 3 and 6. 2. Stiffness of the Achilles tendon measured using shear-wave elastography at baseline, weeks 3 and 6. 3. Thickness, pennation angle, and fascicle length of the gastrocnemius medialis muscle using B-mode ultrasonography at baseline, weeks 3 and 6. Gastrocnemius lateralis and soleus muscles' thickness measured using B-mode ultrasonography at baseline, weeks 3 and 6. 4. Physical activity level measured using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short form (IPAQ-SF) at baseline, weeks 3 and 6. 5. Achilles tendinopathy severity measured using the Victorian Institute of Sports AssessmentAchilles (VISA-A) questionnaire at baseline, weeks 3 and 6. Additionally, we will measure the severity of Achilles tendinopathy after 3 and 6 months of completing the intervention. 6. Physical function measured using the Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM) questionnaire at baseline, weeks 3 and 6. 7. Pain catastrophizing measured using Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS) questionnaire at baseline, weeks 3 and 6. 8. Fear of movement measured using the Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia (TSK) questionnaire at baseline, weeks 3 and 6. 9. Pain level measured using the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) at baseline, weeks 3 and 6. Additionally, we will measure the pain level after 3 and 6 months of completing the intervention. _____ Previous secondary outcome measures: 1. Physical activity level measured using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short form (IPAQ-SF) at baseline, weeks 3 and 6 2. Achilles tendinopathy severity measured using the Victorian Institute of Sports Assessment-Achilles (VISA-A) questionnaire at baseline, weeks 3 and 6 3. Physical function measured using the Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM) questionnaire at baseline, weeks 3 and 6 4. Pain catastrophizing measur | — |
Countries
England, United Kingdom
Contacts
Public ContactIgnacio Contreras-Hernandez
Outcome results
None listed