56 Participants Needed

Home Exercises vs Physical Therapy for Achilles Tendinopathy

CP
Overseen ByChristopher P Chiodo, MD
No Placebo GroupAll trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

The goal of this prospective randomized controlled trial is to compare the effectiveness of a home-based exercise protocol to formal physical therapy in patients who have been diagnosed with Achilles tendinopathy. The null hypothesis is that there will be no difference in the treatment outcomes between patients with Achilles tendinopathy who participate in a home-based program versus patients with Achilles tendinopathy who undergo formal physical therapy. Participants will be randomized to a 12-week home-based or formal physical therapy protocol and asked to complete brief outcomes surveys at their initial visit, and at 6 weeks, 12 weeks, 6 months, and 1 year after their initial visit.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. However, if you are taking fluoroquinolone antibiotics, you may not be eligible to participate.

Is it safe to use home exercises or physical therapy for Achilles tendinopathy?

The research does not provide specific safety data for home exercises or physical therapy for Achilles tendinopathy, but these treatments are generally considered safe for humans when performed correctly and under guidance.12345

How does the treatment of home exercises vs physical therapy for Achilles tendinopathy differ from other treatments?

This treatment is unique because it compares the effectiveness of home-based exercises with formal physical therapy, focusing on progressive loading exercises that can be adjusted to fit individual needs. Unlike some other treatments, it emphasizes patient empowerment through home exercises, potentially offering more flexibility and convenience.16789

What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment for Achilles tendinopathy?

Research shows that heavy eccentric calf training, which involves slowly lowering the heel below the level of a step, can improve pain and function in people with Achilles tendinopathy. This suggests that structured exercise programs, whether at home or with a physical therapist, may be effective in managing this condition.1451011

Who Is on the Research Team?

CP

Christopher P Chiodo, MD

Principal Investigator

Brigham and Women's Hospital

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for individuals with new onset non-insertional Achilles tendinopathy. Participants will be randomly assigned to either a home-based exercise program or formal physical therapy for 12 weeks and will complete surveys about their progress.

Inclusion Criteria

I have a new diagnosis of Achilles tendinopathy with pain, thickening, and tenderness.
My symptoms have been present for at least 6 weeks.

Exclusion Criteria

I have had surgery on my foot or ankle before.
I have inflammatory arthritis.
Pregnant women
See 6 more

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants are randomized to a 12-week home-based or formal physical therapy protocol

12 weeks
Initial visit, 6 weeks, 12 weeks

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment

9 months
6 months, 1 year

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

  • Formal Physical Therapy
  • Home-based Exercise Protocol
Trial Overview The study aims to see if there's any difference in effectiveness between doing exercises at home versus going through formal physical therapy sessions when treating Achilles tendinopathy.
How Is the Trial Designed?
2Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Group I: Home-based ProtocolExperimental Treatment1 Intervention
Group II: Formal Physical Therapy ProtocolExperimental Treatment1 Intervention

Find a Clinic Near You

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Brigham and Women's Hospital

Lead Sponsor

Trials
1,694
Recruited
14,790,000+

Published Research Related to This Trial

A study involving 66 individuals with chronic Achilles tendinopathy found that telehealth and hybrid formats of physical therapy were as effective as in-person therapy in reducing movement-evoked pain after 8 weeks.
All groups showed significant pain reduction, and the telehealth and hybrid groups did not exceed the noninferiority margin compared to in-person therapy, suggesting that telehealth can provide effective rehabilitation while enhancing accessibility and patient preference.
Efficacy of Telehealth for Movement-Evoked Pain in People With Chronic Achilles Tendinopathy: A Noninferiority Analysis.Post, AA., Rio, EK., Sluka, KA., et al.[2023]

Citations

Education and exercise supplemented by a pain-guided hopping intervention for male recreational runners with midportion Achilles tendinopathy: A single cohort feasibility study. [2021]
Identifying characteristics of resistance-based therapeutic exercise interventions for Achilles tendinopathy: A scoping review. [2023]
Do physical tests have a prognostic value in chronic midportion Achilles tendinopathy? [2023]
Efficacy of heavy eccentric calf training for treating mid-portion Achilles tendinopathy: a systematic review and meta-analysis. [2022]
Can we really say getting stronger makes your tendon feel better? No current evidence of a relationship between change in Achilles tendinopathy pain or disability and changes in Triceps Surae structure or function when completing rehabilitation: A systematic review. [2023]
Factors associated with outcome following exercise interventions for Achilles tendinopathy: A systematic review. [2021]
A DELPHI STUDY OF RISK FACTORS FOR ACHILLES TENDINOPATHY- OPINIONS OF WORLD TENDON EXPERTS. [2020]
Optimizing Recovery After Achilles Tendon Pain: Guidelines Help Deliver Quality Care. [2019]
Comparability of the Effectiveness of Different Types of Exercise in the Treatment of Achilles Tendinopathy: A Systematic Review. [2023]
10.United Statespubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Efficacy of Telehealth for Movement-Evoked Pain in People With Chronic Achilles Tendinopathy: A Noninferiority Analysis. [2023]
Effect of Pain Education and Exercise on Pain and Function in Chronic Achilles Tendinopathy: Protocol for a Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Randomized Trial. [2020]
Unbiased ResultsWe believe in providing patients with all the options.
Your Data Stays Your DataWe only share your information with the clinical trials you're trying to access.
Verified Trials OnlyAll of our trials are run by licensed doctors, researchers, and healthcare companies.
Back to top
Terms of Service·Privacy Policy·Cookies·Security