Achilles TendinopathyNCT06905743
Isometric Contraction-Based Pain Modulation Versus Eccentric Strengthening in Treating Achilles Tendinopathy
A study testing Isometric Contraction-Based Pain Modulation Protocol for Achilles Tendinopathy and Eccentric Strengthening (Alfredson's Protocol for Achilles Tendinopathy ) in people with Achilles Tendinopathy, run by Superior University at 1 site in Pakistan.
Trial summary
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. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 20 to 60 years
- Conditions the study is for
- Achilles Tendinopathy
- What is being tested?
- Isometric Contraction-Based Pain Modulation Protocol for Achilles Tendinopathy and Eccentric Strengthening (Alfredson's Protocol for Achilles Tendinopathy )
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 38 participants
- Where
- 1 sitePakistan
- Study dates
- 20 Mar 2025to 20 Feb 2026
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- Not yet: the study is under way
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 20 to 60 years
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult
Who may be able to join
- 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.
Who cannot join
- 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.
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
Pakistan1 site
Punjab Social Security Health Management Hospital Manga Raiwind
Lahore, Punjab Province
About this study
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.
Read the detailed description
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.
- Conditions
- Achilles Tendinopathy
- Being tested
- Isometric Contraction-Based Pain Modulation Protocol for Achilles Tendinopathy, Eccentric Strengthening (Alfredson's Protocol for Achilles Tendinopathy )
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
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
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Isometric Contraction-Based Pain Modulation Protocol for Achilles Tendinopathy | Experimental | Not described Receives: Diagnostic Test: Isometric Contraction-Based Pain Modulation Protocol for Achilles Tendinopathy |
| Eccentric Strengthening (Alfredson's Protocol for Achilles Tendinopathy ) | Experimental | Not described Receives: Combination Product: Eccentric Strengthening (Alfredson's Protocol for Achilles Tendinopathy ) |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
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.
Measured: 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 .
Measured: 12 Months
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted1 Apr 2025
- Study start20 Mar 2025
- Primary completion20 Jun 2025 (estimated)
- Study completion20 Feb 2026 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Achilles TendinopathyStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Health services research
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Enrolment
- 38 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Superior University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Muhammad Naveed Babur, Superior University
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT06905743
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- MSRSW/Batch-Fall23/789
- Status last verified
- Mar 2025
- First submitted
- 25 Mar 2025
- Last updated
- 1 Apr 2025
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- Yes
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 1 Apr 2025. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Isometric Contraction-Based Pain Modulation Versus Eccentric Strengthening in Treating Achilles Tendinopathy
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT06905743
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- MSRSW/Batch-Fall23/789
- Conditions
- Achilles Tendinopathy
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Active, not recruiting
- Enrolment
- 38 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- Superior UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 20 Mar 2025 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 20 Jun 2025 (estimated)
- Study completion
- 20 Feb 2026 (estimated)
- First posted
- 1 Apr 2025 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
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.
Detailed description
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 design
- Primary purpose
- Health services research
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Number of arms
- 2
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Isometric Contraction-Based Pain Modulation Protocol for Achilles Tendinopathy | Experimental | Diagnostic Test: Isometric Contraction-Based Pain Modulation Protocol for Achilles Tendinopathy |
| Eccentric Strengthening (Alfredson's Protocol for Achilles Tendinopathy ) | Experimental | Combination Product: Eccentric Strengthening (Alfredson's Protocol for Achilles Tendinopathy ) |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 20 to 60 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
Key inclusion criteria (4 listed)
- 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.
Key exclusion criteria (7 listed)
- 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)
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Isometric Contraction-Based Pain Modulation Protocol for Achilles TendinopathyThe standard recommendation for tendinopathy rehab became 30 to 45 second heavy isometric contractions repeated for 3 to 5 repetitions | Diagnostic test | Isometric Contraction-Based Pain Modulation Protocol for Achilles Tendinopathy |
| Eccentric Strengthening (Alfredson's Protocol for Achilles Tendinopathy )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 | Combination product | Eccentric Strengthening (Alfredson's Protocol for Achilles Tendinopathy ) |
Primary outcome
NUMERIC PAIN RATING SCALE (NPRS):
Time frame: 12 Months
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.
PRESSURE ALGOMETRY:
Time frame: 12 Months
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 .
Results and safety
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 1 Apr 2025.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No
Related trials for Achilles Tendinopathy
Not yet recruitingObservational study
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Achilles Insertional Tendinopathy, Achilles Tendinopathy
Not yet recruitingObservational study
Human Tendon Tissue Collection
Tendinopathy, Musculoskeletal Diseases or Conditions
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Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy and Platelet-Rich Plasma for Midportion Achilles Tendinopathy
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Evaluation of Collagen-based Medical Device Treatment Combined With Physiotherapy in Subjects With Achilles Tendinopathy.
Tendinopathy, Insertional Achilles Tendinopathy
Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
The record lists no contact. Use the official record to reach the sponsor.
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Isometric Contraction-Based Pain Modulation Protocol for Achilles Tendinopathy and Eccentric Strengthening (Alfredson's Protocol for Achilles Tendinopathy ) in people with Achilles Tendinopathy, run by Superior University at 1 site in Pakistan.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 4 inclusion and 7 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: under way, not looking for participants, as of the sponsor's last update on 1 Apr 2025. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in Pakistan. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
NUMERIC PAIN RATING SCALE (NPRS): (time frame: 12 Months). The study lists 2 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 1 Apr 2025; AzTrials last refreshed its copy on 31 Oct 2026.