Achilles Tendinopathy (AT)LEKC-ATNCT07730866
Lower-Extremity Kinetic Chain Exercise Program for Achilles Tendinopathy
A study testing Lower-Extremity Kinetic Chain Exercise Program and Conventional Exercise Program in people with Achilles Tendinopathy (AT), run by May University in Cairo at 1 site in Egypt.
Trial summary
Achilles tendinopathy is a common condition that causes pain, stiffness, and reduced function of the Achilles tendon. It can affect both physically active individuals and the general adult population, often making everyday activities and exercise more difficult. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 45 years
- Conditions the study is for
- Achilles Tendinopathy (AT)
- What is being tested?
- Lower-Extremity Kinetic Chain Exercise Program and Conventional Exercise Program
- Type of treatment
- Lifestyle or therapy programme
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 50 participants
- Where
- 1 siteEgypt
- Study dates
- 6 Jun 2026to 15 Aug 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 18 to 45 years
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult
Who may be able to join
- Adults aged 18-45 years.
- Male and female participants.
- Clinical diagnosis of Achilles tendinopathy, confirmed by an orthopedic physician or physiotherapist and history of Achilles tendon surgery or lower-limb surgery within the previous 12 months.
- Symptoms (pain, stiffness, and impaired function) persisting for at least 3 months (chronic Achilles tendinopathy).
- Pain reproduced during tendon-loading activities (e.g., walking, running, hopping, or single-leg heel raises).
- Ability to walk independently without an assistive device.
- Body Mass Index (BMI) between 18.5 and <30 kg/m².
- Willingness to participate and provide written informed consent.
Who cannot join
- Patients with insertional Achilles tendinopathy or a partial/complete Achilles tendon rupture.
- History of lower-limb fracture within the previous 12 months.
- Presence of systemic inflammatory, rheumatologic, or connective tissue disorders (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis).
- Neurological disorders affecting balance, gait, or lower-limb function (e.g., stroke, Parkinson's disease, peripheral neuropathy, multiple sclerosis).
- Vestibular disorders or other conditions known to impair postural stability.
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
Egypt1 site
Faculty of Physical Therapy, May University in Cairo
Cairo, Cairo Governorate
About this study
Official title: Effects of a Lower-Extremity Kinetic Chain-Based Exercise Program on Postural Stability and Functional Outcomes in Patients With Achilles Tendinopathy: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Achilles tendinopathy is a common condition that causes pain, stiffness, and reduced function of the Achilles tendon. It can affect both physically active individuals and the general adult population, often making everyday activities and exercise more difficult. Exercise therapy is widely used as the primary conservative treatment; however, rehabilitation programs that focus only on the Achilles tendon may not address movement impairments involving the entire lower extremity.
This randomized controlled trial will evaluate a rehabilitation program based on the lower-extremity kinetic chain in adults with chronic mid-portion Achilles tendinopathy. Fifty participants will be randomly assigned to receive either a kinetic chain-based exercise program or a conventional rehabilitation program. Assessments will be completed before the intervention begins and again after it is finished.
Read more
The study will measure postural stability using the Biodex Balance System, foot and ankle function using the Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS), pain intensity using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), and ankle range of motion using a goniometer.
The results will provide information on the effects of a rehabilitation approach that addresses the coordinated function of the lower extremity in people with chronic Achilles tendinopathy.
Read the detailed description
Background Achilles tendinopathy is one of the most common overuse conditions affecting the lower limb. It is characterized by activity-related pain, localized tenderness, reduced tendon function, and decreased tolerance to loading. These symptoms can limit daily activities, reduce participation in sports or exercise, and affect overall quality of life.
Exercise-based rehabilitation is considered the primary conservative treatment for Achilles tendinopathy. Traditional rehabilitation programs mainly focus on strengthening the Achilles tendon and calf muscles. However, factors such as muscle weakness, impaired neuromuscular control, altered movement patterns, and reduced postural stability elsewhere in the lower extremity may also contribute to symptoms and functional limitations.
The lower-extremity kinetic chain refers to the coordinated interaction of the foot, ankle, knee, hip, pelvis, muscles, fascia, ligaments, and other connective tissues during movement. Changes in the function of one part of this system may influence movement mechanics and loading across the Achilles tendon. A rehabilitation program that addresses the entire kinetic chain may therefore provide a broader approach to managing individuals with chronic Achilles tendinopathy.
Objective
The objective of this randomized controlled trial is to evaluate the effects of a lower-extremity kinetic chain-based exercise program on postural stability, pain intensity, ankle range of motion, and functional outcomes in patients with chronic Achilles tendinopathy.
Study Design
This prospective randomized controlled trial will include 50 adults diagnosed with chronic Achilles tendinopathy. Eligible participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups:
Experimental Group: Lower-extremity kinetic chain-based exercise program added to conventional rehabilitation program.
Control Group: Conventional rehabilitation program only.
Outcome assessments will be performed before the intervention and immediately after the intervention by an assessor who is blinded to group allocation.
Outcome Measures
The study will assess the following outcomes:
Postural Stability: Overall Stability Index (OSI) will be measured using the Biodex Balance System.
Foot and Ankle Function: Assessed using the Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS).
Pain Intensity Level: Evaluated using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS). Ankle Range of Motion: Measured using a universal goniometer. Significance
This study will examine a rehabilitation approach that combines exercises targeting the Achilles tendon with exercises designed to improve the coordinated function of the entire lower extremity. The findings will provide information about the effects of this intervention on balance, pain, ankle mobility, and functional performance in patients with chronic Achilles tendinopathy. The results may help inform future rehabilitation strategies and contribute to the evidence supporting exercise-based management of this condition.
- Conditions
- Achilles Tendinopathy (AT)
- Being tested
- Lower-Extremity Kinetic Chain Exercise Program, Conventional Exercise Program
- Keywords
- Achilles Tendinopathy, Kinetic Chain Exercise, Lower-Extremity Rehabilitation Exercise Therapy, Postural Stability
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Lower-Extremity Kinetic Chain Exercise ProgramBehavioural
The program includes progressive exercises targeting the foot, ankle, knee, hip, and trunk while addressing movement patterns throughout the lower-extremity kinetic chain
Conventional Exercise ProgramBehavioural
A standard rehabilitation program consisting of conventional therapeutic exercises commonly prescribed for chronic Achilles tendinopathy, including tendon-loading and lowe
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Lower-Extremity Kinetic Chain Exercise Group | Experimental | Participants assigned to the experimental group will receive a supervised lower-extremity kinetic chain-based exercise program designed to improve lower-limb neuromuscular control, movement coordination, strength, flexibility, and postural stability. The program includes progressive exercises targeting the foot, ankle, knee, hip, and trunk while addressing movement patterns throughout the lower-extremity kinetic chain, adding to the conventional exercise rehabilitation program. The intervention will be delivered for 8 weeks. Receives: Behavioral: Lower-Extremity Kinetic Chain Exercise Program; Behavioral: Conventional Exercise Program |
| Conventional Exercise Group | Active comparator | Participants assigned to the comparison group will receive a conventional exercise rehabilitation program for chronic Achilles tendinopathy consisting of standard therapeutic exercises focused primarily on the Achilles tendon and calf musculature according to current rehabilitation practice. The intervention will be delivered for the same treatment period as the experimental group. Receives: Behavioral: Conventional Exercise Program |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
overall stability index
The Overall Stability Index (OSI) will be measured using the Biodex Balance System to assess dynamic postural stability. The OSI quantifies the variance of platform displacement from level in all directions during dynamic balance testing. Lower OSI values indicate better postural stability, whereas higher values indicate greater postural instability.
Measured: Baseline and immediately after completion of the 8-week intervention
Secondary outcomes (3)
Pain Intensity Level
Pain intensity will be assessed using a 10-cm Visual Analog Scale (VAS), where 0 represents "no pain" and 10 represents "worst imaginable pain." Participants will rate their average Achilles tendon pain during tendon-loading activities.
Measured: Baseline and immediately after completion of the 8-week intervention
Foot and Ankle Function
Foot and ankle function will be assessed using the Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS), a validated patient-reported outcome measure evaluating pain, symptoms, activities of daily living, sport and recreation function, and foot- and ankle-related quality of life. Higher scores indicate better function and fewer symptoms.
Measured: Baseline and immediately after completion of the 8-week intervention
Ankle Joint Range of Motion
Active ankle dorsiflexion, plantarflexion, inversion, and eversion range of motion will be measured in degrees using a universal goniometer according to standardized measurement procedures. Greater range of motion indicates improved ankle mobility.
Measured: Baseline and immediately after completion of the 8-week intervention
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted28 Jul 2026
- Study start6 Jun 2026
- Primary completion2 Aug 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion15 Aug 2026 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Achilles Tendinopathy (AT)Studies 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
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind
- Who is masked
- Outcomes assessor
- Enrolment
- 50 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- May University in Cairo
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Hajar Mohammed Edris, May University in Cairo
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07730866
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- AT-RCT
- Acronym
- LEKC-AT
- Status last verified
- Jul 2026
- First submitted
- 23 Jul 2026
- Last updated
- 28 Jul 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- 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 28 Jul 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Effects of a Lower-Extremity Kinetic Chain-Based Exercise Program on Postural Stability and Functional Outcomes in Patients With Achilles Tendinopathy: A Randomized Controlled Trial
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07730866
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- LEKC-AT / AT-RCT
- Conditions
- Achilles Tendinopathy (AT)
- Keywords
- Achilles Tendinopathy, Kinetic Chain Exercise, Lower-Extremity Rehabilitation Exercise Therapy, Postural Stability
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Active, not recruiting
- Enrolment
- 50 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- May University in CairoUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 6 Jun 2026 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 2 Aug 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion
- 15 Aug 2026 (estimated)
- First posted
- 28 Jul 2026 (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 condition that causes pain, stiffness, and reduced function of the Achilles tendon. It can affect both physically active individuals and the general adult population, often making everyday activities and exercise more difficult. Exercise therapy is widely used as the primary conservative treatment; however, rehabilitation programs that focus only on the Achilles tendon may not address movement impairments involving the entire lower extremity.
This randomized controlled trial will evaluate a rehabilitation program based on the lower-extremity kinetic chain in adults with chronic mid-portion Achilles tendinopathy. Fifty participants will be randomly assigned to receive either a kinetic chain-based exercise program or a conventional rehabilitation program. Assessments will be completed before the intervention begins and again after it is finished.
The study will measure postural stability using the Biodex Balance System, foot and ankle function using the Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS), pain intensity using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), and ankle range of motion using a goniometer.
The results will provide information on the effects of a rehabilitation approach that addresses the coordinated function of the lower extremity in people with chronic Achilles tendinopathy.
Detailed description
Background Achilles tendinopathy is one of the most common overuse conditions affecting the lower limb. It is characterized by activity-related pain, localized tenderness, reduced tendon function, and decreased tolerance to loading. These symptoms can limit daily activities, reduce participation in sports or exercise, and affect overall quality of life.
Exercise-based rehabilitation is considered the primary conservative treatment for Achilles tendinopathy. Traditional rehabilitation programs mainly focus on strengthening the Achilles tendon and calf muscles. However, factors such as muscle weakness, impaired neuromuscular control, altered movement patterns, and reduced postural stability elsewhere in the lower extremity may also contribute to symptoms and functional limitations.
The lower-extremity kinetic chain refers to the coordinated interaction of the foot, ankle, knee, hip, pelvis, muscles, fascia, ligaments, and other connective tissues during movement. Changes in the function of one part of this system may influence movement mechanics and loading across the Achilles tendon. A rehabilitation program that addresses the entire kinetic chain may therefore provide a broader approach to managing individuals with chronic Achilles tendinopathy.
Objective
The objective of this randomized controlled trial is to evaluate the effects of a lower-extremity kinetic chain-based exercise program on postural stability, pain intensity, ankle range of motion, and functional outcomes in patients with chronic Achilles tendinopathy.
Study Design
This prospective randomized controlled trial will include 50 adults diagnosed with chronic Achilles tendinopathy. Eligible participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups:
Experimental Group: Lower-extremity kinetic chain-based exercise program added to conventional rehabilitation program.
Control Group: Conventional rehabilitation program only.
Outcome assessments will be performed before the intervention and immediately after the intervention by an assessor who is blinded to group allocation.
Outcome Measures
The study will assess the following outcomes:
Postural Stability: Overall Stability Index (OSI) will be measured using the Biodex Balance System.
Foot and Ankle Function: Assessed using the Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS).
Pain Intensity Level: Evaluated using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS). Ankle Range of Motion: Measured using a universal goniometer. Significance
This study will examine a rehabilitation approach that combines exercises targeting the Achilles tendon with exercises designed to improve the coordinated function of the entire lower extremity. The findings will provide information about the effects of this intervention on balance, pain, ankle mobility, and functional performance in patients with chronic Achilles tendinopathy. The results may help inform future rehabilitation strategies and contribute to the evidence supporting exercise-based management of this condition.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind (outcomes assessor)
- Number of arms
- 2
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Lower-Extremity Kinetic Chain Exercise Group | Experimental | Behavioral: Lower-Extremity Kinetic Chain Exercise Program, Behavioral: Conventional Exercise ProgramParticipants assigned to the experimental group will receive a supervised lower-extremity kinetic chain-based exercise program designed to improve lower-limb neuromuscular control, movement coordination, strength, flexibility, and postural stability. The program includes progressive exercises targeting the foot, ankle, knee, hip, and trunk while addressing movement patterns throughout the lower-extremity kinetic chain, adding to the conventional exercise rehabilitation program. The intervention will be delivered for 8 weeks. |
| Conventional Exercise Group | Active comparator | Behavioral: Conventional Exercise ProgramParticipants assigned to the comparison group will receive a conventional exercise rehabilitation program for chronic Achilles tendinopathy consisting of standard therapeutic exercises focused primarily on the Achilles tendon and calf musculature according to current rehabilitation practice. The intervention will be delivered for the same treatment period as the experimental group. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 45 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
Key inclusion criteria (8 listed)
- Adults aged 18-45 years.
- Male and female participants.
- Clinical diagnosis of Achilles tendinopathy, confirmed by an orthopedic physician or physiotherapist and history of Achilles tendon surgery or lower-limb surgery within the previous 12 months.
- Symptoms (pain, stiffness, and impaired function) persisting for at least 3 months (chronic Achilles tendinopathy).
- Pain reproduced during tendon-loading activities (e.g., walking, running, hopping, or single-leg heel raises).
Key exclusion criteria (5 listed)
- Patients with insertional Achilles tendinopathy or a partial/complete Achilles tendon rupture.
- History of lower-limb fracture within the previous 12 months.
- Presence of systemic inflammatory, rheumatologic, or connective tissue disorders (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis).
- Neurological disorders affecting balance, gait, or lower-limb function (e.g., stroke, Parkinson's disease, peripheral neuropathy, multiple sclerosis).
- Vestibular disorders or other conditions known to impair postural stability.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Lower-Extremity Kinetic Chain Exercise ProgramThe program includes progressive exercises targeting the foot, ankle, knee, hip, and trunk while addressing movement patterns throughout the lower-extremity kinetic chain | Behavioural | Lower-Extremity Kinetic Chain Exercise Group |
| Conventional Exercise ProgramA standard rehabilitation program consisting of conventional therapeutic exercises commonly prescribed for chronic Achilles tendinopathy, including tendon-loading and lowe | Behavioural | Conventional Exercise Group, Lower-Extremity Kinetic Chain Exercise Group |
Primary outcome
overall stability index
Time frame: Baseline and immediately after completion of the 8-week intervention
The Overall Stability Index (OSI) will be measured using the Biodex Balance System to assess dynamic postural stability. The OSI quantifies the variance of platform displacement from level in all directions during dynamic balance testing. Lower OSI values indicate better postural stability, whereas higher values indicate greater postural instability.
3 secondary outcomes
Pain Intensity Level
Time frame: Baseline and immediately after completion of the 8-week intervention
Foot and Ankle Function
Time frame: Baseline and immediately after completion of the 8-week intervention
Ankle Joint Range of Motion
Time frame: Baseline and immediately after completion of the 8-week intervention
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 28 Jul 2026.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No
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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 Lower-Extremity Kinetic Chain Exercise Program and Conventional Exercise Program in people with Achilles Tendinopathy (AT), run by May University in Cairo at 1 site in Egypt.
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 8 inclusion and 5 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 28 Jul 2026. 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 Egypt. 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?
overall stability index (time frame: Baseline and immediately after completion of the 8-week intervention). 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 28 Jul 2026.