CompletedNot Applicable

Eccentric Exercise Versus Eccentric Exercise and Astym for Insertional Achilles Tendinopathy

United States16 participantsStarted 2013-12

Plain-language summary

The purpose of this research study is to determine if Astym® treatment is an effective treatment for patients with Achilles pain. The usual treatment for this condition is a specific exercise program that has been previously shown to be effective. The research team is trying to determine if combining Astym with the exercise program is more effective than exercise program only. The main hypothesis for this study is that Astym plus eccentric exercise will be more effective than eccentric exercise alone at improving pain and function in patients with insertional Achilles tendinopathy.

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria: * diagnosis of insertional AT as a primary complaint\* * symptom duration of at least 6 weeks * VISA-A score of 78 or lower * he presence of insertional AT will be clinically determined by the primary investigator using the following criteria: pain at or within 2 cm of the posterior calcaneal insertion of the Achilles tendon along with localized tenderness and a subjective report of decreased activity levels secondary to Achilles pain. Exclusion Criteria: * prior treatment with eccentric exercise or Astym for Achilles tendinopathy * currently taking anticoagulant medication * usage of fluoroquinolone antibiotics in the previous six months * previous Achilles surgery on the involved side * bilateral symptoms * pregnancy * worker's compensation or liability cases * peripheral neuropathy * signs of lumbar radiculopathy * inability to complete the required outcomes forms or comply with the recommended treatment regimen

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Victorian Institute of Sport Assessment- Achilles Specific Questionnaire (VISA-A)

Timeframe: 12 weeks

Trial details

NCT IDNCT01988155

SponsorIndiana University Health Ball Memorial Hospital Rehabiliation Services

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2015-12

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Insertional Achilles Tendinopathy trials