Achilles Tendon Rupture Patient Outcomes at 12 Months
United Kingdom115 participantsStarted 2026-10-01
Plain-language summary
Achilles tendon rupture is a common injury that can significantly impact strength, function, and quality of life. While non-surgical management using structured rehabilitation protocols such as the Swansea Morriston Achilles Rupture Treatment (SMART) protocol is increasingly adopted, there is limited evidence on long-term recovery outcomes, particularly beyond six months.
This study aims to evaluate recovery at 12-15 months following non-surgical management of Achilles tendon rupture in an NHS population. Participants will attend a single study visit during which plantarflexor muscle strength will be assessed using isokinetic dynamometry, and patient-reported outcomes will be collected using the Achilles Tendon Total Rupture Score (ATRS) and EQ-5D-5L questionnaire. Achilles Tendon Resting Angle (ATRA) will also be measured to provide an estimate of tendon elongation.
The primary objectives are to quantify plantarflexor strength recovery and self-reported functional outcomes. Secondary analyses will explore associations between strength, tendon elongation, quality of life, return to sport, and pre-injury symptoms.
This cross-sectional observational study will recruit adult patients managed non-surgically with the SMART protocol from Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. Findings will provide clinically relevant data on long-term recovery following conservative treatment and may inform rehabilitation strategies and return-to-activity decision-making.
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:
Aged 18 years or older at the time of recruitment
* Have a confirmed diagnosis of Achilles tendon rupture, diagnosed clinically and recorded within the NHS clinical database
* Have been managed non-surgically using the SMART (Swansea Morriston Achilles Rupture Treatment) rehabilitation protocol
* Be between 12 and 15 months post-injury at the time of study assessment
* Be able and willing to provide written informed consent to participate in the study
Exclusion Criteria:
* Unable to provide informed consent
* Have previously undergone surgical repair of the Achilles tendon or experienced a re-rupture
* Have a neuromuscular or neurological condition that could affect lower limb strength or function
* Did not follow the SMART rehabilitation protocol for non-surgical management
* Have a history of Achilles tendinopathy or rupture in the contralateral (uninjured) limb
* Are unable to tolerate isokinetic strength testing due to pain, discomfort, or other medical reasons
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
1
Isokinetic plantarflexor strength
Timeframe: 12-15 months post-injury (single study visit)
2
Achilles Tendon Total Rupture Score
Timeframe: 12-15 months post-injury (single study visit)
Trial details
NCT IDNCT07391553
SponsorLiverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust