Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy and Platelet-Rich Plasma for Midportion Achilles Tendinopathy (NCT07483320) | Clinical Trial Compass
Not Yet RecruitingNot Applicable
Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy and Platelet-Rich Plasma for Midportion Achilles Tendinopathy
United States100 participantsStarted 2026-06-01
Plain-language summary
Midportion Achilles tendinopathy is a common cause of pain and functional limitation in both athletes and the general population. Progressive tendon loading programs are considered first-line treatment but do not lead to satisfactory outcomes in all patients. Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections are commonly used interventions for refractory symptoms, yet evidence supporting their combined use is limited particularly in treating Achilles tendon disorders.
This randomized controlled trial will evaluate the effectiveness of a standardized exercise program alone or in combination with PRP injection, ESWT, or both therapies in active adults with midportion Achilles tendinopathy. Participants will be randomized to one of four treatment groups and followed for six months. The primary outcome will assess changes in Achilles tendon symptoms and function using the Victorian Institute of Sport Assessment-Achilles (VISA-A) score. Secondary outcomes will include patient-reported outcomes, physical function testing, ultrasound tendon structure measures, and gait biomechanics.
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years – 65 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:
* Age 18-65 years
* Diagnosis of unilateral midportion Achilles tendinopathy
* Symptoms present for more than 3 months
* VISA-A score \<80 at baseline
* Pre-injury physical activity level ≥3 on the Physical Activity Scale
* Ability to participate in rehabilitation program
Exclusion Criteria:
* Symptoms present for less than 3 months
* Prior PRP injection or ESWT treatment to the Achilles tendon within 3 months
* Other lower extremity musculoskeletal injury affecting function
* Symptomatic arthritis affecting the ankle or foot
* Rheumatologic disease or connective tissue disorder
* Coagulopathy or anticoagulant therapy affecting platelet function
* Neuropathy affecting pain perception
* Known cardiac condition contraindicating treatment
* Poorly controlled diabetes (HbA1c \>9.0)
* Pregnancy
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
Victorian Institute of Sport Assessment-Achilles (VISA-A)