RecruitingNot Applicable

Effect of Foot Position During Rehabilitation of Achilles Tendinopathy on Tendon Mechanics and Symptoms.

Belgium60 participantsStarted 2026-02-19

Plain-language summary

This study will investigate whether a 12-week load-based exercise program performed with an externally rotated foot position ("toes-out") leads to different changes in intra-tendinous sliding, symptoms, and function compared to a standard exercise program performed with a neutral foot position in individuals with mid-portion Achilles tendinopathy. In addition, physical activity will be monitored during and after the intervention to examine how daily loading patterns relate to symptoms and functional recovery over a 6-month period.

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.

The following inclusion criteria will be used: PATIENTS WITH ACHILLES TENDINOPATHY: * Voluntary written Informed consent of the participant or their legally authorized representative has been obtained prior to any screening procedures. * Age between 18 and 65 years old * BMI between 18.5-30 * Showing history of intermittent episodes of Achilles tendon pain lasting more than 3 consecutive weeks within the past 6 months. * Presenting palpable focal thickening of the Achilles tendon. * Having pain originating from the Achilles tendon on palpation of thickened tendon and on loading activities (such as running, jumping). * Showing sonographic evidence of tendinopathy, i.e. focal thickening and hypoechocity, consistent with previously reported sonographic characteristics diagnosed of tendinopathy. Prior to start of the data collection, these inclusion criteria (specifically the ones concerning Achilles Tendinopathy presence) will be checked by a medical doctor at SMAC (Sports medical advisory centre Leuven). Only if they confirm the diagnosis, patients are included in the study.

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

Intra-tendinous sliding between Achilles tendon layers (derived from ultrasound imaging and analyzed using a speckle tracking algorithm)

Timeframe: Measured during the pre and posttest, respectively the week before and after the 12-week exercise therapy program

Clinical outcomes after Achilles Tendinopathy rehabilitation: Achilles Tendinopathy symptoms based on VISA-A questionnaire

Timeframe: Pretest (one week before the 12-week program), Posttest (one week after the 12-week program), and at week 3,6,9,15,18,21 and 24.

Clinical outcomes after Achilles Tendinopathy rehabilitation: Achilles Tendon functionality based on heel-rise test

Timeframe: Pretest (one week before the 12-week program) and Posttest (one week after the 12-week program)

Clinical outcomes after Achilles Tendinopathy rehabilitation: Achilles Tendon functionality based on hopping till pain test

Timeframe: pretest (one week before the 12-week program) and posttest (one week after the 12-week program)

Trial details

NCT IDNCT07623408

SponsorKU Leuven

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2027-08-31

Contact for this trial

Laura Lecompte, Msc

+32499263609 laura.lecompte@kuleuven.be

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Achilles Tendinopathy (AT) trials