Active — Not RecruitingNot Applicable

Lower-Extremity Kinetic Chain Exercise Program for Achilles Tendinopathy

Egypt50 participantsStarted 2026-06-06

Plain-language 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. 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.

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years – 45 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: \- 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. Exclusion Criteria: \- 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.

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

overall stability index

Timeframe: Baseline and immediately after completion of the 8-week intervention

Trial details

NCT IDNCT07730866

SponsorMay University in Cairo

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2026-08-02

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