NCT06905743

Isometric Contraction-Based Pain Modulation Versus Eccentric Strengthening in Treating Achilles Tendinopathy

• Status: Active Not Recruiting
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 38 (actual)
• Sponsor: Superior University · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 20 Years – 60 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

Summary

Achilles tendinopathy is a common overuse injury that leads to pain and functional limitations. Traditional rehabilitation focuses on eccentric strengthening, which has been widely studied for its benefits in promoting tendon remodeling and improving strength. However, recent research suggests that isometric contractions may offer superior pain modulation effects, especially in the early stages of rehabilitation.

Detailed description

This study aims to compare the effectiveness of isometric contraction-based pain modulation versus eccentric strengthening in treating Achilles tendinopathy. Isometric exercises involve maintaining a static muscle contraction, which has been shown to reduce pain through neuromuscular mechanisms, potentially making it a valuable alternative or complement to eccentric loading.

Conditions

• Achilles Tendinopathy

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
DIAGNOSTIC_TEST	Isometric Contraction-Based Pain Modulation Protocol for Achilles Tendinopathy	The standard recommendation for tendinopathy rehab became 30 to 45 second heavy isometric contractions repeated for 3 to 5 repetitions
COMBINATION_PRODUCT	Eccentric Strengthening (Alfredson's Protocol for Achilles Tendinopathy )	The eccentric loading protocol, popularized by the research of Alfredson, consisted of 3 sets of 15 for both bent knee and straight knee heel raises with each heel lowering lasting 3-seconds

Timeline

• Start date: 2025-03-20
• Primary completion: 2025-06-20
• Completion: 2026-02-20
• First posted: 2025-04-01
• Last updated: 2025-04-01

Locations

1 site across 1 country: Pakistan