Early Progressive Strength Exercise for Treatment of Acute Achilles Tendon Rupture.

A Randomized Controlled Trial on the Effect of Early Progressive Strength Exercise for Treatment of Acute Achilles Tendon Rupture. The Achilles Tendon Back-On-Track Study.

The purpose of this trial is to investigate the efficacy of standard care versus standard care combined with an early progressive exercise program in improving the function of the tendon and leg muscles after non-surgical treated Achilles tendon rupture

Acute Achilles tendon rupture often results in long-term muscular deficits. Patients struggle to return to work and sports with high load on the lower leg. Early functional rehabilitation has shown good results, but research on resistance exercise is scarce and the reporting of the specifics of the exercises are poor.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Acute total Achilles tendon rupture treated non-surgically
• Diagnosed within 3 days (of their injury)
• Age 18 - 65, able and willing to participate in the intervention
• Able to speak and understand Danish

Exclusion Criteria:

• Achilles tendon rupture close to insertion on calcaneus or in the musculo-tendinous junction of the triceps surae
• Previous Achilles tendon rupture or other conditions in either leg causing lower leg disability (pain, deficits in strength or range of movement)
• Treated with Fluoroquinolons or Corticosteroids within the last 6 months
• Diabetes or rheumatic diseases
• Severe medical illness: ASA score higher than or equal to 3. (ASA: American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status classification system)