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.
Inclusion Criteria:
- Adults aged 18-45 years.
Exclusion Criteria:
- Patients with insertional Achilles tendinopathy or a partial/complete Achilles tendon rupture.
History of lower-limb fracture within the previous 12 months.
Participants assigned to the experimental group will receive a supervised lower-extremity kinetic chain-based exercise program designed to improve lower-limb neuromuscular control, movement coordination, strength, flexibility, and postural stability. The program includes progressive exercises targeting the foot, ankle, knee, hip, and trunk while addressing movement patterns throughout the lower-extremity kinetic chain, adding to the conventional exercise rehabilitation program. The intervention will be delivered for 8 weeks.
Participants assigned to the comparison group will receive a conventional exercise rehabilitation program for chronic Achilles tendinopathy consisting of standard therapeutic exercises focused primarily on the Achilles tendon and calf musculature according to current rehabilitation practice. The intervention will be delivered for the same treatment period as the experimental group.
Cairo, Cairo Governorate, Egypt
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Effect of Foot Position During Rehabilitation of Achilles Tendinopathy on Tendon Mechanics and Symptoms.
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Comparative Effect of Accelerated Rehabilitation and Eccentric Strengthening Exercises on Patients With AT
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TDN, Manual Therapy and Exercise For the Management of Achilles Tendinopathy
RCT of Home-based vs Formal Physical Therapy for Treatment of New Onset Non-insertional Achilles Tendinopathy