Early Implementation of Plyometric Exercises in the Rehabilitation of Individuals Suffering from Lower-Extremity Tendinopathies

Launched by AALBORG UNIVERSITY · Jan 12, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying how effective a new type of exercise called plyometric exercises is for people with certain tendon issues, specifically in the Achilles tendon, patellar tendon, and plantar fascia. Tendinopathies can cause pain and stiffness, making it hard for people to return to their normal activities. The researchers believe that starting plyometric exercises early in rehabilitation might help improve jumping ability and lower the chances of re-injury compared to traditional strength training methods.

To participate in the trial, you need to be between 18 and 50 years old and regularly engage in running or jumping sports. You should have had symptoms for at least three months and experience pain in the affected area. Participants will do exercises three times a week for 12 weeks, with one group focusing on plyometric exercises in addition to strength training. Throughout the study, your progress will be monitored through various tests and questionnaires to check how well your condition improves. This trial is currently not recruiting participants, but it aims to provide important insights into better rehabilitation methods for tendon injuries.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • 1. participants are required to perform either recreational running or participate in sports that include running or jumping activities (e.g., football, basketball, handball, volleyball) at least once per week for at least three months before inclusion
• • 2. have had symptoms for at least three months
• • 3. have pain/soreness with palpation of the tendon/fascia
• • 4. mean pain during the past week of at least 2 on a 0 to 10 Numerical Rating Scale
• • 5. pain during a pain provocation test (patellar tendinopathy: five single-legged decline squats, Achilles tendinopathy and plantar fasciopathy: ten single-legged heel raises)
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • 1. previous lower-extremity surgery
• • 2. other lower-extremity musculoskeletal conditions that have required treatment by a healthcare professional during the past three months
• • 3. pregnancy
• • 4. diabetes
• • 5. history of inflammatory systemic diseases (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis or spondylarthritis)
• • 6. having received an injection with corticosteroid within the past six months.