Astym® Compared Eccentric Exercise for Chronic Mid-substance Achilles Tendinopathy

Not Applicable

Terminated

• Conditions: Achilles Tendon Pain
• Interventions: Procedure: Astym

• Registration Number: NCT01902433
• Lead Sponsor: Emily Slaven, PT, PhD

Brief Summary

The purpose of this study is to compare the changes in pain and self-perceived function between two different treatments for Achilles tendinopathy: the Astym® protocol (a form of soft tissue mobilization using instruments) and a specific exercise protocol that involves strengthening the calf and Achilles tendon. Astym® (A-stim) is not an acronym, but rather stands for "A Stimulation" of the body's healing response, describing the physiologic process which occurs with Astym treatment. Astym is the trademark name of a non-invasive treatment where instruments are applied topically to locate unhealthy soft tissue, and to transfer mild to moderate pressure to the underlying soft tissue structures. The aim of Astym treatment is to eliminate scar tissue and stimulate tissue regeneration. Both the principal investigator and co-investigator have been trained and certified in administering the Astym treatment. The specific exercise protocol will involve exercises that strengthen the Achilles and calf through eccentric exercise. Eccentric exercise is a form of exercise where the benefit comes from applying a controlled lengthening stress to the muscle and tendon.

Detailed Description

Not available

Study Timeline

• Study First Submitted: 2013-07-15
• Study First Submitted QC: 2013-07-17
• Study First Posted: 2013-07-18
• Study Start: 2013-08
• Status Verified: 2017-01
• Primary Completion: 2017-01
• Study Completion: 2017-01
• Last Update Submitted: 2017-01-21
• Last Update Posted: 2017-01-24

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: TERMINATED
• Sex: All
• Target Recruitment: 50

Inclusion Criteria

Not provided

Exclusion Criteria

Not provided

Study & Design

• Study Type: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Design: PARALLEL

Arm && Interventions

Group	Intervention	Description
Astym	Astym	A form of soft tissue mobilization using instruments
Eccentric Exercise	Astym	Eccentric exercise is a form of exercise where the benefit comes from applying a controlled lengthening stress to the muscle and tendon.

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
VISA-A	1 year

Secondary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Numeric Pain Rating Scale	1 year

Trial Locations

Locations (2)

IU Health; 🇺🇸 Indianapolis, Indiana, United States

Utah Physical Therapy; 🇺🇸 Lehi, Utah, United States