Effects of a Lower-Extremity Kinetic Chain-Based Exercise Program on Postural Stability and Functional Outcomes in Patients With Achilles Tendinopathy: A Randomized Controlled Trial
试验速览
- 阶段
- 不适用
- 状态
- 进行中（未招募）
- 发起方
- 入组人数
- 50
- 试验地点
- 1
- 主要终点
- overall stability index
研究概览
简要总结
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.
详细描述
Background Achilles tendinopathy is one of the most common overuse conditions affecting the lower limb. It is characterized by activity-related pain, localized tenderness, reduced tendon function, and decreased tolerance to loading. These symptoms can limit daily activities, reduce participation in sports or exercise, and affect overall quality of life.
Exercise-based rehabilitation is considered the primary conservative treatment for Achilles tendinopathy. Traditional rehabilitation programs mainly focus on strengthening the Achilles tendon and calf muscles. However, factors such as muscle weakness, impaired neuromuscular control, altered movement patterns, and reduced postural stability elsewhere in the lower extremity may also contribute to symptoms and functional limitations.
The lower-extremity kinetic chain refers to the coordinated interaction of the foot, ankle, knee, hip, pelvis, muscles, fascia, ligaments, and other connective tissues during movement. Changes in the function of one part of this system may influence movement mechanics and loading across the Achilles tendon. A rehabilitation program that addresses the entire kinetic chain may therefore provide a broader approach to managing individuals with chronic Achilles tendinopathy.
Objective
The objective of this randomized controlled trial is to evaluate the effects of a lower-extremity kinetic chain-based exercise program on postural stability, pain intensity, ankle range of motion, and functional outcomes in patients with chronic Achilles tendinopathy.
研究设计
- 研究类型
- Interventional
- 分配方式
- Randomized
- 干预模型
- Parallel
- 主要目的
- Treatment
- 盲法
- Single (Outcomes Assessor)
入排标准
- 年龄范围
- 18 Years 至 45 Years（Adult）
- 性别
- All
- 接受健康志愿者
- 否
入选标准
- •- Adults aged 18-45 years.
- •Male and female participants.
- •Clinical diagnosis of Achilles tendinopathy, confirmed by an orthopedic physician or physiotherapist and history of Achilles tendon surgery or lower-limb surgery within the previous 12 months.
- •Symptoms (pain, stiffness, and impaired function) persisting for at least 3 months (chronic Achilles tendinopathy).
- •Pain reproduced during tendon-loading activities (e.g., walking, running, hopping, or single-leg heel raises).
- •Ability to walk independently without an assistive device.
- •Body Mass Index (BMI) between 18.5 and <30 kg/m².
- •Willingness to participate and provide written informed consent.
排除标准
- •- Patients with insertional Achilles tendinopathy or a partial/complete Achilles tendon rupture.
- •History of lower-limb fracture within the previous 12 months.
- •Presence of systemic inflammatory, rheumatologic, or connective tissue disorders (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis).
- •Neurological disorders affecting balance, gait, or lower-limb function (e.g., stroke, Parkinson's disease, peripheral neuropathy, multiple sclerosis).
- •Vestibular disorders or other conditions known to impair postural stability.
结局指标
主要结局
overall stability index
时间窗: Baseline and immediately after completion of the 8-week intervention
The Overall Stability Index (OSI) will be measured using the Biodex Balance System to assess dynamic postural stability. The OSI quantifies the variance of platform displacement from level in all directions during dynamic balance testing. Lower OSI values indicate better postural stability, whereas higher values indicate greater postural instability.
次要结局
- Pain Intensity Level(Baseline and immediately after completion of the 8-week intervention)
- Foot and Ankle Function(Baseline and immediately after completion of the 8-week intervention)
- Ankle Joint Range of Motion(Baseline and immediately after completion of the 8-week intervention)
研究者
Hajar Mohammed Edris
Lecturer of physical Therapy, Department of Basic Science
May University in Cairo