The Efficacy of Early Implementation of Plyometric Exercises in the Rehabilitation of Individuals Suffering From Lower-Extremity Tendinopathies: A Randomised Clinical Trial

Status: Recruiting
Location: See location...
Intervention Type: Other
Study Type: Interventional
Study Phase: Not Applicable
SUMMARY

This clinical trial aims to compare the effectiveness of an early plyometric exercise approach with traditional heavy, slow resistance training in treating tendinopathies of the Achilles tendon, patellar tendon, and plantar fascia. These conditions, commonly seen in general and rheumatology practices, cause pain, reduced function, and stiffness, often leading to prolonged recovery and incomplete return to full physical activity. The study hypothesizes that introducing plyometric exercises early in rehabilitation will improve jump function after 12 weeks and reduce re-injury rates within 52 weeks compared to traditional methods. The study is a randomized clinical trial including 120 participants aged 18-50 with tendinopathy in one of the targeted areas. Participants must regularly engage in running or jumping sports, have symptoms for at least three months, and meet other inclusion criteria. Exclusion criteria include recent surgery or specific medical conditions. Both groups will perform exercises three times weekly for 12 weeks, tailored to their tendinopathy. The intervention group will add progressive plyometric exercises to the standard strength training performed by the control group. Plyometric training will consist of three levels, with patients self-assessing readiness to progress. The primary outcome is the change in the plyometric quotient, a measure of functional ability, based on a jump test using a force platform at 0 and 12 weeks. Secondary outcomes include dynamic strength, jump height, patient-reported symptoms (via questionnaires), return to sport, training compliance, adverse events, pain thresholds, re-injury rates, and psychological readiness for sports. Assessments will occur at baseline, 12 weeks, and 52 weeks.

Eligibility
Participation Requirements
Sex: All
Minimum Age: 18
Maximum Age: 50
Healthy Volunteers: f
View:

• 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

• have had symptoms for at least three months

• have pain/soreness with palpation of the tendon/fascia

• mean pain during the past week of at least 2 on a 0 to 10 Numerical Rating Scale

• pain during a pain provocation test (patellar tendinopathy: five single-legged decline squats, Achilles tendinopathy and plantar fasciopathy: ten single-legged heel raises)

Locations
Other Locations
Denmark
University College of Northern Denmark
RECRUITING
Aalborg
Contact Information
Primary
Henrik Riel, PhD
heri@ucn.dk
0045 72691014
Time Frame
Start Date: 2025-08
Estimated Completion Date: 2028-01
Participants
Target number of participants: 120
Treatments
Experimental: Plyometrics
Performing both heavy-slow resistance training and the plyometric protocol
Active_comparator: Control
Perform heavy-slow resistance training
Related Therapeutic Areas
Sponsors
Leads: Aalborg University
Collaborators: Department of Physiotherapy, University College of Northern Denmark

This content was sourced from clinicaltrials.gov