RecruitingNot ApplicableNCT05241197

Effects of Low-load Resistance Training With Blood Flow Restriction in Patients With Achilles Tendinopathy

Sponsor

University of Gran Rosario

Enrollment

52 participants

Start Date

Apr 29, 2022

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Conditions

Achilles tendinopathy Tendon Injuries Achilles Tendon Pain

Summary

Midportion Achilles tendinopathy (MAT) is a common overuse injury of the lower extremity characterized by the presence of pain, restricted function and interruption of sport activities. Conservative management of MAT has been suggested as the first line of treatment. Actually, there are several exercise programs with beneficial effects on pain and function among which high load training stands out. However, this training modality is inherently difficult to implement in certain populations and pathological conditions due to their inability to tolerate this mechanical stress. In this sense, low load training with blood flow restriction (BFR-LLT) emerges as an effective option in producing hypertrophic adaptations with low intensities (30% 1RM). However, this training modality has not yet been studied in tendon pathology. The aim of this study is to evaluate the potential clinical effects of BFR-LLT in comparison with HLT in patients with chronic MAT.

Eligibility

Min Age: 18 YearsMax Age: 50 Years

Plain Language Summary

Simplified for easier understanding

This study investigates whether low-load resistance training combined with blood flow restriction (BFR) — a technique using a pressure cuff to safely limit blood flow during exercise — can more effectively treat Achilles tendinopathy than standard exercises alone. Achilles tendinopathy is chronic pain and degeneration of the Achilles tendon at the back of the ankle that can persist for months. You may be eligible if: - You are between 18 and 50 years old - You have had Achilles tendon pain for more than 3 months - You have a clinical diagnosis of mid-portion Achilles tendinopathy (MAT) - You can attend in-clinic treatment sessions 2 to 3 times per week for 12 weeks - You can understand and communicate in Spanish You may NOT be eligible if: - You have had ankle or foot surgery before - You have a history of Achilles tendon rupture - You have heel pain in the last 3 months - You have a history of deep vein thrombosis, hypertension, or clotting disorders - Your BMI is above 30 - You are pregnant - You have received steroid injections or systemic fluoroquinolone antibiotics recently - Your pain is very mild (less than 2/10) or your VISA-A function score is above 90% Talk to your doctor to see if this trial is right for you.

This summary was AI-generated to explain the trial in plain language. It is not medical advice. Always discuss eligibility with your doctor before enrolling in a clinical trial.

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Interventions

OTHERLow Load Training with Blood Flow Restriction

A 12-cm-wide pneumatic nylon tourniquet will be proximally positioned with a snug fit on each thigh. Previously, arterial occlusion pressure (AOP) will be determined using a handheld Doppler Ultrasound in a standing position for each participant. For training routines, cuff pressure will be set to 50% of each individual´s AOP and will be keep inflated during the entire session including the interset rest period of 1 minute. Between the two exercises, the cuff will be deflated for 3 minutes.

OTHERHigh Load Training

All participants in this arm will do two exercises, unilateral dynamic standing and sitting calf-raises, with a training load of 70% 1RM, being progressively increased by 5% every four weeks from 70% to 80%. This protocol will consist of three sets of 6-12 repetitions with a interset rest period of 1 minute and 3 minutes rest between exercises.