N/A
N=46
Pilot Investigation to Evaluate Effectiveness of Shockwave Therapy, Photobiomodulation and Physical Therapy in the Management of Non-insertional Achilles Tendinopathy
Achilles Tendinopathy
Bottom Line
View on ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT04725513 ↗Enrolled (actual)
46
Serious AEs
0.0%
Results posted
Jan 2026
Primary outcome: Primary: Calf Raises Performed to Fatigue and Inability to Continue — 3; 8; 5 Calf raises
Study Design & Population
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- N/A
- Interventions
- Shockwave Therapy (Device); Photobiomodulation Therapy (Device); Physical Therapy (Other)
- Age
- Adult, Older Adult · 18+ yrs
- Sex
- All
- Sponsor
- Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital
- Primary completion
- Sep 2024
Outcome Measures
| Outcome | Result | p-value |
|---|---|---|
| PRIMARY Calf Raises Performed to Fatigue and Inability to Continue |
3; 8; 5 | — |
| PRIMARY Ultrasound Measurements in Change of Cross Sectional Area |
-0.03; -0.05; -0.03 | — |
| PRIMARY Victorian Institute of Sports Assessment (VISA-A) Questionnaire |
18; 33; 25 | — |
Summary
This is a randomized control trial with an elective cross over after three months to evaluate three different treatments in the management of non-insertional Achilles Tendinopathy. The treatment methods include physical therapy, shockwave therapy and photobiomodulation.
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria
- A diagnosis of mid-portion Achilles tendinopathy (including both unilateral and bilateral)
- Running is the pre-injury primary form of physical activity and pre-injury would complete on average 10 miles per week or more of running
- VISA-A <80 at baseline to be eligible
Exclusion Criteria
- Less than 3 months of symptoms
- Primary insertional Achilles tendinopathy
- Diagnosis of rheumatological disease/connective tissue condition, symptomatic arthritis of foot and ankle, a primary running related injury outside Achilles tendinopathy, other contraindications to PBMT or SWT
- Have received SWT within the past 3 months to their Achilles
- Prior injection within 3 months
- Currently enrolled in PT for more than 4 weeks for their condition
- Women who are pregnant.
- known history of Achilles tendon tear
- currently taking oral steroid or fluoroquinolone class of antibiotics
Data sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04725513). Outcome figures and adverse-event rates are extracted automatically from the registry's posted results and are provided for clinician reference, not as a substitute for the primary publication.