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Early Implementation of Plyometric Exercises in the Rehabilitation of Individuals Suffering From Lower-Extremity Tendinopathies
Sponsor: Aalborg University
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.
Official title: The Efficacy of Early Implementation of Plyometric Exercises in the Rehabilitation of Individuals Suffering From Lower-Extremity Tendinopathies: A Randomised Clinical Trial
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
18 Years - 50 Years
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
120
Start Date
2025-09-18
Completion Date
2028-01
Last Updated
2026-03-04
Healthy Volunteers
No
Interventions
Heavy-slow resistance training
Heavy-slow resistance training consists of a progressive protocol of dynamic exercises where the relative load increases over time from a weight that can only be lifted 15 times (i.e., 15 repetition maximum) during the first week to a relative load of 6 repetition maximum from Week 9 to 12. The exercises are performed unsupervised three days per week separated by a minimum of 48 hours. There are two exercises that are performed for four sets separated by a 2-minute rest. Participants with Achilles tendinopathy or plantar fasciopathy perform seated and standing weighted heel raises and participants with patellar tendinopathy perform a free-standing squat and a seated leg press. Tolerable pain during the exercises is allowed.
Plyometric exercise
The progressive plyometric programme consists of three different levels and is performed unsupervised three times per week separated by a minimum of 48 hours. Each level consists of several exercise sets that are separated by 2-minute rest intervals. Participants' self-evaluated readiness to progress to a higher level will guide the progression. Level 1 includes free-standing double-legged plyometric exercises where they push off the ground and lift their heels while maintaining contact with it. If the participant feels they can do more, they will progress to Level 2, where participants increase the relative load during the dynamic exercises and start performing plyometric double-legged jumps. At the highest level, Level 3, the relative load during the exercises is further increased, and the plyometric exercises are to be performed as single-legged hops. Tolerable pain during the exercises is allowed.
Locations (1)
University College of Northern Denmark
Aalborg, Denmark