Clinical Research Directory
Browse clinical research sites, groups, and studies.
Comparative Effects of Laser and Extracorpeal Shock Wave in Patients With Achilles Tendinopathy.
Sponsor: Riphah International University
Summary
Achilles tendinopathy is a prevalent condition characterized by pain, swelling, and impaired function of the Achilles tendon, commonly affecting athletes and active individuals. The disorder arises from a failed healing response, leading to degenerative changes in the tendon without significant inflammation. It is categorized into insertional (at the calcaneus-Achilles junction) and non-insertional (2-6 cm proximal to the insertion) types. Intrinsic risk factors include biomechanical abnormalities and systemic conditions like diabetes and hypertension, while extrinsic factors involve excessive mechanical load and training errors. Effective management of Achilles tendinopathy is crucial for preventing long-term disability and ensuring the continuation of physical activities.
Official title: Comparative Effects of Laser and Extracorpeal Shock Wave Therapy on Pain, Range of Motion and Function in Patients With Achilles Tendinopathy.
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
18 Years - 40 Years
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
44
Start Date
2025-07-24
Completion Date
2025-10-20
Last Updated
2025-07-07
Healthy Volunteers
No
Conditions
Interventions
Laser
The therapy system will be used the Thor DD Laser Therapy Unit. This will be a class 3B laser with an 810-nm, 100-mW infrared probe. Laser or placebo laser treatment protocols will be identical and will be delivered with the patients lying prone, with their foot over the end of the treatment plinth and the ankle plantar-grade. The contact method will be used to apply the laser treatment probe to 3 standardized points on both sides of the Achilles' tendon (6 in all: at the site of the lesion, 2cm proximal, and 2cm distal) for 30 seconds, giving a dose of 3J per point and 18J per session for the active probe(23). The treating physiotherapist, without any knowledge of which position on the switch will be the active laser, will select position 1 or 2 on the switch according to group allocation.
Extracorporeal shock wave therapy protocol
When treating Achilles tendinopathy, most researchers will be used 3 sessions of extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) with a one-week break in between. There will also be shorter breaks of 3 to 4 days or longer 2-week breaks. The number of pulses per session will range from 800 to 3000, and the pulse frequency will be between 4 and 50 Hz.
Locations (1)
Integrated Medical Care Hospital
Lahore, Punjab Province, Pakistan