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The Pilates Method in the Rehabilitation of Achilles Tendinopathy - A Randomised Controlled Study
Sponsor: University of West Attica
Summary
Achilles Tendinopathy (AT) is characterized by pain, swelling and dysfunction. Rehabilitation strategies focus on conservative treatment, with eccentric exercise being the main and most popular option. Patient education based on the biopsychosocial model is considered important for effective self-management, including modification of activities and loads and pain monitoring. Established exercise protocols are applied in rehabilitation, with eccentric, eccentric- concentric combinations and high-resistance exercises performed at a slow pace being the most popular. The Pilates method , which has gained popularity in recent years, focuses on core stabilization, motor control, correct posture through respiratory patterns during execution as well as flow and mindfulness and is applied to the rehabilitation of various musculoskeletal disorders. Although there is a research background in rehabilitation, the data for its application in AT are limited. The present study aims to investigate the integration of Pilates into clinical practice for AT.
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
18 Years - 40 Years
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
34
Start Date
2022-09-13
Completion Date
2025-12-30
Last Updated
2025-06-26
Healthy Volunteers
No
Conditions
Interventions
Pilates exercise
This study investigates a novel Pilates-based rehabilitation program for Achilles tendinopathy (AT). While eccentric loading is the standard treatment, many patients experience persistent symptoms or poor adherence. Pilates emphasizes core stability, neuromuscular control, and functional movement, offering a holistic approach that addresses kinetic chain dysfunction and movement impairments often overlooked in standard protocols. This trial will assess the feasibility and effectiveness of Pilates in improving pain, function, and movement quality in adults with AT. To our knowledge, this is the first clinical trial to evaluate Pilates as a targeted intervention for AT.
Alfredson protocol
At our knowledge this is the first study that will compare the most popular protocol in Achilles Tendinopathy to an alternative exercise method
Locations (1)
Physiotherapy Department, University of West Attica
Athens, Aigaleo, Greece