Actively Recruiting
Effects of Strength Training at Different Intensities on the Plantar Flexors' Functional, Neuromuscular, and Tendon Properties After Achilles Tendon Rupture
Led by Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul · Updated on 2026-01-30
67
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
1 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Achilles tendon rupture is a common injury that can lead to long-lasting functional, neuromuscular, and tendon issues, such as reduced muscle force capacity and changes in muscle and tendon structure. This trial aims to compare how different intensities of strength training affect recovery of plantar flexors' function, neuromuscular activity, and tendon properties in men who suffered this injury between one and five years ago. Healthy men without the injury will serve as a control group. Participants who experienced an Achilles tendon rupture will undergo a 12-week progressive strength training program for their calf muscles, held twice weekly with 25 gym sessions in total. They will be randomly assigned to either a low-intensity group using 55% of their one-repetition maximum load or a moderate-intensity group using 70%. Exercises include standing and seated unilateral plantar flexion on specialized machines. The control group of healthy men will have no training. During the study, participants will be assessed before and after the 12-week training using various tests such as functional performance, ultrasound imaging, isokinetic dynamometry, electromyography, and electrical stimulation. Researchers will measure changes in Achilles tendon morphology, mechanics, and material properties, muscle architecture and quality, ankle function, muscle force production, voluntary activation, and neuromuscular recruitment. Data will be analyzed statistically to compare groups and time points, monitoring outcomes up to one week after the training ends.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Effects of Strength Training on the Plantar Flexors' Properties After Achilles Tendon Rupture
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Men aged 18 to 64 years
- Unilateral Achilles tendon rupture occurred within the past 5 years
- Not currently performing regular calf strength training
You will not qualify if you...
- Non-surgical treatment for Achilles tendon rupture
- History of postsurgical complications such as infection or re-rupture
- Any ankle injury within the last 6 months
- Participation in a plantar flexor strength training program within the last 6 months
- Diagnosis of heart failure, autoimmune diseases, or diabetes
- Use of antibiotics or steroids in the past 12 months
- Any clinical condition that prevents performing maximum strength tests
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - 12 weeks
Participants who suffered an Achilles tendon rupture will undergo a progressive calf strength training program twice a week for 12 weeks, performing specific ankle flexor exercises at either low or moderate intensity.
25 visits (in-person) during training sessions
Duration - 1 week
Participants will have assessments after completing the 12-week training program to evaluate changes in tendon and muscle properties and functional performance.
2 visits (pre-training and post-training assessments)
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
Exercise Research Laboratory (LAPEX) - School of Physical Education, Physiotherapy, and Dance
Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, 90690-200
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
J
Jeam M Geremia, PhD
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
TRIPLE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
3
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