Adding Low-Intensity Percutaneous Electrolysis to High Load Eccentric Exercise for Treating Achilles Tendinopathy in Adults

What this Trial Is About

Achilles tendinopathy is a common tendon injury caused by overuse, affecting adults with an incidence of 2.35 cases per 1,000 people. Up to 29% of patients do not respond well to standard conservative treatments. This trial aims to assess whether adding low intensity percutaneous electrolysis to a high load eccentric exercise program can improve function in adults with Achilles tendinopathy. It is a randomized, triple-blind, controlled clinical trial with follow-ups at 26 and 52 weeks. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups. The experimental group will receive a weekly ultrasound-guided application of low intensity galvanic currents via an acupuncture needle near the Achilles tendon. The control group will undergo a simulated treatment that mimics the procedure without actual current delivery. Both groups will follow a daily high load eccentric exercise program based on the Silbernagel protocol, which includes progressive heel-raising exercises. Throughout the 52-week study, participants will be regularly assessed using the Victorian Institute of Sport Assessment - Achilles, visual analog pain scale, Foot and Ankle Ability Measure, ultrasound shear wave elastography, and MRI scores. These evaluations will occur weekly for the first 12 weeks and again at 26 and 52 weeks to monitor changes in pain, function, tendon structure, and morphology. The study involves detailed monitoring of symptoms and imaging to determine treatment effects over time.

Efficacy of Percutaneous Electrolysis in the Treatment of Achilles Tendinopathy