Actively Recruiting
Electrical Dry Needling as an Adjunct to Eccentric Exercise, Stretching and Manual Therapy for Mid-portion Achilles Tendinopathy: a Multicenter Randomized Clinical Trial
Led by Alabama Physical Therapy & Acupuncture · Updated on 2025-05-18
110
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
N/A
Total Duration
On this page
Sponsors
A
Alabama Physical Therapy & Acupuncture
Lead Sponsor
U
Universidad Rey Juan Carlos
Collaborating Sponsor
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Researchers are comparing two treatment approaches for patients with Achilles tendinopathy to see which may be more effective. This study focuses on evaluating whether adding electrical dry needling to a standard routine of eccentric exercise, stretching, and manual therapy improves outcomes. The trial is randomized and conducted by Alabama Physical Therapy & Acupuncture to better understand treatment options for mid-portion Achilles tendinopathy. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups. One group will receive electrical dry needling combined with eccentric exercise, stretching, and manual therapy. The other group will receive only the exercise, stretching, and manual therapy without dry needling. Treatments will be given 1 to 2 times per week over a period of 6 weeks, with a maximum of 10 sessions. During the study, participants will complete assessments at baseline, 2 weeks, 6 weeks, and 3 months. These include the VISA-A Questionnaire to measure Achilles tendon symptoms and function, pain ratings, and foot and ankle ability scores for daily activities and sports. The Global Rating of Change will also be recorded. This follow-up helps researchers track progress and treatment effects over time.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Electrical DN as an Adjunct to Eccentric Exercise, Stretching + MT for Achilles Tendinopathy
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Adults over 18 years old who can speak English
- At least 3 months of Achilles pain clinically diagnosed as Achilles tendonitis or tendinopathy
- No physical therapy, massage, chiropractic treatment, or injections for Achilles pain in the last 6 months
- Diagnosis of noninsertional tendinopathy confirmed by specific pain location, tenderness, and clinical tests such as Positive Arc Sign and Royal London Test
You will not qualify if you...
- Presence of red flags for manual physical therapy such as hypertension, infection, diabetes, peripheral neuropathy, heart disease, stroke, chronic ischemia, edema, severe vascular disease, or malignancy
- History of Achilles tendon surgery, ankle fusion, hind foot fracture, or leg length difference greater than half an inch
- History of ankle or foot arthritis or arthrosis
- Significant ankle or foot instability
- Two or more neurologic signs indicating nerve root compression such as muscle weakness, diminished reflexes, or sensory loss
- Involvement in litigation or worker's compensation related to foot pain
- Any condition contraindicating electrical dry needling
- Pregnancy
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 - 6 weeks
Participants receive 8 to 10 treatments of either Electrical Dry Needling combined with Eccentric Exercise, Stretching and Manual Therapy, or Eccentric Exercise, Stretching and Manual Therapy alone.
1 to 2 visits per week for up to 6 weeks
Duration - Up to 3 months after treatment
Participants are assessed for changes in symptoms and function after treatment completion.
Visits at 2 weeks, 6 weeks, and 3 months after baseline
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
Prisma Health - Research PT Specialists
Columbia, South Carolina, United States, 29201
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
J
James Dunning, DPT
R
Raymond Butts, DPT PhD
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
DOUBLE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
2
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