Actively Recruiting
Progressive Achilles Loading Via Clinician E-support (PACE)
Led by Ruth Chimenti · Updated on 2025-10-07
160
Participants Needed
2
Research Sites
4 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
Sponsors
R
Ruth Chimenti
Lead Sponsor
C
C.R.Darnall Army Medical Center
Collaborating Sponsor
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Researchers are studying rehabilitation programs for individuals with Achilles tendon pain, aiming to find effective treatments that improve pain and reduce disability. This trial focuses on expanding access to care for military personnel, especially those in battlefield settings or busy military facilities, by comparing different approaches to physical therapy. The study also seeks to identify early signs that predict how well someone will respond to rehabilitation. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two rehabilitation programs: a single-visit, physical therapist-initiated program delivered via telehealth with self-paced online modules, or a multi-visit, physical therapist-guided program with six telehealth sessions. Both programs include education about Achilles tendinopathy and a progressive exercise plan, with participants completing home exercise logs and quizzes. The study lasts 8 weeks, but outcomes will be assessed up to one year. During the trial, participants will complete online modules or telehealth visits that include exercise instruction and education. Researchers will evaluate tendon pain and disability at 4 weeks as primary outcomes, with additional assessments at 8 weeks, 26 weeks, and 1 year. The study also collects baseline data and early responses at 2 weeks to help predict treatment success. This helps monitor progress and safety throughout the study period.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Progressive Achilles Loading Via Clinician E-support
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Pain localized to the Achilles tendon (insertion or midportion)
- Achilles tendon pain of 3 or higher on a 10-point scale during tendon-loading exercise
- Age between 18 and 60 years
- Willingness and ability to complete virtual visits with a webcam or smartphone and complete quizzes and surveys
You will not qualify if you...
- Younger than 18 or older than 60 years
- Body mass index greater than 45 kg/m2
- Pain primarily due to other diagnoses such as paratendonitis, bursitis, posterior ankle impingement, nerve irritation, or plantaris tendon involvement
- Partial Achilles tendon tear or rupture on imaging or history of Achilles tendon rupture
- Physical therapy for Achilles tendon pain in the past 3 months
- Steroid injection, extracorporeal shock wave therapy, or any injection to the Achilles tendon region in the past 3 months
- Fluoroquinolone use in the past 6 months
- Surgery or invasive procedure for Achilles tendon on the treatment side
- Systemic conditions affecting foot and ankle, endocrine disorders with complications, connective tissue disorders, or pregnancy
- High risk for falls as determined by the four step square test
- Refusal of randomization or inability or unwillingness to complete virtual visits and study activities
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 (virtual)
Duration - 8 weeks
Participants undergo a progressive Achilles tendon loading exercise program combined with education on Achilles tendinopathy. They will be randomized to either a single-visit, PT-initiated self-paced rehabilitation program or a multi-visit, PT-guided rehabilitation program over 8 weeks.
1 telehealth visit for self-paced group or 6 to 7 telehealth visits for guided group
Duration - Up to 1 year
Participants have assessments at 4 weeks, 8 weeks, 26 weeks, and 1 year to evaluate pain and disability outcomes.
4 assessment visits (virtual) at 4 weeks, 8 weeks, 26 weeks, and 1 year
Trial Site Locations
Total: 2 locations
1
University of Iowa Health Care - Gait Analysis Laboratory
Iowa City, Iowa, United States, 52242
Actively Recruiting
2
Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center (CRDAMC)
Fort Cavazos, Texas, United States, 76544
Not Yet Recruiting
Research Team
J
Jessica Danielson, DDS
J
Jessica F Danielson, DDS
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
SINGLE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
2
Similar Trials
Frequently Asked Questions
Have more questions? Get in touch with our team for quick support
Not the Right Trial for You?
Explore thousands of other clinical trials that might be a better match.
Sign up to get personalized trial recommendations delivered to your inbox.
Already have an account? Log in here