NCT03968614 Electrical DN as an Adjunct to Eccentric Exercise, Stretching + MT for Achilles Tendinopathy
| NCT ID | NCT03968614 |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Phase | — |
| Sponsor | Alabama Physical Therapy & Acupuncture |
| Condition | Achilles Tendinopathy |
| Study Type | INTERVENTIONAL |
| Enrollment | 110 participants |
| Start Date | 2019-06-10 |
| Primary Completion | 2026-05-01 |
Eligibility & Interventions
Eligibility Fast-Check
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What to Expect as a Participant
You will actively receive the study intervention — which may be a drug, biologic, device, or procedure.
This trial targets 110 participants in total. It began in 2019-06-10 with a primary completion date of 2026-05-01.
⚠ This information is for research awareness only. Always consult your physician before joining any clinical trial. Participation is voluntary and you may withdraw at any time.
Brief Summary
The purpose of this research is to compare two different approaches for treating patients with achilles tendinopathy: eccentric exercise, stretching and manual therapy VS Electric dry needling, eccentric exercise, stretching and manual therapy. Physical therapists commonly use all of these techniques to treat achilles tendinopathy. This study is attempting to find out if one treatment strategy is more effective than the other.
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Adult \>18 years old that is able to speak English. 2. Report of at least 3 months of Achilles pain clinically diagnosed as Achilles tendonitis or Achilles tendinopathy 3. Patient has not had physical therapy, massage therapy, chiropractic treatment or injections for Achilles pain in the last 6 months: 4. Diagnosis of noninsertional tendinopathy, defined as the following * Subjective report of pain located 2-6 cm proximal to the insertion of Achilles tendon to the calcaneus, particularly with running or jumping * Tenderness to palpation of the Achilles tendon while the clinician gently squeezes the tendon between the thumb and index finger in a proximal to distal direction * Positive Arc Sign - Intratendinous swelling moves relative to the malleoli with the tendon during active dorsi/plantar Flexion * Royal London Test - Tenderness to palpation decreases significantly or disappears with max dorsiflexion Exclusion Criteria: 1. Report of red flags to manual physical therapy to include: hypertension infection, diabetes, peripheral neuropathy, heart disease, stroke, chronic ischemia, edema, severe vascular disease, malignancy, etc. 2. History of previous Achilles tendon surgery, ankle arthrodesis, hind foot fracture, or leg length discrepancy of more than one half inch. 3. History of arthrosis or arthritis of the ankle and/or foot. 4. History of significant ankle and/or foot instability 5. Two or more positive neurologic signs consistent with nerve root compression, including any two of the following: 1. Muscle weakness involving a major lower extremity muscle group 2. Diminished lower extremity patella or Achilles tendon reflexes 3. Diminished / absent sensation in any lower extremity dermatome 6. Involvement in litigation or worker's compensation regarding foot pain 7. Any condition that might contraindicate the use of electro-needling 8. The patient is pregnant.
Contact & Investigator
James Dunning, DPT
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
American Academy of Manipulative Therapy
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can join the NCT03968614 clinical trial?
This trial is open to participants of all sexes, aged 18 Years or older, studying Achilles Tendinopathy. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria are listed in the Eligibility Criteria section. Always confirm your eligibility with the research team before applying.
Is NCT03968614 currently recruiting?
Yes, NCT03968614 is actively recruiting participants. Contact the research team at jamesdunning@hotmail.com for enrollment information.
Where is the NCT03968614 trial being conducted?
This trial is being conducted at Columbia, United States.
Who is sponsoring the NCT03968614 clinical trial?
NCT03968614 is sponsored by Alabama Physical Therapy & Acupuncture. The principal investigator is James Dunning, DPT at American Academy of Manipulative Therapy. The trial plans to enroll 110 participants.