NCT07513779 Residual Eccentric Strength Deficits and Deep Scar Tissue Thickness in Patients With Tennis Leg
| NCT ID | NCT07513779 |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Phase | — |
| Sponsor | Al Hayah University In Cairo |
| Condition | Tennis Leg |
| Study Type | OBSERVATIONAL |
| Enrollment | 40 participants |
| Start Date | 2026-04-15 |
| Primary Completion | 2026-08-15 |
Eligibility & Interventions
Eligibility Fast-Check
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What to Expect as a Participant
This is an observational study. You will not receive an experimental treatment; researchers will collect data based on your existing condition or standard treatment.
This trial targets 40 participants in total. It began in 2026-04-15 with a primary completion date of 2026-08-15.
⚠ 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
This study investigates the relationship between the thickness of deep scar tissue and residual weakness in the calf muscles of patients who have recovered from a condition known as "tennis leg." Tennis leg is a common calf muscle injury caused by a partial tear of the inner part of the gastrocnemius (calf) muscle at the point where muscle meets tendon. While patients often return to daily activities after healing, many continue to experience hidden weakness in their calf muscles, particularly during activities that require the muscle to lengthen under load (eccentric contractions), such as walking downhill, running, or landing from a jump. This study uses diagnostic ultrasound imaging to measure the thickness of scar tissue that forms inside the muscle after injury. It also uses an isokinetic dynamometer to objectively measure the eccentric (lengthening) strength of the calf muscles. By comparing the injured leg to the uninjured leg in the same person, the study determines whether patients with thicker scar tissue have greater residual strength deficits. The study enrolls adults aged 18 to 40 years who have had a confirmed unilateral calf muscle tear at least 3 months ago and have returned to normal daily activities. No treatment or intervention is provided. All assessments are performed at a single time point. Understanding how scar tissue relates to persistent muscle weakness could help clinicians better predict long-term outcomes, design more effective rehabilitation programs, and make more informed decisions about when patients are ready to return to sport and physical activity.
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age between 18 and 40 years * History of unilateral plantar flexor muscle tear (tennis leg) involving the medial gastrocnemius, confirmed by diagnostic ultrasound * Ultrasound diagnostic criteria: hypoechoic or anechoic fluid collection between the medial gastrocnemius and soleus muscles, with partial or complete disruption of the normal muscle fiber architecture at the myotendinous junction * Grade I (mild strain, \<10% fiber involvement) or Grade II (moderate partial tear, 10-90% fiber involvement) injury * At least 3 months post-injury * Clinically healed with return to daily activities * Ability to perform maximal eccentric plantar flexion as assessed by the Eccentric Heel Raise Test (Single-Leg) (Chen et al., 2009) Exclusion Criteria: * Bilateral calf injuries * Grade III (severe/complete) gastrocnemius muscle rupture * Previous Achilles tendon rupture or surgery * Previous injuries or surgeries to the lower extremity (other than the index tennis leg injury) * Neurological disorders affecting lower limb function * Current acute pain or re-injury at the time of assessment * Other lower-limb musculoskeletal injuries affecting performance * Systemic inflammatory or connective tissue diseases * Popliteal cyst rupture * Deep vein thrombosis * Isolated Achilles tendon rupture * Muscle tumor
Contact & Investigator
Haitham M. ElHafez, Ph.D
STUDY CHAIR
Cairo University
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can join the NCT07513779 clinical trial?
This trial is open to participants of all sexes, aged 18 Years or older, up to 40 Years, studying Tennis Leg. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria are listed in the Eligibility Criteria section. Always confirm your eligibility with the research team before applying.
Is NCT07513779 currently recruiting?
Yes, NCT07513779 is actively recruiting participants. Contact the research team at mohamed.elmeligie@acu.edu.eg for enrollment information.
Where is the NCT07513779 trial being conducted?
This trial is being conducted at New Cairo, Egypt.
Who is sponsoring the NCT07513779 clinical trial?
NCT07513779 is sponsored by Al Hayah University In Cairo. The principal investigator is Haitham M. ElHafez, Ph.D at Cairo University. The trial plans to enroll 40 participants.