MATRICS V1.0
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Mechanisms of Achilles Tendon Rupture Healing In Conservative Management Strategies
IRAS ID
339969
Contact name
David Lunn
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Carnegie School of Sport
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 6 months, 23 days
Research summary
Achilles tendon rupture (ATR) incidence is increasing worldwide. Controlled ankle motion (CAM) walker boots are a commonly prescribed conservative treatment for post-ATR during the early phases of rehabilitation as an alternative to casting, allowing patience to continue ambulation during recovery and reducing the risk of infection. CAM boots allow the patient to be weight-bearing whilst protecting the Achilles tendon by restricting the range of ankle motion. Hinged CAM boots, such as the VACOped, allow for progressive functional loading throughout the early stages of rehabilitation due to its unique hinge feature. This could improve functional outcomes for Achilles tendon rupture patients. To assess the effectiveness of the hinged CAM boot in comparison to a fixed CAM boot, Achilles tendon rupture patients will be recruited from four hospitals in and around the Leeds area and will complete three visits to the Carnegie School of Sport, Leeds Beckett University. This includes a 6-month follow-up to assess longitudinal functional outcomes. During these visits, a series of motion capture and ultrasonography data will be captured during treadmill walking. This will enable the assessment of the structural remodelling of the Achilles tendon and muscle architecture of the medial gastrocnemius during walking using a dual-probe ultrasound system. Motion capture will allow the quantification of hip, knee and ankle kinetics and kinematics during ambulation at different rehabilitative time points. In addition, questionnaires will be completed by participants assessing their comfort, kinesiophobia and outcomes during their use of their prescribed respective CAM boot.
REC name
South Central - Berkshire Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
24/SC/0205
Date of REC Opinion
3 Jul 2024
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion