A Novel Multi-factorial Criteria-based Rehabilitation Program for Chronic Mid-portion Achilles Tendinopathy

Sixty physically active patients (aged 18-45) with chronic mid-portion Achilles tendinopathy will be recruited to take part in the study. The patients will be diagnosed by a sports medicine doctor and an MRI scan and will be experiencing palpable Achilles pain at the time of inclusion. The patients will be randomized into either a group performing the Silbernagel combined concentric-eccentric program, or a group performing a novel multi-phase program with specific outcome measures. The study will assess the patients calf strength, reactive strength and running biomechanics at baseline, week\'s 6 and 12 of a rehabilitation program and be available for a 6 month, 12 month and 2 year follow-up interview. The VISA-A questionnaire will be the primary outcome measure and will be completed at each testing and follow-up session.