Study of Tendo Achilles Rehabilitation
| ISRCTN | ISRCTN68273773 |
|---|---|
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1186/ISRCTN68273773 |
| Protocol serial number | 14105 |
| Sponsor | University of Warwick (UK) |
| Funder | NIHR Trainees Coordinating Centre (UK) |
- Submission date
- 22/08/2013
- Registration date
- 22/08/2013
- Last edited
- 15/04/2015
- Recruitment status
- No longer recruiting
- Overall study status
- Completed
- Condition category
- Musculoskeletal Diseases
Plain English summary of protocol
Background and study aims
Rupture of the Achilles tendon (that attaches calf to the heel bone) is a serious and disabling injury. The condition can cause prolonged periods off work and away from sporting activity for much longer. Extended hospital stay and delayed healing have significant financial and health impact for the patient, the NHS and society as a whole. Therefore, it is important to find the best way to treat patients with this injury in order to get them back to their normal activity as quickly as possible. This study aims to find out the best treatment for an Achilles tendon rupture. We are comparing two treatments one involves a walking boot and one involves a plaster cast, both are standard existing treatments.
Who can participate?
All patients coming with an acute Achilles tendon rupture will be invited to take part in this initial study. A total of 20 patients will be recruited.
What does the study involve?
All patients will be randomly allocated to either the walking boot group or the plaster cast group. The allocation process will be done by a computer and will be done purely by chance. All patients will be asked to fill out a questionnaire about their health and activities. These same questions will be asked on three occasions during the recovery process. The results we get from one treatment group will then be compared with the results we get from the other group.
What are the possible benefits and risks of participating?
This research will inform a UK-wide study to ensure that all patients receive the best treatment in the future. We do not know which of these treatments gives the best results; both treatments are already available and used widely within the NHS.
Where is the study run from?
Warwick Clinical Trials Unit at the University of Warwick, UK.
When is study starting and how long is it expected to run for?
The study will start in November 2013 and is expected to run for two years.
Who is funding the study?
National Institute for Health Research (NIHR), UK.
Who is the main contact?
Dr Rebecca Kearney
r.s.kearney@warwick.ac.uk
Contact information
Scientific
Clifford Bridge Road
Coventry
CV2 2DX
United Kingdom
| r.s.kearney@warwick.ac.uk |
Study information
| Primary study design | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Study design | Randomised; Interventional; Design type: Not specified, Treatment |
| Secondary study design | Randomised controlled trial |
| Study type | Participant information sheet |
| Scientific title | Accelerated rehabilitation for patients with a rupture of the Achilles tendon: A mixed-methods approach to evaluating clinical outcomes and cost-effectiveness |
| Study acronym | STAR |
| Study objectives | Eleven thousand patients sustain a torn Achilles tendon each year, yet our knowledge of rehabilitation following this injury is limited. This pilot project will investigate two different methods of rehabilitation: accelerated rehabilitation using a functional bracing protocol versus standard treatment in plaster cast. To achieve this a national survey of doctors will be undertaken to find out about what current practice is. To design this survey a focus group consisting of approximately ten doctors will be consulted. This will be followed by inviting approximately twelve doctors who have responded to the survey to take part in an interview to gain feedback on their experience of this injury. This will be followed by inviting and interviewing ten patients who present to the University Hospitals of Coventry and Warwickshire with a torn Achilles tendon rupture, to inform the design of a pilot trial comparing the two treatments. More details can be found here: http://public.ukcrn.org.uk/Search/StudyDetail.aspx?StudyID=14105 |
| Ethics approval(s) | 12/WM/0083 |
| Health condition(s) or problem(s) studied | Topic: Musculoskeletal; Subtopic: Musculoskeletal (all Subtopics); Disease: Musculoskeletal |
| Intervention | 1. Plaster cast immobilisation: One treatment group will receive a plaster cast placed in a planter-flexed position, for a duration of eight weeks. During this period patients will be told not to bear weight until the final two weeks. 2. Walking Boot: One treatment group will receive a walking boot, in which the foot will be placed in a plantar-flexed position, for a duration of eight weeks. During this period patients will be told to weight bear immediately and remove the walking boot for short periods during the day to perform ankle range of movement exercises. |
| Intervention type | Other |
| Primary outcome measure(s) |
Achilles tendon Total Rupture Score - This is a patient reported outcome score containing ten items, for which patients are asked to respond using an 11 point Likert scale to measure the construct of `symptoms and physical activity'. |
| Key secondary outcome measure(s) |
1. EQ-5D - A validated, generalised, quality of life questionnaire consisting of 5 domains related to daily activities with a 5-level answer possibility. The combination of answers leads to the QoL score. |
| Completion date | 31/12/2015 |
Eligibility
| Participant type(s) | Patient |
|---|---|
| Age group | Adult |
| Lower age limit | 18 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Target sample size at registration | 30 |
| Key inclusion criteria | 1. All patients over 18 years presenting at either the University Hospitals of Coventry and Warwickshire with a primary acute rupture of their Achilles tendon (within 10 days of rupture) would be eligible to take part. Target Gender: Male & Female ; Lower Age Limit 18 years |
| Key exclusion criteria | 1. Patients presenting after 14 days from injury or with a history of previous Achilles tendon rupture would be excluded. 2. Patients who had other serious injuries to either lower limb that would alter the intervention and subsequent rehabilitation would also be excluded. This is in addition to patients who are unable to adhere to trial procedures, with explicit reasons documented and reported. |
| Date of first enrolment | 01/04/2013 |
| Date of final enrolment | 31/12/2015 |
Locations
Countries of recruitment
- United Kingdom
- England
Study participating centre
CV2 2DX
United Kingdom
Results and Publications
| Individual participant data (IPD) Intention to share | No |
|---|---|
| IPD sharing plan summary | Not provided at time of registration |
| IPD sharing plan |
Study outputs
| Output type | Details | Date created | Date added | Peer reviewed? | Patient-facing? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Results article | results | 01/04/2015 | Yes | No | |
| Participant information sheet | Participant information sheet | 11/11/2025 | 11/11/2025 | No | Yes |
