Impact of Achilles Tendon Rupture on the Achilles Tendon and Calf Muscles

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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The aim of this study is to measure the recovery following Achilles tendon rupture. The investigators will use an ultrasound scan to look at the Achilles tendon, they will complete calf strength tests and use questionnaires to measure how individuals are managing in everyday life. The investigators will take these measurements when participants first arrive to the Achilles tendon rupture clinic, after 8 weeks, 10 weeks, 4 months, 6 months and 1 year.

Detailed Description
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This study will measure the recovery of participants following Achilles tendon rupture. Measurements will be completed following Achilles tendon rupture, after 8 weeks, 10 weeks, 4 months, 6 months and 1 year. The measurements include an ultrasound tissue characterisation scan, isometric (static) strength test and heel raise test. In addition questionnaires will be completed by participants at each time point. Questionnaires include the Achilles Tendon Rupture Score, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, EQ5D (a health related quality of life measure), International Physical Activity Questionnaire, Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia and the Pain Catastrophising Scale.

Official Title
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The Impact of Achilles Tendon Rupture on the Structure and Function of the Achilles Tendon and Plantarflexors: a Longitudinal Cohort Study

Conditions
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Achilles Tendon Rupture

Intervention / Treatment
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* Other: Routine Clinical Care


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: Able to provide informed consent 16 years of age or above Exclusion Criteria: Inability to provide informed consent due to cognitive impairment Inability to provide informed consent as unable to understand sufficient English

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 16 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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No

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Achilles Tendon Rupture<br>Individuals who have experienced an Achilles tendon rupture and presented to the Achilles tendon rupture clinic. | Other: Routine Clinical Care<br>* Participants completing the research study will receive routine clinical care<br>|

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Change in Ultrasound Tissue Characterisation | Imaging of the Achilles Tendon | Week 0, week 8, week 10, 4 months, 6 months and 12 months | 

Secondary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Change in Achilles Tendon Rupture Score | Scores are between 0-100 with a higher score indicating less severe limitations | Week 0, week 8, week 10, 4 months, 6 months and 12 months | 
| Change in Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale | The two domains (anxiety and depression) provide scores between 0-21 with a higher score indicating higher severity | Week 0, week 8, week 10, 4 months, 6 months and 12 months | 
| Change in EuroQol- 5 Dimension -5 Level (EQ5D) | An index score is produced which is calculated using the UK index score reference. The thermometer score is between 0-100 with a higher score indicating better perceived health | Week 0, week 8, week 10, 4 months, 6 months and 12 months | 
| Change in International Physical Activity Questionnaire | Results can be reported in categories (low activity levels, moderate activity levels or high activity levels) or MET minutes representing the amount of energy expended carrying out physical activity. Higher METs indicate higher levels of physical activity | Week 0, week 8, week 10, 4 months, 6 months and 12 months | 
| Change in Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia | The total score of the scale range from 17- 68, where 17 means no kinesiophobia, 68 means severe kinesiophobia | Week 0, week 8, week 10, 4 months, 6 months and 12 months | 
| Change in Pain Catastrophising Scale | A total score is calculated from 0-54 with a higher score indicating higher pain catastrophising | Week 0, week 8, week 10, 4 months, 6 months and 12 months | 
| Change in Isometric plantarflexor strength testing | Isometric plantarflexor strength will be tested in plantargrade (neutral position) using the fysiometer. | Week 0, week 8, week 10, 4 months, 6 months and 12 months | 
| Change in Heel Raise Test | The heel raise test will measure the amount of heel raises and the work completed by the participant in joules. | Week 0, week8, week 10, 4 months, 6 months and 12 months | 
| Change in 36-Item Short Form Survey (SF-36) | SF-36 measures eight domains of health status: physical functioning (10 items); physical role limitations (four items); bodily pain (two items); general health perceptions (five items); energy/vitality (four items); social functioning (two items); emotional role limitations (three items) and mental health (five items). Higher scores indicate higher quality of life | Week 0, week8, week 10, 4 months, 6 months and 12 months | 
| Change in Activity Level | GENEactiv wrist based accelerometer measuring total steps, activity intensity 24 hours data capture for 7 days | Week 0, week8, week 10, 4 months, 6 months and 12 months | 
| Change in Sleep Duration | GENEactiv wrist based accelerometer measuring sleep duration for 7 days | Week 0, week8, week 10, 4 months, 6 months and 12 months |