Impact of Achilles Tendon Ruptures: Cross-Sectional Analysis

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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This project will assess the clinical outcomes of individuals completing rehabilitation for their Achilles tendon rupture at the University Hospitals of Leicester. Patients attending the Achilles tendon rupture clinic or rehabilitation classes will be asked to complete ultrasound imaging, strength testing and questionnaires. This will provide an insight into the rehabilitation outcomes of a broad range of patients at each rehabilitation timepoint.

Detailed Description
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This study will measure the recovery of participants following Achilles tendon rupture. Measurements will capture individual participants at each rehabilitation time point following Achilles tendon rupture. These time points include following rupture (week 0), 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 Cross Sectional Analysis

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

| Intervention/Treatment |
| --- |
|Other: Routine Clinical Care|All participants attending the Achilles Tendon Rupture clinic will receive usual clinical care|

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

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

Secondary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 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 | 
| 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, week 8, week 10, 4 months, 6 months and 12 months | 
| Achilles Tendon Rupture Score (ATRS) | 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 | 
| EuroQol- 5 Dimension - 5 Level (EQ-5D-5L) | 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 | 
| Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia (TSK) | 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 | 
| Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) | 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 | 
| International Physical Activity Questionnaire - Short Form (IPAQ-SF) | 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 | Week 0, week 8, week 10, 4 months, 6 months and 12 months | 
| Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS) | 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 | 
| 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, week 8, week 10, 4 months, 6 months and 12 months | 
| Accelerometer | GENEactiv wrist based accelerometer measuring total steps, activity intensity. 24 hours data capture for 7 days | Week 0, week 8, week 10, 4 months, 6 months and 12 months | 
| Accelerometer | GENEactiv wrist based accelerometer measuring sleep duration for 7 days | Week 0, week 8, week 10, 4 months, 6 months and 12 months |