Not yet recruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Achilles Tendon Rupture Patient Outcomes at 12 Months

This study is investigating how people are doing one year after experiencing an Achilles tendon rupture, specifically when their injury was treated without surgery using a programme called SMART (Swansea Morriston Achilles Rupture Treatment). The Achilles tendon is crucial for movement, and a rupture can significantly impact daily life. We want to understand both the physical strength in the affected leg and how participants feel their recovery has been in terms of daily activities. By combining a safe, simple ankle strength test with questionnaires, we hope to gather valuable information that will help doctors and therapists improve non-surgical care for future patients. This will help us learn more about long-term recovery from this common injury.

At a glance

Status

Not yet recruiting

Sponsor

Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Enrolment target

115

Start

01 Jun 2026

Estimated completion

01 Jan 2029

Achilles Tendon Rupture

What is this study about?

This study focuses on people who have torn their Achilles tendon, the strong cord at the back of your ankle that helps you walk, run, and jump. An Achilles rupture is a common injury that can really affect someone's ability to move around and enjoy their usual activities. Many people now have this injury treated without an operation, instead following a carefully planned exercise programme. One such programme is called SMART, which stands for Swansea Morriston Achilles Rupture Treatment. It involves moving the ankle early, putting some weight on the leg carefully, and gradually building up strength.

While we know that these non-surgical programmes show good results in the short term, we don't have much detailed information about how well people recover their strength and everyday function a full year after the injury, especially in a UK NHS setting. This study aims to fill that gap. By looking at both how strong the affected leg is and how participants feel they are coping with daily activities, we can get a much clearer picture of what long-term recovery looks like. The findings will help doctors and physiotherapists provide the best possible advice and care for people with this injury in the future.

We want to understand if there is a connection between how strong someone's ankle is and how well they feel they are recovering in their daily life. This helps us make rehabilitation programmes even better, focusing on what truly helps patients get back to their normal activities. Your participation would be a valuable contribution to improving care for others.

Key takeaways

Study examines recovery 12 months after Achilles rupture.
Focuses on non-surgical treatment using the SMART protocol.
Involves one short visit (60-90 minutes).
Measures ankle strength and asks about daily function.
Aims to improve future care for Achilles injuries.
Participation is voluntary and won't affect your medical care.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for adults aged 18 or over who had an Achilles tendon rupture that was treated without surgery. Crucially, you must have followed the specific SMART (Swansea Morriston Achilles Rupture Treatment) exercise programme for your recovery.

You should be between 12 and 15 months (roughly one year to fifteen months) after your injury. It’s important that your Achilles tendon wasn't fixed with surgery and that it didn't re-rupture after the initial injury. Also, you shouldn't have any other conditions that affect your leg strength or have had an Achilles problem in your other, uninjured leg.

Unfortunately, you wouldn’t be able to take part if you can't comfortably do a basic ankle strength test due to pain or other medical reasons, or if you can't give your consent to participate.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 18 years old or older?
Did you have an Achilles tendon rupture diagnosed by a doctor?
Was your Achilles rupture treated without surgery using the SMART programme?
Is it currently between 12 and 15 months since your injury?
Can you comfortably do a gentle ankle strength test?
Have you not had surgery on your Achilles tendon and it hasn't re-ruptured?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, you will have one visit to a hospital physiotherapy department (either Aintree University Hospital or Broadgreen Hospital). This visit will last about 60 to 90 minutes. During this visit, you'll be asked to complete a short questionnaire about how you've been recovering and how the injury has affected your daily life. You will also do a safe, clinic-based ankle strength test using a special machine. This machine works by you pushing your foot against a plate, much like doing a resisted ankle exercise. We won't be giving you any new medication, and there is no long-term follow-up required after this single appointment.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study could help us learn more about the best ways to help people recover from Achilles tendon ruptures, which could benefit future patients. There are no direct personal benefits to you. Potential risks are very low; the ankle strength test is designed to be safe, but you might feel a little discomfort or tiredness in your ankle during or after the test, similar to exercising. You are completely free to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your usual hospital care.

Locations (2)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

Broadgreen Hospital Physiotherapy department
Verified postcode
Liverpool, United Kingdom
Aintree University Hospital Therapies department
Verified postcode
Liverpool, United Kingdom

Common questions

What is an Achilles tendon rupture?

It's a tear in the strong cord at the back of your ankle, called the Achilles tendon, which helps you push off the ground when you walk or run.

What does 'non-surgical management' mean?

It means treating the injury with a structured exercise programme and without an operation.

What is the SMART protocol?

It's a specific, progressive exercise and rehabilitation plan for people recovering from an Achilles tendon rupture without surgery.

What will I have to do if I take part?

You'll have one visit to complete a questionnaire and a safe ankle strength test on a special machine.

Will taking part affect my regular medical care?

No, your decision to participate or not, or to withdraw, will not affect the medical care you receive.

How to find out more

Raymond Healy, BSc. (Hons) Physiotherapy

raymond.healy@liverpoolft.nhs.uk 0151 529 3335 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.