Differences Between Long Distance Road Runners and Treadmill Runners in Achilles Tendon Structure

Last updated: January 23, 2026
Sponsor: University of Haifa
Overall Status: Completed

Phase

N/A

Condition

Tendon Injuries

Treatment

N/A

Clinical Study ID

NCT06294093
026/24
  • Ages 18-50
  • All Genders
  • Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Study Summary

this study will investigate the structure of the Achilles tendon and functional tests in road runners compared to treadmill runners.

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion

Inclusion Criteria:

  • run regularly at least twice a week for half an hour,

  • over 80% of the training on a treadmill or road

Exclusion

Exclusion Criteria:

  • pain or injury to Achilles tendon during the 6 months, preventing running for atleast 3 days.

  • past Achilles tendon surgeries,

  • sprained ankle in the last six months,

  • lower limb and back pain while running

  • participants who report running with minimalist shoes.

Study Design

Total Participants: 48
Study Start date:
June 10, 2024
Estimated Completion Date:
August 15, 2025

Study Description

Healthy runners (road and treadmill runners) who run regularly at least twice a week for half an hour, over 80% of the training on the treadmill or road, will be recruited for the study.

All subjects will fill out a demographic questionnaire for personal details (age, sex, height, weight, past injuries, training). Each participant will undergo functional tests in random order: 1. Examination of the morphology of the Achilles tendon - will be examined by ultrasound tissue characterized (UTC) 2. Balance test - Y Balance Test 3. Proprioception test - AMEDA device 4. Muscle strength test - manual dynamometer for testing gastrocnemius muscle strength. 5. Gastrocnemius muscle endurance test - single leg heel raise test until fatigue.

A comparison will be made between the two study groups.

Connect with a study center

  • The Academic College at Wingate

    Netanya,
    Israel

    Site Not Available

  • The Academic College at Wingate

    Netanya 294071,
    Israel

    Site Not Available

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