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Is adiposity an under-recognized risk factor for tendinopathy? A systematic review
James E Gaida1, Maureen C Ashe, Shona L Bass
1School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. jega@deakin.edu.au
Arthritis and Rheumatism
|May 30, 2009
Summary
Increased body fat (adiposity) is frequently linked to tendon injuries and poorer treatment outcomes. Research suggests adiposity is a modifiable risk factor for tendinopathy, warranting further investigation into weight management for prevention and treatment.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Sports Medicine
- Public Health
Background:
- Tendon injuries are common, with higher incidence and poorer outcomes reported in individuals with increased adiposity.
- Adiposity is a potentially modifiable risk factor, unlike many other identified risk factors for tendinopathy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review and synthesize the evidence on the association between adiposity and tendinopathy.
- To assess the consistency and extent of the relationship between elevated adiposity and tendon injury risk and treatment success.
Main Methods:
- A systematic review of observational studies was conducted.
- Searched eight electronic databases and performed citation tracking.
- Included studies compared adiposity in individuals with and without tendon injury or examined adiposity as a predictor of treatment success.
Main Results:
- Twenty-eight studies (19,949 individuals) met the inclusion criteria.
- Elevated adiposity was associated with tendon injury in 43% of identified subpopulations.
- Positive associations were more frequent in studies of clinical patients (81%) and in case-control designs (77%).
Conclusions:
- Elevated adiposity is frequently associated with tendon injury, suggesting it is a risk factor.
- The strength of this association varies based on study design and measurement methods.
- Further research is needed to confirm if reducing adiposity improves tendon injury risk and treatment outcomes.
