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Eccentric exercise protocols for chronic non-insertional Achilles tendinopathy: how much is enough?
A Meyer1, S Tumilty, G D Baxter
1Centre for Physiotherapy Research, School of Physiotherapy, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand.
Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports
|July 16, 2009
Summary
Eccentric exercises benefit chronic Achilles tendinopathy (AT). However, the optimal exercise dosage and the impact of patient adherence remain unclear, necessitating further research into effective AT treatments.
Area of Science:
- Sports Medicine
- Orthopedics
- Rehabilitation Science
Background:
- Chronic non-insertional Achilles tendinopathy (AT) is a common condition.
- Eccentric exercises are a recognized treatment for AT.
- Optimal eccentric exercise protocols for AT are not well-defined.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review randomized-controlled trials (RCTs) on eccentric exercises for chronic non-insertional AT.
- To determine if an optimal dosage of eccentric exercise can be recommended.
- To investigate the influence of compliance on treatment outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of three randomized-controlled trials (RCTs).
- Analysis of eccentric exercise protocols and reported outcomes for chronic non-insertional AT.
- Evaluation of compliance data where available.
Main Results:
- Selected RCTs demonstrated positive effects of similar eccentric exercise protocols for chronic non-insertional AT.
- Insufficient compliance data prevented conclusions on adherence-related effectiveness.
- The relative effectiveness of varying eccentric exercise dosages for AT remains unclear.
Conclusions:
- Current evidence suggests eccentric exercises are beneficial for chronic non-insertional AT.
- High variability in patient compliance may lead to similar positive outcomes.
- Further research is needed to clarify optimal eccentric exercise dosages and the role of compliance in AT treatment.
