Does Radial Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy Applied to the Achilles Tendon Influence Ankle Functionality?

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics
• Sports Medicine
• Rehabilitation Science

Background:

• Achilles tendon injuries are common, impacting patient mobility and function.
• Radial extracorporeal shockwave therapy (rESWT) has shown promise in treating various musculoskeletal conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of rESWT in improving ankle function for individuals with Achilles tendon injuries.
• To compare functional outcomes between patients receiving rESWT and those undergoing sham therapy.

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled trial design was employed.
• An intervention group received rESWT, while a control group received sham therapy.
• Functional assessments included single-leg vertical jump, plantar flexion, and heel-rise tests.

Main Results:

• The rESWT group demonstrated significant improvements in single-leg vertical jump performance (d = 0.55, p < 0.05).
• Enhanced ankle mobility was observed, with improvements in plantar flexion and heel-rise tests.
• No significant changes in Achilles tendon stiffness were detected, indicating functional rather than structural benefits.

Conclusions:

• rESWT shows potential as a rehabilitation tool for Achilles tendon injuries, enhancing functional outcomes.
• The therapy appears to improve power generation and ankle mobility.
• Further research with larger, diverse populations and longer follow-up periods is recommended to validate findings and establish treatment protocols.