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Related Concept Videos

Isotonic and Isometric Muscle Contractions01:22

Isotonic and Isometric Muscle Contractions

Two primary types of muscle contractions are isotonic and isometric, each serving unique functions and involving distinct mechanisms. Both isotonic and isometric contractions are integral to the body's complex system of movement and stability. Isotonic exercises contribute significantly to functional strength and movement, while isometric contractions are crucial for maintaining posture and joint stability.
Isotonic contractions
Isotonic contractions occur when a muscle changes length while the...

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Updated: May 29, 2026

A Passive Ankle Dorsiflexion Testing System for an In Vivo Model of Overuse-induced Tendinopathy
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Published on: March 1, 2024

Isometric Exercises for Tendinopathies: A Systematic Literature Review.

Ezzat F F Soliman1, Deepak Nagra2, Su Li Goh3

  • 1Department of Rheumatology, University Hospitals Coventry & Warwickshire, Coventry, United Kingdom.

Clinical Therapeutics
|May 27, 2026
PubMed
Summary

This systematic review found limited evidence that isometric exercises are superior for managing tendinopathies. While tolerable and offering short-term pain relief, their long-term effectiveness compared to other exercise types remains unclear.

Keywords:
ConcentricEccentricExerciseIsometricTendinopathy

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Area of Science:

  • Sports Medicine
  • Rehabilitation Science
  • Orthopedics

Background:

  • Musculoskeletal disorders, particularly tendinopathies, are common reasons for medical consultation.
  • Exercise is the primary treatment, but optimal modalities like eccentric vs. isometric exercise are debated.
  • The role of isometric exercise in pain modulation and functional recovery for tendinopathies requires further clarification.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To systematically review the current evidence on the efficacy of isometric exercises for managing tendinopathies across various anatomical locations.
  • To evaluate the impact of isometric exercise on pain, function, and imaging outcomes in patients with tendinopathies.

Main Methods:

  • A systematic literature search was conducted in major databases (PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Library) up to August 1, 2025.
  • Included studies were randomized controlled trials and cohort studies assessing isometric exercise for tendinopathy; case series/reports were excluded.
  • Data on demographics, tendinopathy site, symptom duration, adherence, and various patient-reported and imaging outcomes were extracted and analyzed.

Main Results:

  • 13 randomized controlled trials involving 336 participants met the inclusion criteria, covering diverse tendinopathies (patellar, Achilles, rotator cuff, etc.).
  • Symptom duration varied significantly, and intervention periods ranged from single sessions to 4-month programs.
  • Statistically significant pain reduction and functional improvement were observed in only 3 studies, with high initial adherence declining over time. Study quality was predominantly poor.

Conclusions:

  • Current evidence offers limited support for the superiority of isometric exercise in tendinopathy management.
  • Isometric exercises appear tolerable and may provide short-term pain relief, but long-term efficacy versus eccentric or isotonic protocols is uncertain.
  • Future research needs standardized measures, longer follow-up, and uniform diagnostic criteria to establish definitive exercise guidelines for tendinopathies.