COMPARING TWO ECCENTRIC EXERCISE PROGRAMMES FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF ACHILLES TENDINOPATHY. A PILOT TRIAL. Issue 10 (10th June 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Stasinopoulos, Dimitrios; Manias, Pantelis
• Is Part Of: British journal of sports medicine. Volume 47:Issue 10(2013)
• Page Start: e3
• Page End: e3
• Publication Date: 2013-06-10
• Subjects: Sports medicine -- Periodicals; 617.1027
• DOI: 10.1136/bjsports-2013-092558.91
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0306-3674

Abstract

Abstract : Objectives: To compare eccentric exercises as proposed by Alfredson with eccentric and static exercises as proposed by Stanish in the management of Achilles tendinopathy. Methods: Patients with midportion Achilles tendinopathy for at least 3 months were included in this trial. They were sequentially allocated to receive either Alfredson's exercise programme or Stanish's exercise programme. Outcome measures were pain and function using the VISA-A score. Patients were evaluated at baseline, at the end of treatment (week 12), and six months (week 36) after the end of treatment. Results: 41 patients met the inclusion criteria. At the end of treatment, there was a rise in VISA-A score in both groups compared with baseline (p<0.05, paired t-test). There were significant differences in the VISA-A score between the groups at the end of treatment and at the 6-month follow up; Alfredson exercise programme group produced the largest effect (p<0.0005, independent t-test). Conclusion: An exercise programme based on Alfredson protocol was superior to Stanish model to reduce pain and improve function in patients with Achilles tendinopathy at the end of the treatment and at the follow-up. Further research is needed to confirm our results.