At a glance
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Effects of Eccentric Strengthening Exercises in Adults With an Achilles Tendinopathy: Predictive Validity and Responsiveness of Quantitative Musculoskeletal Ultrasound Measures
In Brief
An observational study evaluating Eccentric strengthening exercises of the Achilles tendon for Achilles Tendinopathy. Completed, enrolled 30 participants across 1 site.
Detailed Summary
To this day, the most accepted treatment for the Achilles tendinopathy (AT) remains the exercise program to strengthen the plantar flexor muscles. The eccentric exercises protocol proposed by Alfredson is the most popular and recommended one by the rehabilitation professionals. Currently, the response to interventions is measured almost exclusively by clinical data, especially using questionnaires, since the Quantitative Ultrasound (QUS) is rarely used. In fact, the thickness of the Achilles tendon, which is generally the only measure noted when using musculoskeletal ultrasound on AT, does not allow the clinician to confirm an improvement following an eccentric exercise program if the tendon is thinner, especially in adults with chronic AT. No scientific evidence indicates whether there is an improvement in the biological integrity of the Achilles tendon following the completion of Alfredson's eccentric strengthening protocol. This is why it seems relevant to use the pre-established minimal biomarker data set obtained with the QUS in order to study the variation of these data in response to a rehabilitation intervention and to verify how these variations influence clinical data.
Study Details
Timeline
Interventions
This exercise will require the completion of slow active eccentric plantar flexion exercises with the forefoot positioned over the edge of a step. These exercises will be repeated twice daily (three sets of 15 repetitions with the knee in extension and three sets of 15 repetitions with the knee in flexion) during a three-month period. The amount of loading will be calibrated and progressed on a weekly basis by the physiotherapist according the participant's perceived effort and pain intensity.