Achilles tendinopathy Exercise therapy Treatment Achilles tendinopathie Oefentherapie Behandeling
Conditions
Interventions
Two different loading programs for the plantar flexor muscle-tendon unit
i.e. isolated eccentric loading according to the Alfredson program, or a combination of concentric and eccemtric loading according to the Silbernagel program.
Sponsors
University Medical Center Utrecht
Sport Medisch Centrum Papendal
Eligibility
Inclusion criteria
Inclusion criteria: - Clinical diagnosis of unilateral mid-portion Achilles tendinopathy (Achilles tendon pain and swelling 2-7 cm from calcaneal insertion); - Duration of symptoms at least three months; - Age 18-60 years of age; - Participating in sport involving Achilles tendon loading (i.e. running and/or jumping); - Able to comply with both exercise programs.
Exclusion criteria
Exclusion criteria: - Bilateral symptoms; - Diagnosis of insertional Achilles tendinopathy (insertion of Achilles tendon onto posterior aspect of the calcaneus); - Washout period of < four weeks from other treatments; - Corticosteroid injections in the region of the Achilles tendon in the previous 12 months; - Other lower limb injuries in previous 12 months; - Previous surgery in the affected limb; - History of Achilles tendon rupture in affected limb; - Systemic diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis and diabetes mellitus.
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame |
|---|---|
| - Victorian Institute of Sports Assessment - Achilles (VISA-A) questionnaire - Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for pain during sports activities | — |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame |
|---|---|
| - VAS for pain during activities of daily life - Morning stiffness - Quality of life (EQ5D, SF-12) - Perceived recovery - Jumping height - Plantar flexor endurance - Variables related to cost-effectiveness | — |
Contacts
Public ContactB.M.A. Huisstede
University Medical Center Utrecht, department of Rehabilitation, Nursing Science & Sports
Outcome results
None listed