Abstract
Clinical Scenario: Achilles tendinopathy (AT) is a prevalent overuse injury affecting the Achilles tendon and rehabilitation frequently incorporates eccentric contraction exercises. This critically appraised topic assesses the comparative effectiveness of isolated eccentric exercises and a combination of contraction types in reducing dysfunction, utilizing the Victorian Institute of Sport Assessment-Achilles (VISA-A) scale as a measure.
Clinical Question: For AT patients, are isolated eccentric strengthening exercises as effective as combination with concentric or isometric muscle contraction to decrease dysfunction?
Summary of Key Findings: A literature search was conducted on the effectiveness of an eccentric-only exercise protocol and an eccentric with concentric or isometric exercise protocol to improve the VISA-A Scale score of AT patients. All studies demonstrated that there was no significant difference in VISA-A Scale score improvement between the eccentric exercise only group and the eccentric and concentric exercise group or the eccentric and isometric exercise group.
Clinical Bottom Line: The evidence suggests that eccentric exercise alone can reduce dysfunction in patients with AT.
Strength of Recommendation: There is a grade B recommendation to support the effectiveness of isolated eccentric exercise for improving dysfunction in AT patients.
Clinical Question: For AT patients, are isolated eccentric strengthening exercises as effective as combination with concentric or isometric muscle contraction to decrease dysfunction?
Summary of Key Findings: A literature search was conducted on the effectiveness of an eccentric-only exercise protocol and an eccentric with concentric or isometric exercise protocol to improve the VISA-A Scale score of AT patients. All studies demonstrated that there was no significant difference in VISA-A Scale score improvement between the eccentric exercise only group and the eccentric and concentric exercise group or the eccentric and isometric exercise group.
Clinical Bottom Line: The evidence suggests that eccentric exercise alone can reduce dysfunction in patients with AT.
Strength of Recommendation: There is a grade B recommendation to support the effectiveness of isolated eccentric exercise for improving dysfunction in AT patients.
| Original language | American English |
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| State | Published - 14 Feb 2025 |
| Event | Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences Research Week 2025 - Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences, Tulsa, United States Duration: 10 Feb 2025 → 14 Feb 2025 https://medicine.okstate.edu/research/research_days.html |
Conference
| Conference | Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences Research Week 2025 |
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| Country/Territory | United States |
| City | Tulsa |
| Period | 10/02/25 → 14/02/25 |
| Internet address |
Keywords
- achilles injury management
- VISA-A scale
- eccentric exercise protocol