Eccentric calf muscle training in non-athletic patients with Achilles tendinopathy

SummaryObjectiveAchilles tendinopathy is prevalent in athletes, but can also affect sedentary patients. We studied the effects of eccentric exercises in sedentary non-athletic patients with Achilles tendinopathy.MethodsThirty-four sedentary patients (18 males, average age 44 years, range 23–67; 16 females, average age 51 years, range 20–76; average BMI: 28.6 ± 4.7, range 22.1–35.4) with a clinical diagnosis of unilateral tendinopathy of the main body of the Achilles tendon completed the VISA-A questionnaire at first attendance (39 ± S.D. 22.8) and at their subsequent visits. The patients underwent a graded progressive eccentric calf strengthening exercises programme for 12 weeks.ResultsFifteen patients (44%) did not improve with eccentric exercise regimen. Three patients improved after perintendinous injections aprotinin and local anaesthetic. Surgery was performed in seven patients as 6 months of conservative management failed to produce improvements. The overall average VISA-A scores at latest follow up was 50 (S.D. 26.5).ConclusionsEccentric exercises, though effective in nearly 60% of our patients, may not benefit sedentary patients to the same extent reported in athletes.