The role of eccentric training in the management of Achilles tendinopathy: A pilot study

ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of different types of treatment on Achilles tendinopathy, one proposed to increase tensile strength of the tendon, the other a more traditional treatment used in a clinical setting.DesignRepeated measures trial comparing two interventions.SettingSports injury clinic.ParticipantsTwenty-five participants were randomly allocated to the eccentric group (n=13) or the control group (n=12).Main outcome measuresThe VISA-A questionnaire was used to determine outcomes and was administered to all participants at 0, 4, 8, and 12 weeks.ResultsAll subjects significantly improved over the 12-week period (p=0.0001), but the eccentric group demonstrated significantly higher (p=0.014) VISA-A scores at 12 weeks.ConclusionThe study suggests that the addition of a 12-week eccentric exercise programme to conventional treatment of ultrasound and deep transverse frictions is more effective in treating Achilles tendinopathy than conventional treatment alone.