New in the Literature: Eccentric Strengthening for Achilles Tendinopathy (Am J Phys Med Rehabil. 2012. Oct 5. [Epub ahead of print])
Eccentric
strengthening was more effective
than concentric strengthening in reducing pain and improving function in
patients with Achilles tendinopathy, say authors of an article
published online in American Journal of
Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation.
Thirty-two
men with Achilles tendinopathy were assigned to either the experimental group (n
= 16) that performed eccentric strengthening or the control group (n = 16) that
performed concentric strengthening for 8 weeks (50 minutes per day, 3 times per
week). A visual analog scale, isokinetic muscle testing equipment, the
side-step test, and the Sargent jump test were used to assess pain, muscle
strength, endurance, and functional fitness factors before and after the
intervention.
In comparison with the control group, the experimental group showed
significant improvement in pain, ankle dorsiflexion endurance, total balance
index, and agility after the intervention. However, there was no significant
difference in dexterity between the 2 groups.