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Heavy slow resistance training for Achilles tendinopathy associated with early patient satisfaction
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Among patients with Achilles tendinopathy, both eccentric training and heavy slow resistance training had an equally good positive and lasting clinical effect in results of a level 1, randomized controlled trial.
Researchers randomly assigned 58 patients with chronic midportion Achilles tendinopathy to eccentric training or heavy slow resistance training for 12 weeks. At 0 weeks, as well as at 12 and 52 weeks follow-up, researchers assessed the patients’ function and symptoms, tendon pain during activity, tendon swelling, tendon neovascularization and treatment satisfaction.
Results of the Victorian Institute of Sports Assessment-Achilles questionnaire and VAS score showed both groups improved significantly between 0 and 12 weeks (P < .0001) and that improvement was maintained at the 52-week follow-up. Researchers noted there was a significant reduction in tendon thickness and neovascularization that differ between the groups. After 12 weeks, the heavy slow resistance training group reported greater patient satisfaction (100%) than the eccentric training group (80%), but this was not the case after 52 weeks, according to results of the study.
The mean compliance with the programs was 78% for the eccentric training group and 92% for the heavy slow resistance training group. – by Casey Tingle
Disclosure: The researchers report no relevant financial disclosures.
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