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Cooper K, Alexander L, Brandie D, Brown VT, Greig L, Harrison I, MacLean C, Mitchell L, Morrissey D, Moss RA, Parkinson E, Pavlova AV, Shim J, Swinton PA. Exercise therapy for tendinopathy: a mixed-methods evidence synthesis exploring feasibility, acceptability and effectiveness. Health Technol Assess 2023; 27:1-389. [PMID: 37929629 PMCID: PMC10641714 DOI: 10.3310/tfws2748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Tendinopathy is a common, painful and functionally limiting condition, primarily managed conservatively using exercise therapy. Review questions (i) What exercise interventions have been reported in the literature for which tendinopathies? (ii) What outcomes have been reported in studies investigating exercise interventions for tendinopathy? (iii) Which exercise interventions are most effective across all tendinopathies? (iv) Does type/location of tendinopathy or other specific covariates affect which are the most effective exercise therapies? (v) How feasible and acceptable are exercise interventions for tendinopathies? Methods A scoping review mapped exercise interventions for tendinopathies and outcomes reported to date (questions i and ii). Thereafter, two contingent systematic review workstreams were conducted. The first investigated a large number of studies and was split into three efficacy reviews that quantified and compared efficacy across different interventions (question iii), and investigated the influence of a range of potential moderators (question iv). The second was a convergent segregated mixed-method review (question v). Searches for studies published from 1998 were conducted in library databases (n = 9), trial registries (n = 6), grey literature databases (n = 5) and Google Scholar. Scoping review searches were completed on 28 April 2020 with efficacy and mixed-method search updates conducted on 19 January 2021 and 29 March 2021. Results Scoping review - 555 included studies identified a range of exercise interventions and outcomes across a range of tendinopathies, most commonly Achilles, patellar, lateral elbow and rotator cuff-related shoulder pain. Strengthening exercise was most common, with flexibility exercise used primarily in the upper limb. Disability was the most common outcome measured in Achilles, patellar and rotator cuff-related shoulder pain; physical function capacity was most common in lateral elbow tendinopathy. Efficacy reviews - 204 studies provided evidence that exercise therapy is safe and beneficial, and that patients are generally satisfied with treatment outcome and perceive the improvement to be substantial. In the context of generally low and very low-quality evidence, results identified that: (1) the shoulder may benefit more from flexibility (effect sizeResistance:Flexibility = 0.18 [95% CrI 0.07 to 0.29]) and proprioception (effect sizeResistance:Proprioception = 0.16 [95% CrI -1.8 to 0.32]); (2) when performing strengthening exercise it may be most beneficial to combine concentric and eccentric modes (effect sizeEccentricOnly:Concentric+Eccentric = 0.48 [95% CrI -0.13 to 1.1]; and (3) exercise may be most beneficial when combined with another conservative modality (e.g. injection or electro-therapy increasing effect size by ≈0.1 to 0.3). Mixed-method review - 94 studies (11 qualitative) provided evidence that exercise interventions for tendinopathy can largely be considered feasible and acceptable, and that several important factors should be considered when prescribing exercise for tendinopathy, including an awareness of potential barriers to and facilitators of engaging with exercise, patients' and providers' prior experience and beliefs, and the importance of patient education, self-management and the patient-healthcare professional relationship. Limitations Despite a large body of literature on exercise for tendinopathy, there are methodological and reporting limitations that influenced the recommendations that could be made. Conclusion The findings provide some support for the use of exercise combined with another conservative modality; flexibility and proprioception exercise for the shoulder; and a combination of eccentric and concentric strengthening exercise across tendinopathies. However, the findings must be interpreted within the context of the quality of the available evidence. Future work There is an urgent need for high-quality efficacy, effectiveness, cost-effectiveness and qualitative research that is adequately reported, using common terminology, definitions and outcomes. Study registration This project is registered as DOI: 10.11124/JBIES-20-00175 (scoping review); PROSPERO CRD 42020168187 (efficacy reviews); https://osf.io/preprints/sportrxiv/y7sk6/ (efficacy review 1); https://osf.io/preprints/sportrxiv/eyxgk/ (efficacy review 2); https://osf.io/preprints/sportrxiv/mx5pv/ (efficacy review 3); PROSPERO CRD42020164641 (mixed-method review). Funding This project was funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) HTA programme and will be published in full in HTA Journal; Vol. 27, No. 24. See the NIHR Journals Library website for further project information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kay Cooper
- School of Health Sciences, Robert Gordon University, Garthdee Road, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Lyndsay Alexander
- School of Health Sciences, Robert Gordon University, Garthdee Road, Aberdeen, UK
| | - David Brandie
- Sportscotland Institute of Sport, Airthrey Road, Stirling, UK
| | | | - Leon Greig
- School of Health Sciences, Robert Gordon University, Garthdee Road, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Isabelle Harrison
- School of Health Sciences, Robert Gordon University, Garthdee Road, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Colin MacLean
- Library Services, Robert Gordon University, Garthdee Road, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Laura Mitchell
- NHS Grampian, Physiotherapy Department, Ellon Health Centre, Schoolhill, Ellon, Aberdeenshire, UK
| | - Dylan Morrissey
- William Harvey Research Institute, School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, Mile End Hospital, Bancroft Road, London, UK
| | - Rachel Ann Moss
- School of Health Sciences, Robert Gordon University, Garthdee Road, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Eva Parkinson
- School of Health Sciences, Robert Gordon University, Garthdee Road, Aberdeen, UK
| | | | - Joanna Shim
- School of Health Sciences, Robert Gordon University, Garthdee Road, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Paul Alan Swinton
- School of Health Sciences, Robert Gordon University, Garthdee Road, Aberdeen, UK
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Merry K, MacPherson M, Vis-Dunbar M, Whittaker JL, Grävare Silbernagel K, Scott A. Identifying characteristics of resistance-based therapeutic exercise interventions for Achilles tendinopathy: A scoping review. Phys Ther Sport 2023; 63:73-94. [PMID: 37536026 DOI: 10.1016/j.ptsp.2023.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Revised: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This scoping review describes resistance-based therapeutic exercise intervention characteristics for Achilles tendinopathy (AT) treatment (e.g., therapeutic dose, underlying mechanisms targeted by exercise) and assesses participant reporting characteristics. METHODS Seven electronic databases were searched; studies delivering a resistance exercise-focused treatment for individuals with AT were included. The Template for Intervention Description and Replication (TIDieR) and the ICON 2019 'Recommended standards for reporting participant characteristics in tendinopathy research' checklists framed data extraction, and study quality was assessed using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool 2018 version. RESULTS 68 publications (describing 59 studies and 72 exercise programs) were included. Results demonstrate that therapeutic exercise interventions for AT are well reported according to the TIDieR checklist, and participant characteristics are well reported according to the ICON checklist. Various underlying therapeutic mechanisms were proposed, with the most common being increasing tendon strength, increasing calf muscle strength, and enhancing collagen synthesis. CONCLUSIONS While evidence suggests that resistance-based therapeutic exercise interventions are effective in treating AT, more reporting on program fidelity, adherence, and compliance is needed. By summarizing currently published AT exercise programs and reporting key intervention characteristics in a single location, this review can assist clinicians in developing individualized resistance training programs for people with AT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kohle Merry
- Department of Physical Therapy, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
| | - Megan MacPherson
- Virtual Health Team, Fraser Health Authority, Surrey, BC, Canada.
| | - Mathew Vis-Dunbar
- Library, The University of British Columbia, Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada.
| | - Jackie L Whittaker
- Department of Physical Therapy, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; Arthritis Research Canada, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
| | | | - Alex Scott
- Department of Physical Therapy, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
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Murphy MC, Travers M, Chivers P, Debenham J, Docking SI, Rio EK, Gibson W, Ardern C. Can we really say getting stronger makes your tendon feel better? No current evidence of a relationship between change in Achilles tendinopathy pain or disability and changes in triceps Surae structure or function when completing rehabilitation: a systematic review. J Sci Med Sport 2023:S1440-2440(23)00045-2. [PMID: 36990866 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsams.2023.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Revised: 12/26/2022] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Determine if improvements in pain and disability in patients with mid-portion Achilles tendinopathy relate to changes in muscle structure and function whilst completing exercise rehabilitation. DESIGN A systematic review exploring the relationship between changes in pain/disability and muscle structure/function over time, following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. METHODS Six online databases and the grey literature were searched from database inception to 16th December 2022 whereas clinical trial registries were searched from database inception to 11th February 2020. We included clinical studies where participants received exercise rehabilitation (±placebo interventions) for mid-portion Achilles tendinopathy if pain/disability and Triceps Surae structure/function were measured. We calculated Cohen's d (95 % confidence intervals) for changes in muscle structure/function over time for individual studies. Data were not pooled due to heterogeneity. Study quality was assessed using a modified Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. RESULTS Seventeen studies were included for synthesis. No studies reported the relationship between muscle structure/function and pain/disability changes. Twelve studies reported muscle structure/function outcome measures at baseline and at least one follow-up time-point. Three studies reported improvements in force output after treatment; eight studies demonstrated no change in structure or function; one study did not provide a variation measure, precluding within group change over time calculation. All studies were low quality. CONCLUSIONS No studies explored the relationship between changes in tendon pain and disability and changes in muscle structure and function. It is unclear whether current exercise-based rehabilitation protocols for mid-portion Achilles tendinopathy improve muscle structure or function. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION PROSPERO (registration number: CRD42020149970).
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Prudêncio DA, Maffulli N, Migliorini F, Serafim TT, Nunes LF, Sanada LS, Okubo R. Eccentric exercise is more effective than other exercises in the treatment of mid-portion Achilles tendinopathy: systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Sports Sci Med Rehabil 2023; 15:9. [PMID: 36698184 PMCID: PMC9878810 DOI: 10.1186/s13102-023-00618-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Achilles tendinopathy (AT) is one of the most frequent overuse injuries in the ankle. The evidence base for its conservative management AT continues to evolve, but there is still a gap in the evidence for the efficacy of any modality of treatment in high-quality studies. This systematic review and meta-analysis investigated the efficacy of EE in improving pain and function in adult patients with mid-portion Achilles tendinopathy compared to other forms of exercise. A search was performed in PubMed, BIREME, SportDiscus, Cinahl, Web of Science and PEDro, in November 2022. The methodological quality was evaluated using the Risk of Bias 2 tool (RoB2) of the Cochrane collaboration, and the meta-analysis was performed using the Review Manager 5.1 program. 2024 articles were identified and eight fulfilled the inclusion criteria. RoB2 presented a final score with 62.5% of the studies presented "some concerns", and 37.5% (five and three articles, respectively) presenting "high risk" of bias. EE was effective for the managment of AT. The only variable for which a meta-analysis was possible was pain (five articles), analysed with the visual analogue scale/numerical visual scale. The mean difference (MD) in treatment effect using EE was - 1.21 (- 2.72 to - 0.30) with a 95% of confidence interval (CI), thus identifying a significant positive effect for the improvement of pain in patients with AT in whom EE was used. EE is effective in the management of AT. The meta-analysis shows the need for appropriately powered randomized controlled trials with better design, the use of standard outcome measures and well-planned protocols for conservative management of AT.Level of evidence: Level 1.Registration: CRD42018118016.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego Ailton Prudêncio
- Department of Physiotherapy, Physiotherapy Postgraduation Program (PPGF), Santa Catarina State University, Florianópolis, Brazil
| | - Nicola Maffulli
- Department of Orthopaedics, School of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, Salerno, Italy
- School of Pharmacy and Bioengineering, Faculty of Medicine, Keele University, Stoke On Trent, UK
- Centre for Sports and Exercise Medicine at Queen, Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Filippo Migliorini
- Department of Orthopaedic, Trauma, and Reconstructive Surgery, RWTH University Hospital, Pauwelsstraße 30, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Thiago Teixeira Serafim
- Department of Physiotherapy, Physiotherapy Postgraduation Program (PPGF), Santa Catarina State University, Florianópolis, Brazil
| | - Luis Felipe Nunes
- Department of Pharmacy, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Brazil
| | - Luciana Sayuri Sanada
- Department of Physiotherapy, Physiotherapy Postgraduation Program (PPGF), Santa Catarina State University, Florianópolis, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo Okubo
- Department of Physiotherapy, Physiotherapy Postgraduation Program (PPGF), Santa Catarina State University, Florianópolis, Brazil
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Gatz M, Betsch M, Bode D, Schweda S, Dirrichs T, Migliorini F, Tingart M, Quack V. Intra individual comparison of unilateral Achilles tendinopathy using B-mode, power Doppler, ultrasound tissue characterization and shear wave elastography. J Sports Med Phys Fitness 2020; 60:1462-1469. [PMID: 32586084 DOI: 10.23736/s0022-4707.20.11031-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The asymptomatic side of unilateral Achilles tendinopathy (AT) is used as a reference in ultrasound. However, this procedure has not been evaluated in a comparative analysis using B-mode (B-US), power Doppler (PD-US), ultrasound tissue characterization (UTC) and shear wave elastography (SWE). METHODS Retrospective cross-sectional study. Tendons were assigned to 3 groups: 1) asymptomatic side of unilateral AT N.=55; 2) symptomatic side of unilateral AT N.=55; and 3) young reference group N.=29. The following parameters were analyzed separately for the insertion and midportion: UTC (echo type I, II, III, IV), B-US (diameter, cross sectional area), PD-US (Öhberg Score) and SWE (SWE 3 mm, SWE area) using a Wilcoxon Test (group 1 vs. 2) and a Kruskal-Wallis Test (group 1 vs. 2 vs. 3). RESULTS The Wilcoxon Test making an isolated comparison between group 1 vs. 2 revealed a significant difference for all parameters of B-US, PD-US, UTC and SWE (P<0.001, P=0.042), except for the insertion in UTC. However, in the overall analysis including the reference group, the Kruskal-Wallis Test could only detect a significant difference between group 1 vs. 2 for PD-US (P<0.001). Thus, group 1 and 2 had significantly more pathological parameters in B-US (P<0.001, P=0.027), SWE (P<0.001, P=0.008) and UTC (type I, III, IV P<0.001) in both, insertion and midportion, compared to the reference group. CONCLUSIONS The asymptomatic side of unilateral AT seems to show subclinical tendons alterations in B-US, SWE and UTC in comparison to a young and healthy control group. The asymptomatic side of unilateral AT especially with detectable neovascularization might be at risk for future symptoms. Further studies must examine whether the asymptomatic side can still serve as a reference for intra individual comparison in clinical evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthias Gatz
- Department of Orthopedics, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany -
| | - Marcel Betsch
- Department of Orthopedics, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | - Daniela Bode
- Department of Orthopedics, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany.,Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | - Sebastian Schweda
- Department of Orthopedics, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | - Timm Dirrichs
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | - Filippo Migliorini
- Department of Orthopedics, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | - Markus Tingart
- Department of Orthopedics, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | - Valentin Quack
- Department of Orthopedics, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany
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