Exercise parameters to consider for Achilles tendinopathy: a modified Delphi study with international experts

Review written by Dr Teddy Willsey info

Key Points

  1. Experts agree that exercise contraction intensity might be the single most important variable for Achilles tendinopathy rehab.
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BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Achilles tendinopathy (AT) carries a lifetime prevalence rate of 6% of the general population, up to 24% of elite athletes, and 52% of middle- and long-distance runners (1). Recurrence rates can exceed 40% and symptoms may persist intermittently beyond 5 years in over half of cases (2). Primary management of AT typically involves education, advice, and exercise that gradually increases tendon load. The goal of AT exercise is to improve functional strength and endurance, reduce pain, and stimulate tendon remodeling (3).

The authors of this paper formed an expert panel in AT rehabilitation and completed a three-round Delphi survey to identify exercise parameters that carry the strongest influence on rehabilitation for midportion AT (MidAT) and insertional AT (InsAT).

Achilles tendinopathy (AT) carries a lifetime prevalence rate of 6% of the general population, up to 24% of elite athletes, and 52% of middle- and long-distance runners.
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Slower speed contractions are more effective at remodeling tendons than faster speed contractions.

METHODS

All experts had conducted and published research in the field of exercise based AT rehabilitation. After 66 top experts were identified and contacted, the authors were able recruit 17 willing and able participants. The authors exceeded their goal - 15

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