Are plantarflexor muscle impairments present among individuals with Achilles tendinopathy and do they change with exercise? A systematic review with meta-analysis

Review written by Shruti Nambiar info

Key Points

  1. Impairments in maximal plantarflexor torque and concentric plantarflexor endurance were observed on the affected side versus unaffected side.
All key points available for members only
Start free trial Icon
Or log in here

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE

There is a paucity of research on the presence of plantarflexor muscle impairments in individuals with Achilles tendinopathy (AT) when compared to the unaffected side and to healthy controls. The influence of progressive resistance training on plantarflexor muscle function in this population is also unclear.

The primary aim of this paper was to investigate the presence of plantarflexor muscle impairments with AT in two ways, i.e. AT versus healthy controls, and affected leg versus unaffected leg. The secondary aim was to assess the change in various parameters of plantarflexor muscle function over time among individuals with AT undergoing resistance training.

There is a paucity of research on the presence of plantarflexor muscle impairments in individuals with Achilles tendinopathy.
bulb
Improvement in plantarflexor muscle function is not necessary for symptomatic improvement in those with Achilles tendinopathy.

METHODS

PRISMA guidelines were followed for the reporting of this systematic review. Included studies compared muscle function between affected versus unaffected side, AT versus healthy controls, and assessed change in function over time. Measures of plantarflexor function included strength, power, explosive

Start free trial Icon
to unlock full access to this review and 1109 more
Or log in here
Trustpilot