Author: Karin Grävare Silbernagel; Roland Thomeé; Bengt I Eriksson; Jon Karlsson

Author Affiliation: Lundberg Laboratory of Orthopaedic Research, Department of Orthopaedics, Göteborg University, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gröna Stråket 12, 413 45 Göteborg, Sweden. karin.gravare-silbernagel@orthop.gu.se

Keywords: Achilles Tendon - injuries - physiopathology - surgery - ultrasonography; Adult; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Pain - physiopathology; Pain Measurement - standards; Prospective Studies; Questionnaires; Running; Sports; Sweden; Tendinopathy - rehabilitation

Abstract: Achilles tendinopathy is a common overuse injury, especially among athletes involved in activities that include running and jumping. Often an initial period of rest from the pain-provoking activity is recommended.; To prospectively evaluate if continued running and jumping during treatment with an Achilles tendon-loading strengthening program has an effect on the outcome.; Randomized clinical control trial; Level of evidence, 1.; Thirty-eight patients with Achilles tendinopathy were randomly allocated to 2 different treatment groups. The exercise training group (n = 19) was allowed, with the use of a pain-monitoring model, to continue Achilles tendon-loading activity, such as running and jumping, whereas the active rest group (n = 19) had to stop such activities during the first 6 weeks. All patients were rehabilitated according to an identical rehabilitation program. The primary outcome measures were the Swedish version of the Victorian Institute of Sports Assessment-Achilles questionnaire (VISA-A-S) and the pain level during tendon-loading activity.; No significant differences in the rate of improvements were found between the groups. Both groups showed, however, significant (P

Notes: Comment In: Am J Sports Med. 2007 Jul;35(7):1208; author reply 1208-917581977; Comment In: Clin J Sport Med. 2008 May;18(3):303-418469580