One-year follow-up of a randomised controlled trial on added splinting to eccentric exercises in chronic midportion Achilles tendinopathy.
OBJECTIVE
The study examined whether the addition of a night splint to eccentric exercises is beneficial for functional outcome in chronic midportion Achilles tendinopathy.


METHODS
One-year follow-up of a randomised controlled single blinded clinical trial.


METHODS
Sports medicine department in a general hospital.


METHODS
58 patients (70 tendons) were included.


METHODS
All patients completed a 12-week heavy load eccentric training programme. One group received a night splint in addition to eccentric exercises.


METHODS
Outcome scores were: Victorian Institute of Sport Assessment-Achilles (VISAA) score, subjective patient satisfaction and neovascularisation score measured with power Doppler ultrasonography (PDU).


RESULTS
For both groups the VISA-A score increased significantly (from 50 to 76 (p<0.01) in the eccentric group and from 49 to 78 (p<0.01) in the night splint group). No significant differences in the VISA-A score were found between the groups from baseline to one year (p = 0.32). The presence of neovessels at baseline did not predict a change in the VISA-A score after one year in the whole group (p = 0.71).


CONCLUSIONS
Eccentric exercises with or without a night splint improved functional outcome at one year follow-up. At follow-up there was no significant difference in clinical outcome when a night splint was used in addition to an eccentric exercise programme. Between 3 months and one year follow-up, a continuing increase in the VISA-A score was found. Assessment of the neovascularisation score with PDU at baseline has no prognostic value on long-term clinical outcome.
de Jonge
S
S
Sports Medicine Department, The Hague Medical Centre, Leidschendam, The Netherlands.
de Vos
R J
RJ
Van Schie
H T M
HT
Verhaar
J A N
JA
Weir
A
A
Tol
J L
JL
D000125:Achilles Tendon; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002908:Chronic Disease; D005081:Exercise Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011446:Prospective Studies; D016037:Single-Blind Method; D013165:Splints; D052256:Tendinopathy / Q000628:therapy*; D055815:Young Adult