title: Heavy Slow Resistance Versus Eccentric Training as Treatment for Achilles Tendinopathy: A Randomized Controlled Trial.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Previous studies have shown that eccentric training has a positive effect on Achilles tendinopathy, but few randomized controlled trials have compared it with other loading-based treatment regimens.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate the effectiveness of eccentric training (ECC) and heavy slow resistance training (HSR) among patients with midportion Achilles tendinopathy.
  
  
  METHODS
  Randomized controlled trial; Level of evidence, 1.
  
  
  METHODS
  A total of 58 patients with chronic (>3 months) midportion Achilles tendinopathy were randomized to ECC or HSR for 12 weeks. Function and symptoms (Victorian Institute of Sports Assessment-Achilles), tendon pain during activity (visual analog scale), tendon swelling, tendon neovascularization, and treatment satisfaction were assessed at 0 and 12 weeks and at the 52-week follow-up. Analyses were performed on an intention-to-treat basis.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Both groups showed significant (P < .0001) improvements in Victorian Institute of Sports Assessment-Achilles and visual analog scale from 0 to 12 weeks, and these improvements were maintained at the 52-week follow-up. Concomitant with the clinical improvement, there was a significant reduction in tendon thickness and neovascularization. None of these robust clinical and structural improvements differed between the ECC and HSR groups. However, patient satisfaction tended to be greater after 12 weeks with HSR (100%) than with ECC (80%; P = .052) but not after 52 weeks (HSR, 96%; ECC, 76%; P = .10), and the mean training session compliance rate was 78% in the ECC group and 92% in the HSR group, with a significant difference between groups (P < .005).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The results of this study show that both traditional ECC and HSR yield positive, equally good, lasting clinical results in patients with Achilles tendinopathy and that the latter tends to be associated with greater patient satisfaction after 12 weeks but not after 52 weeks.
authors.affiliation: Department of Physical Therapy, Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation Research Unit, Bispebjerg Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark Institute of Sports Medicine, Bispebjerg Hospital and Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
authors.forename: Rikke
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Beyer
authors.affiliation: Institute of Sports Medicine, Bispebjerg Hospital and Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
authors.forename: Mads
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Kongsgaard
authors.affiliation: Department of Physical Therapy, Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation Research Unit, Bispebjerg Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark.
authors.forename: Birgitte
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Hougs Kjær
authors.affiliation: Institute of Sports Medicine, Bispebjerg Hospital and Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
authors.forename: Tommy
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Øhlenschlæger
authors.affiliation: Institute of Sports Medicine, Bispebjerg Hospital and Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Kjær
authors.affiliation: Department of Physical Therapy, Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation Research Unit, Bispebjerg Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark Institute of Sports Medicine, Bispebjerg Hospital and Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark p.magnusson@sund.ku.dk.
authors.forename: S Peter
authors.initials: SP
authors.lastname: Magnusson
mesh_terms: D000125:Achilles Tendon / Q000503:physiopathology*; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D005081:Exercise Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010349:Patient Compliance; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011446:Prospective Studies; D055070:Resistance Training / Q000379:methods*; D016037:Single-Blind Method; D013177:Sports; D052256:Tendinopathy / Q000628:therapy*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D064232:Visual Analog Scale; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Achilles tendon; eccentric training; heavy slow resistance training; tendinopathy