Eccentric calf muscle training in non-athletic patients with Achilles tendinopathy

M.K. Sayana and N. Maffulli

The aim of this article was to study the effects of eccentric exercise in sedentary, non-athletic patients with Achilles tendinopathy.  Thirty four sedentary patients with a clinical diagnosis of unilateral tendinopathy of the main body of the Achilles tendon were recruited.  They all completed the VISA-A questionnaire at first attendance and at all subsequent visits.  The patients underwent a graded, progressive eccentric calf strengthening excerise program for 12 weeks.  The results showed that 15 patients did not improve.  The authors concluded that eccentric exercises may not benefit sedentary patients to the same extent reported in athletes.

Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport, 2007, 10(1), 52-58

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