Researcher(s)
- Samantha Huerta, Exercise Science, University of Delaware
Faculty Mentor(s)
- Karin Silbernagel, Physical Therapy, University of Delaware
Abstract
| Background: Achilles tendinopathy (AT) is a common musculoskeletal disorder characterized by localized pain and functional impairment related due to repetitive overloading of the tendon. AT affects both active and sedentary patients, and requires several months of rehabilitation. Considering the lack of research exploring the differences between the two groups, the primary objective of this retrospective study is to compare the functional and pain differences between runners and non-runners with AT. Secondary objectives are to compare the AT pain to their submaximal heel rise strength.
Methods/design: 148 runners and 215 nonrunners with AT (103 females; 47.28 ± 12.66 years; 18-65 years) were evaluated at a baseline visit. The primary outcome measure is the Victorian Institute of Sport Assessment – Achilles (VISA-A) questionnaire. Secondary outcomes are functional and pain measurements from the Heel rise test and the Patient Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS-29 Pain). Functional exams include the Drop Counter Movement Jump, the Counter Movement Jump, and the Hopping Test results and their self reported pain. Results: There was an overall better result in the VISA-A Scores, Heel rise Repetitions, Heel rise Height (cm), and Heel rise Work (J) in runners than non-runners, and there was overall greater strength between runners and nonrunners. Runners had an average VISA-A score, Heel rise Repetitions, Heel rise Height, Heel rise Work, Heel rise average concentric power, and DCMJ Height of 53.65, 25.15, 11.76 cm, 1798.37 Joules, 131.1 Watts, and 7.00 cm, respectively. Nonrunners had an average VISA-A score, Heel rise Repetitions, Heel rise Height, Heel rise Work, Heel rise average concentric power, and DCMJ Height of 43.59, 16.81, 9.47 cm, 1165.05 Joules, 116.81 Watts, and 3.32 cm, respectively. There was little difference in PROMIS-29 T scores, gait speeds, and other pain measurements between runners and nonrunners. Conclusion: Runners outperformed nonrunners in a majority of the tests and experienced more/less pain than their counterparts. Future work includes comparing the patient’s baseline data to that of their data at sixteen weeks after receiving the Silbernagel protocol, a concentric-eccentric loading program intended to mimic a typical standard plan of care for patients. Comparing this data would look at the patient’s recovery, if any. |