A Systematic Review Evaluating Diagnosis Methods and Treatment Protocols for Achilles Tendinopathy

Treatment of Achilles Tendinpathy.

Abstract

Purpose: Diagnosis and treatment protocols for Achilles tendinopathy can be categorized into various groups. However, their
effectiveness varies depending on managing and reducing pain. Therefore, this systematic review analyzes and evaluates the
diagnosis methods and compares treatment protocols' effectiveness for Achilles tendinopathy.
Methods: A systematic review was performed by searching six electronic databases: PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of
Science, Embase, MEDLINE Ovid, and ProQuest, which were searched for articles on the diagnosis and treatment protocols
for Achilles tendinopathy. The studies that met the inclusion criteria were evaluated, and appropriate data was extracted.
Results: The ten articles that met the inclusion criteria were included in the study. Evidence from the review showed that the
Alfredson protocol had a higher pain nd function improvement compared to the Stanish protocol, with a higher VISA-A score
in the Alfredson than the Stanish protocol. The findings showed that combining the Alfredson eccentric exercise and Stanish
Stretching exercises would significantly improve pain and function for patients with Midportion Achilles tendinopathy. This
result showed that both protocols significantly improve pain and function in Achilles tendinopathy patients. Similarly, HSR
and ECC showed no significant statistical difference in the VISA-A (Victorian Institute of Sport Assessment-Achilles) scores.
Conclusions: HSR is more favorable than ECC, while Alfredson is superior to the Stanish protocol. The VISA-A scores in
Alfredson versus Silbernagel and ECC versus HSR did not provide any significant statistical difference between the groups.
Alfredson and Silbernagel protocols and ECC and HSR show similar results in reducing pain.