Research summary · Recovery and rehabilitation
Eccentric exercise in Achilles tendinopathy rehabilitation
A review of 21 randomised trials involving 994 patients compares eccentric loading with other conservative treatments.
- Publication year
- 2026
- First published online
- Publication type
- Systematic review and meta-analysis
- Journal
- BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders
- Population / context
- Achilles tendinopathy · Rehabilitation
What the publication reports
Eccentric exercise produced greater pain reductions than physical modalities, but no clear advantage over other exercise therapies. Functional outcomes were highly inconsistent between studies. The review also examined ultrasound changes in tendon structure.
Limits and interpretation
Functional-outcome heterogeneity was very high (I² = 86.1%). Different tendon presentations and loading protocols limit a universal recommendation. Imaging changes should not be equated with recovery or readiness to return to sport.
Read the source
Consult the original record for the full author list, methods, references, funding and competing-interest disclosures.
The efficacy of eccentric exercise in the treatment of Achilles tendinopathy: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Original publication / indexed recordPMID: 42021217DOI: 10.1186/s12891-026-09861-3Full text at the sourceReader discussion
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