Effect of Symptom Duration on Injury Severity and Recovery in Patients With Achilles Tendinopathy

Author(s)Hanlon, Shawn L.
Author(s)Scattone Silva, Rodrigo
Author(s)Honick, Brian J.
Author(s)Silbernagel, Karin Grävare
Date Accessioned2023-08-15T14:10:02Z
Date Available2023-08-15T14:10:02Z
Publication Date2023-05-22
DescriptionThis article was originally published in Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine. The version of record is available at: https://doi.org/10.1177/23259671231164956. © The Author(s) 2023.
AbstractBackground: Achilles tendinopathy is a common overuse condition. Distinguishing between early- and late-stage tendinopathy may have implications on treatment decisions and recovery expectations. Purpose: To compare the effects of time and baseline measures of tendon health on outcomes among patients with varying symptom durations after 16 weeks of comprehensive exercise treatment. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: Participants (N = 127) were categorized into 4 groups based on the number of months since symptom onset: ≤3 months (n = 24); between >3 and ≤6 months (n = 25); between >6 and ≤12 months (n = 18); or >12 months (n = 60). All participants received 16 weeks of standardized exercise therapy and pain-guided activity modification. Outcomes representing symptoms, lower extremity function, tendon structure, mechanical properties, psychological factors, and patient-related factors were assessed at baseline and at 8 and 16 weeks after the initiation of exercise therapy. Chi-square tests and 1-way analysis of variance were used to compare baseline measures between groups.Time, group, and interaction effects were evaluated using linear mixed models. Results: The mean age of the participants was 47.8 ± 12.6 years, 62 participants were women, and symptoms ranged from 2 weeks to 274 months. No significant differences were found among symptom duration groups at baseline for any measure of tendon health. At 16 weeks, all groups demonstrated improvements in symptoms, psychological factors, lower extremity function, and tendon structure, with no significant differences among the groups (P > .05) Conclusion: Symptom duration did not influence baseline measures of tendon health. Additionally, no differences were observed among the different symptom duration groups in response to 16 weeks of exercise therapy and pain-guided activity modification.
SponsorOne or more of the authors has declared the following potential conflict of interest or source of funding: This study was supported by the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases of the National Institutes of Health (award No. R01AR07203401A1). AOSSM checks author disclosures against the Open Payments Database (OPD). AOSSM has not conducted an independent investigation on the OPD and disclaims any liability or responsibility relating thereto.
CitationHanlon SL, Scattone Silva R, Honick BJ, Silbernagel KG. Effect of Symptom Duration on Injury Severity and Recovery in Patients With Achilles Tendinopathy. Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine. 2023;11(5). doi:10.1177/23259671231164956
ISSN2325-9671
URLhttps://udspace.udel.edu/handle/19716/33071
Languageen_US
PublisherOrthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine
dc.rights.urihttps://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/
TitleEffect of Symptom Duration on Injury Severity and Recovery in Patients With Achilles Tendinopathy
TypeArticle
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