Resumen del estudio

Forty-two sport-active patients with chronic insertional Achilles tendinopathy were randomized to low tendon compression rehabilitation (LTCR; n=20) or high tendon compression rehabilitation (HTCR; n=22). The primary outcome was VISA-A at 12 and 24 weeks. Secondary outcomes included patient satisfaction, return-to-sport, pain on hopping (VAS-HOP) and during ADLs (VAS-ADL), single-leg heel-raise repetitions, and ultrasound tendon thickness; outcomes were assessed at baseline, 12, and 24 weeks. Overall, the results of the study revealed larger VISA-A gains with LTCR at both 12 weeks and 24 weeks, alongside higher satisfaction and better pain metrics. In short, limiting tendon compression during progressive loading—plus education and heel lifts—improved pain/function versus end-range dorsiflexion loading.