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Achilles tendinopathy is a prevalent, highly debilitating condition. It is believed to result from repetitive overuse, which creates micro-damage tendon, and initiates a catabolic cell response. The aetiology of tendinopathy remains poorly understood, therefore appropriate treatment remains unclear. Current data support the use of shock wave therapy and eccentric exercise as some of the more effective treatment options for tendinopathy. Studies have shown that these treatments generate perturbations within tendon at a frequency of approximately 8-12Hz. Consequently, it is hypothesised that 10Hz loading initiates increased anabolic tenocyte behaviour promoting tendon repair. The primary aim of this thesis is to investigate the effects of 10Hz perturbations on tenocyte metabolism, comparing tenocyte gene expression in response to a 10Hz and 1Hz loading profile. A variety of in vitro models for mechanically stimulating cells were explored, comparing tissue explants with isolated cells on a 2D or within a 3D collagen gel. The mechanical environment of each model was investigated, in addition to cell viability and gene stabilisation following strain, as needed for future cell studies. 3D collagen gels arose as the most suitable model. Human tenocytes from healthy semitendinosus and tendinopathic Achilles tendons were seeded into 3D collagen gels and subjected to cyclic strain at 10Hz and 1Hz to establish cell response. Tenocyte gene expression was characterised using qRT-PCR. Healthy tenocytes showed increased expression of all analysed genes in response to loading. Furthermore, the increase was significantly larger in the 10Hz loading group. Tendinopathic tenocytes showed a more varied response, possibly indicative of an early healing response. Nevertheless, the response to 10Hz loading was consistently greater than seen with 1Hz loading. Analysis of the signalling pathways involved suggested that the IL1 signalling pathway may be involved in the strain response reported. This study has demonstrated for the first time that loading at a frequency of 10Hz may enhance metabolic response in healthy tenocytes.

Midportion Achilles tendinopathy (tendinosis) is a troublesome painful condition, often characterised by pain, local swelling, tenderness and functional disability. Despite extensive research, the pathogenesis is poorly understood and treatment remains challenging. Features related to the peritendinous connective tissue can be of importance. Recently it has been suggested that the plantaris tendon might be involved in this condition. Furthermore, it has been hypothesised that tendon pain and the tendinosis-related tissue changes in tendinopathy might be mediated by signalling substances such as glutamate and acetylcholine. A clinical observation, not scientifically evaluated, has been that unilateral treatment for bilateral Achilles tendinosis can lead to an effect on the contralateral side.      The aim of this work was to examine the morphology and innervation patterns in the plantaris tendon and the peritendinous connective tissue in between the Achillles and plantaris tendons in midportion Achilles tendinopathy, and to evaluate if plantaris tendon removal has an effect on Achilles tendon structure. Another aim was to determine if unilateral treatment for Achilles tendinopathy targeting the peritendinous connective tissue can result in bilateral recovery. Furthermore the presence of non-neuronal cholinergic and glutamate systems was examined.      Sections of plantaris tendons with adjacent peritendinous connective tissue from patients with midportion Achilles tendinopathy were stained for morphology (H&E), and innervation patterns were evaluated using antibodies against general nerve marker (PGP9.5), sensory (CGRP) and sympathetic (TH) nerve fibres and Schwann cells (S-100β). Furthermore immunostainings against non-neuronal aceylcholine (ChAT) and glutamate signalling components (glutamate, VGluT2, NMDAR1) were performed. Plantaris tendon cells were cultured and also stained for glutamate signalling components, and were stimulated with glutamate and glutamate receptor agonist NMDA. Furthermore, Ultrasound Tissue Characterisation (UTC) was used to monitor the integrity of the Achilles tendon collagen structure after plantaris tendon removal.      Plantaris tendons exhibited tendinosis-like tissue patterns such as hypercellularity, collagen disorganisation and large numbers of blood vessels. The peritendinous connective tissue between the plantaris and Achilles tendons contained large numbers of fibroblasts and blood vessels and to some extent macrophages and mast cells. A marked innervation was found in the peritendinous connective tissue and there were also nerve fibres in the loose connective tissue spaces within the tendon tissue proper. Most nerve fibres were identified as sensory fibres. Some nerve fascicles in the peritendinous connective tissue showed absence of axons but homogenous reactions for Schwann cell marker. Tenocytes and cells in the peritendinous connective tissue expressed ChAT, glutamate, VGluT2 and NMDAR1. Tendon cells in vitro expressed VGluT2, NMDAR1 and glutamate. UTC showed significant improvement of Achilles tendon integrity 6 months after surgical plantaris tendon removal and scraping procedure. Eleven out of thirteen patients reported of a bilateral recovery after unilateral surgical treatment.      The results of this work show that plantaris tendons exhibit tendinosis-like tissue changes, internal innervation and features that suggest occurrence of glutamate and acetylcholine production and signalling. Plantaris removal improves Achilles tendon structure suggesting possible compressive/shearing interference between the Achilles and plantaris tendons in tendinopathy. The peritendinous connective tissue shows marked innervation, which thus might transmit pain when being compressed. The partial absence of axons indicates a possible nerve degeneration. On the whole, the study gives new evidence favouring that the plantaris tendon and the peritendinous connective tissue might be of importance for pain and the tendinopathy process in midportion Achilles tendinopathy.

Epidemiologic data suggest 25% to 75% of all runners experience an overuse injury each year. Commonly cited biomechanical factors related to overuse injuries such as Achilles tendinopathy or medial tibial stress syndrome include excessive amounts or velocities of foot pronation. However, there is conflicting evidence in the literature supporting this theory. An alternative hypothesis suggests it is not necessarily the amount or velocity of pronation which is important for injury development; rather it is the duration the foot remains in a pronated position throughout stance that is the important variable. This project examined this hypothesis by first identifying biomechanical markers of prolonged pronation. Second, it assessed whether individuals currently symptomatic with injuries typically attributed to excessive pronation instead demonstrate the biomechanical markers of prolonged pronation. Finally, musculoskeletal modeling techniques were used to examine musculotendinous kinematics in injured and healthy runners, as well as healthy runners with prolonged pronation. The results suggest the two most robust measures for identifying individuals with prolonged pronation are the period of pronation and the eversion of the rear foot at heel off. Individuals with prolonged pronation can also be identified with a set of clinically feasible measures including higher standing tibia varus angles, reduced static hip internal rotation range of motion, and increased hip internal rotation during stance phase. Finally, individuals with prolonged pronation display a more medially located center of pressure trajectory during stance. Compared to healthy controls, individuals currently symptomatic with Achilles tendinopathy or medial tibial stress syndrome did not differ in the amount or velocity of pronation. However, they did demonstrate the biomechanical markers of prolonged pronation. Injured individuals also demonstrated greater average musculotendinous percent elongation than healthy controls, especially through mid and late stance. Currently healthy individuals demonstrating prolonged pronation exhibited musculotendinous percent elongations intermediate to the healthy and injured groups. As a whole, the results from this study suggest prolonged pronation may play a role in the development of common overuse running injuries. It is suggested future studies on injury mechanisms consider pronation duration as an important variable to examine. This dissertation includes unpublished co-authored material.

Recorded by Eugene Barsky, Physiotherapy Outreach Librarian, UBC / This is a Systematic Review Presentation titled - "Pain-enduring Eccentric Exercise for the Treatment of Chronic Achilles Tendinopathy", created by Master of Physical Therapy Graduating Students, University of British Columbia - 2006, Presented on September 14-15, 2006 , Vancouver, BC, Canada

Bakgrund: Besvär från akillessenan är ett vanligt problem hos såväl motionärer som elitidrottare och kan leda till båda smärta och funktionsförlust. Excentrisk träning är en vanlig behandlingsmetod i klinik, trots att evidensen är begränsad och motstridig. Syfte: Att kartlägga vilken evidens som finns för excentrisk träning som behandling av akillestendinopati. Metod: Systematisk litteraturstudie. Sökningen genomfördes i databasen PubMed. Studierna granskades med PEDro-skalan och den sammanlagda evidensen graderades enligt GRADEstud. Resultat: Litteratursökningen resulterade i att 7 studier med totalt 448 deltagare inkluderades. Studierna fick medelhög-hög kvalitet enligt PEDro. Evidensen för excentrisk träning vid 8-16 veckor var måttligt hög (+++) och vid 52 veckor mycket låg (+). Excentrisk träning hade en lägre effekt än hälinlägg och akupunktur mätt med VISA-A vid 8-16 veckor. Effekten av excentrisk träning mätt med VISA-A hade en likvärdig effekt som passiv stretch och tung långsam styrketräning vid 8-16 veckor. Vid 52 veckor var effekten mätt med VISA-A densamma av excentrisk träning som proloterapiinjektioner och tung långsam styrketräning. Konklusion: Excentrisk träning kan ha en effekt vid achillestendinopati. Effekten är densamma som eller lägre sett till poäng på VISA-A än andra behandlingsmetoder och skulle kunna bero på naturlig läkning över tid eller deltagandet i en studie. Evidensen för excentrisk träning graderades vid 8-16 respektive 52 veckor till måttligt hög (+++) och mycket låg (+). Detta grundar sig på studier av medelgod till hög kvalitet. / Background: Achilles tendon issues is a common problem among athletes on all levels. The problem can cause pain and loss of function. Eccentric exercise is a somewhat gold standard and often used in the clinical setting although the level of evidence is limited and conflicting. Objective: Map the evidence of eccentric exercise as a treatment for achilles tendinopathy. Method: A systematic review. The search was conducted in the Pubmed database. The included studies were analyzed using the PEDro scale and the evidence was graded using the GRADEstud. Results: The literature search identified 7 studies that were included with a total of 448 participants. The studies received a moderate-high quality on PEDro. The level of evidence at 8-16 weeks was moderate (+++) and at 52 weeks very low (+). Eccentric exercise had a lower effect than heel lifts and acupuncture measured with VISA-A. Eccentric exercise had a similar effect on VISA-A as passive stretch and heavy slow resistance. At 52 weeks the effect of eccentric exercise was the same as prolotherapy injections and heavy slow resistance. Conclusion: Eccentric exercise might have an effect as treatment for achilles tendinopathy, but the effect is the same or lower than other treatment options measured with VISA-A and might depend on the natural healing process or the participation in a study. The level of evidence for eccentric exercise was graded at 8-16 and 52 weeks respectively, as moderate (+++) and very low (+). This is based on studies of moderate to high quality.

This diploma thesis deals with the Achilles tendinopathy, and particularly with its etiopatogenetics. The theoretical part includes information about the Achilles tendon, tendinopathy of Achilles tendon and a summary of dysfunctions of the locomotor system. We assumed that the dysfunction of the locomotor system is the main etiopatogenetic factor of the Achilles tendinopathy, and that it results in changes of its position and loading. In the practical part we tried to reveal these dysfunctions by examination of seven patients, and to prove its main etiopatogenetic influence by a successfull therapy. The aim of the thesis was to point out the importance of the examination as well as the therapy of the locomotor systems function. Powered by TCPDF (www.tcpdf.org)

Introduction: Achilles tendinopathy can be a chronic disabling condition. Sclerosing injections under ultrasonographic guidance is one method to treat Achilles tendinopathy. Initially good results have later been questioned. Surgery is another treatment option that has been questioned because of varying reported success rate. Aim: We aimed to assess patient- reported outcome in patients suffering from Achilles tendinopathy, treated with sclerosing injections and/or surgery during a 6 ½ year- period. Method: After review of patient records, the Self-reported foot and ankle score (SEFAS) together with an in-house satisfaction questionnaire were mailed to the patients. A SEFAS score of 48 represents normal foot/ankle function. Results: 97 patients (53 women, 44 men, 104 tendons) were included. 69 patients (41 women, 28 men, 75 tendons) returned the questionnaires. The SEFAS values (median and range) were 37.5 (13-48) in patients treated with sclerosing therapy, 42 (15-48) in patients treated surgically and 47 (19-48) in patients that received both treatments. A greater proportion of surgically treated patients were satisfied (90% vs 50%), experienced symptom improvement and were able to return to the previous level of activity. Complications following surgery were wound infections (n=3) and deep vein thrombosis (n=3), two with pulmonary embolism. Following sclerosing injection, there was one complete Achilles tendon rupture. Conclusion: Sclerosing injections seems to be a safe treatment and a positive outcome in 50% of patients might be sufficient to use this therapy in selected patients with Achilles tendinopathy. However, surgical treatments seem more effective but are associated with more severe complications.

Diplomová práce Účinky rázové vlny v léčbě tendinopatie Achillovy šlachy 1 Abstract This thesis focuses on the observation of the effects of low-energetic focused extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) in the treatment of Achilles tendinopathy. The theoretical part summarizes the current knowledge of anatomical, histological, kinesiological and biomechanical aspects of Achilles tendon (AT), as well as pathological processes, which can be described as Achilles tendinopathy, their differential diagnosis and treatment options. Last but not least, we present up-to-date information on the physical principles and biological effects of ESWT, not only in the treatment of AT diseases. The main goal of our research was to determine the effectiveness of low-energetic focused ESWT in the treatment of Achilles tendinopathy in comparison to the placebo group. The subject of observation was not only changes in clinical manifestations, but also possible changes in the morphology of AT using ultrasonography (USG). Methods: A total of 20 patients with symptomatic Achilles tendinopathy was included in the study, while only 18 of them completed the entire program, and therefore only the results of these patients were evaluated. They were randomly divided into two groups in 1:1 ratio. Group A was treated by ESWT with...

Title: The analysis of risk factors for tendinopathy in runners Objectives: The aim of this thesis is to find out the most important risk factor for development of Achilles tendinopathy, detect the most relevant diagnostic approach with preventive monitoring for Achilles tendinopathy and evaluate the best treatment for Achilles tendinopathy in runners. Methods: The diploma thesis is in form of literary review. The Scopus, PubMed and Web of science databases were used to search for studie using a combination of keywords. A total of 1084 titles were identified. Due to duplicates 402 titles were excluded. On the basis of the name of the article 51 titles were included. On the basis of the availability 50 titles were included. On the basis of the abstract 46 titles were included. Finally 29 titles were included in this review. Results: The most important risk factor for development of Achilles tendinopathy was training intensity for distances 1500-3000 m, week running volume >65 km or being new to running. The most relevant diagnostic approach for Achilles tendinopaty was clinical examination assessing pain (Achilles tendon pain, positive palpation test) and function (pain during physical aktivity) of Achilles tendon. This approach serves as indication for sonographic assessment of Achilles tendon...