Research Articles

Tendinopathy Management

Pavlova AV, Shim JSC, Moss R, et al. Effect of resistance exercise dose components for tendinopathy management: a systematic review with meta-analysis. Br J Sports Med. 2023;57(20):1327-1334. doi:10.1136/bjsports-2022-105754

Author's Conclusions: For the management of tendinopathies, clinicians should use higher intensity exercises with external loading and lower frequencies.

Our Takeaway: There is a variety of studies looking at tendinopathy. There is a lack of studies that looks at specific dosing for this condition. Furthermore, A key component of tendinopathy is dosing. In this meta-analysis the authors looked at intensity, frequency, and volume. Lower intensity was considered body mass, while higher intensity was considered externally loaded. Frequency was measured as low (less than daily), moderate (daily), and high (more than once per day). Volume was measured as a dichotomous variable as low (less than 45 repetitions for the exercise) and high (greater than or equal to 45 repetitions for exercise). There was not variable for type of exercise (e.g. eccentric, concentric, isometric, isokinetic).
This meta-analysis provides us with some potentially evidence-based information on dosing based upon the current research, but did not identify which type. The anatomical areas of focus they identified were: Achilles, Gluteal, Lateral Elbow, Patellar, and Rotator Curff related shoulder pain. These are common areas of tendinopathy.

 

#tendinopathy

 

Meniscus Repair

 

Solsona-Carcas D, Trenado-Molina J, Buesa-Estéllez A, López-Royo MP, Bellosta-López P. Physical Therapist Interventions Versus or Combined With Surgical Treatment in Nontraumatic Degenerative Meniscal Pathology: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis. Phys Ther. 2024;104(5):pzae007. doi:10.1093/ptj/pzae007

 

Author's Conclusions: "Physical therapist interventions based on exercise programs demonstrate superior short-term outcomes in pain reduction and knee extensor strength compared to surgical treatment."

 

Our Takeaway: There were 10 studies that were included in the meta-analysis. Only able to assess short-term (3 months) outcomes due to lack of homegenity of follow-up periods. Looked a four different parameters; Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for pain in weight bearing and at rest, Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), and strength of knee extensors.

All of these findings are at 3 months

Physical therapist intervention is perferable compared to surgery and is more cost effective. If surgery is performed, physical therapy intervention should coinside with after surgical care.

One study showed surgery had a better outcome at 24 months compared to just physical therapy. However, physical thearpy was identified to reduce pain and increase function.

 

#meniscus

 

Life Expectancy and Physical Activity

 

Veerman L, Tarp J, Wijaya R, et al. Physical activity and life expectancy: a life-table analysis

British Journal of Sports Medicine Published Online First: 14 November 2024. doi: 10.1136/bjsports-2024-108125

 

Author's Conclusions: "Higher physical activity levels provide a substantial increase in population life expectancy. Increased investment in physical activity promotion and creating physical activity promoting living environments can promote healthy longevity."

 

 

 

#stayhealthy