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Sports Medicine
Published in: Sports Medicine 1/2015

01-01-2015 | Systematic Review

Effectiveness of Orthotic Devices in the Treatment of Achilles Tendinopathy: A Systematic Review

Authors: Lisa A. Scott, Shannon E. Munteanu, Hylton B. Menz

Published in: Sports Medicine | Issue 1/2015

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Abstract

Orthotic devices such as foot orthoses, splints, taping and bracing are recommended for Achilles tendinopathy (AT). This systematic review was conducted to review the current evidence for the effectiveness of orthotic devices for the treatment of mid-portion or insertional AT. Electronic bibliographic databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, Current Contents, CINAHL and SPORTDiscus) were searched in May 2014. The methodological quality of included studies was evaluated using the Quality Index. Where possible, effects were determined using standardised mean differences. The strength of evidence for each intervention was determined according to the quality and number of studies. Twelve studies satisfied the inclusion criteria; nine studies investigated mid-portion AT, whilst three studies did not distinguish between mid-portion and insertional pathology. Weak evidence showed that foot orthoses were equivalent to physical therapy, and equivalent to no treatment. Very weak evidence supported the use of adhesive taping alone or when combined with foot orthoses. Moderate evidence showed that the AirHeel™ brace was as effective as a calf muscle eccentric exercise programme, and weak evidence showed that this intervention was not beneficial when added to a calf muscle eccentric exercise programme. Weak evidence showed that an ankle joint dorsiflexion night splint was equally effective to a calf muscle eccentric exercise programme, and strong evidence showed that this intervention was not beneficial when added to a calf muscle eccentric exercise programme. These findings may aid clinical decision making in the context of AT, however further high-quality studies are required.
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Metadata
Title
Effectiveness of Orthotic Devices in the Treatment of Achilles Tendinopathy: A Systematic Review
Authors
Lisa A. Scott
Shannon E. Munteanu
Hylton B. Menz
Publication date
01-01-2015
Publisher
Springer International Publishing
Published in
Sports Medicine / Issue 1/2015
Print ISSN: 0112-1642
Electronic ISSN: 1179-2035
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s40279-014-0237-z

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