Randomized controlled trial to evaluate the efficacy of  Tendoactive® associated with eccentric exercises or passive stretching for the treatment of Achilles tendinopathy

Objective

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of Tendoactive® associated with a protocol of eccentric exercises or passive stretching in patients with Achilles tendinopathy, and to determine whether either provides a benefit additional to physical therapy. The investigation also studied whether the response to treatment depends on the tendinopathy severity.

Methods

59 patients were randomly assigned to one of three treatment groups and classified according to one of two tendinopathy stages: reactive or degenerative tendinopathy.

The treatment groups were Eccentric training (EC); Passive stretching program (PS) + Tendoactive®*; or a Eccentric training (EC)+ Tendoactive®*.

Patients were evaluated at baseline, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks using the Victorian Institute of Sports Assessment-Achilles (VISA-A) questionnaire, a visual analog scale for pain (VAS), and ultrasound characterization for the evolution of tendon structure.

Results

When compared with baseline, a significant improvement in VISA-A questionnaire score, pain at rest, and pain during  activity were reported in all three treatment groups at six- and twelve-weeks’ follow-up.

In patients with reactive tendinopathy, the reduction in pain at rest was greater in the groups who were administered  Tendoactive® than in the group that received eccentric training alone (P<0.05)(Figure1).

Conclusion

Tendoactive® is a safe and effective treatment for Achilles tendinopathy, providing an added benefit to eccentric exercises,  especially in early stages of the disease, when the tendon does not present severe matrix and vascular changes.

* Tendoactive® contains mucopolysaccharides, collagen type I and vitamin C