Victorian Institute Of Sports Assessment-Achilles Questionnaire Research Articles

Haglund resection versus Haglund non-resection for calcific insertional Achilles tendinopathy with Haglund deformity: a retrospective study

BackgroundCalcific insertional Achilles tendinopathy(CIAT) with Haglund deformity is a type of recalcitrant tendinopathy. The necessity of concomitant removal of Haglund deformity during CIAT treatment is controversial. The present study aimed to evaluate the functional outcomes between Haglund resection and Haglund non-resection in the treatment of CIAT with Haglund deformity. MethodsA retrospective study included 29 patients who were underwent Achilles tendon debridement, bursal excision, and subsequent tendon reattachment.for CIAT with Haglund deformity. All patients were divided into 2 groups according to Haglund resection (resection group, n=16) and Haglund non-resection (non-resection group, n=13) using the parallel line method on lateral calcaneal X ray after surgery. Patients were evaluated in terms of the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS), Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and Victorian Institute of Sports Assessment–Achilles (VISA-A) scores and the mean time of activities of daily living (ADL). Anatomy changes included the Fowler-Philip angle, calcaneal pitch angle and Achilles tendon force arm were measured with radiography preoperatively and postoperatively. ResultsBoth groups exhibited a significant increase in AOFAS, VAS and VISA-A scores after surgery. There were no significant differences between the resection group and the non-resection group for the AOFAS (92.38±5.7 vs. 93.15±12.17; P=0.82), VAS (0.5±0.52 vs. 0.61±0.87; P= 0.66) and VISA-A questionnaire (82.56±13.46 vs. 74.92±16.4; P=0.18) at the latest follow-up. The mean time of ADL in the non-resection group was significantly faster compared to that of the resection group (8.15±2.51 weeks vs. 11.31±4.06 weeks, P=0.02). The Fowler-Philip angle of the resection group decreased from 55.55°±12.34° preoperatively to 44.52°±10.24° at the latest follow-up (P=0.001). The Fowler-Philip angle of the non-resection group decreased from 54.38°±8.41° preoperatively to 46.52°±8.02° at the latest follow-up (P=0.016). The calcaneal pitch angle of the resection group increased from 22.76°±5.37° preoperatively to 25.98°±6. 4° at the latest follow-up (P=0.018). The Achilles tendon force arm of the resection group decreased from 178.50mm±5.37mm preoperatively to 173.90mm±8.07mm at the latest follow-up (P=0.018). ConclusionResection or non-resection of the posterosuperior calcaneal tuberosity for CIAT with Haglund deformity would both provide satisfactory functional outcomes. Haglund non-resection may expedite patients' return to their daily activities, suggesting a Haglund deformity resection may be unnecessary in the surgical treatment for CIAT with Haglund deformity.

Reliability and validation of the German Achilles tendon Total Rupture Score.

Patient-related outcome measures (PROMs) are important instruments to evaluate efficacy of orthopaedic procedures. The Achilles tendon Total Rupture Score (ATRS) is a PROM developed to evaluate outcomes after treatment of Achilles tendon ruptures (ATRs). Purpose of this study is to develop and culturally adapt the German version of the ATRS and to evaluate reliability and validity. The ATRS was translated by forward-backward translation based on common guidelines. In this retrospective study, 48 patients with a surgical intervention after ATR were recruited. Reliability was evaluated by intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and Cronbach's alpha. Construct validity was valued by determining Pearson correlation coefficient with the German version of the Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS) and the Victorian Institute of Sports Assessment-Achilles questionnaire (VISA-A). The German Version of the ATRS has an excellent internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha 0.96) as well as an excellent test-retest-reliability (ICC 0.98). It has a moderately strong correlation with the VISA-A (r = 0.73) as well as with the FAOS subclasses (r = 0.6-0.79). The German version of the ATRS demonstrated good psychometric properties. It proofed to be a valid and reliable instrument for use in patients with Achilles tendon Rupture. Level II.

Therapeutic effects following extracorporeal shock wave therapy for insertional and non-insertional Achilles tendinopathy

BackgroundThe treatment for Achilles tendinopathy varies widely, and there is no consensus regarding the optimal treatment for both non-insertional and insertional Achilles tendinopathy. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical efficacy of extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) in the treatment of insertional and non-insertional Achilles tendinopathy (AT). MethodsSixty patients with AT were invited to participate in this study. Patients were allocated to one of two groups according to the site of the AT, including an insertional AT (IAT) group and a non-insertional AT (NIAT) group. ESWT was performed once a week for five weeks for both groups. The Victorian Institute of Sport Assessment-Achilles questionnaire (VISA-A) score and the visual analog scale (VAS) were used five times to evaluate the clinical outcomes, including before treatment, immediately after treatment, as well as one month, three months, and five years after treatment. ResultsAt three months after treatment, the IAT group exhibited a significantly higher VISA-A score (82 ± 6 vs. 76 ± 11; p = 0.01) and a significantly lower VAS score (1 ± 1 vs. 2 ± 1; p < 0.001) when compared with the NIAT group. At the five-year assessment, the IAT group (1 ± 1) had a significantly lower VAS score than the NIAT group (2 ± 1) (p = 0.02), while no significant difference for the VISA-A score was observed between the groups (84 ± 8 vs. 84 ± 10; p = 0.98). ConclusionsExtracorporeal shock wave treatment can improve the symptoms of both insertional and non-insertional AT. The IAT patients experienced better clinical outcomes compared with the NIAT patients.

The VISA-A (sedentary) should be used for sedentary patients with Achilles tendinopathy: a modified version of the VISA-A developed and evaluated in accordance with the COSMIN checklist

ObjectiveTo develop and evaluate a modified version of the Victorian Institute of Sport Assessment-Achilles (VISA-A) questionnaire, for use in sedentary patients with Achilles tendinopathy, using the Consensus-based Standards for the...

EFFECTS OF ULTRASOUND THERAPY VERSUS TRANSVERSE FRICTION MASSAGE ALONG WITH ECCENTRIC EXERCISE PROGRAM ON CHRONIC ACHILLES TENDINOPATHY

Background: Achilles tendinopathy is highly prevalent and caused by intrinsic or extrinsic factors. The multiple minor traumas can lead to achilles tendinopathy. Physical therapy treatment includes soft tissue mobilization and exercises. Objective: To compare ultrasound and transverse friction massage in chronic Achilles tendinopathy. Methodology: The study was a randomized control trial from 1st March 2019 to 15th August 2019. The non-probability convenient sampling technique was used to include n=76 patients having pain and activity limitation of Achilles tendon and randomly allocated into groups A and B by lottery method. The outcome measuring tools were numeric pain rating scale (NPRS) for pain, the Victorian Institute of Sports Assessment- Achilles questionnaire (VISA-A) for severity and goniometry for ROM. The Group A was treated with transverse friction massage and the group B was treated with ultrasound therapy. Both groups also performed eccentric exercises. The assessment was done at the baseline on the 1st session, at end of the 9th and 18th session. The data was analysed by SPSS 23 using independent t-test and repeated measures ANOVA. Results: The results of RM-ANOVA with pairwise comparison showed that both groups improve significantly (p&lt;0.05) throughout the treatment duration with large effect size for all variables. While comparing the groups with independent t-test, TFM group showed more improvement in all variables as compared to UST group (p&lt;0.05) after 3rd week as well as after 6th week of intervention. Conclusion: The Transverse friction massage (TFM) was more effective than ultrasound therapy (UST) when combined with eccentric exercises in improving pain severity of tendinopathy and ROM of ankle. Keywords: Achilles tendon, eccentric exercises, pain stretching, myofascial release, ultrasonic therapy, tendinopathy.

Cross-Cultural Adaptation of Chinese Victorian Institute of Sports Assessment-Achilles (VISA-A) Questionnaire for Achilles Tendinopathy.

Background:Victorian Institute of Sports Assessment (VISA-A) is a patient-reported outcome for assessing symptoms severity associated with Achilles tendinopathy (AT). It is a valid and reliable tool that has been used widely for measuring and monitoring treatment outcomes for AT. This clinical measurement study aims to develop a Chinese version of the VISA-A questionnaire. The study objective is to adapt the VISA-A questionnaire cross-culturally and assess its psychometric property for Chinese-speaking individuals.Methods:VISA-A was translated and adapted cross-culturally according to international guidelines for self-reported questionnaires. During the establishment of Chinese VISA-A, there are 5 stages involved in the creation process, including translation, synthesis, reverse translation, review, and pretesting, which are performed by professionals in various fields, including orthopaedic surgeons, physiotherapists, and professional translators.Results:A total of 60 participants were recruited to complete the Chinese VISA-A and 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) questionnaires. The overall test-retest reliability was 0.98 (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.97-0.99). The correlation between Chinese VISA-A and physical function subscale (r = 0.70) was strong and statistically significant. There were moderate correlations between Chinese VISA-A, limitations to role of physical function subscale (r = 0.30), and bodily pain subscale (r = 0.42), which were also statistically significant. There were statistically significant differences in Chinese VISA-A scores between healthy control and pathologic group (P < .001), at-risk group, and pathologic group (P < .001) respectively.Conclusion:Chinese VISA-A demonstrated good reliability and validity for measuring symptom severity in patients with AT. Chinese VISA-A can be recommended as a self-reported measure for monitoring symptoms severity and treatment progress of patients with Achilles tendinopathy.Level of Evidence: Level II, cohort study.

Shock Wave Therapy Associated with Eccentric Strengthening vs Isolated Eccentric Strengthening for Achilles Insertional Tendinopathy Treatment: A Double Blinded Randomized Clinical Trial

Category:Sports; OtherIntroduction/Purpose:Lack of consensus inhibits Achilles insertional tendinopathy (AIT) management. The condition is usually treated with eccentric exercises (EE), despite its absence of satisfactory and standing results. Shock wave therapy (SWT) was presented as an alternative, but it is still supported by a paucity of studies that shows moderate outcomes. The purpose of this study is to determine if the association of shock wave therapy (SWT) with the eccentric exercises (EE) protocol improve rates of pain and function in patients with AIT.Methods:This was a single-centre, double blind, placebo-controlled, in parallel groups, randomized clinical trial. 119 patients diagnosed with AIT, were evaluated, and enrolled in the study from February 2017 to February 2019. They were divided in two treatment groups, SWT associated to EE (SWT group) and EE associated to sham (CON group). Three sessions of radial shockwaves (or sham) separated by 2 weeks and eccentric training for three months were applied. The primary outcome was the Victorian Institute of Sport Assessment-Achilles questionnaire (VISA-A) at 24 weeks. Secondary outcomes included the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Algometry, the Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS) and the 12 Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-12).Results:Both groups showed significant improvement with the corresponding treatment in the study period. However, there were no between-group differences (all ps > 0.05) in any of the outcomes. At the 24th week evaluation, the SWT group exhibited a mean VISA-A of 63.2 (CI 8.0) and the CON group of 62.3 (CI 6.9), p=0.876. Failures were higher in the SWT (38.3% to 11.5%, p=0.002) and recurrences were superior in the CON side (34.6% to 17.0%, p=0.047). There were no complications.Conclusion:Extracorporeal shockwave therapy does not potentialize the effects of eccentric strengthening in the management of Achilles insertional tendinopathy.

A criteria-based rehabilitation program for chronic mid-portion Achilles tendinopathy: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial

BackgroundAchilles tendinopathy (AT) is a common overuse injury in running-related sports where patients experience pain and impaired function which can persist. A graded rehabilitation program has been successful in reducing pain and improving function to enable a return to sport. The aim of this study is to compare the effectiveness of a criteria-based rehabilitation program including strength and reactive strength targets, with a previously successful rehabilitation program on changes in pain and function using the Victorian Institute of Sport Assessment-Achilles (VISA-A) questionnaire. Secondary aims will be to assess changes in calf strength, reactive strength, and lower limb running and forward hop biomechanics over the course of a 12-week rehabilitation program, and long-term follow-up investigations.MethodsSixty eligible participants with chronic mid-portion AT who train in running-based sports will be included in this study. They will be randomly assigned to a group that will follow an evidence-based rehabilitation program of daily exercises with progression guided by symptoms or a group performing 3 high-intensity rehabilitation sessions per week with individualised load targets progressing to reactive strength exercises. Testing will take place at baseline, week 6 and 12. Plantar flexor peak torque will be measured using isokinetic dynamometry, reactive strength will be measured using a drop jump and lower limb biomechanical variables will be measured during a single leg forward hurdle hop test and treadmill running using 3D motion analysis. Follow-up interviews will take place at 6, 12 and 24 months after beginning the program which will assess patient participation in sport and possible re-injury.DiscussionThis is the first study to propose an individualised criteria-based graded rehabilitation program in patients in with chronic mid-portion Achilles tendinopathy where progression is guided by strength and reactive strength outcome measures. This study will provide a comprehensive assessment of plantar flexor strength, reactive strength and lower limb biomechanical variables in running and forward hopping with the VISA-A questionnaire as the primary outcome measure and long term post-intervention follow-up assessments performed.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov (ID: NCT04384874). Registered retrospectively on April 23rd 2020.

To What Extent Do Musculoskeletal Ultrasound Biomarkers Relate to Pain, Flexibility, Strength, and Function in Individuals With Chronic Symptomatic Achilles Tendinopathy?

Introduction: Achilles tendinopathy (AT) is a chronic musculoskeletal pathology best evaluated by ultrasound imaging. This cross-sectional study aimed at better understanding the relationship between musculoskeletal ultrasound biomarkers (MUBs) of Achilles tendon and localized pain, ankle flexibility, ankle strength, and functional abilities.Method: Forty-one participants with unilateral midportion chronic AT had their tendon images analyzed bilaterally in the longitudinal and transverse planes. The Victorian Institute of Sport Assessment-Achilles questionnaire (VISA-A) and Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS) assessed pain and function, respectively, during standing and walking-related activities. Ankle flexibility was evaluated by weight-bearing lunge tests, while ankle isometric peak strength was measured using an instrumented dynamometer. Achilles tendon ultrasonographic images were analyzed using geometric (thickness), composition (echogenicity), and texture (homogeneity) MUBs. Discriminative validity was evaluated using paired Student's t-tests to compare MUBs between symptomatic and asymptomatic sides. Predictive validity was evaluated by computing the Pearson product-moment correlations coefficient between MUBs and pain, ankle flexibility, ankle strength, and function.Results: Significant differences were found in MUBs between the symptomatic and asymptomatic sides, confirming the discriminative validity of the selected MUBs. On the symptomatic side, thickness was found 29.9% higher (p < 0.001), echogenicity 9.6% lower (p < 0.001), and homogeneity 3.8% higher (p = 0.001) when compared with the asymptomatic side. However, predictive validity was scarcely confirmed, as most of the correlation coefficients were found negligible for the associations investigated between MUBs with localized pain, ankle flexibility, strength, and function. Only 14 statistically significant low to moderate associations were found, with negative and positive correlations ranging between −0.31 and −0.55 and between 0.34 and 0.54, respectively.Discussion: Musculoskeletal ultrasound biomarkers have a clinical utility in visualizing in vivo tendon integrity and diagnosing AT. MUBs should be valued as part of a comprehensive neuro-musculoskeletal assessment as they complement pain, flexibility, strength, and function measures. Altogether, they may inform the development and monitoring of a personalized rehabilitation treatment plan.

Short- and Intermediate-Term Results of Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy for Noninsertional Achilles Tendinopathy.

Earlier randomized controlled trials (RCTs) reported only midterm (3-4 months) results of extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) as a treatment for noninsertional Achilles tendinopathy (NAT). This study compared the effectiveness of an eccentric loading program followed by stretching exercises combined with ESWT (study group) or sham ESWT (control group) for treating chronic NAT in both the short and long term. This double-blind RCT was conducted between 2018 and 2020. Adult patients with unilateral NAT who failed standard conservative treatment were randomly allocated to either group. Function and pain were assessed at baseline, 1 month, and 16 months using the Victorian Institute of Sport Assessment-Achilles questionnaire (VISA-A) and visual analog scale (VAS), respectively. Mixed-design analysis of variance and nonparametric statistics were performed. Twenty-two men and 28 women aged 18 to 40 years were allocated into 2 equally matched groups. Function and pain scores in the study group were not significantly different from control group scores at baseline (VISA-A: 22.2 ± 6.5 vs 21.0 ± 5.2 and VAS: 8 ± 1 vs 8 ± 1, respectively). Both groups significantly improved posttreatment (VISA-A: 85 ± 6.2 vs 53.4 ± 7.7 and VAS: 1 ± 2 vs 7 ± 2, respectively). At the 16-month follow-up, outcome scores declined slightly but significantly in the study group (VISA-A: 80 ± 5.3; VAS: 3 ± 2) and improved in the control group (VISA-A: 67 ± 5.6; VAS: 5 ± 1). However, both groups were significantly better than baseline. At both time points, the study group had significantly superior scores (statistically and clinically) than the control group (P = .0001). Combining calf eccentric loading with stretching exercises resulted in significant improvements in the pain and functional scores in patients with NAT. Adding ESWT to this combined protocol resulted in significantly greater improvements in both the short and long term. Level I, randomized controlled trial.

Cross-cultural adaptation, reliability and validity of the Persian version of the Victorian Institute of Sport Assessment-Achilles questionnaire (VISA-A)

Purpose Achilles tendinopathy is a prevalent overuse injury among athletes and in those with a sedentary lifestyle. Current evidence indicates that the Victorian Institute of Sport Assessment-Achilles (VISA-A) questionnaire is a valid, reliable and disease-specific outcome measure for assessing the clinical symptoms in patients with Achilles tendinopathy. The objective of this study was to translate and cross-culturally adapt the VISA-A questionnaire into Persian (VISA-A-P) and evaluating its psychometric properties. Materials and methods Cultural adaptation of VISA-A-P was conducted according to Beaton’s guideline. The final version of VISA-A-P was handed to 61 patients for analysis of psychometric properties. Test–retest reliability, internal consistency, concurrent validity, item-total correlation, and floor/ceiling effect were evaluated in patients with Achilles tendinopathy. To assess test–retest reliability, 35 patients refilled the VISA-A-P twice within 5–7 days. Known-group validity was evaluated using 50 healthy individuals. Results VISA-A-P showed excellent test–retest reliability (ICC = 0.90), excellent internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.95), strong correlation with FAAM, and moderate to strong correlation with FAOS questionnaires. There was a significant difference between the average score of patients (34.55 ± 18.24) and the healthy group (73.1 ± 20.10). VISA-A-P showed neither ceiling nor floor effect. Conclusions The VISA-A-P is a reliable and valid instrument for measuring the symptoms in Persian speaking populations with Achilles tendinopathy. Implications for rehabilitation Achilles tendinopathy is a debilitating overuse injury that insidiously affects tendoAchilles. VISA-A-P revealed acceptable validity and reliability and it could be used by Persian speaking clinicians and researchers to assess pain and function in people with Achilles tendinopathy.

CORR Synthesis: What Is the Role of Platelet-rich Plasma Injection in the Treatment of Tendon Disorders?

CORR Synthesis: What Is the Role of Platelet-rich Plasma Injection in the Treatment of Tendon Disorders?

Surgical plantaris tendon removal for patients with plantaris tendon-related pain only and a normal Achilles tendon: a case series

ObjectivesSurgical removal of the plantaris tendon can cure plantaris-associated Achilles tendinopathy, a condition in which Achilles and plantaris tendinopathy coexist. However, rare cases with plantaris tendinopathy alone are often misdiagnosed...

Microvascular volume in symptomatic Achilles tendons is associated with VISA-A score

ObjectivesThe role of neovascularisation in tendinopathy is still poorly understood, potentially due to technical limitations of conventional power Doppler ultrasound. This study aimed to investigate the association between contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) microvascular volume (MV), Victorian Institute of Sports Assessment-Achilles (VISA-A) scores and intrinsic Achilles tendon tenderness, as well as two different Power Doppler modes. DesignCross-sectional study. Methods20 individuals with uni- or bilateral Achilles tendinopathy completed a VISA-A questionnaire, and underwent microvascular volume measurements of the Achilles tendon mid-portion using both conventional, ultrasensitive (SMI™) power Doppler ultrasound and CEUS. Intrinsic tendon tenderness was assessed with sensation detection threshold to extracorporeal shock waves (ESW). Linear Mixed Model analysis was used to determine the association between microvascular volume (MV), VISA-A, and ESW-detection threshold for both symptomatic and asymptomatic Achilles tendons. ResultsThere was a significant association between VISA-A and MV (B=−5.3, 95%CI=[−8.5; −2.0], P=0.0004), and between MV and symptom duration (B=−1.7, 95%CI=[−3.2; −5.0], P=0.023). No significant associations were found between power Doppler ultrasound and CEUS-based MV or between CEUS-based MV and ESW-detection threshold. In comparison with conventional power Doppler ultrasound, SMI™ showed on average similar detection capacity for neovessels in the mid-portion of the Achilles tendon, whilst being superior for detecting neovessels within Kager’s fat pad (t=3.46, 95%CI=[0.27; 1.03], P<0.005). ConclusionsOur results indicate that CEUS-based MV of the Achilles tendon is moderately associated with Achilles tendon symptoms. In accordance, CEUS-detected MV could be a novel target for treatment as it seems to be more sensitive than PDU and is correlated with symptoms.

Cross-cultural Adaptation and Measurement Properties of the Brazilian Portuguese Version of the Victorian Institute of Sport Assessment-Achilles (VISA-A) Questionnaire.

Background Achilles tendon disorders are very common among athletes. It is important to measure symptoms and functional limitations objectively related to Achilles tendinopathy using outcome measures that have been validated in the language of the target population. Objectives To perform a cross-cultural adaptation and to evaluate the measurement properties of the Brazilian version of the Victorian Institute of Sport Assessment-Achilles (VISA-A) questionnaire. Methods This clinical measurement study adapted the VISA-A questionnaire to Brazilian Portuguese (VISA-A-Br). The adapted questionnaire was then tested on 2 occasions within an interval of 5 to 14 days. This study evaluated the following measurement properties: internal consistency, test-retest reliability, measurement error, construct validity, and ceiling and floor effects. Results The VISA-A-Br showed good internal consistency (Cronbach α = .79; after excluding 1 item at a time, Cronbach α = .73-.84), good test-retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient model 2,1 = 0.84; 95% confidence interval: 0.71, 0.91), an acceptable measurement error (standard error of measurement, 3.25 points; smallest detectable change, 9.02 points), good construct validity (Spearman correlation coefficients for the Lower Extremity Functional Scale, 0.73; the Foot and Ankle Outcome Score pain subscale, 0.66; other symptoms subscale, 0.48; function in daily living subscale, 0.59; function in sport and recreation subscale, 0.67; and foot and ankle- related quality of life subscale, 0.70), and no ceiling and floor effects. Conclusion The clinical measurement properties of the VISA-A-Br are equivalent to those of the original version, and the instrument has been validated and confirmed as reliable to measure pain and function among the Brazilian population with Achilles tendinopathy. This adaptation of the questionnaire may be used in clinical and scientific settings. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2018;48(7):567-573. Epub 24 Apr 2018. doi:10.2519/jospt.2018.7897.

Reproducibility of shear wave elastography measuresof the Achilles tendon.

To assess the reproducibility of shear wave elastography (SWE) measures in the Achilles tendon (AT) in vivo. Shear wave velocity (SWV) of 14 healthy volunteers [7 males, 7 females; mean age 26.5 ± 3.8years, mean height 171.6 ± 10.9cm, mean Victorian Institute of Sports Assessment Achilles questionnaire (VISA-A) score 99.4 ± 1.2] was measured with the foot relaxed and fixed at 90°. Data were collected over five consecutive measures and 5 consecutive days. Mean SWV values ranged from 7.91m/s-9.56m/s ± 0.27-0.50m/s. Coefficient of variation (CV), correlations and intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) scores ranged from 2.9%-6.3%, 0.4-0.7 and 0.54-0.85 respectively. No significant differences were noted for longitudinal or transverse data with respect to protocol or time and no significant differences were noted for foot position in transverse data. Significant differences in SWV values were noted between foot positions for longitudinal scanning (p = <0.05), with a relaxed foot position providing SWV values on average 0.47m/s faster than a fixed position. Increased reproducibility was obtained with the foot relaxed. ICC between operators was 0.70 for transverse and 0.80 for longitudinal scanning. Reproducible SWE measures were obtained over a 1-h period as well as a period of 5 consecutive days with more reliable measures obtained from a longitudinal plane using a relaxed foot position. SWE also has a high level of agreement between operators making SWE a reproducible technique for quantitatively assessing the mechanical properties of the human AT in vivo.

Cross-cultural Adaptation of the Victorian Institute of Sport Assessment-Achilles (VISA-A) Questionnaire for Spanish Athletes With Achilles Tendinopathy.

Study Design Clinical measurement study. Background Achilles tendinopathy is a prevalent sport-related injury. The Victorian Institute of Sport Assessment-Achilles (VISA-A) questionnaire is a widely used patient-reported outcome to assess the severity of symptoms for this injury. Objective To adapt the VISA-A questionnaire into Spanish and to assess its psychometric properties. Methods Cross-cultural adaptation was conducted according to recommended guidelines. The Spanish VISA-A (VISA-A-Sp) questionnaire was administered to 210 subjects: 70 healthy students, 70 active at-risk subjects (participating in running and jumping), and 70 patients diagnosed with Achilles tendinopathy. Participants were assessed at baseline and after 3 to 5 days. The injured subjects were also evaluated with a quality-of-life questionnaire (Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey [SF-36]) and at discharge. The final VISA-A-Sp was evaluated for reliability, validity, and responsiveness. Results Cronbach alpha for the VISA-A-Sp was greater than .8. The intraclass correlation coefficient (model 2,1) was 0.993 (95% confidence interval: 0.991, 0.995; P<.05). In the confirmatory factor analysis, a 1-factor solution obtained a relatively good fit. Subjects with Achilles tendinopathy scored significantly lower than the other 2 groups (P<.001). The VISA-A-Sp score within the Achilles tendinopathy group showed significant correlations with SF-36 physical components (Spearman rho>0.5, P<.001). The standard error of the measurement was 2.53, and the minimal detectable change at the 95% confidence level was 7 points. The responsiveness indicators included an effect size of 2.16 and a standardized response mean of 1.92. Conclusion The VISA-A-Sp showed satisfactory psychometric properties that were comparable to the original English-language version. Therefore, it can be recommended for use in clinical practice and research for assessing the severity of symptoms in Spanish-speaking athletes who suffer from Achilles tendinopathy. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2018;48(2):111-120. Epub 13 Dec 2017. doi:10.2519/jospt.2018.7402.

No beneficial effect of Polidocanol treatment in Achilles tendinopathy: a randomised controlled trial.

Polidocanol injections have been used to treat chronic Achilles tendinopathy in clinical settings, but the few studies published show inconsistent results. The aim of this study was to evaluate the mid-term effect of Polidocanol in patients with chronic Achilles tendinopathy. It was hypothesised that patients treated with Polidocanol would have significant improvements in the outcome measures investigated compared to patients treated with a placebo treatment at mid-term follow-up. This randomised controlled trial included forty-eight patients aged 32-77years with a history of Achilles tendinopathy for at least 3months and with neovascularisation demonstrated by ultrasonography was included. A minimum of 3months of eccentric exercise treatment was required before participating. The patients were allocated to a maximum of two injection of either Polidocanol or Lidocaine (placebo). The primary outcome measure was pain during walking reported on a visual analogue scale. Secondary outcome measures were Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS), patient satisfaction with treatment and, shortly after inclusion, the Victorian Institute of Sports Assessment-Achilles questionnaire (VISA-A) was also included. Follow-up examinations were performed after 3 and 6months. Pain during walking decreased during the 6-month follow-up period, but no significant differences were seen between the two groups. The same tendency was seen for FAOS and VISA-A in which both groups showed an improvement at 3- and 6-month follow-up, but no mid-term differences between the groups were seen. An equal number of patients in the two groups were satisfied with the treatment at follow-up. The results indicate that Polidocanol is a safe treatment, but the mid-term effects are the same as a placebo treatment. This further questions the use of Polidocanol in the treatment of chronic Achilles tendinopathy. I.

Comparison of Peritendinous Hyaluronan Injections Versus Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy in the Treatment of Painful Achilles' Tendinopathy: A Randomized Clinical Efficacy and Safety Study

ObjectiveTo compare the safety and efficacy of hyaluronan (HA) injections with standard extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) in the treatment of painful midportion Achilles' tendinopathy. DesignMultinational, prospective, randomized controlled, blinded-observer trial. SettingAmbulatory care. ParticipantsAdults (N=62) with Achilles' midportion tendinopathy for ≥6 weeks and a pain score of at least 40mm (Huskisson visual analog scale [VAS], 100mm) were randomized, and 59 were analyzed in the intention-to-treat data set. There were no withdrawals because of adverse effects. InterventionsTwo peritendinous HA injections versus 3 ESWT applications at weekly intervals. Main Outcome MeasuresPrimary efficacy criterion was changed from the Victorian Institute of Sports Assessment–Achilles' questionnaire (VISA-A) score to the percent change in pain (VAS) at 3 months posttreatment, compared with baseline values. Main secondary parameters were VISA-A, Clinical Global Impression (CGI), and clinical parameters. ResultsHA treatment provided a clinically relevant improvement in Achilles' midportion tendinopathy. A large superiority of the HA group, compared with ESWT application, was observed for percent change in pain (VAS), and this superiority was proven to be statistically significant (Mann-Whitney statistic [MW]=.7507 with P=.0030 lower than required α=.025 significance level 1-sided; Mann-Whitney U test) at 3 months posttreatment. Similar findings for HA were also observed at 4 weeks (MW=.6425, P=.0304) and 6 months (MW=.7172, P=.0018). Advantage of HA treatment was confirmed by VISA-A questionnaire, CGI, and clinical parameters. Ten adverse events, 4 in the HA group and 6 in the ESWT group, were reported, but none were classified as serious. ConclusionsTwo peritendinous HA injections showed greater treatment success in Achilles' midportion tendinopathy compared with standard ESWT.

Reliability and validation of the Dutch Achilles tendon Total Rupture Score

PurposePatient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) have become a cornerstone for the evaluation of the effectiveness of treatment. The Achilles tendon Total Rupture Score (ATRS) is a PROM for outcome and assessment of an Achilles tendon rupture. The aim of this study was to translate the ATRS to Dutch and evaluate its reliability and validity in the Dutch population.MethodsA forward–backward translation procedure was performed according to the guidelines of cross-cultural adaptation process. The Dutch ATRS was evaluated for reliability and validity in patients treated for a total Achilles tendon rupture from 1 January 2012 to 31 December 2014 in one teaching hospital and one academic hospital. Reliability was assessed by the intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC), Cronbach’s alpha and minimal detectable change (MDC). We assessed construct validity by calculation of Spearman’s rho correlation coefficient with domains of the Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS), Victorian Institute of Sports Assessment-Achilles questionnaire (VISA-A) and Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) for pain in rest and during running.ResultsThe Dutch ATRS had a good test–retest reliability (ICC = 0.852) and a high internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.96). MDC was 30.2 at individual level and 3.5 at group level. Construct validity was supported by 75 % of the hypothesized correlations. The Dutch ATRS had a strong correlation with NRS for pain during running (r = −0.746) and all the five subscales of the Dutch FAOS (r = 0.724–0.867). There was a moderate correlation with the VISA-A-NL (r = 0.691) and NRS for pain in rest (r = −0.580).ConclusionThe Dutch ATRS shows an adequate reliability and validity and can be used in the Dutch population for measuring the outcome of treatment of a total Achilles tendon rupture and for research purposes.Level of evidenceDiagnostic study, Level I.