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Tumilty et al.12 (2008)
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Verify the effectiveness of low intensity laser associated with eccentric exercises in the treatment of Achilles tendinopathy
|
21 patients
divided in two groups laser
and placebo
|
Use of laser/placebo three times a week during four weeks
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Plantar flexion eccentric exercises six sets of 15 repetitions, twice a day, seven
days per week for twelve weeks
|
VISA-A specific for Achilles tendon
(0 to 100, 100 being a healthy tendon and 0 incapacitating pain) VAS
(0 = no pain and 100 = worst pain imaginable). Measurement of isokinetic muscle strength by Biodex dynamometer. Patients seated at 40° knee flexion, 110° hip flexion. Strength was measured between 20 and 30 dorsiflexion
|
There was significant improvement of the analyzed criteria. Conclusions about the effectiveness of
low-intensity laser therapy cannot be made due to the low statistical power of the study.
|
|
Bjordal et al.13 (2006)
|
Verify whether the low intensity laser has no effect anti-inflammatory in Achilles tendinopathy
|
7 patients With bilateral Achilles tendinopathy
Each patient was
treated with lase and placebo
|
One single application
|
None
|
Doppler ultrasound to measure
intra-tendon blood flow. Concentration of prostaglandin E2 (inflammation quantifiers). The pain spot identified and then compressed until patient ask to stop, which meant pressure
switched to pain
|
The low intensity laser in this dosage can reduce inflammation in activated Achilles tendinitis
|
|
Stergioulas et al.14 (2008)
|
low intensity laser associated with eccentric exercises can produce a faster improvement of Achilles tendinopathy
|
52 athletes
divided into two groups: laser+
exercises and laser+placebo
|
Twelve
sessions in eight weeks
|
Eccentric exercises four times a week for eight weeks
|
VAS of 100 mm to evaluate morning stiffness, active dorsiflexion, palpation and crackling (0 represents no
pain and 100, extreme pain). Goniometer for active dorsiflexion of the ankle
|
There was an acceleration of the recovery process when laser was associated with an eccentric exercise program
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