New Concepts in Managing Achilles Tendinopathy: Why Improving Tendon Pressure Dynamics and Interfascicular Sliding Are Essential for Recovery.

Achilles injuries are common, and the most frequently prescribed exercise interventions have relatively poor long-term outcomes. New research shows heavy-resistance long-duration isometric contractions accelerate tendon repair by increasing the outflow of fluid from...

Merza E, et al. The acute effects of higher versus lower load duration and intensity on morphological and mechanical properties of the healthy Achilles tendon: a randomized crossover trial. J Exp Biol. 2022;225(10).

In the late 90s, Alfredson published a widely referenced paper showing that heavy-load eccentric calf exercises reduced pain and improved function in even the worst cases of Achilles tendinopathy. More than 20 years later, it is still unclear exactly why heavy-load...

Oranchuk D, et al. Isometric training and long-term adaptations: Effects of muscle length, intensity, and intent: a systematic review. Scand J Med Sci Sports. 2019;1–20.

The lead author of this paper, Dustin Oranchuk, has a history of publishing some of the best research on tendon remodeling. In this paper, the authors point out that isometric contractions have several advantages over conventional concentric and eccentric exercises....

Hong J, et al. Risk factors for contralateral tendon rupture in patients with acute Achilles tendon rupture. J Foot Ankle Surg. April 7 2023.

A small but unfortunate percentage of people who tear their Achilles tendon on one side will go on to tear the opposite side. The authors of this study evaluated medical records of 181 patients presenting with Achilles tendon ruptures to identify which specific risk...

Khair R, et al. Non-uniform displacement within ruptured Achilles tendons during isometric contraction. Scand J Med Sci. 2021;00: 1-9.

Achilles tendon ruptures are disabling injuries that lead to long-term deficits in strength, physical activity, and function. Despite the high prevalence of this injury, the optimal treatments for the management of Achilles tendon ruptures are poorly defined. The...