Current clinical management of Achilles tendinopathy by Spanish physiotherapists: An observational study

IF 2.2 3区医学 Q1 REHABILITATION

Physical Therapy in Sport Pub Date : 2025-03-12 DOI:10.1016/j.ptsp.2025.03.006

Juan Sancho , Peter Malliaras , Ruth L. Chimenti , Igor Sancho

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to explore how Spanish physiotherapists manage Achilles tendinopathy and to evaluate the alignment of their practices with established clinical guidelines.

Design

A cross-sectional online survey of Spanish physiotherapists.

Setting

Clinical environment.

Participants

Four hundred thirty-four physiotherapists completed the survey.

Methods

An online survey was administered to Spanish physiotherapists between March and April 2024. The survey collected data on clinicians’ demographics, treatment approaches, and preferences. Descriptive analysis was performed, with nominal and ordinal data analyzed through frequency counts.

Results

Valid responses were received from 434 physiotherapists with a mean age of 32 years (IQR = 15, range 22–60). Exercise and education were the most used treatments (94 % and 78 % of respondents respectively), although there was variability in their implementation. However, a significant proportion of Spanish physiotherapists (64 %) reported using invasive techniques, which may reduce the time spent on evidence-based interventions (p = 0.001) for the management of Achilles tendinopathy.

Conclusions

Spanish physiotherapists generally follow clinical guidelines for managing AT, with exercise and education as the main interventions. Despite the limited evidence, invasive techniques and manual therapy (74 %) are widely used. Future research should clarify the impact of this practice in the Spanish population.

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来源期刊

Physical Therapy in Sport 医学-康复医学

CiteScore

4.50

自引率

8.30%

发文量

125

审稿时长

39 days

期刊介绍： Physical Therapy in Sport is an international peer-reviewed journal that provides a forum for the publication of research and clinical practice material relevant to the healthcare professions involved in sports and exercise medicine, and rehabilitation. The journal publishes material that is indispensable for day-to-day practice and continuing professional development. Physical Therapy in Sport covers topics dealing with the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of injuries, as well as more general areas of sports and exercise medicine and related sports science. The journal publishes original research, case studies, reviews, masterclasses, papers on clinical approaches, and book reviews, as well as occasional reports from conferences. Papers are double-blind peer-reviewed by our international advisory board and other international experts, and submissions from a broad range of disciplines are actively encouraged.