Short Communication
Miguel Ortega-Castillo, Iva
Abstract
Objective: This systematic review aims to determine the effect of eccentric training in the management of upper limb tendinopathies. Method: A computer-assisted literature search of medical, sport Discus, Physiotherapy Evidence Database (Pedro), and CINAHL databases was conducted. Pedro scale was employed to assess methodological quality. Inclusion criteria were well specified. Results: After selection 12 studies satisfied the eligibility criteria with an average of 6/10 based on the Pedro score. In 11 studies, pain decreased significantly with eccentric. Strength was assessed in 9 studies; within-group evaluations show that strength significantly improved in the eccentric-group in 7 studies, whereas inter-group changes were only significantly better in the eccentric-group in 3 studies for all the parameters and in 2 studies for some of the parameters. Conclusion: Effectiveness of eccentric training compared with other forms of treatment remains questionable. Studies demonstrated that eccentric training may reduce pain and improve strength in upper limb tendinopathies.