Studies of ESWT and RPT in chronic recalcitrant mid portion Achilles tendinosis
| Treatment | Ref | Study design | System type | N | Regime | Significant benefit at 12 weeks (or other time frame as stated)? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| F-ESWT low | 31 | DB-RCT | EM | 49 | Once monthly, 1500 up to max 0.20 mJ depending on tolerance | No |
| F-ESWT high | 32 | DB-RCT | Not stated | 48 | 2000 shocks @ 0.12–0.51 mJ/mm2 | Yes. Mean (SD) AOFS scale pain, function, alignment: 70 (6.8) to 88(12) vs 74 (12) to 81 (16) |
RPT: no studies met inclusion criteria.
DB-RCT, double-blind randomised controlled trial; F-ESWT, focused extracorporeal shockwave therapy; RPT, radial pulse therapy.