%0 Journal Article
%T Efficacy of ultrasound-guided galvanic electrolysis technique and physical therapy in patients with Achilles' tendinopathy: A pilot randomised controlled trial.
%A Di Gesù M
%A Alito A
%A Borzelli D
%A Romeo D
%A Bonomolo F
%A Calafiore D
%A de Sire A
%J J Back Musculoskelet Rehabil
%V 0
%N 0
%D 2024 Feb 28
%M 38517770
%F 1.456
%R 10.3233/BMR-230255
%X <B>UNASSIGNED: </B>Ultrasound-guided galvanic electrolysis technique (USGET) is an innovative mini-invasive intervention with the potential to optimise outcomes in the treatment of Achille's tendinopathy (AT).<BR><B>UNASSIGNED: </B>The aim of this pilot study is to evaluate the efficacy of adding USGET to conventional eccentric exercise treatment in patients with chronic AT.<BR><B>UNASSIGNED: </B>Inclusion criteria were patients with unilateral non-insertional AT, pain lasting > 3 months, aged 25-60 years. Patients were randomised in two groups receiving the same physiotherapy treatment (2 sessions per week for 8 weeks). In addition, the experimental group received three USGET stimulations, one every 15 days. Outcome measures were assessment of Achilles tendinopathy severity using the Victorian Institute of Sport Assessment-Achilles (VISA-A) and pain intensity using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Assessment points occurred at the onset of treatment (T0), its conclusion (T1), and subsequent follow-ups at one (T2) and two months (T3).<BR><B>UNASSIGNED: </B>Out of the 52 patients who met the study inclusion criteria, two participants withdrew from the study, resulting in a total of 50 subjects who completed the research. None of the parameters showed a different distribution at T1 (p> 0.337). At T2, there was a statistical difference in VISA-A (p= 0.010) and its subscales and VAS (p= 0.002) in the USGET group. At T3, both groups improved with a statistical difference observed in VISA-A (p< 0.001) and its subscales Pain (p= 0.004), Function (p= 0.003) and Sport (p= 0.002), but the EG patients showed a greater improvement. No adverse events were reported.<BR><B>UNASSIGNED: </B>The effect of USGET combined with eccentric exercise appears to be a safe and effective technique for achieving pain relief and functional recovery in the medium term, supporting the integrated use of USGET as a rehabilitative treatment option for patients with chronic AT.