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ACHILLES TENDINOPATHY PREVENTION: AN EVIDENCE-BASED APPROACH

Abstract

PURPOSE: Achilles tendinopathy is a prevalent musculoskeletal condition affecting physically active individuals, particularly athletes engaged in high-impact activities such as running and jumping. The condition is influenced by intrinsic factors (e.g., flexibility, tendon stiffness, muscle strength) and extrinsic factors (e.g., training loads, footwear). This study aims to develop an integrated prevention framework incorporating biomechanical, physiological, and contextual risk factors to mitigate Achilles tendinopathy risk. METHODS: A systematic literature review was conducted using databases including PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, and Consensus AI. Out of 250 studies identified, 34 high-quality studies were selected for inclusion. The review focused on key prevention strategies, including eccentric training, load management, stretching protocols, and footwear modifications. The included studies were evaluated using PRISMA guidelines to ensure methodological rigor and reliability. RESULTS: The findings highlight that an effective Achilles tendinopathy prevention strategy must integrate multiple risk factors. Key preventive measures include eccentric calf exercises (shown to significantly enhance tendon resilience), dynamic and static stretching (improving flexibility and reducing strain), targeted strength training (enhancing muscle support for the tendon), and load management (balancing stress and recovery to prevent overuse injuries). Additionally, biomechanical interventions, such as selecting appropriate footwear to optimize ankle dorsiflexion, play a crucial role in reducing strain on the Achilles tendon. CONCLUSION: This study presents a comprehensive, evidence-based framework for Achilles tendinopathy prevention. The findings emphasize the necessity of a multidimensional approach that integrates biomechanical, physiological, and training-related strategies rather than relying on isolated interventions. Future research should focus on experimental validation and longitudinal studies to assess the long-term effectiveness of this framework across diverse athletic populations.

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