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This week I talk about a feasibility cohort study which sought to determine whether a larger cohort study addressing this question would be feasible. Listen to hear some interesting preliminary findings.  Merza, E.Y., Pearson, S.J., Mallows, A.J. and Malliaras, P., 2023. The relationship between psychological, cognitive, and contextual factors and rehabilitation outcomes in Achilles tendinopathy: A prospective feasibility cohort study. Physical Therapy in Sport.Mallows, A., Jackson, J., Littlewood, C. and Debenham, J., 2020. The association of working alliance, outcome expectation, adherence and self‐efficacy with clinical outcomes for Achilles tendinopathy: A feasibility cohort study (the MAP study). Musculoskeletal Care, 18(2), pp.169-176. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We have known for a while that type of exercise intervention (e.g. intensity, frequency, etc) does not seem to influence self-reported outcomes such as pain. Maybe all the benefits from exercise are explained by non-specific effects, or maybe exercise has benefits that do not depend on the type of exercise. In this episode, I discuss 3 studies that look into (at least partly) other benefits that we may see at the level of the muscle and tendon from higher-load exercise interventions.  References: Radovanović, G., Kunz, J., Bohm, S., Arampatzis, A. and Legerlotz, K., 2021. Reliable and effective novel home-based training set-up for application of an evidence-based high-loading stimulus to improve triceps surae function. Journal of Sports Sciences, 39(24), pp.2786-2795. Radovanović, G., Bohm, S., Peper, K.K., Arampatzis, A. and Legerlotz, K., 2022. Evidence-Based High-Loading Tendon Exercise for 12 Weeks Leads to Increased Tendon Stiffness and Cross-Sectional Area in Achilles Tendinopathy: A Controlled Clinical Trial. Sports Medicine-Open, 8(1), pp.1-19. Radovanović, G., Bohm, S., Arampatzis, A. and Legerlotz, K., 2023. In Achilles Tendinopathy the Symptomatic Tendon Differs from the Asymptomatic Tendon While Exercise Therapy Has Little Effect on Asymmetries—An Ancillary Analysis of Data from a Controlled Clinical Trial. Journal of Clinical Medicine, 12(3), See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, I had an engaging conversation with Anthony Nasser, an up-and-coming researcher on tendinopathy who recently completed his PhD on proximal hamstring tendinopathy. Our discussion covered the reasons for the lack of research attention towards this condition, the current state of evidence, and insights from his doctoral studies. You can find the full conversation here.Here are Anthony's related publications: Nasser, A.M., Pizzari, T., Grimaldi, A., Vicenzino, B., Rio, E. and Semciw, A.I., 2021. Proximal hamstring tendinopathy; expert physiotherapists’ perspectives on diagnosis, management and prevention. Physical Therapy in Sport, 48, pp.67-75. Nasser, A.M., Vicenzino, B., Grimaldi, A., Anderson, J. and Semciw, A.I., 2021. Proximal hamstring tendinopathy: a systematic review of interventions. International journal of sports physical therapy, 16(2), p.288. Nasser, A., Semciw, A., Grimaldi, A., Rio, E., Pizzari, T. and Vicenzino, B., 2022. Core outcome set development for proximal hamstring tendinopathy (COS-PHT): a study protocol. Physical Therapy Reviews, 27(4), pp.313-319.     See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Palpation can be useful for the diagnosis and assessment of tendinopathy, but there are limits. This is because non-painful tendons can be tender, and tenderness in painful tendons seems to be very slow to get better.  Link to Evidence for Improvement in Local but not Diffuse Pressure Pain Thresholds Following Physical Therapist Interventions for Tendinopathy: A Systematic Review Link to  Reproducibility and clinical utility of tendon palpation to detect patellar tendinopathy in young basketball players See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Interesting perspective paper from Arampatzis et al talking about how we should consider tuning of muscle tendon unit in terms of muscle strength and tendon stiffness when considering training for specific groups.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This talking tendons episode will discuss a study by Igor Sancho, PhD, assessing Achilles forces during common rehab exercises and habitual activities and how this relates to reported pain among runners. Some interesting implications for practice. Achilles tendon forces and pain during common rehabilitation exercises in male runners with Achilles tendinopathy. A laboratory study See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Stress can have a negative impact on our mental and physical health, but you can easily relieve stress and find inner peace by listening to calming music. Calming music is specifically designed to reduce your heart rate, blood pressure, and stress hormone levels in your body. It can assist you in relaxing, focusing, and feeling more in command of your thoughts and emotions. Calming music is the ideal solution for unwinding after a long day, improving your sleep, or simply finding a moment of peace. It creates a calm and soothing environment that allows you to forget about your worries and concentrate on the present moment. You can also play it in the background while working, reading, or studying to create a relaxing and productive environment. Calming music is a simple and effective way to reduce stress and improve your overall health.     See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Flowing piano Jazz music is an excellent way to unwind while also increasing productivity. Jazz piano's soothing melodies and gentle rhythms create a relaxing and peaceful atmosphere that helps to reduce stress and improve focus. Jazz piano music is an excellent choice for anyone who is working, studying, or simply looking for a way to unwind after a long day. It's ideal for working or studying as background music, contributing to a calm and productive environment. Jazz piano music, with its smooth, mellow sound and improvisational style, is an excellent way to unwind and de-stress while keeping your mind sharp and focused. Its adaptability makes it ideal for any situation, whether you're working, studying, reading, or simply want to listen to beautiful music. Smooth piano jazz music is ideal for increasing productivity, reducing stress, and relaxing.   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After a long day, meditation music is an excellent way to relax and unwind. Meditation music can help you achieve a state of calm and tranquilly, whether you're looking to de-stress, improve your focus, or simply find a moment of peace. Meditation music, with its soothing melodies and gentle rhythms, is intended to help you let go of your worries and focus on the present moment. Whether you're a seasoned meditator or just getting started, meditation music is an excellent way to begin or end your day on a positive note. Meditation music is an excellent choice if you want to relax, meditate, sleep, or simply enjoy beautiful music.   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hi it's Andy Martin here, I thought I'd jump on and share this TEDX talk from Amanda Goodfellow - Founder of Agile Mind.  She works with some of the biggest companies in Australia and her programs, mentorships and retreats have been developed draw upon her 25 years of experience in corporate roles across sectors including local government, associations and professional services. So basically she’s super qualified and in this talk she shares her story of recovery from mental illness, including why mindfulness and talk therapy was not enough, and why fear of feelings is making us sick. Sit back, relax and enjoy.. Thanks to Amanda for allowing us to share this and For more details on Amanda, Agile Mind, and to view the talk in full, head to Agilemind.com.au  Link to the talk in full: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eRhg_LZO9ek&t=5s   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, I am discussing kinesiophobia in the context of tendon rehab and how rehab can be conceptualised as graded exposure for some people.  References 1) Physiotherapy management of Achilles tendinopathy See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, I talk about load test pain assessment and how this can also be used to assess kinesiophobia and movement apprehension.  References 1) Physiotherapy management of Achilles tendinopathy: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36274038/ 2) Kinesiophobia Severity Categories and Clinically Meaningful Symptom Change in Persons With Achilles Tendinopathy in a Cross-Sectional Study: Implications for Assessment and Willingness to Exercise: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35295417/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sit beside a gently cracking fire on a cold Winter's night. Hear the logs splitting as they burn. We'll add the wood to keep the fire toasty. Original recording. auscastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We set up a microphone in an old tin shed during a rain storm. Sit back, relax and enjoy. auscastnetwork.com.au See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fall asleep by a forest stream.   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

30-minute meditation ambience to help you get to sleep. #sleep #meditation #Zen #relax #calm #yoga #reiki   Royalty free. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This is an interesting study from the Delaware tendinopathy group among others investigating a host of structural, tissue property, functional and pain factors that may persist among people with Achilles tendinopathy making a return to running. Provides guidance to clinicians about potential impairments to consider assessing.  Here's the link to the study: Corrigan, P., Hornsby, S., Pohlig, R.T., Willy, R.W., Cortes, D.H. and Silbernagel, K.G., 2022. Tendon loading in runners with Achilles tendinopathy: Relations to pain, structure, and function during return‐to‐sport. Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports. Here's the link to my upcoming course series in the UK in Sept: https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/mastering-lower-limb-tendinopathy-uk-sept-2022-670009 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode I talk about three qualitative studies that aim to understand the patient perspective and patient motivations in Achilles tendinopathy. I find this work really helps clinicians to understand what patients are gong through so we are able to be empathic and help them. Hope you enjoy! Here's a link to courses in the UK: https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/mastering-lower-limb-tendinopathy-uk-sept-2022-670009 Here are the studies: Turner, J., Malliaras, P., Goulis, J. and Mc Auliffe, S., 2020. “It's disappointing and it's pretty frustrating, because it feels like it's something that will never go away.” A qualitative study exploring individuals’ beliefs and experiences of Achilles tendinopathy. PloS one, 15(5), p.e0233459. Mc Auliffe, S., Synott, A., Casey, H., Mc Creesh, K., Purtill, H. and O'Sullivan, K., 2017. Beyond the tendon: experiences and perceptions of people with persistent Achilles tendinopathy. Musculoskeletal Science and Practice, 29, pp.108-114. Mallows, A., Head, J., Goom, T., Malliaras, P., O'Neill, S. and Smith, B., 2021. Patient perspectives on participation in exercise-based rehabilitation for Achilles tendinopathy: A qualitative study. Musculoskeletal Science and Practice, 56, p.102450. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This paper is more than 30 years old but it is a beauty. Farley et al talk about human preferred hopping frequency and how it relates to metabolic cost and how fast muscles are contracting, and also how our instructions can influence how well people hop (and the mechanisms that drive this). Important to consider hopping instruction when assessing submaximal hopping in the clinic.  Here's a link to the paper Farley, C.T., Blickhan, R., Saito, J. and Taylor, C.R., 1991. Hopping frequency in humans: a test of how springs set stride frequency in bouncing gaits. Journal of applied physiology, 71(6), pp.2127-2132. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There is so much debate about the use of steroids for tendinopathy. Opinions vary between 'you should never use steroid as will lead to recurrence, worse pain or rupture' to 'it's fine, do as much steroid as you like'. Opinions dominate as we have limited data. Until now. This is the first trial looking at 2 year outcome for exercise +/- steroid for Achilles tendinopathy. Interesting findings! Here's the link to the study: Johannsen, F., Olesen, J.L., Øhlenschläger, T.F., Lundgaard-Nielsen, M., Cullum, C.K., Jakobsen, A.S., Rathleff, M.S., Magnusson, P.S. and Kjær, M., 2022. Effect of Ultrasonography-Guided Corticosteroid Injection vs Placebo Added to Exercise Therapy for Achilles Tendinopathy: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Network Open, 5(7), pp.e2219661-e2219661. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.