OBJECTIVES: To review the efficacy of eccentric training in patients with chronic Achilles tendinopathy. METHODS: Electronic databases were searched for (randomised) clinical trials concerning eccentric training in patients with chronic Achilles tendinopathy. The Delphi list was used to assess the methodological quality of the studies. RESULTS: Nine clinical trials were included. Only one study had a sufficient methodological quality score. The trials included showed an improvement in pain score after eccentric training. However because of the methodological shortcomings of the trials, no definitive conclusion can be drawn concerning the effects of eccentric training in patients with chronic Achilles tendinopathy. CONCLUSION: The effects of eccentric exercise training in patients with chronic Achilles tendinopathy on pain are promising, however the magnitude of the effects cannot be determined. A large methodologically sound trial including functional outcome measures is needed.

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