Men with unilateral Achilles tendinopathy have impaired balance on the symptomatic side

Abstract

Objectives: To investigate single leg standing balance in males with mid-portion Achilles tendinopathy (AT). Design: Cross sectional case study. Methods: Centre of pressure (COP) path length was measured using a Wii Balance Board (WBB) in 21 male participants (20–60 years) with unilateral mid-portion AT during single-limb standing on each limb with eyes open and closed. Ultrasound imaging of both Achilles tendons was also performed by one blinded assessor, and the anteroposterior (AP) thickness and presence of pathology was determined. Comparisons were made between symptomatic and asymptomatic sides for key outcomes, and correlation between COP path length and variables of interest were inve..