In 2009, researchers led by Kornelia Kulig, et. al., conducted a randomized controlled trial to investigate the effectiveness of orthoses and resistive exercise in managing early-stage tibialis posterior tendinopathy. This debilitating condition can severely impact mobility and quality of life.

The study involved thirty-six adults diagnosed with stage I or II tibialis posterior tendinopathy. Participants were randomly assigned to one of three groups: (1) orthoses wear and stretching (O group), (2) orthoses wear, stretching, and concentric progressive resistive exercise (OC group), or (3) orthoses wear, stretching, and eccentric progressive resistive exercise (OE group). Over a 12-week period, participants completed their assigned program.

Pre-intervention and post-intervention assessments included the Foot Functional Index, distance traveled in the 5-Minute Walk Test, and pain levels immediately after the test.

Results indicated a decrease in Foot Functional Index scores (total, pain, and disability) across all groups post-intervention. Notably, the OE group demonstrated the most substantial improvement in each subcategory, while the O group showed the least improvement. Additionally, pain levels immediately after the 5-Minute Walk Test significantly reduced across all groups following the intervention.

The findings suggest that individuals with early-stage tibialis posterior tendinopathy can benefit from a program involving orthoses wear and stretching. Furthermore, incorporating eccentric and concentric progressive resistive exercises can further alleviate pain and enhance functional outcomes.

This research underscores the importance of multimodal interventions in the management of tibialis posterior tendinopathy, providing valuable insights for clinicians and patients alike.

Reference: Kulig, K., Reischl, S. F., Pomrantz, A. B., Burnfield, J. M., Mais-Requejo, S., Thordarson, D. B., & Smith, R. W. (2009). Nonsurgical management of posterior tibial tendon dysfunction with orthoses and resistive exercise: a randomized controlled trial. Physical Therapy, 89(1), 26-37.