"Efficacy of Percutaneous Low-Intensity Galvanic Current with Eccentric Exercise in the Treatment of Achilles Tendinopathy: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial"

Oscar Ronzio, Eugenia Jolli, Santiago d'Almeida
Purpose:

This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of percutaneous low-intensity galvanic current as an adjunct to eccentric exercise in patients with AT, with the goal of improving functional and structural outcomes.

Methods:

We conducted a double-blind, randomized controlled trial over 12 weeks, comparing an experimental group (EG) receiving percutaneous low-intensity galvanic current  (once per week) in addition to a daily eccentric exercise regimen (Silbernagel et al.), with a control group (CG) receiving sham treatment alongside the same exercise protocol. A total of 6 patients (EG, n=2; CG, n=4 ) were recruited through non-probabilistic sampling. Ethical approval was obtained from the Ethics Committee of the Maimonides University, Autonomous City of Buenos Aires, Argentina. (code: 5694) , and the trial was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov. Functional outcomes were assessed using the VISA-A and FAAM scores, while the tendon structure was evaluated by measuring the antero-posterior width with ultrasound.

Results:

At baseline, the CG had a mean VISA-A score of 70.5 (±8.96) and FAAM of 80.75 (±12.74), while the EG had a VISA-A score of 73.5 (±0.71) and FAAM of 88.00 (±7.07).  By week 12, both groups showed functional improvement. The CG's VISA-A increased to 87.5 (±6.61) and FAAM to 96.00 (±4.08), while the EG reached a VISA-A of 79.5 (±2.12) and FAAM of 96.50 (±4.95). Pain levels, measured via VAS, also improved, with the CG reporting a reduction from 7.30 (±11.18) to 26.97 (±11.12) in the EG. Ultrasound imaging revealed a reduction in tendon thickness in the EG (from 7.13 mm to 5.78 mm), indicating possible tissue remodeling , whereas the CG exhibited a slight increase in tendon thickness (from 6.66 mm to 7.05 mm).

Conclusion(s):

The combination of percutaneous low-intensity galvanic current and eccentric exercise shows potential as a treatment strategy for AT, with notable improvements in pain, function, and tendon structure in the experimental group. However, the small sample size limits the generalizability of these findings, and further research with a larger cohort is necessary to validate the results and refine the application of galvanic current in clinical practice.

Implications:

These preliminary results suggest that incorporating galvanic current into AT rehabilitation protocols may enhance outcomes, particularly in patients unresponsive to conventional treatments. Additional studies are required to optimize treatment parameters and assess long-term efficacy.

Funding acknowledgements:
This work was funded by the Maimonides University.
Keywords:
Achilles Tendinopathy
Galvanic Current
Eccentric Exercise
Primary topic:
Research methodology, knowledge translation and implementation science
Second topic:
Sport and sports injuries
Third topic:
Musculoskeletal: lower limb
Did this work require ethics approval?:
Yes
Name the institution and ethics committee that approved your work:
This work obtained the ethical approval of the Research Ethics Committee of Maimonides University.
Provide the ethics approval number:
5694
Has any of this material been/due to be published or presented at another national or international conference prior to the World Physiotherapy Congress 2025?:
No

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