The use of physical function capacity measures in the management of lower limb tendinopathy : a scoping review of expert recommendations

Background: Physical function capacity measures are recommended as outcome measures for people with lower limb tendinopathy. Objective: (i) Explore measures of physical function capacity recommended by experts in lower limb tendinopathy (ii) the context they were used, (ii) identify recommended criteria for exercise progression and return to sport or activity. Design: Scoping Review. Method: Three databases were searched using keywords for lower limb tendinopathy and physical function capacity to identify studies that outlined a progressive exercise rehabilitation program. A 15-item tool was used for data extraction. Results: 26 studies were included, only eight recommended a physical function capacity measure. There were 10 physical function capacity measures identified for a range of lower limb tendinopathies including patellar (50%), Achilles (13%), proximal hamstring (13%), gluteal (13%), combined patellar and Achilles (13%). Pain was the most common criterion that was used to determine the progression of rehabilitation (96%), with physical function capacity measures rarely used (12%). Conclusion: Physical function capacity measures are used infrequently across expert recommended exercise rehabilitation programs. There remains a high reliance on pain as the criterion for progression of exercises during rehabilitation. There is a need to develop measures of physical function capacity to better inform and progress rehabilitation.