Oral Supplementation of Specific Collagen Peptides Combined with Calf-Strengthening Exercises Enhances Function and Reduces Pain in Achilles Tendinopathy Patients
Praet SFE
Published in Nutrients
Methodology
Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial with 6 months of daily specific collagen peptides or placebo alongside a standardised calf-strengthening protocol; VISA-A score, pain and tendon imaging as endpoints.
Key Findings
In 20 patients with chronic Achilles tendinopathy, adding 2.5 g/day specific collagen peptides to a calf-strengthening programme for 6 months produced greater improvement in VISA-A function score and faster return to full activity than exercise plus placebo, with imaging showing reduced tendon thickening in the treated group.
Conclusions
We conclude that oral supplementation of specific collagen peptides may accelerate the clinical benefits of a well-structured calf-strengthening and return-to-running program in Achilles tendinopathy patients.
Limitations
Very small pilot sample (n=20) with wide confidence intervals; imaging endpoints exploratory; product supplied by the manufacturer, raising sponsorship bias risk; exercise adherence self-reported; no long-term follow-up.
Supplements Studied
Oral supplementation of specific collagen peptides may accelerate the clinical benefits of a well-structured calf-strengthening and return-to-running program in Achilles tendinopathy patients.
Related Health Concerns
Study Details
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Disclosures
Funding
GELITA AG (collagen peptide manufacturer)
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