Utilização da eletrólise percutânea intratissular (EPI®) na tendinopatia patelar em atletas de voleibol: uma revisão narrativa

Abstract

Introduction: Patellar tendinopathy has a high prevalence among athletes, especially those who participate in volleyball. Although different treatment options that can be found in the literature, none has been clearly established as an effective approach. Thus, Percutaneous Electrolysis Intratissue (EPI®) appears as an option for the rehabilitation of patellar tendinopathy. Objective: to analyze, through the literature review, the use of Intratissue Percutaneous Electrolysis (EPI®) in patellar tendinopathies in volleyball athletes. Materials and Methods: were selected controlled trials and cohort studies that addressed the EPI® as a conduit for patellar tendinopathy in volleyball players. The searched databases were: Periódicos CAPES, PEdro, LILACS, MEDLINE, Pubmed and Scielo. Results: 13 studies were included, of which 4 were included for compliance with the eligibility criteria, being 3 observational studies and 1 randomized controlled trial. From the results obtained in the analyzes, 4 studies, it is infers that EPI® modifies the biology of the tendon and, once associated with eccentric exercises, effectively reestablishes the orientation of collagen, as well as in the reduction of the pain and functional recovery of the athlete. Conclusion: the results of the studies analyzed indicate that the Intratissue Percutaneous Electrolysis, when associated with the eccentric exercise protocols, stimulates the regeneration and reorganization of the patellar tendon. Such stimulus, provide a reduction in the disabling pains of patellar tendinopathy that affect volleyball athletes, thus making them able to return to sports activities.