Journal article
Mechanical properties of the achilles tendon aponeurosis are altered in athletes with achilles tendinopathy
American Journal of Sports Medicine, Vol.38(9), pp.1885-1893
2010
Abstract
Background: Achilles tendinopathy is a considerable problem for active people. The degenerative processes associated with tendinopathy may be associated with changes in the inherent mechanical properties of the musculotendinous unit. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to compare Achilles tendon-aponeurosis strain between male athletes with and without Achilles tendinopathy. Study Design: Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: Fifteen healthy men (age, 35±9 years; height, 1.78±0.05 m; mass, 79±11 kg) and 14 men with midportion Achilles tendinopathy (age, 40±8 years; height, 1.77±0.06 m; mass, 80±9 kg) who were all running over 20 km per week participated in the study. Each participant was tested in a single session that involved maximal isometric plantar flexion efforts being performed on a calf-raise apparatus while synchronous real-time ultrasonography of the triceps surae aponeurosis was recorded. Achilles tendon-aponeurosis strain (%) was calculated by dividing tendon displacement during plantar flexion by resting tendon length (intrarater reliability: intraclass correlation coefficient = .92). Results: Participants in the Achilles tendinopathy group (5.2%±2.6%) had significantly (P = .039) higher Achilles tendon- aponeurosis strain compared with the control group (3.4%±1.8%). In contrast, there were no significant between-group differences for maximal isometric plantar flexion force. Conclusion: Achilles tendon-aponeurosis strain is higher in male athletes with tendinopathy than those without. The results of this study provide a rationale for current clinical approaches to management of Achilles tendinopathy, whereby repetitive mechanical loading may impart a positive benefit through reduced compliance of the musculotendinous unit. © 2010 The Author(s).
Details
- Title
- Mechanical properties of the achilles tendon aponeurosis are altered in athletes with achilles tendinopathy
- Authors
- S Child (Author) - University of MelbourneA L Bryant (Author) - University of MelbourneRoss Clark (Author) - University of MelbourneK M Crossley (Author) - University of Melbourne
- Publication details
- American Journal of Sports Medicine, Vol.38(9), pp.1885-1893
- Publisher
- Sage Publications Inc.
- Date published
- 2010
- DOI
- 10.1177/0363546510366234
- ISSN
- 0363-5465
- Organisation Unit
- University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; School of Health and Sport Sciences - Legacy; School of Health and Behavioural Sciences - Legacy; School of Health - Public Health
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 99451025202621
- Output Type
- Journal article
Metrics
336 Record Views
InCites Highlights
These are selected metrics from InCites Benchmarking & Analytics tool, related to this output
- Web Of Science research areas
- Orthopedics
- Sport Sciences
UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
This output has contributed to the advancement of the following goals:
Source: InCites