Region-specific differences in Achilles tendon cross-sectional area in runners and non-runners

2003 ◽  
Vol 90 (5-6) ◽  
pp. 549-553 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. Peter Magnusson ◽  
Michael Kjaer
Keyword(s):  
Achilles Tendon ◽  
Cross Sectional Area ◽  
Sectional Area ◽  
Cross Sectional

scholarly journals Patients with Achilles Tendon Rupture Have a Degenerated Contralateral Achilles Tendon: An Elastography Study

2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Qianru Li ◽  
Qi Zhang ◽  
Yehua Cai ◽  
Yinghui Hua
Keyword(s):  
Achilles Tendon ◽  
Axial Strain ◽  
Achilles Tendon Rupture ◽  
Cross Sectional Area ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Computer Assisted ◽  
Study Group ◽  
Sectional Area ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
The Mean

Purpose. To evaluate differences of Achilles tendon (AT) hardness and morphology between asymptomatic tendons in patients with acute AT ruptures on the contralateral side and asymptomatic tendons in healthy people by using computer-assisted quantification on axial-strain sonoelastography (ASE). Methods. The study consisted of 33 asymptomatic tendons in 33 patients (study group) and 34 tendons in 19 healthy volunteers (control group). All the tendons were examined by both ASE and conventional ultrasound. Computer-assisted quantification on ASE was applied to extract hardness variables, including the mean (Hmean), 20th percentile (H20), median (H50) and skewness (Hsk) of the hardness within tendon, and the ratio of the mean hardness within tendon to that outside tendon (Hratio) and three morphological variables: the thickness (THK), cross-sectional area, and eccentricity (ECC) of tendons. Results. The Hmean, Hsk, H20, H50, and Hratio in the proximal third of the tendon body in study group were significantly smaller than those in control group (Hmean: 0.43±0.09 vs 0.50±0.07, p=0.001; Hsk: -0.53±0.51 vs -1.09±0.51, p<0.001; H20: 0.31±0.10 vs 0.40±0.10, p=0.001; H50: 0.45±0.10 vs 0.53±0.08, p<0.001; Hratio: 1.01±0.25 vs 1.20±0.23, p=0.003). The THK and cross-sectional area of tendons in the study group were larger than those in the control group (p<0.05). Conclusions. As a quantitative objective method, the computer-assisted ASE reveals that the asymptomatic ATs contralateral to acute rupture are softer than those of healthy control group at the proximal third and the asymptomatic tendons in people with rupture history are thicker, larger, and rounder than those of normal volunteers especially at the middle and distal thirds of AT body.

scholarly journals Sex Differences in the Morphological and Mechanical Properties of the Achilles Tendon

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (17) ◽  
pp. 8974
Author(s):  
Xini Zhang ◽  
Liqin Deng ◽  
Songlin Xiao ◽  
Lu Li ◽  
Weijie Fu
Keyword(s):  
Mechanical Properties ◽  
Achilles Tendon ◽  
Maximum Voluntary Contraction ◽  
Voluntary Contraction ◽  
Cross Sectional Area ◽  
Morphological Properties ◽  
Sectional Area ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Force Peak ◽  
Strain Stress

Background: Patients with Achilles tendon (AT) injuries are often engaged in sedentary work because of decreasing tendon vascularisation. Furthermore, men are more likely to be exposed to AT tendinosis or ruptures. These conditions are related to the morphological and mechanical properties of AT, but the mechanism remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the effects of sex on the morphological and mechanical properties of the AT in inactive individuals. Methods: In total, 30 inactive healthy participants (15 male participants and 15 female participants) were recruited. The AT morphological properties (cross-sectional area, thickness, and length) were captured by using an ultrasound device. The AT force–elongation characteristics were determined during isometric plantarflexion with the ultrasonic videos. The AT stiffness was determined at 50%–100% maximum voluntary contraction force. The AT strain, stress, and hysteresis were calculated. Results: Male participants had 15% longer AT length, 31% larger AT cross-sectional area and 21% thicker AT than female participants (p < 0.05). The plantarflexion torque, peak AT force, peak AT stress, and AT stiffness were significantly greater in male participants than in female participants (p < 0.05). However, no significant sex-specific differences were observed in peak AT strain and hysteresis (p > 0.05). Conclusions: In physically inactive adults, the morphological properties of AT were superior in men but were exposed to higher stress conditions. Moreover, no significant sex-specific differences were observed in peak AT strain and hysteresis, indicating that the AT of males did not store and return elastic energy more efficiently than that of females. Thus, the mechanical properties of the AT should be maintained and/or improved through physical exercise.

The effect of submaximal eccentric isokinetic training on strength and cross sectional area of the human achilles tendon

2000 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 161-167 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. Mouraux ◽  
B. Stallenberg ◽  
P.-M. Dugailly ◽  
E. Brassinne
Keyword(s):  
Achilles Tendon ◽  
Cross Sectional Area ◽  
Sectional Area ◽  
Isokinetic Training ◽  
Cross Sectional

Combination of hormone replacement therapy and high physical activity is associated with differences in Achilles tendon size in monozygotic female twin pairs

2009 ◽  
Vol 106 (4) ◽  
pp. 1332-1337 ◽  
Author(s):  
T. Finni ◽  
V. Kovanen ◽  
P. H. A. Ronkainen ◽  
E. Pöllänen ◽  
G. R. Bashford ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Hormone Replacement Therapy ◽  
Achilles Tendon ◽  
Replacement Therapy ◽  
Hormone Replacement ◽  
Cross Sectional Area ◽  
Sectional Area ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Physically Active ◽  
Tendon Thickness

Estrogen concentration has been suggested to play a role in tendon abnormalities and injury. In physically active postmenopausal women, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) has been suggested to decrease tendon diameter. We hypothesized that HRT use and physical activity are associated with Achilles tendon size and tissue structure. The study applied cotwin analysis of fourteen 54- to 62-yr-old identical female twin pairs with current discordance for HRT use for an average of 7 yr. Achilles tendon thickness and cross-sectional areas were determined by ultrasonography, and tendon structural organization was analyzed from the images using linear discriminant analysis (LDA). Maximal voluntary and twitch torques from plantar flexor muscles were measured. Serum levels of estradiol, estrone, testosterone, and sex hormone binding globulin were analyzed. Total daily metabolic equivalent score (MET-h/day) was calculated from physical activity questionnaires. Results showed that, in five physically active (MET > 4) pairs, the cotwins receiving HRT had greater estradiol level ( P = 0.043) and smaller tendon cross-sectional area than their sisters (63 vs. 71 mm2, P = 0.043). Among all pairs, Achilles tendon thickness and cross-sectional area did not significantly differ between HRT using and nonusing twin sisters. Intrapair correlation for Achilles tendon thickness was high, despite HRT use discordance ( r = 0.84, P < 0.001). LDA distinguished different tendon structure only from two of six examined twin pairs who had a similar level of physical activity. In conclusion, the effect of HRT on Achilles tendon characteristics independent of genetic confounding may be present only in the presence of sufficient physical activity. In physically active twin pairs, the higher level of estrogen seems to be associated with smaller tendon size.

CROSS-SECTIONAL AREA OF THE ACHILLES TENDON IN YOUNG AND ELDERLY WOMEN

2001 ◽  
Vol 33 (5) ◽  
pp. S126 ◽  
Author(s):  
N Beyer ◽  
H Abrahamsen ◽  
K Neergaard ◽  
M Kjaer ◽  
P Aagaard ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Achilles Tendon ◽  
Elderly Women ◽  
Cross Sectional Area ◽  
Sectional Area ◽  
Cross Sectional

scholarly journals Erect Position as the Alternative Technique in Achilles Tendon US: Comparison with Prone Position

2018 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Lailatul Muqmiroh ◽  
Safinah Fajarini Yusfadhiyah ◽  
Paulus Rahardjo
Keyword(s):  
Achilles Tendon ◽  
Prone Position ◽  
Longitudinal Axis ◽  
Cross Sectional Area ◽  
Sectional Area ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Erect Position ◽  
Tendon Thickness ◽  
Alternative Position ◽  
The Mean

Background : Ultrasonography (US) is the cheaper and non invasive modality to determine Achilles tendon. Prone position is the standart position of Achilles tendon US. However, it is a discomfort for an uncooperative patient and a difficult technique too. The erect position is an alternative technique of Achilles tendon US. The goal of this study is to compare the erection as an alternative position with prone as a standart position.Material and Methode: The patient who had an injury or any inflamation process of Achilles tendon were excluded. The patient underwent two positions of Achilles tendon US, 900 and dorsoflexi. Longitudinal axis measured tendon thickness and a transversal axis which covered a cross-sectional area of the tendon.Result: From all the 21 patients coming, 13 patients were males (61,9%), and eight patients were females (38,1%). The mean of tendon thickness and cross-sectional area in 900 prone positions were 4,24±0,24 mm, 30,08±2,86 mm, respectively. The mean of tendon thickness and cross-sectional area in 900 erect positions were 4,27±0,23 mm, 31,36±2,19 mm, respectively. There was no anisotropy effect during longitudinal axis examination. Conclusion: We found that there were no significant differences between a prone and erect position (p<0.05). The erect postion could be an alternative position, uncooperative patient in particular, without reducing the diagnostic value. Keywords: Achilles tendon the US, erect position, prone position, tendon thickness, cross-sectional area

The Role of the Paratenon in Achilles Tendon Healing: A Study in Rats

2018 ◽  
Vol 46 (5) ◽  
pp. 1214-1219 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sebastian A. Müller ◽  
Christopher H. Evans ◽  
Patricia E. Heisterbach ◽  
Martin Majewski
Keyword(s):  
Achilles Tendon ◽  
Tendon Healing ◽  
Cross Sectional Area ◽  
Sectional Area ◽  
Sprague Dawley ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Collagen Formation ◽  
Tendon Defect ◽  
Tear Resistance

Background: The role of the paratenon in tendon healing is unknown. The present study compares healing in the presence or absence of the paratenon in an Achilles tendon defect model in rats. Hypothesis: Resection of the paratenon impairs tendon healing. Study Design: Controlled laboratory study. Methods: Sixty skeletally mature Sprague Dawley rats were randomly assigned to either a resected paratenon (RP) group or an intact paratenon (IP) group. In all animals, a 4-mm portion of the Achilles tendon was resected in the midsubstance. In the RP group, the paratenon was resected completely. In the IP group, the paratenon was opened longitudinally and closed again after the tendon defect had been created. One, 2, and 4 weeks after surgery, 7 animals per group were tested biomechanically and 3 animals per group examined histologically. Results: The recovery of mechanical strength was much more rapid in IP tendons. Tear resistance was significantly increased for IP tendons (41.3 ± 8.8 N and 47.3 ± 14.1 N, respectively) compared with RP tendons (19.3 ± 9.1 N and 33.2 ± 6.4 N, respectively) after 1 and 2 weeks. The cross-sectional area was larger in the IP group after 1 and 2 weeks (8.2 ± 2.3 mm2 and 11.3 ± 3.1 mm2 vs 5.0 ± 2.4 mm2 and 5.9 ± 2.0 mm2, respectively) compared with the RP group. Tendon stiffness was greater in the IP group after 1 week (10.4 ± 1.9 N/mm vs 4.5 ± 1.6 N/mm, respectively) compared with the RP group. In comparison, normal contralateral tendons had a maximal tear resistance of 56.6 ± 7.2 N, a cross-sectional area of 3.6 ± 0.7 mm2, and stiffness of 17.3 ± 3.8 N/mm. Hematoxylin and eosin staining revealed slightly delayed healing of RP tendons. Early collagen formation was seen in the IP group already after 1 week, whereas in the RP group, this only occurred after 2 weeks. After 4 weeks, the IP tendons showed more collagen crimp formation than the RP tendons. Conclusion: An intact paratenon promotes healing of the Achilles tendon. Clinical Relevance: Although incision or resection of the paratenon has been advocated when repairing injured or degenerative tendons, our data suggest that the integrity of the paratenon should be preserved.

scholarly journals Lower leg muscle–tendon unit characteristics are related to marathon running performance

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Bálint Kovács ◽  
István Kóbor ◽  
Zsolt Gyimes ◽  
Örs Sebestyén ◽  
József Tihanyi
Keyword(s):  
Achilles Tendon ◽  
Lower Leg ◽  
Cross Sectional Area ◽  
Marathon Running ◽  
Sectional Area ◽  
Flexor Muscle ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Running Performance ◽  
Leg Muscle ◽  
Marathon Performance

Abstract The human ankle joint and plantar flexor muscle–tendon unit play an important role in endurance running. It has been assumed that muscle and tendon interactions and their biomechanical behaviours depend on their morphological and architectural characteristics. We aimed to study how plantar flexor muscle characteristics influence marathon running performance and to determine whether there is any difference in the role of the soleus and gastrocnemii. The right lower leg of ten male distance runners was scanned with magnetic resonance imagining. The cross-sectional areas of the Achilles tendon, soleus, and lateral and medial gastrocnemius were measured, and the muscle volumes were calculated. Additional ultrasound scanning was used to estimate the fascicle length of each muscle to calculate the physiological cross-sectional area. Correlations were found between marathon running performance and soleus volume (r = 0.55, p = 0.048), soleus cross-sectional area (r = 0.57, p = 0.04), soleus physiological cross-sectional area (PCSA-IAAF r = 0.77, p < 0.01, CI± 0.28 to 0.94), Achilles tendon thickness (r = 0.65, p < 0.01), and soleus muscle-to-tendon ratio (r = 0.68, p = 0.03). None of the gastrocnemius characteristics were associated with marathon performance. We concluded that a larger soleus muscle with a thicker Achilles tendon is associated with better marathon performance. Based on these results, it can be concluded the morphological characteristics of the lower leg muscle–tendon unit correlate with running performance.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document