Observation of the Effect of Ultrasound-Guided Intrafascial Heat on Ankle Dorsiflexion in Chronic Gastrocnemius Injury Contracture

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (6) ◽  
pp. 5481-5489
Author(s):  
Zheng Anxiang ◽  
Li Fei ◽  
Lin Sunzhi ◽  
Huang Linsheng ◽  
Zhang Bingxian
Keyword(s):  
Muscle Injury ◽  
Gastrocnemius Muscle ◽  
Adverse Reactions ◽  
Therapy Group ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Muscle Thickness ◽  
Ankle Dorsiflexion ◽  
Static Stretching ◽  
Ultrasound Guided ◽  
Fascicle Length

purpose: To observe the effect of ultrasound-guided intrafascial heat on ankle dorsiflexion of chronic gastrocnemius muscle injury contracture. Methods: 90 patients with chronic gastrocnemius muscle injury contracture were selected and these patients were randomized to three random groups (n=30): Static stretching therapy (group C), ultrasound-guided intrafascial hot needle release therapy (group R1), static stretching combined with ultrasound-guided intrafascial hot needle release therapy (group R2). Ankle dorsiflexion Angle (ADA) was measured before treatment, one week one month and three Months after treatment. Quantitative ultrasonography was used to evaluate the fascicle length (FL), pinnate Angle (PA) and muscle thickness (MT) of the medial gastrocnemic muscle, and the adverse reactions were recorded. Results: After treatment, ADA and FL increased, while PA and MT decreased in the 3 groups. In R2 group, ADA and FL increased and PA and MT decreased at one week, one month and three Months after treatment, which were better than those in R1 group and C group (P < 0.05); ADA, FL, PA and MT in group R1 at one week after treatment had no statistical significance compared with group C (P > 0.05), but the ADA, FL and PA and MT were higher than patients in group C (P < 0.05), and no serious complications occurred during the treatment. Conclusion: Ultrasound-guided intrafascial thermal needle release combined with static stretching can significantly improve the ankle dorsiflexion angle and restore muscle function in patients with chronic gastrocnemius muscle injury contracture, with definite efficacy and few adverse reactions, which is worthy of clinical promotion.

scholarly journals Gastrocnemius Medialis Architectural Properties in Flexibility Trained and Not Trained Child Female Athletes: A Pilot Study

Sports ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 29 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ioli Panidi ◽  
Gregory C. Bogdanis ◽  
Vasiliki Gaspari ◽  
Polyxeni Spiliopoulou ◽  
Anastasia Donti ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pilot Study ◽  
Distal Part ◽  
Joint Angle ◽  
Female Athletes ◽  
Muscle Thickness ◽  
Pennation Angle ◽  
Static Stretching ◽  
Fascicle Length ◽  
Gastrocnemius Medialis ◽  
Ankle Angle

Gastrocnemius medialis (GM) architecture and ankle angle were compared between flexibility trained (n = 10) and not trained (n = 6) female athletes, aged 8–10 years. Ankle angle, fascicle length, pennation angle and muscle thickness were measured at the mid-belly and the distal part of GM, at rest and at the end of one min of static stretching. Flexibility trained (FT) and not trained athletes (FNT) had similar fascicle length at the medial (4.19 ± 0.37 vs. 4.24 ± 0.54 cm, respectively, p = 0.841) and the distal part of GM (4.25 ± 0.35 vs. 4.18 ± 0.65 cm, respectively, p = 0.780), similar pennation angles, and muscle thickness (p > 0.216), and larger ankle angle at rest (120.9 ± 4.2 vs. 110.9 ± 5.8°, respectively, p = 0.001). During stretching, FT displayed greater fascicle elongation compared to FNT at the medial (+1.67 ± 0.37 vs. +1.28 ± 0.22 cm, respectively, p = 0.048) and the distal part (+1.84 ± 0.67 vs. +0.97 ± 0.97 cm, respectively, p = 0.013), larger change in joint angle and muscle tendon junction displacement (MTJ) (p < 0.001). Muscle thickness was similar in both groups (p > 0.053). Ankle dorsiflexion angle significantly correlated with fascicle elongation at the distal part of GM (r = −0.638, p < 0.01) and MTJ displacement (r = −0.610, p < 0.05). Collectively, FT had greater fascicle elongation at the medial and distal part of GM and greater MTJ displacement during stretching than FNT of similar age.

scholarly journals Ankle-Dorsiflexion Range of Motion After Ankle Self-Stretching Using a Strap

2015 ◽  
Vol 50 (12) ◽  
pp. 1226-1232 ◽  
Author(s):  
In-cheol Jeon ◽  
Oh-yun Kwon ◽  
Chung-Hwi Yi ◽  
Heon-Seock Cynn ◽  
Ui-jae Hwang
Keyword(s):  
Range Of Motion ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Distal Tibia ◽  
Ankle Dorsiflexion ◽  
Controlled Clinical Trial ◽  
Static Stretching ◽  
Talocrural Joint ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Stretching Exercises

Context  A variety of ankle self-stretching exercises have been recommended to improve ankle-dorsiflexion range of motion (DFROM) in individuals with limited ankle dorsiflexion. A strap can be applied to stabilize the talus and facilitate anterior glide of the distal tibia at the talocrural joint during ankle self-stretching exercises. Novel ankle self-stretching using a strap (SSS) may be a useful method of improving ankle DFROM. Objective  To compare the effects of 2 ankle-stretching techniques (static stretching versus SSS) on ankle DFROM. Design  Randomized controlled clinical trial. Setting  University research laboratory. Patients or Other Participants  Thirty-two participants with limited active dorsiflexion (&lt;20°) while sitting (14 women and 18 men) were recruited. Main Outcome Measure(s)  The participants performed 2 ankle self-stretching techniques (static stretching and SSS) for 3 weeks. Active DFROM (ADFROM), passive DFROM (PDFROM), and the lunge angle were measured. An independent t test was used to compare the improvements in these values before and after the 2 stretching interventions. The level of statistical significance was set at α = .05. Results  Active DFROM and PDFROM were greater in both stretching groups after the 3-week interventions. However, ADFROM, PDFROM, and the lunge angle were greater in the SSS group than in the static-stretching group (P &lt; .05). Conclusions  Ankle SSS is recommended to improve ADFROM, PDFROM, and the lunge angle in individuals with limited DFROM.

scholarly journals Differences in Gastrocnemius Muscle Architectural Properties between Child Female Athletes with Different Flexibility Training Backgrounds

Proceedings ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
pp. 11
Author(s):  
Panidi ◽  
Bogdanis ◽  
Gaspari ◽  
Spiliopoulou ◽  
Donti ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Repeated Measures ◽  
Distal Part ◽  
Muscle Thickness ◽  
Pennation Angle ◽  
Static Stretching ◽  
Fascicle Length ◽  
Muscle Fascicle ◽  
Flexibility Training ◽  
Architectural Characteristics ◽  
Rhythmic Gymnasts

AIM: Τhe mechanisms underpinning long-term changes in muscle architectural characteristics and joint range of motion (ROM) following static stretching in humans remain under question, and data are sparse for growing athletes. It is possible that the characteristics of the stretching protocols used in previous training studies were not adequate to induce significant changes. An alternative approach would be to compare populations with different chronic flexibility training backgrounds. Thus, the purpose of this study was to examine differences in gastrocnemius medialis (GM) architectural characteristics at rest and during 1 min of static stretching between child athletes with different flexibility training backgrounds. MATERIAL & METHOD: Ten female rhythmic gymnasts (RG; age. 9.0 ± 0.7 years) were compared to six volleyball athletes (VA; age, 9.0 ± 0.6 years). Fascicle length, pennation angle and muscle thickness at the medial and distal part of GM, and ankle ROM were measured at rest and during 1 min of static stretching using ultrasonography. Data were analysed using two-way ANOVA for repeated measures on two factors (time x sport). RESULTS: At rest, RG displayed similar fascicle length compared to VA at the medial (4.19 ± 0.37 vs. 4.24 ± 0.54 cm, respectively, p = 0.841) and the distal part of GM (4.25 ± 0.35 vs. 4.18 ± 0.65 cm, respectively, p = 0.780). Pennation angle and muscle thickness were also similar in the two groups at the medial (p = 0.519 and p = 0.216, respectively) and the distal part of the gastrocnemius (p = 0.998 and p = 0.433, respectively). Ankle angle before stretching was greater in RG compared with VA (120.9 ± 4.2 vs. 110.9 ± 5.8°, respectively, p = 0.001). During the 1 min of static stretching, RG displayed greater fascicle elongation compared to the VA at the medial (5.86 ± 0.29 vs 5.52 ± 0.53 cm, p = 0.048) and the distal part (6.09 ± 0.49 vs 5.15 ± 0.65 cm, p = 0.013), as well as greater maximal ankle dorsiflexion (p < 0.001) and muscle tendon junction displacement (p < 0.001). No differences were found between groups in pennation angle (p > 0.458) and muscle thickness (p ˃ 0.237). CONCLUSIONS: Muscle architectural properties are similar at rest in child athletes with different flexibility backgrounds. However, muscle fascicle elongation is greater in rhythmic gymnasts compared to volleyball athletes and this may contribute to the greater ankle ROM observed in rhythmic gymnasts.

Short-term effects of neuromuscular electrical stimulation and ultrasound therapies on muscle architecture and functional capacity in knee osteoarthritis: a randomized study

2018 ◽  
Vol 33 (3) ◽  
pp. 418-427 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gul Devrimsel ◽  
Yavuz Metin ◽  
Munevver Serdaroglu Beyazal
Keyword(s):  
Knee Osteoarthritis ◽  
Functional Capacity ◽  
Therapy Group ◽  
Randomized Study ◽  
Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation ◽  
Muscle Thickness ◽  
Muscle Architecture ◽  
Ultrasound Therapy ◽  
Fascicle Length ◽  
Hot Pack

Objective: To determine the effects of ultrasound therapy and neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) application on the muscle architecture and functional capacity in patients with knee osteoarthritis. Design: A randomized study. Subjects: A total of 60 patients with knee osteoarthritis. Interventions: Participants were randomized into one of the following two intervention groups, five days a week, for three weeks: the combination of NMES application, hot pack, and exercise therapy was applied to the NMES group. The combination of therapeutic ultrasound, hot pack and exercise therapy was applied to the ultrasound therapy group. Main measures: Subjects were evaluated for pain and functional capacity with the use of the visual analog pain scale (VAS), Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC), and 15 meter walking test. The muscle architecture (muscle thickness, pennation angle and fascicle length) was assessed from vastus lateralis and quadriceps femoris muscles bilaterally by ultrasonography. Results: Two groups presented significant improvements in all outcome measures before and after treatment ( P < 0.01). There were significant improvements in VAS rest pain ( P < 0.05), VAS activity pain ( P < 0.05), WOMAC pain ( P < 0.05), WOMAC stiffness score ( P < 0.05), and WOMAC physical function ( P < 0.05) for the ultrasound therapy group in comparison to the NMES group. NMES group exhibited more increases in the muscle thickness and fascicle length values when compared to ultrasound therapy group ( P < 0.05). Conclusion: Ultrasound therapy appears to be an effective treatment in reducing pain and improving functional capacity. NMES application has more effects on the muscle architecture.

scholarly journals Study of the Therapeutic Effects of Chinese Herbal Decoction Combined with Glucocorticoid in Treating Primary Nephrotic Syndrome in Children

2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
Xue Hou ◽  
Meihua Xu ◽  
Jie Li ◽  
Rui Li ◽  
Jinzhi Zhang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Nephrotic Syndrome ◽  
Chinese Medicine ◽  
Western Medicine ◽  
Adverse Reactions ◽  
Therapy Group ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Therapeutic Effects ◽  
Clinical Effects ◽  
Primary Nephrotic Syndrome

Background. To investigate the clinical effects of Chinese medicine decoction combined with glucocorticoid in treating children with primary nephrotic syndrome. Methods. A total of 70 children with pediatric nephritis nephrotic syndrome treated at Weifang People’s Hospital from January 2019 to December 2019 were randomly allocated to the therapy group and the control group, each with 35 cases. The control group was treated with conventional Western medicine, and the therapy group received Western medicine and Chinese medicine. After 12 weeks of treatment, the therapeutic effect of the two groups was compared. Results. After receiving the treatment, the levels of urine protein (UPro), triglyceride, and cholesterol were significantly decreased in the two groups ( p < 0.05 ), and these levels in the therapy group were much lower than those of the control group ( p < 0.05 ). However, the level of albumin (ALB) was predominantly increased in the two groups after treatment ( p < 0.05 ), and this level in the therapy group was much higher than that of the control group ( p < 0.05 ). Moreover, the immune indicators, coagulation function, and recurrence rate were noticeably improved after treatment ( p < 0.05 ), and the therapy group was better than the control group ( p < 0.05 ). Furthermore, the comparison of renal function indexes, liver function indexes, and blood routine between the two groups showed no statistical significance in the incidence of adverse reactions between the two groups ( p > 0.05 ). Conclusions. For the treatment of refractory nephrotic syndrome in children, based on conventional shock therapy, the addition of traditional Chinese medicine (Liuwei Dihuang pill decoction) remedy can significantly improve the disease symptoms in children and improve the efficacy, and the incidence of adverse reactions is low.

scholarly journals Gastrocnemius Muscle Architecture in Elite Basketballers and Cyclists: A Cross-Sectional Cohort Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 3 ◽  
Author(s):  
Samantha May ◽  
Simon Locke ◽  
Michael Kingsley
Keyword(s):  
Muscle Activation ◽  
Gastrocnemius Muscle ◽  
Female Athletes ◽  
Muscle Thickness ◽  
Muscle Architecture ◽  
Ultrasound Images ◽  
Mechanical Stimuli ◽  
Fascicle Length ◽  
Tibial Length ◽  
Significant Difference

Eccentric and concentric actions produce distinct mechanical stimuli and result in different adaptations in skeletal muscle architecture. Cycling predominantly involves concentric activity of the gastrocnemius muscles, while playing basketball requires both concentric and eccentric actions to support running, jumping, and landing. The aim of this study was to examine differences in the architecture of gastrocnemius medialis (GM) and gastrocnemius lateralis (GL) between elite basketballers and cyclists. A trained sonographer obtained three B-mode ultrasound images from GM and GL muscles in 44 athletes (25 basketballers and 19 cyclists; 24 ± 5 years of age). The images were digitized and average fascicle length (FL), pennation angle (θ), and muscle thickness were calculated from three images per muscle. The ratio of FL to tibial length (FL/TL) and muscle thickness to tibial length (MT/TL) was also calculated to account for the potential scaling effect of stature. In males, no significant differences were identified between the athletic groups in all parameters in the GM, but a significant difference existed in muscle thickness in the GL. In basketballers, GL was 2.5 mm thicker (95% CI: 0.7–4.3 mm, p = 0.011) on the left side and 2.6 mm thicker (95% CI: 0.6–5.7 mm, p = 0.012) on the right side; however, these differences were not significant when stature was accounted for (MT/TL). In females, significant differences existed in the GM for all parameters including FL/TL and MT/TL. Female cyclists had longer FL in both limbs (MD: 11.2 and 11.3 mm), narrower θ (MD: 2.1 and 1.8°), and thicker muscles (MD: 2.1 and 2.5 mm). For the GL, female cyclists had significantly longer FL (MD: 5.2 and 5.8 mm) and narrower θ (MD: 1.7 and 2.3°) in both limbs; no differences were observed in absolute muscle thickness or MT/TL ratio. Differences in gastrocnemius muscle architecture were observed between female cyclists and basketballers, but not between males. These findings suggest that participation in sport-specific training might influence gastrocnemius muscle architecture in elite female athletes; however, it remains unclear as to whether gastrocnemius architecture is systematically influenced by the different modes of muscle activation between these respective sports.

scholarly journals Muscle Architectural and Functional Adaptations Following 12-Weeks of Stretching in Adolescent Female Athletes

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ioli Panidi ◽  
Gregory C. Bogdanis ◽  
Gerasimos Terzis ◽  
Anastasia Donti ◽  
Andreas Konrad ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Distal Part ◽  
High Volume ◽  
Ankle Dorsiflexion ◽  
Cross Sectional Area ◽  
Adolescent Female ◽  
Static Stretching ◽  
Sectional Area ◽  
Fascicle Length ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Ankle Angle

This study examined the effects of high-volume static stretching training on gastrocnemius muscle architecture, ankle angle and jump height in 21 female adolescent volleyball players. Static stretching of the plantar flexors of one leg (STR) was performed five times/week for 12 weeks, in addition to volleyball training, with the contra-lateral leg used as control (CON). Total duration of stretching per session increased from 540 s (week 1) to 900 s (week 12). At baseline, week 12 and after 3 weeks of detraining, muscle architecture at the middle and the distal part of both gastrocnemius heads (medialis and lateralis) and ankle angle were examined at rest and at maximum dorsiflexion. At the same time-points gastrocnemius cross-sectional area (CSA) was also assessed, while jumping height was measured at baseline and week 12. Following intervention, ankle dorsiflexion increased in both legs with a greater increase in STR than CON (22 ± 20% vs. 8 ± 17%, p &lt; 0.001). Fascicle length at the middle part of gastrocnemius medialis increased only in the STR, at rest (6 ± 7%, p = 0.006) and at maximum dorsiflexion (11 ± 7%, p &lt; 0.001). Fascicle length at maximum dorsiflexion also increased at the distal part of gastrocnemius lateralis of STR (15 ± 13%, p &lt; 0.001). A greater increase in CSA (23 ± 14% vs. 13 ± 14%, p &lt; 0.001) and in one-leg jumping height (27 ± 30% vs. 17 ± 23%, p &lt; 0.001) was found in STR than CON. Changes in ankle angle, fascicle length and CSA were maintained following detraining. High-volume stretching training for 12 weeks results in ankle dorsiflexion, fascicle length and muscle cross sectional area increases in adolescent female volleyball players. These adaptations may partly explain improvements in jump performance.

scholarly journals Reliability of ultrasonographic measurement of muscle architecture of the gastrocnemius medialis and gastrocnemius lateralis

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (9) ◽  
pp. e0258014
Author(s):  
Samantha May ◽  
Simon Locke ◽  
Michael Kingsley
Keyword(s):  
Gastrocnemius Muscle ◽  
Intraclass Correlation ◽  
Muscle Thickness ◽  
Muscle Architecture ◽  
Minimal Detectable Change ◽  
Fascicle Length ◽  
Retest Reliability ◽  
Gastrocnemius Medialis ◽  
Test Retest Reliability ◽  
Gastrocnemius Lateralis

Ultrasonography is widely used to measure gastrocnemius muscle architecture; however, it is unclear if values obtained from digitised images are sensitive enough to track architectural responses to clinical interventions. The purpose of this study was to explore the reliability and determine the minimal detectable change (MDC) of gastrocnemius medialis (GM) and gastrocnemius lateralis (GL) muscle architecture using ultrasound in a clinical setting. A trained sonographer obtained three B-mode images from each of the GM and GL muscles in 87 volunteers (44 males, 43 females; 22±9 years of age) on two separate occasions. Three independent investigators received training, then digitised the images to determine intra-rater, inter-rater, and test-retest reliability for fascicle length (FL), pennation angle (θ) and muscle thickness. Median FL, θ, and muscle thickness for GM and GL were 53.6–55.7 mm and 65.8–69.3 mm, 18.7–19.5° and 11.9–12.5°, and 12.8–13.2 mm and 15.9–16.9 mm, respectively. Intra- and inter-rater reliability of manual digitisation was excellent for all parameters. Test-retest reliability was moderate to excellent with intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) values ≥0.80 for FL, ≥0.61 for θ, and ≥0.81 for muscle thickness, in both GM and GL. The respective MDC for GM and GL FL, θ, and muscle thickness was ≤12.1 mm and ≤18.00 mm, ≤6.4° and ≤4.2°, and ≤3.2 mm and ≤3.1 mm. Although reliable, the relatively large MDC suggest that clinically derived ultrasound measurements of muscle architecture in GM and GL are more likely to be useful to detect differences between populations than to detect changes in muscle architecture following interventions.

scholarly journals Ultrasound Imaging Evaluation of Textural Features in Athletes with Soleus Pathology—A Novel Case-Control Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (4) ◽  
pp. 1983 ◽  
Author(s):  
Blanca De-la-Cruz-Torres ◽  
Emmanuel Navarro-Flores ◽  
Daniel López-López ◽  
Carlos Romero-Morales
Keyword(s):  
Ultrasound Imaging ◽  
Soleus Muscle ◽  
Muscle Injury ◽  
Intraclass Correlation ◽  
Muscle Thickness ◽  
Tendon Injury ◽  
Muscle Injuries ◽  
Imaging Evaluation ◽  
Rater Reliability ◽  
Group A

Background: the aim of this study was to compare the echotexture of patients with soleus muscle injury and age matched controls. Methods: a sample of 62 athletes was recruited at the private clinic and was divided in two group: a healthy group (n = 31) and a soleus pathology group whose athletes had soleus muscle injury, located in the central tendon (n = 31). The muscle thickness (MTh), echointensity (EI) and echovariation (EV) were analyzed. An intra-rater reliability test (Intraclass Correlation Coefficient-ICC) was performed in order to analyze the reliability of the values of the measurements. Results: Sociodemographic variables did not show statistically significant differences (p > 0.05). Ultrasound imaging measurements who reported statistically significant differences were EI (p = 0.001) and standard deviation (SD) (p = 0.001). MTh and EV variables did not show statistically significant differences (p = 0.381 and p = 0.364, respectively). Moreover, reliability values for the MTh (ICC = 0.911), EI (ICC = 0.982), SD (ICC = 0.955) and EV (ICC = 0.963). Based on these results the intra-rater reliability was considered excellent. Conclusion: Athletes with a central tendon injury of soleus muscle showed a lower EI when they were compared to healthy athletes. The echogenicity showed by the quantitative ultrasound imaging measurement may be a more objective parameter for the diagnosis and follow-up the soleus muscle injuries.

scholarly journals Effect of Simultaneously Conducting Static Stretching and Therapeutic Ultrasound on the Gastrocnemius Muscle

2019 ◽  
Vol 34 (4) ◽  
pp. 505-510
Author(s):  
Atsushi HIRAGA ◽  
Mineko TAKAGI ◽  
Kengo TAKASHIMA ◽  
Takamasa TSURUMI
Keyword(s):  
Gastrocnemius Muscle ◽  
Therapeutic Ultrasound ◽  
Static Stretching
Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document