scholarly journals Stiffness of the Gastrocnemius–Achilles Tendon Complex Between Amateur Basketball Players and the Non-athletic General Population

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tian-Tian Chang ◽  
Zhe Li ◽  
Xue-Qiang Wang ◽  
Zhi-Jie Zhang
Keyword(s):  
General Population ◽  
Achilles Tendon ◽  
Ankle Joint ◽  
Healthy Subjects ◽  
Lower Limbs ◽  
Medial Gastrocnemius ◽  
Neutral Position ◽  
Basketball Players ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Repeated Training

Muscle and tendon stiffness are related to sports performance, tendinopathy, and tendon degeneration. However, the effects of habitual loading on muscle and tendon mechanical properties are unclear. Using amateur basketball players as examples, we investigated the effects of mechanical loading on the stiffness of the gastrocnemius–Achilles tendon (AT) complex in non-dominant and dominant lower limbs. Then, we evaluated the correlation between gastrocnemius and AT stiffness. Forty participants (20 amateur basketball players; 20 normal non-athletic persons) were recruited for this study. Stiffness of the gastrocnemius–AT complex was assessed using MyotonPRO at neutral position and 10° dorsiflexion of the ankle joint in participants from amateur basketball players and the non-athletic general population. Our results showed a greater stiffness of the gastrocnemius–AT complex in amateur basketball players than that in healthy non-athletic subjects at neutral position and 10° dorsiflexion of the ankle joint (P < 0.05). No significant difference in stiffness was found between the non-dominant and dominant lower limbs either in amateur basketball players or in generally healthy subjects (P > 0.05). A significant positive correlation was obtained between stiffness of the AT and medial gastrocnemius (MG) in amateur basketball players (neutral position: r = 0.726 and P = 0.001; dorsiflexion 10°: r = 0.687 and P = 0.001). The amateur basketball players exhibit significantly higher stiffness value in Achilles and gastrocnemius. This is possibly caused by repeated training effects. The symmetric stiffness of the AT and gastrocnemius exists both in amateur basketball players and generally healthy subjects. A significant correlation between the AT and the MG was found in amateur basketball players.

scholarly journals Mechanical properties of tendon and aponeurosis of human gastrocnemius muscle in vivo

2001 ◽  
Vol 90 (5) ◽  
pp. 1671-1678 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tadashi Muramatsu ◽  
Tetsuro Muraoka ◽  
Daisuke Takeshita ◽  
Yasuo Kawakami ◽  
Yuichi Hirano ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mechanical Properties ◽  
Achilles Tendon ◽  
Gastrocnemius Muscle ◽  
Plantar Flexion ◽  
Medial Gastrocnemius ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Functional Implications ◽  
Male Subjects ◽  
Maximal Strain

Load-strain characteristics of tendinous tissues (Achilles tendon and aponeurosis) were determined in vivo for human medial gastrocnemius (MG) muscle. Seven male subjects exerted isometric plantar flexion torque while the elongation of tendinous tissues of MG was determined from the tendinous movements by using ultrasonography. The maximal strain of the Achilles tendon and aponeurosis, estimated separately from the elongation data, was 5.1 ± 1.1 and 5.9 ± 1.6%, respectively. There was no significant difference in strain between the Achilles tendon and aponeurosis. In addition, no significant difference in strain was observed between the proximal and distal regions of the aponeurosis. The results indicate that tendinous tissues of the MG are homogenously stretched along their lengths by muscle contraction, which has functional implications for the operation of the human MG muscle-tendon unit in vivo.

scholarly journals A Biomechanical Comparison of Limited Open Versus Krackow Repair for Achilles Tendon Rupture

2017 ◽  
Vol 2 (4) ◽  
pp. 247301141771543 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert G. Dekker ◽  
Charles Qin ◽  
Cort Lawton ◽  
Muturi G. Muriuki ◽  
Robert M. Havey ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Soft Tissue ◽  
Achilles Tendon ◽  
Tendon Rupture ◽  
Achilles Tendon Rupture ◽  
Tendon Repair ◽  
Lower Limbs ◽  
Gap Formation ◽  
Postoperative Rehabilitation ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Load To Failure

Background: Soft tissue complications after Achilles tendon repair has led to increased interest in less invasive techniques. Various limited open techniques have gained popularity as an alternative to open operative repair. The purpose of this study was to biomechanically compare an open Krackow and limited open repair for Achilles tendon rupture. We hypothesized that there would be no statistical difference in load to failure, work to failure, and initial linear stiffness. Methods: A simulated Achilles tendon rupture was created 4 cm proximal to its insertion in 18 fresh-frozen cadaveric below-knee lower limbs. Specimens were randomized to open or limited open PARS Achilles Jig System repair. Repairs were loaded to failure at a rate of 25.4 mm/s to reflect loading during normal ankle range of motion. Load to failure, work to failure, and initial linear stiffness were compared between the 2 repair types. Results: The average load to failure (353.8 ± 88.8 N vs 313.3 ± 99.9 N; P = .38) and work to failure (6.4 ± 2.3 J vs 6.3 ± 3.5 J; P = .904) were not statistically different for Krackow and PARS repair, respectively. Mean initial linear stiffness of the Krackow repair (17.8 ± 5.4 N/mm) was significantly greater than PARS repair (11.8 ± 2.5 N/mm) ( P = .011). Conclusion: No significant difference in repair strength was seen, but higher initial linear stiffness for Krackow repair suggests superior resistance to gap formation, which may occur during postoperative rehabilitation. With equal repair strength, but less soft tissue devitalization, the PARS may be a favorable option for patients with risk factors for soft tissue complications.

scholarly journals Acute Effects of Dermal Suction on Passive Muscle and Joint Stiffness

Healthcare ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (11) ◽  
pp. 1483
Author(s):  
Shota Enomoto ◽  
Tomonari Shibutani ◽  
Yu Akihara ◽  
Miyuki Nakatani ◽  
Kazunori Yamada ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Shear Wave ◽  
Plantar Flexion ◽  
Joint Stiffness ◽  
Medial Gastrocnemius ◽  
Neutral Position ◽  
Acute Effects ◽  
Passive Joint ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
The Right ◽  
Passive Muscle

The aim of the present study was to examine the acute effects of dermal suction on the passive mechanical properties of specific muscles and joints. Dermal suction was applied to the calves of 24 subjects. Passive plantar flexion torque was measured with the right knee fully extended and the right ankle positioned at 20°, 10°, 0°, and −10° angles, where 0° represents the ankle neutral position, and positive values correspond to the plantar flexion angle. The shear wave velocity (SWV) (m/s) of the medial gastrocnemius was measured in the same position using ultrasound shear wave elastography. The relationship between the joint angle and passive torque at each 10° angle was defined as passive joint stiffness (Nm/°). Passive muscle and joint stiffness were measured immediately before and after the dermal suction protocol. When the ankle joint was positioned at 20° (r = 0.53, P = 0.006), 10° (r = 0.43, P = 0.030), and −10° (r = 0.60, P = 0.001), the SWV was significantly higher after dermal suction than that before dermal suction. Regarding joint stiffness, we found no significant difference between the pre- and post-dermal suction values (partial η2 = 0.093, P > 0.05). These findings suggest that dermal suction increases passive muscle stiffness and has a limited impact on passive joint stiffness.

Isokinetic Strength and Endurance After Percutaneous and Open Surgical Repair of Achilles Tendon Ruptures

2005 ◽  
Vol 26 (4) ◽  
pp. 286-290 ◽  
Author(s):  
David Goren ◽  
Moshe Ayalon ◽  
Meir Nyska
Keyword(s):  
Achilles Tendon ◽  
Ankle Joint ◽  
Open Surgery ◽  
Endurance Performance ◽  
Isokinetic Strength ◽  
Percutaneous Repair ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Average Work ◽  
Tendon Ruptures ◽  
Considerable Controversy

Background: Reports on complete spontaneous Achilles tendon ruptures and associated treatment have become more frequent in the literature in the past two decades, as has the request for treatments that enable the finest possible functional recovery. The best available treatment is a matter of considerable controversy in the literature. The purpose of this study was to compare the isokinetic strength and endurance of the plantarflexor muscle-tendon unit in subjects who sustained rupture of the Achilles tendon and underwent either open surgery or closed percutaneous repair of the Achilles tendon. Methods: Twenty patients (18 males, 2 females) with spontaneous ruptures of the Achilles tendon were included in this study. Ten patients were treated by open surgery, and 10 patients were treated percutaneously. All patients had ruptured their Achilles tendon more than 6 months before the study, and all of the ruptures occurred 3.5 years or less before the day of the testing. All patients underwent an oriented physical examination. An isokinetic Biodex dynamometer (Biodex Medical System, Shirley, NY) was used to measure ankle joint angle, and in plantarflexion to calculate the torque at the ankle joint (Newton/meter), and the average work (jouls) for both maximal power and endurance. Each measurement was compared to the normal ankle. Results: Biodex dynamometer evaluations at 90 deg/sec demonstrated a significant difference of maximal voluntary plantarflexor torque, endurance performance and range of motion at the ankle joint between the involved and uninvolved sides in patients treated by either mode of treatment. Yet, no statistically significant differences were revealed for the parameters mentioned above between the subjects that were treated either percutaneously or by an open surgery. Conclusions: In functional terms, the biomechanical outcomes of open surgery and percutaneous repair for acute ruptures of the Achilles tendon are both effective.

Objective diagnosis of equinus during gait prior to and following a tibial nerve block

1994 ◽  
Vol 84 (2) ◽  
pp. 57-65 ◽  
Author(s):  
BT Maurer ◽  
HJ Hillstrom ◽  
S Siegler ◽  
F Kugler ◽  
G Hice ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ankle Joint ◽  
Quantitative Evaluation ◽  
Nerve Block ◽  
Healthy Subjects ◽  
Tibial Nerve ◽  
Treatment Modalities ◽  
Evaluation Technique ◽  
Gait Parameters ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Equinus Deformity

A quantitative evaluation technique has been developed to assist the clinician in the diagnosis and treatment of ankle equinus deformity. Specifically, the work focuses on accomplishing two major goals: 1) to develop a reliable set of quantitative criteria to assess the degree of dysfunction of the ankle joint during locomotion in patients with equinus deformity; and 2) to determine the effect of various treatment modalities on the ambulatory performance of patients with equinus deformity. A statistically significant difference in two key gait parameters has been demonstrated between healthy subjects and those with equinus deformity.

Effects of wearing raised-heel insoles for 60 days on physical functions: focusing on adult males in their twenties

2021 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Ankle Joint ◽  
Human Body ◽  
Repeated Measures ◽  
Muscle Tone ◽  
Dynamic Stiffness ◽  
Medial Gastrocnemius ◽  
Static Balance ◽  
Plantar Flexors ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Long Time

Background and Objectives: As men frequently use raised-heel insoles (RHIs) for a cosmetic purpose rather than a functional purpose in daily life, they are exposed to the risk of musculoskeletal disorders. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of wearing RHIs for 60 days on overall body functions and mechanical adaption. Materials and Methods: This study measured pelvic range of motion (ROM), balance, two-point discrimination (2PD), ankle joint ROM, lower back pain (LBP), muscle tone, stiffness, and decrement in male subjects in their 20s. Subjects wore RHIs (5 cm) for 8 h per day for 8 weeks (60 days). Measurements were conducted at 0, 30, and 60 days after the experiment began. Repeated-measures one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed to examine the effects of wearing duration (0, 30, and 60 days) on variables followed by a post-hoc test (Dunnett T3) when there was a significant difference. Results: Pelvic ROM decreased (p < 0.01), whereas static balance and 2PD increased (p < 0.001, p < 0.01, respectively) when the duration of wearing RHIs increased. The pelvic ROM on day 0 was significantly different from that on day 60 (p = 0.01). Static balance showed significant differences between day 0 and day 60 or day 30 (p = 0.000, p = 0.000, respectively). Dynamic balance, ankle joint ROM, and LBP did not differ significantly. The muscle tone of the plantar flexors (medial gastrocnemius) increased (p < 0.05), whereas decrement decreased (p < 0.05). Conclusions: It was found that wearing RHIs for a long time would adversely affect the human body. Wearing RHIs for a long time decreased pelvic ROM, whereas static balance and 2PD increased. It might have affected the overall body functions by increasing the muscle tone of the plantar flexors and worsening dynamic stiffness at the same time. The clinical significance lies in the fact that wearing RHIs for long durations would adversely affect the human body.

scholarly journals The Effect of Achilles Tendon Loading on Ankle Joint Contact Area and Peak Pressure

2018 ◽  
Vol 3 (3) ◽  
pp. 2473011418S0030
Author(s):  
L. Daniel Latt ◽  
Alfonso Ayala ◽  
Samuel Kim ◽  
Jesus Lopez
Keyword(s):  
Achilles Tendon ◽  
Ankle Joint ◽  
Contact Area ◽  
Axial Load ◽  
Peak Pressure ◽  
The Body ◽  
Neutral Position ◽  
Joint Contact ◽  
Axially Loaded ◽  
The Impact

Category: Ankle Introduction/Purpose: Increased tibiotalar peak pressure (PP) and decreased contact area (CA) following ankle fracture are associated with the development of post-traumatic osteoarthtritis. Lateral talar translation of just 1 mm has been shown to decrease CA by 42%. The impact of talar malalignment in other directions on ankle joint contact pressures (AJCP) are not well understood. The majority of research on AJCP has utilized cadaveric models in which body weight is simulated with an axial load applied through the tibia. This model does not account for Achilles tendon - which transmits the largest tendon force in the body during weight bearing. This study aimed to determine the effects of Achilles tendon loading on tibiotalar CA and PP in an axially loaded cadaver model at different ankle flexion angles. Methods: Ten fresh frozen cadaveric lower extremity specimens transected mid-tibia were dissected free of soft tissues surrounding the ankle, sparing the ligaments. The proximal tibia and fibula were potted in quick drying cement for rigid mounting on a MTS machine. A pressure sensing element (TekScan KScan model 5033) was inserted into the tibiotalar joint and used to measure CA (cm2) and PP (MPa). An axial load of 686 N was applied through the tibia and fibula, followed by a 350 N load via the Achilles tendon to simulate mid-stance conditions. Measurements were taken at neutral position, 15 degrees of dorsiflexion and 15 degrees of plantarflexion, with and without Achilles load. The effects of Achilles load and ankle flexion angle on CA and PP were analyzed using a 2x3 ANOVA. Bonferroni post-hoc adjustments were used for multiple comparisons. Level of statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: ANOVA revealed significant main effects of ankle flexion on contact area and peak pressures (Table 1). Contact area was significantly lower for 15 degrees of plantarflexion than neutral and 15 degrees of dorsiflexion (p < 0.001). In addition, peak pressure was significantly higher for 15 degrees of plantarflexion than neutral and 15 degrees of dorsiflexion. ANOVA also indicated that contact area and peak pressure were significantly higher with Achilles load than without (p < 0.001). No interaction effects were found. Conclusion: The applied Achilles tendon load significantly altered tibiotalar PP in an axially loaded cadaver model. On the other hand, changes in CA with Achilles load were found to be minimal (~1.8%). We also found that the greatest PP and smallest CA occured during plantar flexion. This observation can be explained by a difference in width between the anterior and posterior talus. While the results of this study demonstrate the importance of Achilles tendon load on tibiotalar measurements, further studies investigating the effects of additional factors such as loading techniques are warranted to improve the physiological accuracy of cadaver models.

scholarly journals Biomechanical study on the stress distribution of the knee joint after residual rotation deformity of tibial fracture

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ming Li ◽  
Yanbin Zhu ◽  
Ning Wei ◽  
Wenli Chang ◽  
Zeyue Jin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Stress Distribution ◽  
Knee Joint ◽  
Lower Limb ◽  
External Rotation ◽  
Biomechanical Study ◽  
Lower Limbs ◽  
Neutral Position ◽  
Lateral Stress ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
The Difference

Abstract Objectives To investigate the effect of residual rotation deformity on the stress distribution of the knee joint after surgery to treat middle and upper tibial fractures. Methods Fourteen adult cadaver specimens that were preserved with formalin were included, and the tibias were randomly positioned at 0 degree, 5 degrees, 10 degrees, and 15 degrees from the line of force of the lower limb. These positions modeled deformities of 5 degrees, 10 degrees, and 15 degrees from the line of force. Low-pressure pressure-sensitive film technology measured the stress distribution of the knee joint under different degrees of rotation deformity. Results Under a vertical load of 400 N, the difference between the medial and lateral stress of the knee joint was significantly different between the different tibia deformities (P<0.05), and the medial stress of the knee joint was higher than the lateral stress. The current study showed that there were statistically significant differences in the medial stress on the knee joint at all angles (including the neutral position of 0 degrees) (F=89.753, P<0.001) . There was a statistically significant difference in the lateral stresses of the knee joint between different rotation deformities (including the neutral position of 0 degrees) (F=102.998, P<0.001). Conclusions Residual rotation deformity after fracture of middle and upper tibia can lead to poor alignment of lower limb force and change of articular contact characteristics of knee joint, especially external rotation of tibia.Therefore, orthopedic surgeons should correct the malalignment of lower limbs to the greatest extent and reduce the rotation deformity as far as possible.

scholarly journals Pressure Change Of Fixed Rotational Deformities In The Femur In Human Cadaver Knees-A Biomechanical Study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peizhi Yuwen ◽  
Hongzhi Lv ◽  
Yanbin Zhu ◽  
Wenli Chang ◽  
Ning Wei ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Internal Rotation ◽  
Contact Pressure ◽  
Tibial Plateau ◽  
Pressure Change ◽  
Lower Limbs ◽  
Lateral Side ◽  
Neutral Position ◽  
Relative Pressure ◽  
Rotational Deformity ◽  
Significant Difference

Abstract Objective: To reveal the contact pressure change on tibial plateau in malalignment femur. Methods: Fourteen cadaveric Lower limbs were selected and autopsied, rotatory fixation model with different angles were then made. Connect each model on the biomechanical machine and apply a vertical load to 400N. The contact pressure was quantitatively measured using ultra-low-pressure sensitive film technology. FPD-305E density meter and FPD-306E pressure converter were used to read relative pressure values. Contact pressure on medial and lateral tibial plateau in different femoral rotational deformities were compared. Analysis were done using SPSS software.Results: The medial group show a significant difference on tibial plateau (F=92.114, P<0.01), further test showed statistically significant differences of pairwise comparisons between 0°, 5°, 10°, 15° internal rotation deformity (P<0.05). There is no significant difference in lateral group (c2=9.967, P<0.01). The medial contact pressure is 0.940±0.177 MPa and the lateral is 1.008±0.219 MPa at neutral position, no statistically significant was found, so is 5° of internal rotational deformity. But the medial contact pressure are all higher than the lateral side at 5°, 10°, 15° of external rotation, and 10°, 15° of internal rotation. Conclusion: Obvious contact pressure changes on tibial plateau were observed in rotatory deformity femur, which is closely related to the occurrence of knee osteoarthritis. Doctors should detect rotational deformity as much as possible during operation and perform anatomical reduction, for patients with residual rotational deformities, indication of osteotomy should not be too broad.

scholarly journals The effect of dry needling in basketball players analyzed using thermographic cameras

2019 ◽  
Vol 02 (02) ◽  
pp. 128-129
Author(s):  
Barrios Pitarque C. ◽  
Yeste Fabregat M.
Keyword(s):  
Myofascial Pain ◽  
High Reliability ◽  
Trigger Points ◽  
Medial Gastrocnemius ◽  
Maximum Temperature ◽  
Dry Needling ◽  
Basketball Players ◽  
Myofascial Trigger Points ◽  
Local Contraction ◽  
Significant Difference

Abstract Background Approximately 30% of patients attend primary care consultations for pain, in which the presence of myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) has been confirmed, provoked by myofascial trigger points (MTrPs). Unfortunately, the treatment of this syndrome is resistant to medication and entails an erroneous diagnosis. Novel methods such as sonoelastography and elastography using magnetic resonance, have recently enabled non-invasive images of trigger points. However, both are costly and difficult to access. Therefore, the identification of MTrPs is still based on the palpable diagnosis criteria defined by Travell and Simons. Interestingly, MPS has been defined as nociceptive pain, however, currently the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) is considered increasingly important for the widespread pain related to MPS and this is indicated with greater frequency. The use of the infrared camera is accepted as an objective method for the diagnosis of patients with pain, especially if activity of the SNS is involved. Thermography has high reliability for muscle exam. Hyperthermic images appear when inflammatory reactions are present, increasing the blood flow due to a greater cell activation. In contrast, hypothermic activation is found when there is compression or degenerative processes. Dry needling (DN) is considered to be a safe and effective method for reducing pain and improving muscle function, provoking a local contraction response in the muscle of myofascial trigger points. Aims The main aim of this study was to evaluate the physiological changes that take place in the medial gastrocnemius (MG) with DN treatment using thermography. Material and Methods In total, 20 basketball players participated in this study, aged between 21 and 39 years old. Initially, before performing DN, pre-intervention images were taken. Subsequently, DN was performed on the MG with the maximum of local twitch responses, evaluating both MG of both legs. Images were taken immediately after DN, and at 15 and at 30 minutes. For this study, a thermographic camera was used (FLIR TUR E60) and the images were analyzed using FLIR TOOLS software. For the DN technique, needles were used measuring 0.30 × 40. The variables studied were the maximum temperature (Tmax), minimum temperature (Tmin) and mean temperature (Tavg), in degrees Celsius. Results A decreased temperature exists (T°) both for Tmax, Tmin and Tavg before and after the DN intervention. We observed a significant difference (p = 0.035) between Tmin pre-intervention and immediately after the intervention in the left leg. The other significant difference found was between Tmin pre-intervention on the left leg and after 30 minutes (p = 0.009). We found significant differences between Tmin pre and immediately post intervention on the left leg (p = 0.021), Tmin pre and after 15 minutes on the left leg (p = 0.007) and pre intervention and after 30 minutes on the left leg (p = 0.002). Other significant differences on the right leg were Tmin pre-intervention and immediately after (p = 0.019), and after 15 minutes (p = 0.008). Conclusions Dry needling may be a good method for reducing inflammation of the trigger point for its ability to decrease temperature, and therefore may allow us to decrease the maximum, minimum and average temperature of the muscle belly.

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