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European Journal of Applied Physiology

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Open Access 06-05-2022 | Achilles Tendon Rupture | Original Article

Tendon length estimates are influenced by tracking location

Authors: Taija Finni, Annamaria Peter, Ra’ad Khair, Neil J. Cronin

Published in: European Journal of Applied Physiology | Issue 8/2022

Abstract

Purpose

Measurement of medial gastrocnemius (MG) tendon length using ultrasonography (US) requires the muscle–tendon junction (MTJ) to be located. Previously, the MG MTJ has been tracked from different proximo-distal locations near the MTJ, which could influence estimates of tendon length change due to the different characteristics of the aponeurosis and tendon. We used US to evaluate the effect of tracking point location on MG MTJ displacement during maximal and submaximal (10, 20 and 30% of the non-injured maximal) isometric plantar flexion contractions.

Methods

Displacement behaviour of MTJ was tracked from (1) the exact MTJ; and (2) from an insertion point of a muscle fascicle on the aponeurosis 1.3 ± 0.6 cm proximal to the MTJ, in both limbs of patients with unilateral Achilles tendon rupture (ATR) (n = 22, 4 females, 42 ± 9 years, 177 ± 9 cm, 79 ± 10 kg).

Results

In the non-injured limb, displacement (1.3 ± 0.5 cm vs. 1.1 ± 0.6 cm) and strain (6.7 ± 2.8% vs. 5.8 ± 3.3%) during maximal voluntary contraction were larger when tracking a point on the aponeurosis than when tracking the MTJ (both p < 0.001). The same was true for all contraction levels, and both limbs.

Conclusion

Tracking a point on the aponeurosis consistently exaggerates estimates of tendon displacement, and the magnitude of this effect is contraction intensity-dependent. When quantifying displacement and strain of the Achilles tendon, the MTJ should be tracked directly, rather than tracking a surrogate point proximal to the MTJ. The latter method includes part of the aponeurosis, which due to its relative compliance, artificially increases estimates of MTJ displacement and strain.

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Title: Tendon length estimates are influenced by tracking location
Authors: Taija Finni
Annamaria Peter
Ra’ad Khair
Neil J. Cronin
Publication date: 06-05-2022
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Keywords: Achilles Tendon Rupture
Ultrasound
Ultrasound
Published in: European Journal of Applied Physiology / Issue 8/2022
Print ISSN: 1439-6319
Electronic ISSN: 1439-6327
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-022-04958-8

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Springer Medicine

Tendon length estimates are influenced by tracking location

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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