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Published in: Systematic Reviews 1/2017

Open Access 01-12-2017 | Protocol

Ultrasound characteristics of the mid-portion of the Achilles tendon in runners: a systematic review protocol

Authors: Prue Molyneux, Matthew Carroll, Sarah Stewart, Angela Brenton-Rule, Keith Rome

Published in: Systematic Reviews | Issue 1/2017

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Abstract

Background

Achilles tendinopathy is one of the most common overuse injuries in recreational and competitive runners, yet the clinical significance and frequency of abnormal sonographic characteristics in runners remains unclear. This paper presents a protocol for a systematic review which aims to assess existing literature which has employed ultrasonography to evaluate characteristics of the mid-portion of the Achilles tendon in runners.

Methods

An electronic literature search will be conducted using the following electronic databases: MEDLINE, CINAHL and SPORTDiscus. Studies published in English will be included if they evaluate ultrasound characteristics associated with mid-portion Achilles tendinopathy in runners. Methodological quality will be assessed using a scale adapted from the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale.

Discussion

This will be the first systematic review to summarise the existing evidence on ultrasound characteristics of the mid-portion of the Achilles tendon in recreational runners.

Systematic review registration

PROSPERO CRD42016050509
Appendix
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Metadata
Title
Ultrasound characteristics of the mid-portion of the Achilles tendon in runners: a systematic review protocol
Authors
Prue Molyneux
Matthew Carroll
Sarah Stewart
Angela Brenton-Rule
Keith Rome
Publication date
01-12-2017
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
Systematic Reviews / Issue 1/2017
Electronic ISSN: 2046-4053
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s13643-017-0501-z

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