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Baillie P, Cook J, Ferrar K, Mayes S. Single-Leg Heel Raise Capacity is Lower, and Perceived Ankle Instability is Greater, in Dancers and Athletes With Posterior Ankle Impingement Syndrome. Clin J Sport Med 2024; 34:376-380. [PMID: 38507243 DOI: 10.1097/jsm.0000000000001217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To compare clinical assessment findings between elite athletic populations with and without a clinical diagnosis of posterior ankle impingement syndrome (PAIS). DESIGN Cross-sectional case-control study. SETTING Elite ballet and sport. PARTICIPANTS Ten male and female professional ballet dancers and athletes with a clinical diagnosis of PAIS and were matched for age, sex, and activity to 10 professional ballet dancers and athletes without PAIS. INDEPENDENT VARIABLES Posterior ankle pain on body chart and a positive ankle plantarflexion pain provocation test. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Single-leg heel raise (SLHR) endurance test, range of motion testing for weight-bearing ankle dorsiflexion, passive ankle plantarflexion, and first metatarsophalangeal joint dorsiflexion, and Beighton score for generalized joint hypermobility. Participants also completed the Cumberland Ankle Instability Tool (CAIT) questionnaire. RESULTS The group with PAIS achieved significantly fewer repetitions on SLHR capacity testing ( P = 0.02) and were more symptomatic for perceived ankle instability according to CAIT scores ( P = 0.004). CONCLUSIONS Single-leg heel raise endurance capacity was lower, and perceived ankle instability was greater in participants with PAIS. The management of this presentation in elite dancers and athletes should include the assessment and management of functional deficits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peta Baillie
- School of Allied Health, Human Services and Sport, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC, Australia
| | - Jill Cook
- La Trobe University Sport and Exercise Medicine Research Centre, Bundoora, VIC, Australia; and
| | - Katia Ferrar
- La Trobe University Sport and Exercise Medicine Research Centre, Bundoora, VIC, Australia; and
- The Australian Ballet, South Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Susan Mayes
- La Trobe University Sport and Exercise Medicine Research Centre, Bundoora, VIC, Australia; and
- The Australian Ballet, South Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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Mylle I, Crouzier M, Hollville E, Bogaerts S, Vanwanseele B. Triceps surae muscle forces during dynamic exercises in patients with Achilles tendinopathy: A cross-sectional study. Scand J Med Sci Sports 2023; 33:2219-2229. [PMID: 37394918 DOI: 10.1111/sms.14444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Revised: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The aim of this study was to investigate the individual triceps surae muscle forces during the execution of six different functional movements and rehabilitation exercises in patients with Achilles tendinopathy compared to a control group. METHODS Triceps surae muscle forces of 15 participants with Achilles tendinopathy (AT) and 15 healthy controls were estimated through a combination of experimental data and musculo-skeletal modeling. Three-dimensional motion capture and force plates were used to collect the ankle and knee joint angles and moments during three functional movements (walking, heel walking, and toe walking) and three rehabilitation exercises (bilateral heel drop, unilateral heel drop with extended knee and with flexed knee). A dynamic optimization method was used to obtain the modeled triceps surae muscle forces. Force-sharing strategies were calculated at the peak triceps surae muscle force and compared between groups. RESULTS Lower peak triceps surae forces were obtained for the AT group during dynamic exercises. Across all exercises, the average contribution of the soleus (SOL) to the total triceps surae muscle force was the largest (60.83 ± 13.89% [AT] > 56.90 ± 16.18% [healthy]), followed by the gastrocnemius medialis (29.87 ± 10.67% [AT] < 32.19 ± 12.90% [healthy]) and the gastrocnemius lateralis (9.30 ± 4.31% [AT] < 10.91 ± 4.66% [healthy]). The triceps surae force-sharing strategy was different for the toe walking, heel walking, and the bilateral and unilateral heel drop with extended knee. CONCLUSION This study provides evidence for altered triceps surae muscle force-sharing strategies during dynamic tasks in patients with AT. The influence of altered muscle force-sharing on the subtendon nonuniformity and/or the tendon loading should be explored in future work.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ine Mylle
- Department of Movement Science, Human Movement Biomechanics Research Group, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Marion Crouzier
- Department of Movement Science, Human Movement Biomechanics Research Group, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Enzo Hollville
- French Institute of Sport (INSEP), Laboratory Sport, Expertise and Performance, Paris, France
| | - Stijn Bogaerts
- Department of Development and Regeneration, Locomotor and Neurological Disorders Research Group, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Benedicte Vanwanseele
- Department of Movement Science, Human Movement Biomechanics Research Group, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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Sara LK, Gutsch SB, Bement MH, Hunter SK. Plantar Flexor Weakness and Pain Sensitivity Cannot Be Assumed in Midportion Achilles Tendinopathy. EXERCISE, SPORT, & MOVEMENT 2023; 1:1-7. [PMID: 38222444 PMCID: PMC10786321 DOI: 10.1249/esm.0000000000000017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2024]
Abstract
Introduction/Purpose The purpose of this study was to determine the following in persons with midportion Achilles tendinopathy (AT): 1) maximal strength and power; 2) neural drive during maximal contractions and contractile function during electrically evoked resting contractions; and 3) whether pain, neural drive, and contractile mechanisms contribute to differences in maximal strength. Methods Twenty-eight volunteers (14 AT, 14 controls) completed isometric, concentric, and eccentric maximal voluntary contractions (MVCs) of the plantar flexors in a Biodex™ dynamometer. Supramaximal electrical stimulation of the tibial nerve was performed to quantify neural drive and contractile properties of the plantar flexors. Pain sensitivity was quantified as the pressure-pain thresholds of the Achilles tendon, medial gastrocnemius, and upper trapezius. Results There were no differences in plantar flexion strength or power between AT and controls (isometric MVC: P = 0.95; dynamic MVC: P = 0.99; power: P = 0.98), nor were there differences in neural drive and contractile function (P = 0.55 and P = 0.06, respectively). However, the mechanisms predicting maximal strength differed between groups: neural drive predicted maximal strength in controls (P = 0.02) and contractile function predicted maximal strength in AT (P = 0.001). Although pain did not mediate these relationships (i.e., between maximal strength and its contributing mechanisms), pressure-pain thresholds at the upper trapezius were higher in AT (P = 0.02), despite being similar at the calf (P = 0.24) and Achilles tendon (P = 0.40). Conclusions There were no deficits in plantar flexion strength or power in persons with AT, whether evaluated isometrically, concentrically, or eccentrically. However, the mechanisms predicting maximal plantar flexor strength differed between groups, and systemic pain sensitivity was diminished in AT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren K Sara
- Harvard Medical School, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Physical Therapy, Marquette University, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Savannah B Gutsch
- Department of Physical Therapy, Marquette University, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | | | - Sandra K Hunter
- Department of Physical Therapy, Marquette University, Milwaukee, WI, USA
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Oskouei ST, Malliaras P, Hill KD, Clark R, Perraton L. Monitoring physical activity using wearable technology in people with Achilles tendinopathy undergoing physiotherapy treatment: A feasibility prospective cohort study. Physiotherapy 2023; 120:38-46. [PMID: 37364446 DOI: 10.1016/j.physio.2023.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2022] [Revised: 04/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Physical activity modification is an important part of the management of Achilles tendinopathy. However, to our knowledge, there is a lack of evidence on objective physical activity assessment in Achilles tendinopathy. The purpose of this study is to (1) assess feasibility of using an inertial measurement unit (IMU) to monitor physical activity and IMU-derived biomechanical measures over 12-week treatment course by a physiotherapist; (2) conduct a preliminary analysis of changes in physical activity over 12-weeks. DESIGN A feasibility prospective cohort study SETTING: A community setting. PARTICIPANTS People with Achilles tendinopathy who had recently commenced (≤2 sessions), or were about to commence, treatment with a physiotherapist MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Participants wore a shank-mounted IMU on the affected side for one week at baseline, 6-, and 12-week follow-ups. The outcomes were pain/symptom severity, IMU-derived physical activity and biomechanical measures (stride rate, peak shank angular velocity, and peak shank acceleration). RESULTS Thirty participants were recruited. There was a high retention rate (97%), response rate (97%), and IMU wear compliance at each timepoint (>93%). For pain/symptom severity, a significant time effect was observed between baseline and 12-week follow-up. Physical activity and IMU-derived biomechanical measures did not change over 12 weeks. Physical activity decreased at the 6-week follow-up but only returned to the baseline level at 12-week follow-up. CONCLUSIONS A larger-scale cohort study assessing clinical outcomes and physical activity appears feasible. Preliminary data indicate that physical activity may not change significantly over 12-weeks in people undergoing physiotherapy management for Achilles tendinopathy. CONTRIBUTION OF THE PAPER.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanam Tavakkoli Oskouei
- Department of Physiotherapy, School of Primary and Allied Health Care, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Peter Malliaras
- Department of Physiotherapy, School of Primary and Allied Health Care, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Keith D Hill
- Rehabilitation, Ageing and Independent Living (RAIL) Research Centre, Monash University, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Ross Clark
- School of Health and Behavioural Sciences, University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia.
| | - Luke Perraton
- Department of Physiotherapy, School of Primary and Allied Health Care, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Victoria, Australia.
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Radovanović G, Bohm S, Arampatzis A, Legerlotz K. In Achilles Tendinopathy the Symptomatic Tendon Differs from the Asymptomatic Tendon While Exercise Therapy Has Little Effect on Asymmetries-An Ancillary Analysis of Data from a Controlled Clinical Trial. J Clin Med 2023; 12:jcm12031102. [PMID: 36769750 PMCID: PMC9918090 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12031102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2022] [Revised: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND As inter-limb asymmetries can be associated with higher injury risk, we aimed to investigate their role in Achilles tendinopathy patients. METHODS In Achilles tendinopathy patients (n = 41), we assessed inter-limb asymmetries of mechanical, material, and morphological musculoskeletal properties and function and how those were affected by 12 weeks of exercise intervention (high-load protocol, n = 13; Alfredson protocol, n = 11). Moreover, we assessed whether asymmetry reductions correlated with improved Patient-Reported Outcomes (VISA-A score). RESULTS At baseline, tendinopathic tendons demonstrated lower tendon force (p = 0.017), lower tendon stress (p < 0.0001), larger tendon cross-sectional area (CSA) (p < 0.001), and increased intratendinous (p = 0.042) and tendon overall (p = 0.021) vascularization. For the high-load group, PRE-to-POST asymmetry comparisons revealed an asymmetry increase for the counter-movement jump (CMJ) (p = 0.034) and PRE-to-POST VISA-A score improvements correlated with CSA asymmetry reductions (p = 0.024). Within the Alfredson group, PRE-to-POST VISA-A score improvements correlated with CMJ asymmetry reductions (p = 0.044) and tendon stiffness asymmetry increases (p = 0.037). POST-to-POST in-between group comparisons revealed lower asymmetry in the high-load group for tendon elongation (p = 0.021) and tendon strain (p = 0.026). CONCLUSIONS The tendinopathic limb differs from the asymptomatic limb while therapeutic exercise interventions have little effect on asymmetries. Asymmetry reductions are not necessarily associated with tendon health improvements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Goran Radovanović
- Movement Biomechanics, Institute of Sports Sciences, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, 10099 Berlin, Germany
- Department Performance, Neuroscience, Therapy and Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical School Hamburg—University of Applied Sciences and Medical University, 20457 Hamburg, Germany
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Exercise Science and Sports Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical School Hamburg—University of Applied Sciences and Medical University, 20457 Hamburg, Germany
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-030-2093-46052
| | - Sebastian Bohm
- Department of Training and Movement Sciences, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, 10099 Berlin, Germany
| | - Adamantios Arampatzis
- Department of Training and Movement Sciences, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, 10099 Berlin, Germany
| | - Kirsten Legerlotz
- Movement Biomechanics, Institute of Sports Sciences, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, 10099 Berlin, Germany
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Quarmby A, Mönnig J, Mugele H, Henschke J, Kim M, Cassel M, Engel T. Biomechanics and lower limb function are altered in athletes and runners with achilles tendinopathy compared with healthy controls: A systematic review. Front Sports Act Living 2023; 4:1012471. [PMID: 36685067 PMCID: PMC9845578 DOI: 10.3389/fspor.2022.1012471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Achilles tendinopathy (AT) is a debilitating injury in athletes, especially for those engaged in repetitive stretch-shortening cycle activities. Clinical risk factors are numerous, but it has been suggested that altered biomechanics might be associated with AT. No systematic review has been conducted investigating these biomechanical alterations in specifically athletic populations. Therefore, the aim of this systematic review was to compare the lower-limb biomechanics of athletes with AT to athletically matched asymptomatic controls. Databases were searched for relevant studies investigating biomechanics during gait activities and other motor tasks such as hopping, isolated strength tasks, and reflex responses. Inclusion criteria for studies were an AT diagnosis in at least one group, cross-sectional or prospective data, at least one outcome comparing biomechanical data between an AT and healthy group, and athletic populations. Studies were excluded if patients had Achilles tendon rupture/surgery, participants reported injuries other than AT, and when only within-subject data was available.. Effect sizes (Cohen's d) with 95% confidence intervals were calculated for relevant outcomes. The initial search yielded 4,442 studies. After screening, twenty studies (775 total participants) were synthesised, reporting on a wide range of biomechanical outcomes. Females were under-represented and patients in the AT group were three years older on average. Biomechanical alterations were identified in some studies during running, hopping, jumping, strength tasks and reflex activity. Equally, several biomechanical variables studied were not associated with AT in included studies, indicating a conflicting picture. Kinematics in AT patients appeared to be altered in the lower limb, potentially indicating a pattern of "medial collapse". Muscular activity of the calf and hips was different between groups, whereby AT patients exhibited greater calf electromyographic amplitudes despite lower plantar flexor strength. Overall, dynamic maximal strength of the plantar flexors, and isometric strength of the hips might be reduced in the AT group. This systematic review reports on several biomechanical alterations in athletes with AT. With further research, these factors could potentially form treatment targets for clinicians, although clinical approaches should take other contributing health factors into account. The studies included were of low quality, and currently no solid conclusions can be drawn.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Quarmby
- University Outpatient Clinic, Sports Medicine & Sports Orthopaedics, University of Potsdam, Potsdam, Germany,Correspondence: Andrew Quarmby
| | - Jamal Mönnig
- University Outpatient Clinic, Sports Medicine & Sports Orthopaedics, University of Potsdam, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Hendrik Mugele
- Department of Sport Science, Laboratory for Environmental and Exercise Science, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Jakob Henschke
- University Outpatient Clinic, Sports Medicine & Sports Orthopaedics, University of Potsdam, Potsdam, Germany
| | - MyoungHwee Kim
- University Outpatient Clinic, Sports Medicine & Sports Orthopaedics, University of Potsdam, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Michael Cassel
- University Outpatient Clinic, Sports Medicine & Sports Orthopaedics, University of Potsdam, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Tilman Engel
- University Outpatient Clinic, Sports Medicine & Sports Orthopaedics, University of Potsdam, Potsdam, Germany
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Martin J, Perraton L, Gupta A, Garofolini A, Malliaras P. The use of physical function capacity measures in the management of lower limb tendinopathy: A scoping review of expert recommendations. Phys Ther Sport 2023; 59:37-48. [PMID: 36502766 DOI: 10.1016/j.ptsp.2022.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2022] [Revised: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Physical function capacity measures are recommended as outcome measures for people with lower limb tendinopathy. OBJECTIVE (i) Explore measures of physical function capacity recommended by experts in lower limb tendinopathy (ii) the context they were used, (ii) identify recommended criteria for exercise progression and return to sport or activity. DESIGN Scoping Review. METHOD Three databases were searched using keywords for lower limb tendinopathy and physical function capacity to identify studies that outlined a progressive exercise rehabilitation program. A 15-item tool was used for data extraction. RESULTS 26 studies were included, only eight recommended a physical function capacity measure. There were 10 physical function capacity measures identified for a range of lower limb tendinopathies including patellar (50%), Achilles (13%), proximal hamstring (13%), gluteal (13%), combined patellar and Achilles (13%). Pain was the most common criterion that was used to determine the progression of rehabilitation (96%), with physical function capacity measures rarely used (12%). CONCLUSION Physical function capacity measures are used infrequently across expert recommended exercise rehabilitation programs. There remains a high reliance on pain as the criterion for progression of exercises during rehabilitation. There is a need to develop measures of physical function capacity to better inform and progress rehabilitation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joel Martin
- Department of Physiotherapy, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Luke Perraton
- Department of Physiotherapy, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Amitabh Gupta
- School of Health Sciences, Western Sydney University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | | | - Peter Malliaras
- Department of Physiotherapy, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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Malliaras P. Physiotherapy management of Achilles tendinopathy. J Physiother 2022; 68:221-237. [PMID: 36274038 DOI: 10.1016/j.jphys.2022.09.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 02/15/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Peter Malliaras
- Department of Physiotherapy Monash University, Melbourne, Australia.
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Merry K, Napier C, Waugh CM, Scott A. Foundational Principles and Adaptation of the Healthy and Pathological Achilles Tendon in Response to Resistance Exercise: A Narrative Review and Clinical Implications. J Clin Med 2022; 11:4722. [PMID: 36012960 PMCID: PMC9410084 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11164722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Revised: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Therapeutic exercise is widely considered a first line fundamental treatment option for managing tendinopathies. As the Achilles tendon is critical for locomotion, chronic Achilles tendinopathy can have a substantial impact on an individual's ability to work and on their participation in physical activity or sport and overall quality of life. The recalcitrant nature of Achilles tendinopathy coupled with substantial variation in clinician-prescribed therapeutic exercises may contribute to suboptimal outcomes. Further, loading the Achilles tendon with sufficiently high loads to elicit positive tendon adaptation (and therefore promote symptom alleviation) is challenging, and few works have explored tissue loading optimization for individuals with tendinopathy. The mechanism of therapeutic benefit that exercise therapy exerts on Achilles tendinopathy is also a subject of ongoing debate. Resultingly, many factors that may contribute to an optimal therapeutic exercise protocol for Achilles tendinopathy are not well described. The aim of this narrative review is to explore the principles of tendon remodeling under resistance-based exercise in both healthy and pathologic tissues, and to review the biomechanical principles of Achilles tendon loading mechanics which may impact an optimized therapeutic exercise prescription for Achilles tendinopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kohle Merry
- Department of Physical Therapy, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada
- Centre for Hip Health and Mobility, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1M9, Canada
| | - Christopher Napier
- Department of Physical Therapy, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada
- Centre for Hip Health and Mobility, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1M9, Canada
| | - Charlie M. Waugh
- Department of Physical Therapy, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada
- Centre for Hip Health and Mobility, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1M9, Canada
| | - Alex Scott
- Department of Physical Therapy, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada
- Centre for Hip Health and Mobility, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1M9, Canada
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Fernandes GL, Orssatto LBR, Shield AJ, Trajano GS. Runners with mid-portion Achilles tendinopathy have greater triceps surae intracortical inhibition than healthy controls. Scand J Med Sci Sports 2021; 32:728-736. [PMID: 34897835 DOI: 10.1111/sms.14111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2021] [Revised: 11/25/2021] [Accepted: 12/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study aimed to investigate short-interval intracortical inhibition (SICI) and muscle function in the triceps surae of runners with mid-portion Achilles tendinopathy (AT). METHODS Runners with (n = 11) and without (n = 13) AT were recruited. Plantar flexor isometric peak torque and rate of torque development (RTD) were measured using an isokinetic dynamometer. Triceps surae endurance was measured as single-leg heel raise (SLHR) to failure test. SICI was assessed using paired-pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation during a sustained contraction at 10% of plantar flexor isometric peak torque. RESULTS Triceps surae SICI was 14.3% (95% CI: -2.1 to 26.4) higher in AT than in the control group (57.9%, 95% CI: 36.2 to 79.6; and 43.6% 95% CI: 16.2 to 71.1, p = 0.032) irrespective of the tested muscle. AT performed 16 (95% CI: 7.9 to 23.3, p < 0.001) fewer SLHR repetitions on the symptomatic side compared with controls, and 14 (95% CI: 5.8 to 22.0, p = 0.004), fewer SLHR repetitions on the non-symptomatic compared with controls. We found no between-groups differences in isometric peak torque (p = 0.971) or RTD (p = 0.815). PERSPECTIVE Our data suggest greater intracortical inhibition for the triceps surae muscles for the AT group accompanied by reduced SLHR endurance, without deficits in isometric peak torque or RTD. The increased SICI observed in the AT group could be negatively influencing triceps surae endurance; thus, rehabilitation aiming to reduce intracortical inhibition should be considered to improve patient outcomes. Furthermore, SLHR is a useful clinical tool to assess plantar flexor function in AT patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel L Fernandes
- School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane, Australia
| | - Lucas B R Orssatto
- School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane, Australia
| | - Anthony J Shield
- School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane, Australia
| | - Gabriel S Trajano
- School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane, Australia
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