Abstract
Purpose
Differential displacement between tendon layers has been shown to occur within the healthy Achilles tendon, and changes of this mechanism have been proposed to result in shear forces, which potentially could lead to tendinopathy. The magnitude of displacement between the tendon layers in tendinopathy is unknown. The purpose of this study was to investigate Achilles tendon layer displacement in individuals suffering from unilateral tendinopathy compared with the asymptomatic contralateral side.
Methods
Ten participants (9 men and 1 woman 45 ± 10 years, BMI: 28 ± 5) with unilateral Achilles tendinopathy were included. Intra-tendinous motion was assessed using ultrasonography during dynamic unilateral heel rises in standing and seated position. Speckle displacement was determined using a cross-correlation algorithm, in four independent rows, representing superficial and deep tendon layers.
Results
The most superficial layer displaced less than the deepest in all condition, except standing for the tendinopathic leg. There was a strong tendency (p = 0.054) for the displacement difference being reduced in the tendinopathic tendon (Tendinopathic side: 0.52 ± 0.16 mm vs. asymptomatic contralateral side: 1.02 ± 0.18 mm).
Conclusion
These novel data suggest that the presence of tendinopathy diminishes intra-tendinous sliding in the Achilles tendon.
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Abbreviations
- AGE:
-
Advanced glycation end-products
- BMI:
-
Body mass index
- MVC:
-
Maximal voluntary contractions
- NRS:
-
Numeric rating scale
- ROI:
-
Region of interest
- ROM:
-
Range of motion
- SAF:
-
Skin autofluorescence
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Acknowledgements
We would like to thank Sarah Gaston, PT for her excellent assistance during recruitment and testing. We would also like to thank Center for Healthy Aging, University of Copenhagen, and the Danish medical research council.
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CC conceived of the study, participated in its design and coordination, interpretation of the data and drafted the manuscript; COJ and EK participated in the design and coordination of the study and performed the measurement; RBS participated in the design of the study, interpretation of the data and performed the statistical analysis; SPM conceived of the study, and participated in its design and coordination, interpretation of the data and helped to draft the manuscript. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.
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Communicated by Olivier Seynnes.
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Couppé, C., Svensson, R.B., Josefsen, C.O. et al. Ultrasound speckle tracking of Achilles tendon in individuals with unilateral tendinopathy: a pilot study. Eur J Appl Physiol 120, 579–589 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-020-04317-5
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-020-04317-5