Sponbeck Joshua, Gisseman Brie, Lefevre Christian, Shuler Emily, Hager Ron, Johnson A Wayne
Department of Exercise Sciences, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, USA.
Int J Exerc Sci. 2024 Nov 1;17(3):1517-1529. doi: 10.70252/IOPQ6650. eCollection 2024.
Morphologic Achilles tendon properties obtained via diagnostic ultrasound imaging are valuable in understanding Achilles tendon health and injury. Currently, limited information exists regarding Achilles tendon morphological properties amongst active aging adults based upon Victorian Institute of Sport Assessment (VISA-A) scores. Achilles tendon morphologic properties defined by VISA-A score groupings allow clinicians and researchers to compare data values amongst current patients. Purpose: Comparison of physically active aging adults Achilles tendon morphological properties with various VISA-A scores or a previous Achilles tendon rupture. A convenience sample of 121 participants (71 females, 50 males) at least moderately active and 50 years old, were recruited. Participants completed a VISA-A survey, and assigned groups by scores (Group 1: 90-100, Group 2: 70-89, Group 3: 45-69, Group 4: Previous Achilles tendon tear). Achilles tendon ultrasound imaging occurred at the malleolar line (The apex of the medial and lateral malleolus). Following imaging Achilles tendon cross-sectional area (CSA), thickness, and elastography were measured and analyzed. Participants with a previous Achilles tendon rupture displayed significantly larger tendon CSA and thickness compared with other groups (p<0.05). Individuals with VISA-A scores from 45-69 displayed significantly larger tendon CSA and thickness than participants with scores greater than 90 (p<0.03). No significant differences were noted for elastography between groups (p>0.05). Achilles tendon morphological differences exist based upon pain level in physically active aging adults. Diagnostic ultrasound may be used during assessment and rehabilitation of injured tendon tissue to inform about current tendon tissue properties.
通过诊断超声成像获得的跟腱形态学特性，对于理解跟腱健康状况和损伤情况具有重要价值。目前，基于维多利亚运动评估机构（VISA - A）评分，关于活跃的老龄成年人跟腱形态学特性的信息有限。根据VISA - A评分分组定义的跟腱形态学特性，使临床医生和研究人员能够比较当前患者的数据值。目的：比较身体活跃的老龄成年人在不同VISA - A评分或既往有跟腱断裂情况下的跟腱形态学特性。招募了121名至少中度活跃且年龄在50岁及以上的参与者（71名女性，50名男性）作为便利样本。参与者完成了VISA - A调查问卷，并根据得分分组（第1组：90 - 100分，第2组：70 - 89分，第3组：45 - 69分，第4组：既往有跟腱撕裂）。在踝关节线（内、外踝顶点）处进行跟腱超声成像。成像后测量并分析跟腱的横截面积（CSA）、厚度和弹性成像。既往有跟腱断裂的参与者与其他组相比，显示出明显更大的肌腱CSA和厚度（p<0.05）。VISA - A评分为45 - 69分的个体，其肌腱CSA和厚度明显大于得分高于90分的参与者（p<0.03）。各组之间在弹性成像方面未观察到显著差异（p>0.05）。身体活跃的老龄成年人的跟腱形态学差异基于疼痛程度而存在。在评估和康复受伤的肌腱组织时，可使用诊断超声来了解当前肌腱组织的特性。
