Musculotendinous Adaptations in High and Low- Performance Triathletes — MAT  

Athletes Clinical Trial

Official title: Musculotendinous Adaptations Induced by Training and Competitions in High and Low-performance Triathletes

Status Not yet recruiting

Clinical Trial Summary

This study aims to investigate the musculotendinous adaptations in the Achilles tendon and the muscles composing the triceps surae induced by triathlon training and competitions in high-performance and low-performance athletes. Twenty high-performance triathletes, twenty low-performance triathletes, and twenty physically active and healthy individuals of both genders will be recruited to constitute the research groups. Ultrasonography will be employed as the assessment method for the structures of the Achilles tendon and the muscular architecture of the triceps surae. The quality and portability of ultrasonography, coupled with its real-time information capabilities, make it the appropriate choice for this evaluation. The VISA-A scale (Victorian Institute of Sport Achilles Assessment) will be used to measure pain and function of the Achilles tendon. The reliability of ultrasonography measures will be obtained by evaluating images of individuals using the intraclass correlation coefficient, allowing for the analysis of result reproducibility. Data analysis will involve comparisons among the high-performance, low-performance, and physically active groups, aiming to identify differences in musculotendinous adaptations related to performance and injury predisposition. Structural changes occurring in these structures and their potential association with sports performance and/or injury predisposition will be explored. Overall, this study utilizes a comparative cross-sectional research design, where different groups are assessed regarding musculotendinous adaptations in the Achilles tendon and triceps surae through ultrasound-derived measures. The use of the VISA-A scale and the assessment of measure reliability will provide additional data on pain, function, and result reproducibility.

Clinical Trial Description

Introduction: Triathlon is a growing sport worldwide, accompanied by a range of injuries primarily linked to the running component, with calcaneal tendinopathy standing out prominently due to the significant demands placed on this structure in both running and cycling. While numerous studies have assessed the architecture of triceps surae muscles and the Achilles tendon in athletes from various sports, exploring both positive and negative adaptations, as well as characteristics associated with improved performance or injury predisposition, there is a notable absence of research specifically investigating these tissues in triathletes. Understanding the architecture of the Achilles tendon and triceps surae muscles in this specific population is crucial for elucidating structural alterations related to performance and injurious changes in these structures. Ultrasound imaging emerges as the standard examination for evaluating these structures due to its quality, portability, and real-time information provision.

Objective: This study aims to identify musculotendinous adaptations in the Achilles tendon and muscles composing the triceps surae induced by triathlon training and competitions in both high-performance and low-performance athletes. These adaptations may be related to injury predisposition and could explain differences in sports performance between groups.

Methods: Twenty high-performance triathletes, twenty low-performance triathletes, and twenty physically active, healthy individuals of both genders will be screened through anamnesis to determine the research groups. Pain and function of the Achilles tendon will be measured using the VISA-A scale (Victorian Institute of Sport Achilles Assessment). The structure of the Achilles tendon and the muscular architecture of the triceps surae will be assessed through ultrasound imaging. The reliability of ultrasound measures will be determined by evaluating images of individuals using the intraclass correlation coefficient. ;

Related Conditions & MeSH terms

• Athletes

• NCT number: NCT06318728
• Study type: Observational
• Source: University of Brasilia
• Contact: Estevão s Diniz, Postgraduate
• Phone: 62982089638
• Email: estevaosd7@gmail.com
• Status: Not yet recruiting
• Start date: April 1, 2024
• Completion date: October 4, 2024