View clinical trials related to Achilles Tendon.
Filter by:The menstrual cycle is an important biological rhythm, whereby large cyclic fluctuations in endogenous sex hormones, such as estrogen and progesterone, are observed, which can affect performance. Evidence shows that endogenous and exogenous changes in hormone concentrations during the menstrual cycle exert many effects on the nervous and endocrine systems, in addition to the connective tissue, with consequences for the movement system. Pre-clinical studies (i.e., in animal models) show an estrogen association with the structural and mechanical properties of tendons and ligaments. Several elegant studies performed with female participants have tried to establish the mechanism underlying the effect of estrogen on collagen synthesis and its effects on exercise and functionality. Their findings suggest that the tendon properties may be affected when exposed to varying concentrations of estrogen. The largest tendon in humans, the Achilles tendon, has a direct role in functional capacity, activities of daily living, and locomotion. Studies show that the triceps surae's structural and mechanical properties may change throughout the menstrual cycle, and that these changes are related to endogenous and exogenous fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone. Musculotendinous stiffness, which is dependent on the collagen content, has been seen to vary considerably over the course of the menstrual cycle. In addition, it has been reported that females who have been taking the contraceptive pill for at least a year demonstrate lower levels of tendon strain compared to non-pill taking females, indicating a possible influence of hormonal state on tendon mechanical properties. However, the different experimental designs, the varied approaches to the evaluations and the lack of studies with high methodological quality limit our understanding of the effects of the different phases of the menstrual cycle on the triceps surae's neuromechanical properties. The aim of this observational study will be to investigate whether the morphological, mechanical (active and passive), material, and functional properties of the plantar flexor muscles and of the Achilles tendon, as well as functional parameters, change during voluntary contractions throughout the phases of the menstrual cycle in eumenorrheic women and in users of hormonal contraception. Understanding the acute effects of these properties in eumenorrheic women and users of hormonal contraception is essential so that we can adequately plan interventions and prescriptions of physical exercise and rehabilitation aimed for women.
Self-massage is a set of therapeutic techniques performed by the individual using instruments such as a foam roller (i.e., foam rolling [FR]). This technique has been used in rehabilitation to recover myofascial dysfunctions and in physical/sports training, to improve performance in functional and sports activities. Possible changes in the muscle's and tendon's mechanical properties may help to explain the FR effects, however, the dose-response relationship is not clear acutely. Furthermore, body composition also seems to influence the pressure applied to the different tissues during FR, since it can attenuate the forces applied on the tissues. Therefore, the aim of this study is to verify the acute effects of different FR volumes on the plantar flexors' musculotendinous properties in healthy individuals. Twenty healthy subjects (male and female) aged between 18-35 years will perform three different FR conditions: FR90 (3x30s), FR180 (3x60s), and a control condition (CTRL; without the application of any intervention) with a seven-day wash-out period. The Achilles tendon morphological, mechanical, and material properties, medial gastrocnemius passive muscular stiffness, plantar flexors' muscle architecture, and the adipose tissue's thickness, skin temperature and the jump height (assessed during the unilateral countermovement jump) will be obtained. Assessments will be carried out before and immediately after the FR application in the different conditions. Descriptive statistics (mean, standard deviation, and standard error) will be used to present the results. The normality and sphericity of the data will be evaluated using the Shapiro-Wilk and Mauchly tests, respectively. A two-way ANOVA (condition [FR90, FR180, and CTRL] and moments [pre- and post-intervention]) will be used to compare the results. A post-hoc Bonferroni test will be used to find possible differences. A Pearson product-moment correlation test (parametric data) or a Spearman correlation test (non-parametric data) will be used to verify the association between the adipose tissue's thickness and the evaluated parameters. The effect size (Cohen's d) of each condition will be obtained. Responsiveness to conditions (FR90, FR180, and CTRL) will be determined using the typical error.
448kilohertz capacitive resistive monopolar radiofrequency is a novel technique in physiotherapy and its usefulness and clinical relevance is still to be investigated at both clinical practice and also in performance. Current studies show promising results in different musculoskeletal disorders, however there no studies in the assessment of quality soft tissue in sporty population after the used of this technique.
The purpose of this study is to evaluate whether there is an increased risk of achilles tendon rupture (ATR), retinal detachment (RD) or aortic aneurysm and dissection (AAD) following exposure to fluoroquinolone (FQ) or other antibiotics (amoxicillin, azithromycin, trimethoprim and trimethroprim/sulfamethoxazole) or febrile illness not treated with antibiotics, using a study design that minimizes the impact of confounders not usually captured in health services databases such as heredity or smoking.
The purpose of this study is to determine the effectiveness of eccentric exercise combined with vibration or cryotherapy in Achilles tendon pathology. The investigators hypothesis is that the combined eccentric exercise is better than the results presented by the exclusive eccentric exercise. This intervention differs from the classic studies in that we maintain the intensity throughout the treatment.
Achilles tendon plays a significant role in walking and sporting activities, particularly through ankle joint and lower limbs stability. Ultrasound imaging can be the first-line examination of choice for patients suspected of having Achilles tendon injury, which is more and more frequent. Nowadays, ultrasound elastography can be used to evaluate the viscoelasticity properties of Achilles tendon, however little is known about the reproducibility of the technique. This study aims to evaluate the reproducibility of supersonic shear imaging SWE™ Young's modulus measurements of shear wave velocity (m/s) in Achilles tendon and plantar fascia.
The plantaris tendon is recognised as an important factor in non-insertional Achilles tendinopathy (NIAT). A biomechanical study found the plantaris tendon is stiffer and stronger than the Achilles tendon (AT), thus reducing its capacity to elongate in response to loading. This is hypothesized to result in friction between the AT and plantaris in some NIAT patients. Current treatment is conservative management: physiotherapy and high volume injection of the paratenon. However 29% of patients fail to respond to conservative management and those with plantaris related symptoms require its surgical excision and stripping of the ventral aspect of the AT through a 3cm medial incision. This is performed in theatres under general anaesthetic with good or excellent results reported in 90% of cases. Purely cutting the plantaris tendon using a minimally invasive endoscopic technique has also been successful. The plantaris tendon is easily visualized under ultrasound scan (USS) and tenotomy of tendons under USS guidance is performed elsewhere. Tenotomy of the plantaris tendon under USS guidance would necessitate a 5mm incision and may be performed under local anaesthetic as an out-patient. The current study thus plans a randomised clinical trial to compare outcomes (VISA-A scores and ultrasound tissue characterisation scans) from patients with NIAT undergoing plantaris release using an open surgical procedure with those undergoing a minimally invasive US guided procedure. The former is known to provide good clinical outcomes; however the latter could significantly reduce post-operative scarring, recovery times and costs. Findings will ensure ethical, quality and cost effective patient care.
With this project the investigators wish to: 1. Test the reproducibility of Amlang's ultrasound classification by examining the intra- and inter-rater reliability. 2. Investigate whether Amlang's ultrasound classification is able to predict which patients are likely to develop complications when treated non-operatively. 3. Investigate whether Barfod's length measurement is able to predict which patients are likely to develop complications when treated non-operatively.
Chronic pain and disability are unfortunately common in Achilles tendon pain. Outcome after surgery is often poor. Also tendon pain can be resistant to treatment and may lead to cessation of hobbies or careers. Recently eccentric exercise (defined as muscle loading where tension develops as physical lengthening occurs) has become a cornerstone in managing tendon pain due to an increasing amount of favorable research. Eccentric exercises are considered to be non-invasive, safe, and appear to be important for a successful outcome. One exercise program has been extensively adopted in research and clinical practice for Achilles pain. It recommends individuals perform 180 repetitions a day. However there appears to be little scientific rationale for this number. Consequently there may be significant implications for patient compliance, satisfaction, and overall treatment efficacy in a strategy which is encouraged to be uncomfortable. Fifty two adults (18-70 years old), with mid-Achilles tendon pain will be randomised to standard treatment (180 repetitions) or to a group where individuals are allowed to do what they can. Participants will be recruited from participating physiotherapy departments (health centres and hospital departments) across NHS Forth Valley. All individuals will be required to complete the same type of eccentric exercise for six weeks attending an initial assessment and two follow-up appointments at three and six weeks. Thereafter participants will be discharged if better, or continue with individual care where appropriate. It is hoped this pilot study will establish if future larger scale investigation is warranted examining whether it is necessary to subject individuals to 180 repetitions a day in an activity recommended to be uncomfortable. Also will participant satisfaction differ between exercise groups? If further investigation is warranted this pilot may provide population specific data for future sample size calculations, and may provide a suitable methodology for such investigations.