Ultrasound imaging evaluation of structural and textural features in asymptomatic achilles tendons in pre-professional dancers: A cross-sectional study

To evaluate performance descriptors, sociodemographics variables and tendon echogenicity of asymptomatic Achilles tendons and to compare the echotexture from different classification subgroups. A prospective, randomized cross-sectional study was carried out. Setting: laboratory of university. Forty-...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Physical therapy in sport 2020-07, Vol.44, p.85-91
Main Authors: De-la-Cruz-Torres, Blanca, Barrera-García-Martín, Irene, Almazán-Polo, Jaime, Jaén-Crespo, Gonzalo, Romero-Morales, Carlos
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Achilles tendon
Ankle
Ballet
Body mass index
Classification
Cross-sectional studies
Dancing
Diagnosis
Epidemiology
Injuries
Medical diagnosis
Physical therapy
Sports medicine
Studies
Tendons
Ultrasonic imaging
Ultrasonography
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Summary:To evaluate performance descriptors, sociodemographics variables and tendon echogenicity of asymptomatic Achilles tendons and to compare the echotexture from different classification subgroups. A prospective, randomized cross-sectional study was carried out. Setting: laboratory of university. Forty-two Achilles tendons (AT) were recruited from pre-professional dancers. Based on the echogenicity pattern, the sample was divided into two groups (n = 21, Heterogeneous group; n = 21, Homogeneous group). Ultrasound images and ImageJ measurements were performed to evaluate thickness (AT-TH), echointensity (EI) and echovariation (EV), in addition to a balance and endurance test were measured as performance parameter. EI (p = 0.001) and EV (p = 0.001) reported statistically significant differences between groups. AT-TH, endurance test, balance test, years of dance, training hours per week and average pointe hours per week did not showed differences between groups. A multivariate prediction model between groups and the echotexture variables (EI (R2 = 0.569; EV (R2 = 0.341)) were determined. Asymptomatic AT of heterogeneous group showed a lower EI and a higher EV compared to homogeneous group. Tendon echogenicity did not interact with performance variables. •A lower echointensity in asymptomatic AT was observed for the heterogeneous group.•A higher echovariation in asymptomatic AT was observed for the heterogeneous group.•Tendon echogenicity did not interact with performance variables.
ISSN:1466-853X
1873-1600
DOI:10.1016/j.ptsp.2020.05.008