title: Measuring Achilles tendon mechanical properties: a reliable, noninvasive method.
abstract: The purpose of this technical report is to describe a cost-effective and highly reliable methodology to measure mechanical and material properties of the Achilles tendon. Subjects are positioned on an isokinetic dynamometer time synchronized to a diagnostic ultrasound device. A tendon fascicle distal to the soleus is visualized during a ramped isometric maximal plantarflexion contraction. Excursion of the fascicle and tendon torque output yield a force-elongation curve in which mechanical characteristics and material properties are derived. Excellent intrasession and intersession reliabilities were observed for both the dynamometer (intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC] 0.99, 0.95) and excursion (ICC 0.99, 0.93) measures. Practical applications for this methodology include examination of training regimes for optimal tendon adaptation and rehabilitation in the presence of tendinopathy.
authors.affiliation: Human Performance Laboratory, Physical Therapy Program, Department of Kinesiology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, USA.joseph@uconn.edu
authors.forename: Michael F
authors.initials: MF
authors.lastname: Joseph
authors.forename: Kurtis R
authors.initials: KR
authors.lastname: Lillie
authors.forename: Daniel J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Bergeron
authors.forename: Craig R
authors.initials: CR
authors.lastname: Denegar
mesh_terms: D000125:Achilles Tendon / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000502:physiology*; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007537:Isometric Contraction / Q000502:physiology; D008297:Male; D053581:Muscle Strength Dynamometer; D052256:Tendinopathy / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology; D019415:Torque; D014463:Ultrasonography / Q000379:methods; D055815:Young Adult