title: Ultrasound-based testing of tendon mechanical properties: a critical evaluation.
abstract: In the past 20 years, the use of ultrasound-based methods has become a standard approach to measure tendon mechanical properties in vivo. Yet the multitude of methodological approaches adopted by various research groups probably contribute to the large variability of reported values. The technique of obtaining and relating tendon deformation to tensile force in vivo has been applied differently, depending on practical constraints or scientific points of view. Divergence can be seen in 1) methodological considerations, such as the choice of anatomical features to scan and to track, force measurements, or signal synchronization; and 2) in physiological considerations related to the viscoelastic behavior or length measurements of tendons. Hence, the purpose of the present review is to assess and discuss the physiological and technical aspects connected to in vivo testing of tendon mechanical properties. In doing so, our aim is to provide the reader with a qualitative analysis of ultrasound-based techniques. Finally, a list of recommendations is proposed for a number of selected issues.
authors.affiliation: Norwegian School of Sport Sciences, Oslo, Norway; olivier.seynnes@nih.no.
authors.forename: O R
authors.initials: OR
authors.lastname: Seynnes
authors.affiliation: Norwegian School of Sport Sciences, Oslo, Norway;
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Bojsen-Møller
authors.affiliation: Institute of Biomechanics and Orthopaedics, German Sport University, Cologne, Germany;
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Albracht
authors.affiliation: GIH, The Swedish School of Sport and Health Sciences, Stockholm, Sweden;
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Arndt
authors.affiliation: Neuromuscular Research Centre, Department of Biology of Physical Activity, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland; and.
authors.forename: N J
authors.initials: NJ
authors.lastname: Cronin
authors.affiliation: Neuromuscular Research Centre, Department of Biology of Physical Activity, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland; and.
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Finni
authors.affiliation: Institute of Sports Medicine, Copenhagen & Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation Research Unit, Bispebjerg Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
authors.forename: S P
authors.initials: SP
authors.lastname: Magnusson
mesh_terms: D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D006801:Humans; D013710:Tendons / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000502:physiology*; D014463:Ultrasonography
keywords: aponeurosis; material properties; scanning; tendon deformation; tracking