ArticlePloS one2019
Transverse tendon stiffness is reduced in people with Achilles tendinopathy: A cross-sectional study.
Article in PloS one, 2019. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 27 papers, 1 of them a synthesis that pooled it.
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Who cites it
27 citing papers in PubMed, 1 synthesis or guideline pooled it, 52 citations in OpenAlex.
- Shear-wave elastography for the evaluation of tendinopathies: a systematic review and meta-analysis.La Radiologia medica · 2024Pooled it
- Effect of high-intensity laser therapy on supraspinatus tendon elasticity in subacromial impingement syndrome: A double-blind randomized controlled study.Lasers in medical science · 2025Trial
- Topical diclofenac vs placebo for the treatment of chronic Achilles tendinopathy: A randomized controlled clinical trial.PloS one · 2021Trial
- Revealing the biophysics of lamina-associated domain formation by integrating theoretical modeling and high-resolution imaging.Nature communications · 2025Article
- Assessing the Test-Retest Reliability of MyotonPRO for Measuring Achilles Tendon Stiffness.Journal of functional morphology and kinesiology · 2025Article
- Differences in stiffness across the patellar tendon: An observational study using tendotonometry.PloS one · 2025Observational
- The Myometric Assessment of Achilles Tendon and Soleus Muscle Stiffness before and after a Standardized Exercise Test in Elite Female Volleyball and Handball Athletes-A Quasi-Experimental Study.Journal of clinical medicine · 2024Article
- Observational
- Myotonometry and extended field-of-view ultrasound imaging allow reliable quantification of patellar tendon stiffness and length at rest and during maximal load, whereas several restrictions exist for the Achilles tendon.Frontiers in sports and active living · 2024Article
- Changes in patellar tendon complaints and shear wave velocity patterns among competitive alpine skiers during a 4-year post-growth spurt follow-up.Frontiers in physiology · 2024Article
- Efficacy of shock wave therapy and ultrasound therapy in non-insertional Achilles tendinopathy: a randomised clinical trial.Frontiers in neurology · 2024Article
- Article
- Article
- Aberrant chromatin reorganization in cells from diseased fibrous connective tissue in response to altered chemomechanical cues.Nature biomedical engineering · 2023Article
- A preliminary investigation into the impact of shock wave therapy and sonotherapy on postural control of stepping tasks in patients with Achilles tendinopathy.Frontiers in neurology · 2023Article
- Synthetic Graft Augmentation Is Safe and Effective for the Repair of Acute Achilles Tendon Rupture in Patients With Preexisting Tendinopathy.Arthroscopy, sports medicine, and rehabilitation · 2022Article
- Differences in Medial and Lateral Gastrocnemius Stiffness after Exercise-Induced Muscle Fatigue.International journal of environmental research and public health · 2022Article
- Foundational Principles and Adaptation of the Healthy and Pathological Achilles Tendon in Response to Resistance Exercise: A Narrative Review and Clinical Implications.Journal of clinical medicine · 2022Review
- Patellar Tendon Shear Wave Velocity Is Higher and has Different Regional Patterns in Elite Competitive Alpine Skiers than in Healthy Controls.Frontiers in bioengineering and biotechnology · 2022Article
- The Distal Free Achilles Tendon Is Longer in People with Tendinopathy than in Controls: A Retrospective Case-Control Study.Translational sports medicine · 2022Article
Corrections and comments
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Authors and funding
6 authors at 3 institutions in 1 country.
Funding
No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.
Abstract
objectivesThe objective of the current cross-sectional study was to examine Achilles tendon transverse stiffness in a group of recreational runners with Achilles tendinopathy, in comparison to an asymptomatic group of runners with similar training history. We also aimed to determine the between-week intra-individual reliability of this measurement technique.
designCross-sectional cohort study.
methodsA hand-held dynamometer was used to assess the transverse stiffness of the Achilles tendon (AT) in twenty-five recreational runners. In ten people with midportion Achilles tendinopathy (5 men, 5 women), measurements were taken directly over the most symptomatic location. In 15 people who were free of AT symptoms (7 men, 8 women), measurements were taken at an equivalent location on the tendon. Participants returned after one week to determine measurement reliability (intra-class correlation coefficient/ICC and minimum detectable change/MDC95). We also collected information about people's tendon loading activities, tendon thickness (ultrasound mesaurement), and symptoms (Victorian Institute of Sports Assessment-Achilles / VISA-A score).
resultsThe AT transverse stiffness was lower in people with Achilles tendinopathy (777 N/m ± 86) compared to those who were asymptomatic (873 N/m ± 72) (p < 0.05). AT transverse stiffness was negatively correlated with age and tendon thickness, and positively correlated with VISA-A score and waist circumference. Reliability was good, with ICC of 0.81 in people with tendinopathy and 0.80 in healthy controls, and an MDC95 of 118 and 87N/m in these two respective groups.
conclusionsTransverse Achilles tendon stiffness can be reliably measured in people with midportion Achilles tendinopathy, and appears to be lower in people who are older, more symptomatic, and with more extensive tendon thickening. The potential clinical utility of monitoring tendon stiffness in the management of tendon injuries merits further study.
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