Heyward, O.W. (Omar) (2016) The Effect of Load on Achilles Tendon Structure in Novice Runners. thesis, Human Movement Sciences.
Full text available on request.Abstract
Introduction: Tendon problems are frequent overuse type complaints that have been estimated to account for 30-50% of all sports related injuries. Tendinopathy is a common condition, with increasing prevalence, which affects both athletes and the general population alike. There is an association between tendinopathy and load in which repetitive and poorly managed load is assumed to be a major factor in developing tendinopathy due to the tendons negative reaction to a stimulus. Ultrasonographic tissue characterisation (UTC) is a tool which can quantify tendon structure into four echotypes based upon echo pattern stability. The aim of this study was to observe the changes in Achilles tendon structure in novice runners, with loading prescriptions of 100% body weight compared to 20% body weight. Methods: A randomised crossover design was employed. 20 novice runners participated in two separate running bouts spaced 14 days apart, one of high load (HL) at 100% body weight, and one of low load (LL) at 20% body weight. UTC was measured on 6 occasions; immediately prior to each run, 2 and 7 days after each run. Results: The interaction effect of time and condition was not found to be significant for echotypes I-IV [Wald chi-square = 2.8, d.f. = 2,P = 0.247; Wald chi-square = 2.888, d.f. = 2,P = 0.236; Wald chi-square = 1.385, d.f. = 2,P = 0.5; Wald chi-square = 4.19, d.f. = 2,P = 0.123], respectively. A significant effect of time was found for echotypes III [Wald chi-square = 6.785, d.f. = 2,P = 0.0.034] and IV [Wald chi-square = 7.491, d.f. = 2,P = 0.0.024]. Conclusion and Future Directions: The adopted protocol seems safe for the tendon structure of novice runners. The decrease in echotypes III and IV suggest that moderate loads can be applied to the Achilles tendon without compromising tendon structure. Low to moderate loads may be beneficial in the management of Achilles tendinopathy. Further studies should focus on protocols with higher loading and / or repetitive loading in athletic populations with and without Achilles tendinopathy to assess whether UTC scanning can observe any differences in tendon structure. Key Words: Achilles Tendinopathy; Ultrasonographic Tissue Characterisation; Load; Alter-G
| Item Type: | Thesis (UNSPECIFIED) |
|---|---|
| Supervisor name: | Zwerver, dr. J. (Johannes) and Woude, prof. dr. L.H.V. van der and Worp, dr. H. van der |
| Faculty: | Medical Sciences |
| Date Deposited: | 22 Apr 2022 13:24 |
| Last Modified: | 22 Apr 2022 13:24 |
| URI: | https://umcg.studenttheses.ub.rug.nl/id/eprint/3146 |
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