Affiliations: [a] Department of Rehabilitation Sciences and Physical
Therapy, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University,
Belgium
Note: [] Address for correspondence: Nele Mahieu, University Hospital
Ghent, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences and Physical Therapy, De Pintelaan
185, 6K3, B9000 Ghent, Belgium. Tel.: +32 9 240 37 68; Fax: +32 9 240 38 11;
E-mail: Nele.Mahieu@UGent.be
Abstract: The purpose of this study was to examine the test-retest reliability
for the real time ultrasonic measurement method that is used to determine the
stiffness of the Achilles tendon. Twenty-one healthy men and women aged
20–50 years took part in the study. The subjects underwent three identical
test sessions held seven days apart. The lengthening of the tendon during
maximal isometric plantar flexion was determined using ultrasonography. A
dynamometer was used to measure torque output during isometric plantar flexion.
The relationship between the muscle force and the elongation of the tendon was
calculated to become a measure of the stiffness of the Achilles tendon. The ICC
for the stiffness of the right and the left Achilles tendon was 0.80 and 0.82
respectively, indicating a good reliability. The results demonstrate that this
technique is reliable for the evaluation of the elastic properties of the
Achilles tendon. This may be clinically important in the assessment of tendon
properties.
