MR‐based in vivo follow‐up study of Achilles tendon volume and hydration state after ankle‐loading activity. Issue 10 (15th September 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Grosse, U.; Syha, R.; Gatidis, S.; Grözinger, G.; Martirosian, P.; Partovi, S.; Nikolaou, K.; Robbin, M. R.; Schick, F.; Springer, F.
• Is Part Of: Scandinavian journal of medicine & science in sports. Volume 26:Issue 10(2016)
• Page Start: 1200
• Page End: 1208
• Publication Date: 2015-09-15
• Subjects: Achilles tendon -- off‐resonance saturation ratios -- ultrashort echo time -- magnetization transfer -- physiological tendon adaptation; Sports medicine -- Periodicals; Sports -- Physiological aspects -- Periodicals; Sports -- Periodicals; 617.1027
• DOI: 10.1111/sms.12550
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0905-7188

Abstract

Abstract : The purpose of this study was to evaluate temporal alterations of the Achilles tendon volume and hydration state after cross‐country‐running. Achilles tendons of six untrained participants were examined on a 3T MR‐scanner before running, immediately afterwards, and in the following 24, 48, and 72 h. Using a 3D‐UTE sequence, caudal (CA) and cranial (CR) mid‐portion tendon areas were examined with off‐resonance saturation ratios (OSR) and T2* relaxation times. Tendon volume was measured with a self‐written Matlab‐based automated contour detection algorithm (AVAT) in submillimeter T2‐weighted MR images. A significant influence of running in caudal ( P = 0.017) and cranial OSR values ( P = 0.001), tendon volume ( P = 0.024), and cranial T2* measurements ( P = 0.046), but not in caudal T2* values ( P = 0.298) were found. In detail, mean individual OSR and tendon volume measurements demonstrated a similar but inverted course in their values after exercise: initially, OSR values increased after running (and tendon volume decreased), while subsequently a decrease of OSR values (with an increase of tendon volume) could be observed. OSR and tendon volume measurements are able to detect a physiological response of tendons to a mechanical stimulus. After a transient decrease of free water in the Achilles tendon, an increase with a maximum free water content 48 h after ankle loading and a tendency toward normalization after 72 h was found.