Evaluation of achilles tendon stiffness in asymptomatic amateur soccer players using shear wave elastography

Abstract

Background: The aim of this study was to compare the Achilles tendon stiffness of male amateur soccer players and sedentary individuals. Methods: In this prospective study, ultrasound shear wave elastography findings obtained from the middle part of the bilateral Achilles tendon were evaluated in 31 male amateur soccer players and 31 sedentary men. Measurements were performed using a linear 4-to 10-mHz ultrasound probe. The correlation between Achilles tendon elasticity and training characteristics of soccer players was also tested. Results: There were no significant differences between soccer players and the control group in terms of age, body weight, height, and body mass index (P > .05). Achilles tendon stiffness was higher in the soccer players compared with the sedentary individuals (P < .001). However, the difference between right and left Achilles tendon stiffness was not statistically significant. In addition, the correlation between Achilles tendon stiffness and training characteristics (years of training, number of training sessions per week, total training hours per week) was not significant (P > .05). Conclusions: Ultrasound shear wave elastography can be used for evaluation of Achilles tendon stiffness. Compared with sedentary individuals, higher tendon stiffness in amateur soccer players shows that soccer training increases Achilles tendon stiffness. Including specific flexibility training in the training program may contribute to the achievement of maximum force production and the prevention of tendon pathologies.