Comparison between dry needling and focused ultrasound on the mechanical properties of the rat Achilles tendon: A pilot study

2021 ◽  
Vol 120 ◽  
pp. 110384
Author(s):  
Sujata Khandare ◽  
Molly Smallcomb ◽  
Bailey Klein ◽  
Colby Geary ◽  
Julianna C. Simon ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mechanical Properties ◽  
Pilot Study ◽  
Achilles Tendon ◽  
Focused Ultrasound ◽  
Dry Needling

scholarly journals Dry Needling of a Healthy Rat Achilles Tendon Increases Its Gene Expressions: A Pilot Study

Pain Medicine ◽  
2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laura Calderón-Díez ◽  
José Luis Sánchez-Sánchez ◽  
Javier Herrero-Turrión ◽  
Joshua Cleland ◽  
José L Arias-Buría ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Pilot Study ◽  
Achilles Tendon ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Male Rats ◽  
Sprague Dawley ◽  
Dry Needling ◽  
Gene Expressions ◽  
Molecular Expression ◽  
Hematoxylin Eosin

Abstract Background Tendon dry needling is a potential treatment for tendinopathies. Several hypotheses have been proposed to explain its underlying mechanisms. No studies (to the best of our knowledge) have investigated changes in gene expression. Objective To investigate histological and gene expression changes after the application of dry needling to the healthy Achilles tendons of rats. Methods Six Sprague-Dawley male rats were randomly divided into two groups: no intervention or dry needling. Dry needling consisted of three sessions (once per week) to the Achilles tendon. Molecular expression of several genes involved in tendon repair and remodeling (e.g., Cox2, Mmp2, Mmp9, Col1a1, Col3a1, Vefg, and Scx) was assessed 7 days after the last needling session (day 28) or 28 days after for the no-intervention group. Histological tissue changes were determined with hematoxylin-eosin analyses. Results The hematoxylin-eosin–stained images revealed no substantial differences in collagen structure or the presence of inflammatory cells between the dry needling and no-intervention groups. A significant increase in the molecular expression of Cox2, Mmp2, Col3a1, and Scx genes was observed in Achilles tendons treated with dry needling when compared with the no-intervention group. Conclusion This animal pilot study found that the application of dry needling to the healthy Achilles tendons of rats is able to increase the expression of genes associated with collagen regeneration and tissue remodeling of the extracellular matrix with no further histological damage to the tendon.

Effects of focused ultrasound and dry needling on tendon mechanical properties

2021 ◽  
pp. 110934
Author(s):  
Sujata Khandare ◽  
Molly Smallcomb ◽  
Ali A. Butt ◽  
Jacob Elliott ◽  
Julianna.C. Simon ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mechanical Properties ◽  
Focused Ultrasound ◽  
Dry Needling

scholarly journals Gender Difference in Architectural and Mechanical Properties of Medial Gastrocnemius–Achilles Tendon Unit In Vivo

Life ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (6) ◽  
pp. 569
Author(s):  
Liqin Deng ◽  
Xini Zhang ◽  
Songlin Xiao ◽  
Baofeng Wang ◽  
Weijie Fu
Keyword(s):  
Mechanical Properties ◽  
Gender Differences ◽  
Gender Difference ◽  
Achilles Tendon ◽  
Medial Gastrocnemius ◽  
Regular Exercise ◽  
Training Experience ◽  
Exercise Habits ◽  
Vertical Stiffness

This study aims to explore whether gender differences exist in the architectural and mechanical properties of the medial gastrocnemius–Achilles tendon unit (gMTU) in vivo. Thirty-six healthy male and female adults without training experience and regular exercise habits were recruited. The architectural and mechanical properties of the gMTU were measured via an ultrasonography system and MyotonPRO, respectively. Independent t-tests were utilized to quantify the gender difference in the architectural and mechanical properties of the gMTU. In terms of architectural properties, the medial gastrocnemius (MG)’s pennation angle and thickness were greater in males than in females, whereas no substantial gender difference was observed in the MG’s fascicle length; the males possessed Achilles tendons (ATs) with a longer length and a greater cross-sectional area than females. In terms of mechanical properties, the MG’s vertical stiffness was lower and the MG’s logarithmic decrement was greater in females than in males. Both genders had no remarkable difference in the AT’s vertical stiffness and logarithmic decrement. Gender differences of individuals without training experience and regular exercise habits exist in the architectural and mechanical properties of the gMTU in vivo. The MG’s force-producing capacities, ankle torque, mechanical efficiency and peak power were higher in males than in females. The load-resisting capacities of AT were greater and the MG strain was lesser in males than in females. These findings suggest that males have better physical fitness, speed and performance in power-based sports events than females from the perspective of morphology and biomechanics.

Moderate-duration static stretch reduces active and passive plantar flexor moment but not Achilles tendon stiffness or active muscle length

2009 ◽  
Vol 106 (4) ◽  
pp. 1249-1256 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anthony D. Kay ◽  
Anthony J. Blazevich
Keyword(s):  
Mechanical Properties ◽  
Achilles Tendon ◽  
Muscle Stiffness ◽  
Triceps Surae ◽  
Medial Gastrocnemius ◽  
Static Stretch ◽  
Tendon Stiffness ◽  
Neuromuscular Activity ◽  
Time Motion ◽  
The Impact

The effects of static stretch on muscle and tendon mechanical properties and muscle activation were studied in fifteen healthy human volunteers. Peak active and passive moment data were recorded during plantar flexion trials on an isokinetic dynamometer. Electromyography (EMG) monitoring of the triceps surae muscles, real-time motion analysis of the lower leg, and ultrasound imaging of the Achilles-medial gastrocnemius muscle-tendon junction were simultaneously conducted. Subjects performed three 60-s static stretches before being retested 2 min and 30 min poststretch. There were three main findings in the present study. First, peak concentric moment was significantly reduced after stretch; 60% of the deficit recovered 30 min poststretch. This was accompanied by, and correlated with ( r = 0.81 ; P < 0.01) reductions in peak triceps surae EMG amplitude, which was fully recovered at 30 min poststretch. Second, Achilles tendon length was significantly shorter during the concentric contraction after stretch and at 30 min poststretch; however, no change in tendon stiffness was detected. Third, passive joint moment was significantly reduced after stretch, and this was accompanied by significant reductions in medial gastrocnemius passive muscle stiffness; both measures fully recovered by 30 min poststretch. These data indicate that the stretching protocol used in this study induced losses in concentric moment that were accompanied by, and related to, reductions in neuromuscular activity, but they were not associated with alterations in tendon stiffness or shorter muscle operating length. Reductions in passive moment were associated with reductions in muscle stiffness, whereas tendon mechanics were unaffected by the stretch. Importantly, the impact on mechanical properties and neuromuscular activity was minimal at 30 min poststretch.

scholarly journals Intense Focused Ultrasound Preferentially Stimulates Transected Nerves Within Residual Limbs: Pilot Study

Pain Medicine ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 19 (3) ◽  
pp. 541-549 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pierre D Mourad ◽  
Janna L Friedly ◽  
Abbi M McClintic ◽  
Tessa A Olmstead ◽  
John D Loeser
Keyword(s):  
Pilot Study ◽  
Focused Ultrasound

scholarly journals A pilot study of solvent-based cleaning of yellow ochre oil paint: effect on mechanical properties

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ashley Amanda Freeman ◽  
Judith Lee ◽  
Cecil Krarup Andersen ◽  
Naoki Fujisawa ◽  
Michał Łukomski ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mechanical Properties ◽  
Pilot Study ◽  
Dynamic Mechanical Analysis ◽  
Mechanical Analysis ◽  
Deionized Water ◽  
Dynamic Mechanical ◽  
Yellow Ochre ◽  
Mineral Spirits ◽  
Paint Films

AbstractNanoindentation and dynamic mechanical analysis were used to measure changes in the surface and bulk mechanical properties of Winsor & Newton Yellow Ochre oil paint films following exposure to deionized water, aliphatic mineral spirits (Shellsol D40™), and D5 silicone solvent (decamethylcyclopentasiloxane). Yellow ochre paint films were exposed to the selected solvents by 24-h immersion, and sponge-cleaning. 24-h immersion in deionised water and Shellsol D40 caused measurable changes to bulk and surface mechanical properties. However, there were no measurable changes to the bulk or surface mechanical properties following sponge cleaning.

scholarly journals Sex Differences in the Morphological and Mechanical Properties of the Achilles Tendon

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (17) ◽  
pp. 8974
Author(s):  
Xini Zhang ◽  
Liqin Deng ◽  
Songlin Xiao ◽  
Lu Li ◽  
Weijie Fu
Keyword(s):  
Mechanical Properties ◽  
Achilles Tendon ◽  
Maximum Voluntary Contraction ◽  
Voluntary Contraction ◽  
Cross Sectional Area ◽  
Morphological Properties ◽  
Sectional Area ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Force Peak ◽  
Strain Stress

Background: Patients with Achilles tendon (AT) injuries are often engaged in sedentary work because of decreasing tendon vascularisation. Furthermore, men are more likely to be exposed to AT tendinosis or ruptures. These conditions are related to the morphological and mechanical properties of AT, but the mechanism remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the effects of sex on the morphological and mechanical properties of the AT in inactive individuals. Methods: In total, 30 inactive healthy participants (15 male participants and 15 female participants) were recruited. The AT morphological properties (cross-sectional area, thickness, and length) were captured by using an ultrasound device. The AT force–elongation characteristics were determined during isometric plantarflexion with the ultrasonic videos. The AT stiffness was determined at 50%–100% maximum voluntary contraction force. The AT strain, stress, and hysteresis were calculated. Results: Male participants had 15% longer AT length, 31% larger AT cross-sectional area and 21% thicker AT than female participants (p < 0.05). The plantarflexion torque, peak AT force, peak AT stress, and AT stiffness were significantly greater in male participants than in female participants (p < 0.05). However, no significant sex-specific differences were observed in peak AT strain and hysteresis (p > 0.05). Conclusions: In physically inactive adults, the morphological properties of AT were superior in men but were exposed to higher stress conditions. Moreover, no significant sex-specific differences were observed in peak AT strain and hysteresis, indicating that the AT of males did not store and return elastic energy more efficiently than that of females. Thus, the mechanical properties of the AT should be maintained and/or improved through physical exercise.

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