Researcher(s)
- Daniel Song, Human Physiology, University of Delaware
Faculty Mentor(s)
- Karin Silbernagel, Physical Therapy, University of Delaware
Abstract
The Impact of Metabolic Risk Factors on Triceps Surae Structure and Function
Daniel Song, Andy K. Smith PT, DPT1, Hayley Powell Smitheman, PT, DPT, ATC1, Merve Karapinar, PT, PhD, Karin Grävare Silbernagel PT, ATC, PhD1
University of Delaware, Newark DE
Introduction: Insertional Achilles Tendinopathy (IAT) is associated with pain and loss of function in the Achilles tendon. It is an overuse injury, common in running and jumping athletes, but Metabolic risk factors (MRF), such as obesity and hypertension, increase the likelihood of developing IAT. MRFs have been shown to reduce muscle mass and negatively affect tendon health, however their effects on muscle quality are unknown. This study aims to determine if a correlation is present between MRFs and structure of the triceps surae in IAT patients.
Methods: 24 participants with IAT (13F, 50±13yo) were included in this analysis. Ultrasound imaging was utilized to collect images of the cross-section of the medial (MG) and lateral (LG) gastrocnemius, Achilles tendon cross-sectional area (CSA) and thickness, which were then measured using OsiriX. Medial gastrocnemius subcutaneous fat thickness (MGSUBCU) was measured from the MG and LG images. Advanced Glycation End products (AGE) values were measured through skin autofluorescence using an AGE Reader. Lastly, MG, LG, and soleus muscle quality was quantified using Echo intensity (EI) as measured using ImageJ. Pearson’s correlations were calculated to determine the relationship between MGSUBCU, BMI, AGE raw values, and tendon structural measurements, α=0.05.
Results: MGSUBCU was correlated with soleus EI (r=0.487, p=0.018), but all other measurements were not related p>0.05. BMI was correlated with soleus EI (r=-0.557, p=0.006), Achilles tendon CSA (r=0.584, p=0.007), and MGCSA (r=0.430, p=0.04), but all other measurements were not linked p>0.05. The AGE raw data was not correlated with any of the measurements p>0.05.
Conclusion: Among individuals with IAT, BMI had the most pronounced impact on the structure of the triceps surae compared to other tested metabolic risk factors.