Australasian Podiatry Conference 2017: Ultrasound characteristics of the mid-portion of the Achilles tendon in symptomatic and asymptomatic runners: a systematic review - APodC

The Australasian Podiatry Conference 2017 featured an array of great speakers and exemplary papers.

We are pleased to provide here one of the conference abstracts and invite you to read the abstract and then complete the writing task detailed below.

CPD Activity: Value – 1 hour – Consider category 4 Self-directed Learning under Podiatry Board of Australia Guidelines.  Consider also Category 3 Quality Improvement Activities under the guidelines

42 Ultrasound characteristics of the mid-portion of the Achilles tendon in symptomatic and asymptomatic runners: a systematic review

Prue Molyneux, Matthew Carroll

Auckland University of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand

Correspondence: Matthew Carroll

Objectives

Achilles tendinopathy is a common overuse injury in runners, yet the clinical significance and frequency of abnormal sonographic characteristics in runners remains unclear. The aim of this review was to assess literature which has employed ultrasonography to evaluate ultrasound characteristics of the mid-portion of the Achilles tendon runners.

Method

An electronic literature search was performed using the following electronic databases: Medline, CINAHL and SPORTDiscus. Studies published in English were included if they evaluated ultrasound characteristics associated with mid-portion Achilles tendinopathy (i.e. 2–6 cm proximal to its insertion) in runners. Methodological quality was assessed using a scale adapted from the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale.

Results

Six studies were identified. Three studies were case-control, two studies were cohort and one study was cross-sectional. Studies demonstrated ‘very good’ or ‘good’ methodological quality. The six included studies involved 767 running participants, of which 22 were symptomatic at the mid-portion of the Achilles tendon. The six studies reported on one or more of the following sonographic outcome measures relating to Achilles tendinopathy in symptomatic and asymptomatic runners: hyper- and hypoechogenicities, neovascularisation, Achilles tendon thickness, cross sectional area and tendon stiffness/strain.

Conclusions

Ultrasound characteristics are more prevalent in runners who are symptomatic, overweight and have a greater running volume. However, intratendinous changes are also evident in asymptomatic and normal weight runners, indicating the potential for adaption to increased running volume.

The task

Read the abstract, then prepare a brief paper (250 – 500 words) in which you explain why the subject matter is important to you. Give your initial response, and then write about the aspect you have chosen to reflect upon. You may wish to relate to your own skills, professional experience or discipline knowledge.

Outline any changes in your understanding and/or behaviour as a result of the experience. What actions may flow from your engagement? Explain the implications for this in your future professional practice. What actions might you take and why?

Don’t forget to upload your completed work to your e-portfolio, citing paper number and title, as evidence of completion.

This abstract can be viewed at the below link.  This abstract is number 42.