Effect of Instrument-assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization on Achilles Tendon Using Shear Wave Elastography / 中国康复理论与实践

ABSTRACT

Objective:To apply real-time shear wave elastography to observe the effect of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) on Achilles tendons for healthy adults. Methods:From July to December, 2020, 52 healthy adults were assigned into control group (n = 15) and experimental group (n = 37) randomly. The experimental group received IASTM on left Achilles tendons, once another day for two weeks, while the control group received no treatment. The thickness and elastic modulus of the left Achilles tendons were measured with high-frequency ultrasound and shear wave ultrasound elastography on all the subjects, before treatment, immediately after the first treatment and three days after treatment, respectively. Results:Five cases dropped down in the experimental group. There was no significant difference in thickness and elastic Young's modulus of the left Achilles tendons between two groups before treatment (t < 0.630, P > 0.05). The thickness of the left Achilles tendons was less in the experimental group than in the control group immediately after the first treatment (t = 2.149, P < 0.05), while average and maximum elastic Young's modulus was less three days after treatment (t > 2.134, P < 0.05). Conclusion:Real-time shear wave elastography could quantify the thickness and elasticity of Achilles tendon, to evaluate the effect of IASTM.