Application of Ultrasound Shear Wave Elastography in Rehabilitaion Assessment of Triceps Surae and Achilles Tendon after Stroke / 中国康复理论与实践

ABSTRACT

Objective:To apply the ultrasonic shear wave elastography to evaluate triceps surae and Achilles tendon for patients with lower extremity dyskinesia after stroke. Methods:Thirty-two inpatients during 2018 and 2019 with unilateral lower extremity dyskinesia after stroke were studied with 2-D ultrasound and shear wave elastography on the bilateral triceps surae and Achilles tendons before and after rehabilitation. Shear wave velocity (SWV) of the triceps surae and the Achilles tendons, the length and thickness of Achilles tendon (soleus tendon) were measured. Results:Before rehabilitation, the SWV of the Achilles tendons and the triceps surae increased more in the affected side than in the unaffected side (t > 2.426, P < 0.05), as well as the length of the Achilles tendons (t = 11.801, P < 0.001). After rehabilitation, the SWV of the triceps surae decreased (t > 2.447, P < 0.05), as well as the length of the Achilles tendons (t = 8.577, P < 0.001). Conclusion:Ultrasound shear wave elastography can be used to evaluate the elastic characteristics of the Achilles tendon and the triceps surae, to guide the rehabilitation for stroke patients.