Biomechanical changes in the gastrocnemius medius–Achilles tendon complex in people with hypermobility spectrum disorders

Alsiri, Najla and Palmer, Shea 2023. Biomechanical changes in the gastrocnemius medius–Achilles tendon complex in people with hypermobility spectrum disorders. Frontiers in Medicine 10 , 1062808. 10.3389/fmed.2023.1062808

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Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to assess the biomechanical impact of Hypermobility Spectrum Disorders (HSD) on the elasticity of the gastrocnemius medius-Achilles tendon (GM-AT) complex. Methods: Using a cross-sectional design, the GM-AT complex elasticity was compared using sonoelastography (SEG) in an HSD group and healthy controls during rest and maximal isometric plantar flexion contraction. Results: The HSD group comprised 28 patients (26 women); mean ± SD age 28.7 ± 8.4 years, compared to 28 controls (26 women); 31.5 ± 8.7 years. During rest, greater elasticity was identified in HSD relative to controls at the GM-AT musculotendinous junction (strain ratio 2.05 ± 1.31 vs. 1.48 ± 0.49), mid-AT (3.60 ± 1.97 vs. 2.66 ± 1.00), and distal AT (4.57 ± 2.69 vs. 3.22 ± 1.94) (all p < 0.05). During contraction, no significant differences were found between groups at the GM-AT musculotendinous junction (3.40 ± 2.16 vs. 2.62 ± 1.07), mid AT (10.75 ± 5.29 vs. 8.49 ± 3.53), or distal AT (8.55 ± 5.39 vs. 8.83 ± 3.51) (all p > 0.05). No significant differences were found between groups in the GM strain ratio during rest (4.05 ± 1.43 vs. 3.62 ± 0.78), or contraction (4.23 ± 1.29 vs. 4.19 ± 1.31). Exploratory Receiver Operator Characteristics curve analysis suggested low sensitivity and specificity of the strain ratio for the diagnosis of HSD. Conclusion: People with HSD have greater GM-AT complex elasticity. Although statistically significant group differences were identified, further research is required to establish the diagnostic, clinical, and research utility of strain ratio measurements.

Item Type:	Article
Date Type:	Published Online
Status:	Published
Schools:	Healthcare Sciences
Publisher:	Frontiers Media
ISSN:	2296-858X
Date of First Compliant Deposit:	30 March 2023
Date of Acceptance:	5 January 2023
Last Modified:	12 May 2023 04:10
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/158038

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