Skip to main page content
U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Dot gov

The .gov means it’s official.
Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you’re on a federal government site.

Https

The site is secure.
The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely.

Access keys NCBI Homepage MyNCBI Homepage Main Content Main Navigation
. 2024 Nov 1;17(3):1517-1529.
doi: 10.70252/IOPQ6650. eCollection 2024.

A Comparison of Achilles Tendon Morphological Characteristics Based Upon VISA-A Score in Active Adults Over Age 50

Joshua Sponbeck  1 , Brie Gisseman  1 , Christian Lefevre  1 , Emily Shuler  1 , Ron Hager  1 , A Wayne Johnson  1
Affiliations

A Comparison of Achilles Tendon Morphological Characteristics Based Upon VISA-A Score in Active Adults Over Age 50

Joshua Sponbeck et al. Int J Exerc Sci. .

Abstract

Morphologic Achilles tendon properties obtained via diagnostic ultrasound imaging are valuable in understanding Achilles tendon health and injury. Currently, limited information exists regarding Achilles tendon morphological properties amongst active aging adults based upon Victorian Institute of Sport Assessment (VISA-A) scores. Achilles tendon morphologic properties defined by VISA-A score groupings allow clinicians and researchers to compare data values amongst current patients. Purpose: Comparison of physically active aging adults Achilles tendon morphological properties with various VISA-A scores or a previous Achilles tendon rupture. A convenience sample of 121 participants (71 females, 50 males) at least moderately active and 50 years old, were recruited. Participants completed a VISA-A survey, and assigned groups by scores (Group 1: 90-100, Group 2: 70-89, Group 3: 45-69, Group 4: Previous Achilles tendon tear). Achilles tendon ultrasound imaging occurred at the malleolar line (The apex of the medial and lateral malleolus). Following imaging Achilles tendon cross-sectional area (CSA), thickness, and elastography were measured and analyzed. Participants with a previous Achilles tendon rupture displayed significantly larger tendon CSA and thickness compared with other groups (p<0.05). Individuals with VISA-A scores from 45-69 displayed significantly larger tendon CSA and thickness than participants with scores greater than 90 (p<0.03). No significant differences were noted for elastography between groups (p>0.05). Achilles tendon morphological differences exist based upon pain level in physically active aging adults. Diagnostic ultrasound may be used during assessment and rehabilitation of injured tendon tissue to inform about current tendon tissue properties.

Keywords: Achilles tendinopathy; Diagnostic ultrasound; imaging evaluation.

PubMed Disclaimer

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Malleolar line imaging location and foot and ankle positioning during ultrasound imaging.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Examples of Achilles tendon measurement. Panels indicate measurements performed for A) CSA B) Thickness C) Elastography.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Participant Achilles tendon morphological properties by VISA-A score groups. * indicate statistically significant size difference from all other groups. † Indicates significant difference from group participants with a VISA-A score greater than 90.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

Similar articles

See all similar articles

References

    1. Aubry S, Nueffer J-P, Tanter M, Becce F, Vidal C, Michel F. Viscoelasticity in achilles tendonopathy: Quantitative assessment by using real-time shear-wave elastography. Radiology. 2015;274(3):821–829. doi: 10.1148/radiol.14140434. - DOI - PubMed
    1. Bleakney RR, White LM. Imaging of the achilles tendon. Foot Ankle Clin. 2005;10(2):239–254. doi: 10.1016/j.fcl.2005.01.006. - DOI - PubMed
    1. Bonello C, Menz HB, Munteanu SE, Rio E, Docking SI. Treatment preferences and use of diagnostic imaging in midportion achilles tendinopathy by australian allied health professionals. Physical Therapy in Sport. 2022;53:21–27. doi: 10.1016/j.ptsp.2021.11.001. - DOI - PubMed
    1. Bryant AL, Clark RA, Bartold S, Murphy A, Bennell KL, Hohmann E, Marshall-Gradisnik S, Payne C, Crossley KM. Effects of estrogen on the mechanical behavior of the human achilles tendon in vivo. J Appl Physiol. 2008;105(4):1035–1043. doi: 10.1152/japplphysiol.01281.2007. - DOI - PubMed
    1. Cook J, Bass S, Black J. Hormone therapy is associated with smaller achilles tendon diameter in active post-menopausal women. Scand J Med Sci Sports. 2007;17(2):128–132. doi: 10.1111/j.1600-0838.2006.00543.x. - DOI - PubMed

LinkOut - more resources