Researcher(s)
- Nicole Banka, Biomedical Engineering, Fairfield University
Faculty Mentor(s)
- Stephanie Cone, Biomedical Engineering, University of Delaware
- John Drazan, Biomedical Engineering, Fairfield University
Abstract
Understanding Achilles tendon (AT) loading patterns during game play may provide insight about factors associated with tendon injury and rupture. However, current methods of measuring AT loading, such as shear wave tensiometry devices (reference), are difficult to implement outside laboratory settings due to lack of mobility and excessive wiring, restricting sports-specific movement. Novel force-sensing insoles (loadsols) may be used as a correlated proxy of AT loading during sports practices and games. The purpose of this study was to quantify the agreement between loadsols and shear wave tensiometry for AT loading during functional testing.
Twenty participants (10F/10M), with no history of AT injury, wore a loadsol and shear wave tensiometer on their left ankle while performing nine single leg (SL) and/or double leg (DL) exercises: forward-back jumps (SL/DL), side-to-side jumps (SL/DL), counter-movement jumps (DL), body-weight squats (DL), heel raises (SL/DL), and walking. The loadsol collected force data in the forefoot, midfoot, and hindfoot, which were used to approximate AT loading assuming a constant moment arm of 5cm. The tensiometer collected Achilles tendon shear wave speed as a measure of loading. Both datasets were processed, synced, and analyzed using SPM showing regions of significant difference between devices. Calculated average percent significant differences across trials informed on device agreement. Agreement was classified as good agreement (<25% significant difference) or bad agreement (>70% significant differences).
Exercises with good agreement included double heel raises (0%), DL forward-back jumps (20.77%), counter-movement jumps (22.24%), and SL side-to-side jumps (24.99%). The DL side-to-side jumps (37.16%), single heel raises (49.02%), and SL forward-back jumps (53.29%) showed moderate device agreement. Body-weight squats (100.00%) and walking (76.44%) showed bad agreement.
Overall, the loadsols had variable, movement-specific agreement with the shear wave tensiometer for measuring AT loading.