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CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 · Sports Med Int Open 2017; 1(04): E135-E140
DOI: 10.1055/s-0043-113814
Clinical Sciences
Eigentümer und Copyright ©Georg Thieme Verlag KG 2017

Gender Differences of Achilles tendon Cross-sectional Area during Loading

Konstantina Intziegianni
1   Sports Medicine and Sports Orthopaedics, University Outpatient Clinic Potsdam, Potsdam, Germany
,
Michael Cassel
1   Sports Medicine and Sports Orthopaedics, University Outpatient Clinic Potsdam, Potsdam, Germany
,
Gerrit Hain
1   Sports Medicine and Sports Orthopaedics, University Outpatient Clinic Potsdam, Potsdam, Germany
,
Frank Mayer
1   Sports Medicine and Sports Orthopaedics, University Outpatient Clinic Potsdam, Potsdam, Germany
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

received 20 April 2017
revised 24 May 2017

accepted 05 June 2017

Publication Date:
14 July 2017 (online)

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Abstract

The Achilles tendon (AT) is larger and stiffer in males compared to females. AT stiffness is determined by length differences during loading. However, as some collagen fibres run transversely, changes in cross-sectional area (CSA) are also expected. The study investigates the gender differences of AT-CSA during maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC).

Fifteen males and fifteen females were positioned prone on the isokinetic dynamometer with knee extended and ankle flexed 90°. AT-CSA [mm2] from rest to MVIC during plantar flexion was sonographically assessed. AT-CSA maximal deformation [mm2] was subtracted by CSAMVIC–CSArest. AT-CSA compliance [mm2/Nm] and strain [%] were calculated by dividing the CSA deformation [mm2] by peak torque [Nm] and CSA at rest [mm2], respectively. Gender differences were assessed by an independent sample t-test with Bonferroni correction (α=0.01).

AT-CSA dimensions at rest (p=0.001) and contraction (p=0.001) as well peak torque (p=0.001) were statistically significant higher in males (54.4±5.1 mm2, 53.7±5.1 mm2, 120.1±26.8 Nm) compared to females (46.2±7.0 mm2, 43.4±6.9 mm2, 86.9±21.6 Nm). AT-CSA deformation (p=0.000) strain (p=0.000) and compliance (p=0.000) were found to be statistically significant higher in females (–2.8±0.9 mm2, –6.2±2.0%, –0.033±0.018 mm2/Nm) compared to males (–0.8±1.8 mm2, –1.4±3.3%, –0.007±0.008 mm2/Nm).

During loading, the AT also deforms at the transverse level by reducing its CSA. CSA reduction was higher in females, indicating also higher CSA compliance compared to males. Higher CSA compliance might indicate higher adaptability towards loading and might be discussed as a protective factor.

Key words

Achilles tendon - reliability - cross-sectional area - compliance - strain - gender

Refers to:

Sports Medicine International Open – recently publishedInt J Sports Med 2017; 38(11): 871-871
DOI: 10.1055/s-0043-118488

 

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