Patrick Corrigan1, Daniel H Cortes2, Karin Grävare Silbernagel1. 1. Department of Physical Therapy, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, USA. 2. Department of Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering, Penn State University, State College, PA, USA.
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: Evaluate the immediate (within 4 hours) effects of laser-induced photobiomodulation (PBM) therapy on Achilles tendon morphology and mechanical properties in healthy and pathologic tendons. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty people with healthy Achilles tendons and twelve people with Achilles tendinopathy participated. One Achilles tendon received PBM treatment following an established protocol and the contralateral side received a placebo treatment. Achilles tendon morphology and mechanical properties were evaluated bilaterally with ultrasound imaging and continuous shear wave elastography immediately before treatment, immediately after treatment, then 2- and 4-hours after treatment. RESULTS: There were no immediate effects of PBM on tendon morphology or mechanical properties when comparing the PBM-treated side and placebo-treated side within each cohort. Additionally, the effects of PBM did not differ between healthy and pathologic Achilles tendons. CONCLUSION: When treated with a laser-induced PBM treatment, healthy and pathologic Achilles tendons do not have immediate (within 4 hours) changes in tendon morphology or mechanical properties. These findings suggest that PBM therapy can be administered before other clinical treatments or high-load activities.
OBJECTIVES: Evaluate the immediate (within 4 hours) effects of laser-induced photobiomodulation (PBM) therapy on Achilles tendon morphology and mechanical properties in healthy and pathologic tendons. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty people with healthy Achilles tendons and twelve people with Achilles tendinopathy participated. One Achilles tendon received PBM treatment following an established protocol and the contralateral side received a placebo treatment. Achilles tendon morphology and mechanical properties were evaluated bilaterally with ultrasound imaging and continuous shear wave elastography immediately before treatment, immediately after treatment, then 2- and 4-hours after treatment. RESULTS: There were no immediate effects of PBM on tendon morphology or mechanical properties when comparing the PBM-treated side and placebo-treated side within each cohort. Additionally, the effects of PBM did not differ between healthy and pathologic Achilles tendons. CONCLUSION: When treated with a laser-induced PBM treatment, healthy and pathologic Achilles tendons do not have immediate (within 4 hours) changes in tendon morphology or mechanical properties. These findings suggest that PBM therapy can be administered before other clinical treatments or high-load activities.
Entities:
Keywords:
Elastography; Laser Therapy; Material Properties; Tendinitis; Tendinopathy; Ultrasound
Authors: Robroy L Martin; Ruth Chimenti; Tyler Cuddeford; Jeff Houck; J W Matheson; Christine M McDonough; Stephen Paulseth; Dane K Wukich; Christopher R Carcia Journal: J Orthop Sports Phys Ther Date: 2018-05 Impact factor: 4.751