Musculotendinous Adaptations in High and Low- Performance Triathletes - Trial NCT06318728

Timeline & Enrollment

Primary Outcome

Morphological Properties: Tendon Length (TL).,Evaluation of Achilles Tendon Shape (fusiform or parallel),Echogenicity of the Tendon (homogeneous and heterogeneous areas),Mechanical properties of the Achilles Tendon: Force,Mechanical properties of the Achilles Tendon: Stress,Mechanical properties of the Achilles Tendon: Strain,Material Properties of the Achilles Tendon: Elastic Modulus,Muscle Thickness,Muscle Properties: Pennation Angle (PA),Muscle Properties: Fascicle Length (FL),Muscle Echogenicity,Assessment of Muscle Electrical Activation,Muscle Torque Evaluation,Evaluation of Muscle and Achilles Tendon Stiffness through 2D Shear Wave Elastography (SWE):

Summary

This study aims to investigate the musculotendinous adaptations in the Achilles tendon and
 the muscles composing the triceps surae induced by triathlon training and competitions in
 high-performance and low-performance athletes. Twenty high-performance triathletes, twenty
 low-performance triathletes, and twenty physically active and healthy individuals of both
 genders will be recruited to constitute the research groups. Ultrasonography will be employed
 as the assessment method for the structures of the Achilles tendon and the muscular
 architecture of the triceps surae. The quality and portability of ultrasonography, coupled
 with its real-time information capabilities, make it the appropriate choice for this
 evaluation. The VISA-A scale (Victorian Institute of Sport Achilles Assessment) will be used
 to measure pain and function of the Achilles tendon. The reliability of ultrasonography
 measures will be obtained by evaluating images of individuals using the intraclass
 correlation coefficient, allowing for the analysis of result reproducibility. Data analysis
 will involve comparisons among the high-performance, low-performance, and physically active
 groups, aiming to identify differences in musculotendinous adaptations related to performance
 and injury predisposition. Structural changes occurring in these structures and their
 potential association with sports performance and/or injury predisposition will be explored.
 Overall, this study utilizes a comparative cross-sectional research design, where different
 groups are assessed regarding musculotendinous adaptations in the Achilles tendon and triceps
 surae through ultrasound-derived measures. The use of the VISA-A scale and the assessment of
 measure reliability will provide additional data on pain, function, and result
 reproducibility.

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