Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 28, 2025
Biomechanical Testing of Murine Tendons
Published on: October 15, 2019
Measurement of Achilles tendon loading using shear wave tensiometry: A reliability study
Alessandro Schneebeli1, Deborah Falla2, Corrado Cescon3
1Centre of Precision Rehabilitation for Spinal Pain (CPR Spine), School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK; Rehabilitation Research Laboratory 2rLab, Department of Business Economics, Health and Social Care, University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Southern Switzerland, Manno, Switzerland.
This study shows that a new shear wave tensiometer reliably measures Achilles tendon loading. The device demonstrated good to excellent reliability in assessing tendon loading during isometric contractions.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Musculoskeletal Ultrasound
- Medical Instrumentation
Background:
- Shear wave tensiometry is an emerging technology for evaluating tendon loading.
- Assessing the clinimetric properties, such as reliability, is crucial for clinical and research applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the inter-session reliability of a novel shear wave tensiometer for Achilles tendon loading assessment.
- To evaluate the device's construct validity by measuring its precision in detecting load changes during isometric plantar flexor contractions of varying intensity.
Main Methods:
- Ten healthy participants underwent five measurement sessions to assess inter-session reliability.
- Shear wave speed was measured along the Achilles tendon using a novel tensiometer during isometric contractions.
- Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC3.1), standard error of measurement, and minimal detectable change were used to determine reliability.
Main Results:
- Test-retest reliability was good to excellent (ICC3.1: 0.87-0.99) across all contraction levels.
- Intra-session reliability was also good to excellent (ICC3.1: 0.85-0.96).
- Inter-session reliability demonstrated good to excellent results (ICC3.1: 0.75-0.93) for all tested contraction intensities.
Conclusions:
- The novel shear wave tensiometer exhibits reliable performance in assessing Achilles tendon loading.
- Further research is warranted to explore its utility in detecting loading changes associated with Achilles tendinopathy.
