Physical Activity
Conditions
Keywords
Achilles tendon, Warming-up, Vascularisation, Physical activity, Oxygen-to-See (O2C)
Brief summary
Previous studies have shown that a decreased blood flow is a risk factor in the occurrence of Achilles tendon (AT) injuries. Based on the current literature, no consensus was reached as to the most solid warming-up of the AT. Therefore, knowledge about activities which increase blood flow in the AT could be useful in the development of a solid warming-up programme for the AT. The aim of this investigation was to define the influence of different kinds of physical activity on the vascularisation of the AT in a healthy asymptomatic population. Subjects performed five activities in randomized order: running, static stretch, dynamic stretch, cycling and rope skipping. The vascularisation of the AT of the dominant limb was measured with the non-invasive oxygen-to-see (O2C) device. Blood flow was measured before, immediately after, five and ten minutes after activity to investigate the duration of the vascular response to activity.
Interventions
OTHERphysical activity
Subjects performed five activities: running, static stretch, dynamic stretch, cycling and rope skipping
Sponsors
University Ghent
Study design
Allocation
NA
Intervention model
SINGLE_GROUP
Primary purpose
PREVENTION
Masking
NONE
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to 60 Years
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
* no history of Achilles tendon complaints * healthy and active adolescents
Exclusion criteria
* history of Achilles tendon pain or current complaints * not healthy or not active population * children
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Change in Achilles tendon blood flow | 3 minutes before and immediately (0 minutes) after the physical activity to assess the change in blood flow due to the physical activity | measured with the non-invasive O2C device |
Countries
Belgium
Outcome results
None listed