Intrinsic foot muscles morphological modifications in patients with Achilles tendinopathy: A novel case-control research study

Abstract

Objective To compare the thickness and cross-sectional area (CSA) of the Abductor Hallucis Brevis (AHB), Flexor Digitorum Brevis (FDB) and Flexor Hallucis Brevis (FHB) in subjects with and without chronic mid-portion Achilles tendinopathy (AT).

Design A case-control research study.

Setting A private clinic.

Participants A total sample of 143 subjects was recruited for the study and divided in two groups, such as chronic mid-portion AT group (n = 71) and healthy group (n = 72).

Main outcome measures Ultrasound B-Mode imaging was used to measure the thickness and CSA of the AHB, FDB and FHB in subjects with and without chronic mid-portion AT at rest.

Results USI measurements of the AHB (p < .001) and FDB (p < .001) thicknesses, as well as FDB (p = .005) and FHB CSA (p = .048), were increased for the tendinopathy group with respect to healthy group. However, FHB muscle thickness (p < .001) increases were showed for the control group with respect the tendinopathy group.

Conclusions USI measurements of ABH and FDB thicknesses, as well as FDB and FHB CSA, were increased in patients who suffered from AT with respect to healthy group.