Resumen:
Gastrocnemius-soleus equinus (GSE) is a foot-ankle complaint in which the extensibility
of the gastrocnemius (G) and soleus muscles (triceps surae) and ankle are
limited to a dorsiflexion beyond a neutral ankle position. The asymmetric forces of leg
muscles and the associated asymmetric loading forces might promote major activation
of the triceps surae, tibialis anterior, transverses abdominal and multifidus muscles.
Here, we made infrared recordings of 21 sportsmen (elite professional soccer players)
before activity and after 30 min of running. These recordings were used to assess
temperature modifications on the gastrocnemius, tibialis anterior, and Achilles tendon
in GSE and non-GSE participants. We identified significant temperature modifications
among GSE and non-GSE participants for the tibialis anterior muscle (mean, minimum,
and maximum temperature values). The cutaneous temperature increased as a direct
consequence of muscle activity in GSE participants. IR imaging capture was reliable to
muscle pattern activation for lower limb. Based on our findings, we propose that noninvasive
IR evaluation is suitable for clinical evaluation of the status of these muscles.