Cruz Torres, Blanca de laBarrera García-Martín, IreneAlmazán Polo, JaimeJaen Crespo, GonzaloRomero Morales, Carlos2020-10-222020-10-222020Cruz-Torres, B. de la, Barrera-García-Martín, I., Almazán-Polo, J., Jaén-Crespo, G., & Romero-Morales, C. (2020). Ultrasound imaging evaluation of structural and textural features in asymptomatic achilles tendons in pre-professional dancers: A cross-sectional study. Physical Therapy in Sport, 44, 85–91. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ptsp.2020.05.0081466-853X1873-1600http://hdl.handle.net/11268/9175Objective: To evaluate performance descriptors, sociodemographics variables and tendon echogenicity of asymptomatic Achilles tendons and to compare the echotexture from different classification subgroups. Design: A prospective, randomized cross-sectional study was carried out. Setting: laboratory of university. Participants: Forty-two Achilles tendons (AT) were recruited from pre-professional dancers. Based on the echogenicity pattern, the sample was divided into two groups (n = 21, Heterogeneous group; n = 21, Homogeneous group). Main outocome measures: Ultrasound images and ImageJ measurements were performed to evaluate thickness (AT-TH), echointensity (EI) and echovariation (EV), in addition to a balance and endurance test were measured as performance parameter. Results: EI (p = 0.001) and EV (p = 0.001) reported statistically significant differences between groups. AT-TH, endurance test, balance test, years of dance, training hours per week and average pointe hours per week did not showed differences between groups. A multivariate prediction model between groups and the echotexture variables (EI (R2 = 0.569; EV (R2 = 0.341)) were determined. Conclusion: Asymptomatic AT of heterogeneous group showed a lower EI and a higher EV compared to homogeneous group. Tendon echogenicity did not interact with performance variables.engjournal article10.1016/j.ptsp.2020.05.008restricted accessUltrasonidos en medicinaMedicina deportivaTendonesTecnología médicaMedicina deportiva