Biplanar ultrasound investigation of in vivo Achilles tendon displacement non-uniformity

The Achilles tendon is a common tendon for the medial and lateral gastrocnemius and soleus muscles. Non‐uniform Achilles tendon regional displacements have been observed in vivo which may result from non‐uniform muscle loading and intratendinous shearing. However, prior observations are limited to the sagittal plane. This study investigated Achilles tendon tissue displacement patterns during isometric plantarflexor contractions in the coronal and sagittal planes. Fourteen subjects (5 female, 9 male, 26 ± 3 year) performed maximal isometric plantarflexor contractions with the knee in full extension and flexed to 110°. An ultrasound transducer positioned over the free Achilles tendon collecte…