Assessment of the mechanical properties of the muscle-tendon unit by supersonic shear wave imaging elastography: a review.

Ultrasonography. 2017 Apr 15;:

Authors: Lima KMME, Costa Júnior JFS, Pereira WCA, Oliveira LF

Abstract
This review aimed to describe the state of the art in muscle-tendon unit (MTU) assessment by supersonic shear wave imaging (SSI) elastography in states of muscle contraction and stretching, during aging, and in response to injury and therapeutic interventions. A consensus exists that MTU elasticity increases during passive stretching or contraction, and decreases after static stretching, electrostimulation, massage, and dry needling. There is currently no agreement regarding changes in the MTU due to aging and injury. Currently, the application of SSI for the purpose of diagnosis, rehabilitation, and physical training remains limited by a number of issues, including the lack of normative value ranges, the lack of consensus regarding the appropriate terminology, and an inadequate understanding of the main technical limitations of this novel technology.

PMID: 28607322 [PubMed – as supplied by publisher]