Ultrasound Achilles Tendon Assessment

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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448kilohertz capacitive resistive monopolar radiofrequency is a novel technique in physiotherapy and its usefulness and clinical relevance is still to be investigated at both clinical practice and also in performance. Current studies show promising results in different musculoskeletal disorders, however there no studies in the assessment of quality soft tissue in sporty population after the used of this technique.

Detailed Description
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Achilles Tendon pain is is one of the most common musculoskeletal disorders, presenting a high prevalence in primary care centers and sport populations. Many factors have been proposed as the cause of pain, however there are no studies analysing possibilities of preventing Achilles Tendon injuries by using a radiofrequency stimulus. The use of 448kilohertz capacitive resistive monopolar radiofrequency as the focus of the treatment looking for improve the quality of the tissue is still to be explored. The hypothesis of the present project is that focus treatments on 448kilohertz capacitive resistive monopolar radiofrequency on the Achilles Tendon will produce better outcomes in terms of ultrasound assessment measured by quantified elastography, and this will decreased the possibilities of get injured. The stimulus will be carried out on the Achilles Tendon region. All interventions will be developed by the same examiner, who is a physiotherapist with 6 years of clinical experience.

Official Title
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Ultrasound Achilles Tendon Assessment After 448kilohertz Capacitive Resistive Radiofrequency Stimulation in a Sporty Population

Conditions
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Ultrasonography, Achilles Tendon

Intervention / Treatment
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* Device: Monopolar 448 kilohertz radiofrequency stimulation


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: Age between 18-50 years Sporty people with at least 3 days of training per week and presenting an upper limb dominance. Exclusion Criteria: Suffer from any painful Achilles Tendon condition. History of significant Achilles Tendon trauma, such as fracture or ultrasonography Clinically suspected partial thickness cuff tear, following the classification of Wiener and Seitz.

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 18 Years
Maximum Age: 50 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Design Details

Primary Purpose: Prevention
Intervention Model: Single Group Assignment
Masking: None (Open Label)


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Experimental: 448 kilohertz Capacitive Resistive Monopolar Radiofrequency stimulus on the dominant Achilles Tendon<br>448 kilohertz Capacitive Resistive Monopolar Radiofrequency stimulus on the dominant Achilles Tendon | Device: Monopolar 448 kilohertz radiofrequency stimulation<br>* 448kilohertz capacitive resistive monopolar radiofrequency will be applied on the dominant Achilles Tendon<br>|

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Change from Baseline in Achilles Tendon measured by quantified elastography imaging at 3 months. time (t) 1(prior to treatment), t2 (immediately after the treatment), t3 (3 months later). | The elastography is obtained when the anatomic image on grayscale ultrasound overlaps parametric color image that expresses the rate of deformity of the tissues, soft tissues tend to develop greater deformity and tissue deformity have lower rigidity. | time (t) 1(prior to treatment), t2 (immediately after the treatment), t3 (3 months later). Changes in tendinous thickness [ Time Frame: 9 months ] |