Session: 07-08-01: Biomedical Devices, Sensors, and Actuators I

Paper Number: 166875

A Novel Method of Comparing the Achilles Tendon
Stiffness in Dominant and Non-Dominant Leg 

This study uses SURF-E to measure the Achilles tendon stiffness by analyzing the wave velocity in the tendon. Unlike other imaging techniques that cannot assess the tendon's stiffness which is a major factor when it comes to the overall tendon health, SURF-E provides this data enabling more precise detection of injuries to the Achilles tendon. This study will provide important data on the future of analyzing the tendon and treating/monitoring the tendon during rehabilitation if it's injured. By viewing the stiffness of the tendon instead of studying the structural image this can allow assessments to be done much better and more cost-effectively in the medical field., improving diagnostics for injuries and overall health. The Achilles tendon is crucial for activities involving running, jumping, and sudden changes in direction. Monitoring and managing tendon stiffness is important during rehabilitation from injuries or during training. Current imaging techniques for assessing AT injuries in the resting state are conventional ultrasound (US) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). But by themselves, these techniques can only assess AT’s morphological changes and not its elastic properties (e.g., stiffness). We have already developed the accelerometer-based SURF-E (Surface Elastography) technique, but we need to refine and enhance its functionalities in terms of repeatability, portability and ease of use. It will be a low-cost alternative to using expensive Ultrasound and MRI imaging techniques. One long term benefit of this proposed research will be the optimization of a simple, affordable, portable, and noninvasive technique to quantify in-vivo spatial variations of an Achilles Tendon’s (AT’s) viscoelastic properties. This would potentially improve and simplify the objective clinical diagnosis of AT injuries and the monitoring of AT’s healing and mechanical recovery for injured patients. This new SURF-E (Surface Elastography) wave propagation technique will be used to diagnose the tendon stiffness. It will be implemented by a stand-alone device which will be a very powerful tool for diagnosing the health of AT. This would improve the diagnosis and prognosis of AT’s injured areas associated with local changes in AT stiffness. Measuring the stiffness of the Achilles tendon in both the dominant and non-dominant legs provide valuable insights into biomechanical function, injury prevention, rehabilitation, and performance optimization. Differences in tendon stiffness can reflect asymmetries in loading, compensation patterns, and potential risk factors for injury. Understanding these differences helps improve overall health, balance, and function, benefiting athletes, patients in recovery, and individuals looking to maintain long-term tendon health. Differences in tendon stiffness between the legs can affect performance. The dominant leg may be optimized for force production (stiffness helps store and return energy efficiently), while the non-dominant leg might be less efficient and more elastic. This imbalance can influence running speed, agility, and power generation. Measuring Achilles tendon stiffness in the dominant versus non-dominant leg is important for understanding the mechanical properties of the tendon, injury prevention, performance optimization, and rehabilitation. Differences in stiffness can reveal functional asymmetries, compensation patterns, or risk factors for injury, which are crucial for athletes, patients recovering from injury, and individuals seeking to optimize their physical performance. 

Presenting Author: Muhammad Salman Kennesaw State University

Presenting Author Biography: Hello!
I am an Associate Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Kennesaw State University. After the PhD from the Georgia Institute of Technology, in Fall 2012, I have the honor to serve the School of Engineering, Southern Polytechnic State University which merged into the Kennesaw State University in 2015. I received my undergraduate degree from the University of Engineering and Technology, Lahore, Pakistan. Teaching is my passion and I enjoy my profession.

I conduct experimental research on human skeletal muscles and tendons in the field of biomechanics. My main research focus is dynamics and vibrations in human body bio-mechanics. Mechanical properties of human skeletal muscles/tendons, such as muscle/tendon stiffness (E) are found using a low cost surface wave and shear wave method.

Authors:

Muhammad Salman Kennesaw State University
Geza Kogler Kennesaw State University