Inhomogeneous and Anisotropic Mechanical Properties of the Triceps Surae Aponeuroses in Older Adults: Relationships With Muscle Strength and Walking Performance
Author:
Shan Xiyao,Evangelidis Pavlos,Yamagishi Takaki,Otsuka Shun,Tanaka Fumiko,Shibata Shigenobu,Kawakami Yasuo
Abstract
This study investigated (a) site- and direction-dependent variations of passive triceps surae aponeurosis stiffness and (b) the relationships between aponeurosis stiffness and muscle strength and walking performance in older individuals. Seventy-nine healthy older adults participated in this study. Shear wave velocities of the triceps surae aponeuroses at different sites and in two orthogonal directions were obtained in a prone position at rest using supersonic shear imaging. The maximal voluntary isometric contraction torque of the plantar flexors and normal (preferred) and fast (fastest possible) walking speeds (5-m distance) were also measured. The shear wave velocities of the adjoining aponeuroses were weakly associated with plantar flexion torque (r = .23–.34), normal (r = .26), and fast walking speed (r = .25). The results show clear spatial variations and anisotropy of the triceps surae aponeuroses stiffness in vivo, and the aponeurosis stiffness was associated with physical ability in older adults.
Subject
Geriatrics and Gerontology,Gerontology,Rehabilitation,Physical Therapy, Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation