Previous studies have shown that a decreased blood flow is a risk factor in the occurrence of Achilles tendon (AT) injuries. Based on the current literature, no consensus was reached as to the most solid warming-up of the AT. Therefore, knowledge about activities which increase blood flow in the AT could be useful in the development of a solid warming-up programme for the AT. The aim of this investigation was to define the influence of different kinds of physical activity on the vascularisation of the AT in a healthy asymptomatic population. Subjects performed five activities in randomized order: running, static stretch, dynamic stretch, cycling and rope skipping. The vascularisation of the AT of the dominant limb was measured with the non-invasive oxygen-to-see (O2C) device. Blood flow was measured before, immediately after, five and ten minutes after activity to investigate the duration of the vascular response to activity.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
NA
Purpose
PREVENTION
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
60
Subjects performed five activities: running, static stretch, dynamic stretch, cycling and rope skipping
Ghent University
Ghent, Belgium
Change in Achilles tendon blood flow
measured with the non-invasive O2C device
Time frame: 3 minutes before and immediately (0 minutes) after the physical activity to assess the change in blood flow due to the physical activity
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