Study of Muscle Strength Loss and Scar Tissue Thickness After Tennis Leg Injury in Adults Aged 18 to 40

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are studying the connection between the thickness of deep scar tissue and ongoing weakness in the calf muscles of adults who have recovered from tennis leg, a common calf muscle injury caused by a partial tear in the gastrocnemius muscle. This observational study focuses on adults aged 18 to 40 years with a confirmed unilateral calf muscle tear at least 3 months prior, who have returned to their regular daily activities. The goal is to understand how scar tissue affects long-term muscle strength and help improve rehabilitation and return-to-activity decisions. The study uses B-mode diagnostic ultrasound to measure the thickness of scar tissue at the muscle-tendon junction in both injured and uninjured legs. It also employs an isokinetic dynamometer to measure the eccentric strength of the calf muscles at two different speeds. Each participant serves as their own control by comparing the injured leg to the uninjured leg. No treatment is provided, and all assessments take place during a single study visit. Participants will complete one study visit where ultrasound imaging and strength tests will be done to assess scar tissue and muscle function. Additional tests include endurance of a single-leg heel raise, time to fatigue during repeated plantar flexion, and ankle range of motion. The main outcomes measured are the percentage strength deficit and scar tissue thickness. These results aim to help clinicians better predict recovery and guide rehabilitation for tennis leg patients.

Residual Eccentric Strength Deficits and Deep Scar Tissue Thickness in Patients With Tennis Leg