Validating Speckle Tracking Methods on Soft Tissue Strain, Displacement, and Roles in Physical Therapy: Ligaments, Tendons, and Muscles with Exercise Intervention

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are studying how the strain and movement of human soft tissues like ligaments, tendons, and muscles are affected by physical activity, injury, and training over three years. The project focuses on three areas: the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) in baseball pitchers, the tibialis posterior tendon in people with dysfunction, and the hamstring muscles after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. Ultrasound techniques will be used to analyze tissue behavior and help improve injury risk assessment, treatment, and rehabilitation. The study includes three phases. In the first year, male collegiate baseball pitchers with different injury risks will have their elbow ligaments examined, followed by an 8-week blood flow restriction training program for some participants. The second year will examine tendon strain and rotation in people with posterior tibial tendon dysfunction compared to healthy controls. The third year involves patients after ACL reconstruction undergoing 8 weeks of Nordic hamstring exercise training to assess muscle strain and activity. Participants will undergo ultrasound and elastography assessments to measure strain, displacement, rotation, and muscle strength at various time points, including before and after training programs. Researchers will track changes during the treatments and compare results across groups to understand tissue adaptations related to injury and training. The total study duration is three years with detailed monitoring and evaluations throughout each phase.

Validating the Speckle Tracking Methods on Soft Tissue Strain, Displacement, and Roles in Physical Therapy