The purpose of the present study was to investigate differences in neck muscle stiffness between patients with chronic neck pain and asymptomatic control group. Thirty-five patients with chronic neck pain and 35 age-matched asymptomatic participants enrolled in the study. Shear wave velocity (SWV) of upper trapezius, levator scapulae, splenius capitis, and sternocleidomastoid muscles were obtained using an ACUSON S3000 Ultrasonography Device (Siemens Medical Solutions, Mountain View, California). In patients with chronic neck pain, pain intensity was measured by Numerical Rating Scale and disability level was measured by Neck Disability Index. The SWV of splenius capitis was similar in both groups (P = .985); however, SWV of upper trapezius (P = .001), levator scapulae (P = .038), and sternocleidomastoid (P = .001) of the patients with chronic neck pain were higher compared with the asymptomatic controls groups. Numerical Rating Scale and Neck Disability Index scores did not correlate with the SWV of the selected muscles (P > .05). Stiffness of upper trapezius, levator scapulae, and sternocleidomastoid muscles in patients with neck pain were higher compared to asymptomatic participants. In addition, severity of pain and disability did not correlate to stiffness of these muscles in patient with chronic neck pain.

Objective: The purpose of this study is to assess the effect and correlation of gender, body mass index (BMI) and quadriceps femoris (QF) muscle strength on patellar tendon (PT) thickness and stiffness in healthy sedentary individuals. Methods: This study was carried out with 67 (36 female, 31 male) healthy sedentary individuals between the ages of 18e44 (28.0 ± 7.5 years). The individuals included in the study were divided into two groups according to their gender and BMI (18.5 < BMI < 25 and 25 < BMI). The body composition was determined with Tanita Body Composition Analyser. PT thickness and stiffness was measured with ACUSON S3000 Ultrasonography Device using 9L4 ultrasonography probe. QF concentric muscle strength of the individuals was measured with Biodex® System 4 Dynamometer at 60/sec angular speed. Results: It was found that PT stiffness was higher in males compared to females (p < 0.001). It was found that PT stiffness was lower in obese individuals compared to individuals with normal weight (p ¼ 0.017). A negative and weak correlation was found between BMI and PT stiffness (r ¼ 0.26, p ¼ 0.032), whereas a negative and moderate correlation was found between fat percentage and PT stiffness (r ¼ 0.50, p < 0.001). A moderate correlation was found between BMI and PT thickness (r ¼ 0.54, p < 0.001). It was found that peak torque at 60/sec angular speed had a moderate correlation with PT stiffness (r ¼ 0.44, p < 0.001) and PT thickness (r ¼ 0.45, p < 0.001). Conclusions: PT stiffness is correlated and affected by gender, BMI and QF muscle strength whereas PT thickness is correlated and affected only to BMI and QF muscle strength.

To determine the reliability and diagnostic accuracy of the Turkish version of the Fonseca anamnestic index (FAI-T). The cultural equivalence of the FAI was established according to the Internation...

Background: Musculoskeletal foot disorders have a high incidence among overweight and obese individuals. One of the important factors causing this high incidence may be plantar fascia and heel pad (HP)–related mechanical changes occurring in these individuals. The aim of the present study was to investigate the plantar fascia and HP stiffness and thickness parameters in overweight and obese individuals and compare these values with those of normal-weight individuals. Methods: This study was carried out in 87 (52 female, 35 male) healthy sedentary individuals between the ages of 19 and 58 years (34 ± 11 years). Participants were subsequently categorized according to body mass index (BMI) as normal weight (18.5 kg/m² < BMI < 25 kg/m²) or overweight and obese (BMI ≥25 kg/m²). Plantar fascia and HP thickness and stiffness were measured with an ultrasonography device using a linear ultrasonography probe. Results: Overweight and obese individuals had higher HP thickness ( P < .001), plantar fascia thickness ( P = .001), heel pad microchamber layer (MIC) stiffness ( P < .001), and heel pad macrochamber layer (MAC) stiffness ( P < .001), whereas they had lower plantar fascia stiffness ( P < .001) compared with the individuals with normal weight. BMI had a moderate correlation with HP thickness ( P < .001, r = 0.500), plantar fascia thickness ( P = .001, r = 0.536), MIC stiffness ( P < .001, r = 0.496), and MAC stiffness ( P < .001, r = 0.425). A negative and moderate correlation was found between BMI and plantar fascia stiffness ( P < .001, r = –0.439). Conclusion: Increased BMI causes a decrease in the stiffness of plantar fascia and an increase in the thickness of the plantar fascia as well as the thickness and stiffness of HP. Increased body mass could cause changes in the mechanical properties of HP and plantar fascia. Level of Evidence: Level 3, comparative study.