Assessing the Test-Retest Reliability of MyotonPRO for Measuring Achilles Tendon Stiffness

<b>Objectives</b>: This study evaluates the test-retest reliability and inter-rater reliability of the MyotonPRO for measuring Achilles tendon stiffness at two standardized sites over various time frames and settings. <b>Methods</b>: Eight healthy participants underwent asses...

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Main Authors: Krystof Volesky, Jan Novak, Michael Janek, Jakub Katolicky, James J. Tufano, Michal Steffl, Javier Courel-Ibáñez, Tomas Vetrovsky
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-02-01
Series:Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology
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Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2411-5142/10/1/83
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author Krystof Volesky
Jan Novak
Michael Janek
Jakub Katolicky
James J. Tufano
Michal Steffl
Javier Courel-Ibáñez
Tomas Vetrovsky
author_facet Krystof Volesky
Jan Novak
Michael Janek
Jakub Katolicky
James J. Tufano
Michal Steffl
Javier Courel-Ibáñez
Tomas Vetrovsky
author_sort Krystof Volesky
collection DOAJ
description <b>Objectives</b>: This study evaluates the test-retest reliability and inter-rater reliability of the MyotonPRO for measuring Achilles tendon stiffness at two standardized sites over various time frames and settings. <b>Methods</b>: Eight healthy participants underwent assessments by three raters over six visits. Tendon stiffness was measured at proximal (mid-portion) and distal (insertional) regions of the Achilles tendon at various time frames (10–15 s, 10–15 min, 24 h, and 14 days apart). Measurements included participant repositioning and two activity stimuli (daily living and sport). Reliability was calculated using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), its 95% confidence interval, coefficient of variation, standard error of measurement, and minimal detectable change. <b>Results</b>: Short-term reliability (10–15 min) was excellent, with an ICC of 0.956 (0.929–0.974). Between days reliability (24 h) was good, with an ICC of 0.889 (0.802–0.938). Between weeks reliability (2 weeks) was good with an ICC of 0.886 (0.811–0.931). Short-term reliability with the simulation of activity of daily living was good, with an ICC of 0.917 (0.875–0.945). Short-term reliability with the simulation of sport was good with an ICC of 0.933 (0.891–0.96). Between days reliability with the simulation of sport was good, with an ICC of 0.920 (0.859–0.955). <b>Conclusions</b>: When used in a standardized position, the MyotonPRO demonstrates reliable repeated measurements of Achilles tendon stiffness. This protocol provides a foundation for clinical research and rehabilitation by clarifying expected reliability across minutes, days, and weeks, thus aiding clinicians and researchers in monitoring tendon adaptations and making evidence-based decisions.
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spelling doaj-art-ecc6ef5a2ccc4a58a5afa8c863b6e76d2025-08-20T02:11:11ZengMDPI AGJournal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology2411-51422025-02-011018310.3390/jfmk10010083Assessing the Test-Retest Reliability of MyotonPRO for Measuring Achilles Tendon StiffnessKrystof Volesky0Jan Novak1Michael Janek2Jakub Katolicky3James J. Tufano4Michal Steffl5Javier Courel-Ibáñez6Tomas Vetrovsky7Faculty of Physical Education and Sport, Charles University, 162 52 Prague, Czech RepublicFaculty of Physical Education and Sport, Charles University, 162 52 Prague, Czech RepublicFaculty of Physical Education and Sport, Charles University, 162 52 Prague, Czech RepublicDepartment of Rehabilitation and Sports Medicine, Second Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital in Motol, Charles University, 150 06 Prague, Czech RepublicFaculty of Physical Education and Sport, Charles University, 162 52 Prague, Czech RepublicFaculty of Physical Education and Sport, Charles University, 162 52 Prague, Czech RepublicDepartment of Physical Education and Sport, Faculty of Sport Sciences, University of Granada, 520 71 Melilla, SpainFaculty of Physical Education and Sport, Charles University, 162 52 Prague, Czech Republic<b>Objectives</b>: This study evaluates the test-retest reliability and inter-rater reliability of the MyotonPRO for measuring Achilles tendon stiffness at two standardized sites over various time frames and settings. <b>Methods</b>: Eight healthy participants underwent assessments by three raters over six visits. Tendon stiffness was measured at proximal (mid-portion) and distal (insertional) regions of the Achilles tendon at various time frames (10–15 s, 10–15 min, 24 h, and 14 days apart). Measurements included participant repositioning and two activity stimuli (daily living and sport). Reliability was calculated using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), its 95% confidence interval, coefficient of variation, standard error of measurement, and minimal detectable change. <b>Results</b>: Short-term reliability (10–15 min) was excellent, with an ICC of 0.956 (0.929–0.974). Between days reliability (24 h) was good, with an ICC of 0.889 (0.802–0.938). Between weeks reliability (2 weeks) was good with an ICC of 0.886 (0.811–0.931). Short-term reliability with the simulation of activity of daily living was good, with an ICC of 0.917 (0.875–0.945). Short-term reliability with the simulation of sport was good with an ICC of 0.933 (0.891–0.96). Between days reliability with the simulation of sport was good, with an ICC of 0.920 (0.859–0.955). <b>Conclusions</b>: When used in a standardized position, the MyotonPRO demonstrates reliable repeated measurements of Achilles tendon stiffness. This protocol provides a foundation for clinical research and rehabilitation by clarifying expected reliability across minutes, days, and weeks, thus aiding clinicians and researchers in monitoring tendon adaptations and making evidence-based decisions.https://www.mdpi.com/2411-5142/10/1/83Achilles tendonstiffnessreliabilityMyotonPROtendon
spellingShingle Krystof Volesky
Jan Novak
Michael Janek
Jakub Katolicky
James J. Tufano
Michal Steffl
Javier Courel-Ibáñez
Tomas Vetrovsky
Assessing the Test-Retest Reliability of MyotonPRO for Measuring Achilles Tendon Stiffness
Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology
Achilles tendon
stiffness
reliability
MyotonPRO
tendon
title Assessing the Test-Retest Reliability of MyotonPRO for Measuring Achilles Tendon Stiffness
title_full Assessing the Test-Retest Reliability of MyotonPRO for Measuring Achilles Tendon Stiffness
title_fullStr Assessing the Test-Retest Reliability of MyotonPRO for Measuring Achilles Tendon Stiffness
title_full_unstemmed Assessing the Test-Retest Reliability of MyotonPRO for Measuring Achilles Tendon Stiffness
title_short Assessing the Test-Retest Reliability of MyotonPRO for Measuring Achilles Tendon Stiffness
title_sort assessing the test retest reliability of myotonpro for measuring achilles tendon stiffness
topic Achilles tendon
stiffness
reliability
MyotonPRO
tendon
url https://www.mdpi.com/2411-5142/10/1/83
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