Sonographic evaluation of the effect of long-term exercise on Achilles tendon stiffness using shear wave elastography.

Objectives: This study aimed to assess the feasibility of using quantitative shear wave elastography (SWE) to assess the stiffness (Young's modulus) of Achilles tendon and to investigate the effect of long-term weight-bearing exercise on the stiffness of human Achilles tendon by comparing the frequent and infrequent exercise groups.

Design: Case-control study.

Methods: A total of 36 healthy subjects aged 19-25 were recruited.