Exploration of shear wave elastography measures of the iliotibial band during different tasks in pain-free runners

Objectives: To determine whether shear wave velocity (SWV) of the iliotibial band (ITB): i) increases with active and passive static tasks, and a dynamic task, ii) differs between ITB regions, iii) changes after exposure to running. Additionally, it aimed to determine the between-day reliability. Design: Case series & test-retest. Setting: Human movement unit laboratory. Participants: Fifteen runners. Main outcome measures: SWV was measured unilaterally in three regions of the ITB (proximal, middle and distal), during six tasks: rest and contraction (pre-and post-running), modified Ober test, standing, pelvic drop, and weight shift. Results: Compared to rest, SWV was higher during contraction and Ober test in the distal and middle regions, and higher for the middle region in standing and pelvic drop. No differences were found between regions. A tendency of decreased SWV was observed after running. Compared to the start of the dynamic task, SWV was greater at the end of the movement. Reliability was moderate-to-good for the middle region in the standing tasks (ICCs 1/4 0.68 to 0.84). Conclusion: SVW of the ITB was higher under passive or active tension. Comparisons between tasks/regions need to be considered in light of the small sample size and poor repeatability of some regions/conditions. (C) 2021 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

The study aimed to determine the shear wave velocity of the iliotibial band (ITB) in different tasks and regions, showing higher SWV during contraction and Ober test, and in the middle region during standing and pelvic drop. A tendency of decreased SWV was observed after running. The reliability was moderate-to-good in the middle region for standing tasks.