QUANTIFY: Quantitative Understanding of Advanced Novel Techniques for Imaging Fasciitis and Yielding Biomarkers
Ruth Chimenti
Summary
This study is to create a test that can accurately find and measure the problem areas in muscle and fascia tissue, also known as myofascial pain. The hypothesis is that a combination of imaging findings will be able to detect when myofascial pain is present. The goal is to improve management of myofascial pain by making better tools to find changes in the muscle and fascia tissues for a more personalized treatment. This project was funded by the HEAL initiative (https://heal.nih.gov/).
Description
The objective of the R61 phase is to use novel imaging techniques to develop a diagnostic biosignature to objectively and accurately determine the location and severity of abnormal myofascial tissue. A cross-sectional study design approach with 3 groups: plantar fasciitis (n=50), Achilles tendinopathy (n=25), and pain-free controls (n=25) to test Specific Aim: Develop a diagnostic imaging biosignature of myofascial tissue to differentiate individuals with plantar fasciitis from other foot pain without a myofascial component (Achilles tendinopathy) and from matched pain-free controls. The goal…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 18+ years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Yes
Inclusion criteria for plantar fasciitis group: * Clinical diagnosis of plantar fasciitis * Duration of plantar fasciitis pain greater than or equal to 3 months * Severity of plantar fasciitis pain greater than or equal to 3/10 Inclusion criteria for Achilles tendinopathy group: * Clinical diagnosis of insertional Achilles tendinopathy: * Duration of Achilles tendinopathy pain greater than or equal to 3 months * Severity of Achilles tendon pain greater than or equal to 3/10 Control group: • Similar age, sex, and BMI as plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendinopathy groups Exclusion criteria…
Interventions
- Diagnostic TestClinical exam
An experienced physical therapist with expertise in dry needling will confirm study eligibility and complete a standard clinical exam for myofascial pain. Gold standard for diagnosing myofascial pain as defined by Travell and Simons will be used. The criteria for muscle trigger point (TrP) include: 1) a taut band of skeletal muscle that is tender to palpation, 2) sustained compression of the taut band reproduces or exacerbates the participant's symptoms. Healthy tissue is defined as no palpable taut band.
- Diagnostic TestUltrasound imaging
Shear wave elastography and b-mode ultrasound imaging techniques will capture the biomechanical and structural profile of foot and ankle muscle on the involved side.
- Diagnostic TestMagnetic Resonance Imaging
T1rho and IDEAL sequences will be used to capture the biochemical and structural profile of foot and ankle muscles on the involved side
Location
- University of Iowa Health CareIowa City, Iowa