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Gastrocnemius-Soleus Muscle Tendon Unit Changes Over the First 12 Weeks of Adjusted Age in Infants Born Preterm

M Grant-Beuttler, PT, PhD, PCS, is Assistant Professor, Department of Physical Therapy, Chapman University, One University Dr, Orange, CA 92866 (USA).
RJ Palisano, PT, ScD, is Professor, Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Sciences, Drexel University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
DP Miller, PT, DPT, is Assistant Director of Clinical Education, Department of Physical Therapy, University of Scranton, Scranton, Pennsylvania.
B Reddien Wagner, PT, DPT, MHA, is Director of Clinical Education, Department of Physical Therapy, University of Scranton.
CB Heriza, PT, EdD, FAPTA, is Professor, Doctor of Science Program, Pediatric Therapy, Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions, Provo, Utah.
PA Shewokis, PhD, is Associate Professor, College of Nursing and Health Professions and the School of Biomedical Engineering, Science and Health Systems, Drexel University.

beuttler{at}chapman.edu

Background and Purpose: Differences in the gastrocnemius-soleus muscle and tendon have been documented shortly after birth in infants born preterm compared with infants born at term. Knowledge of muscle tendon unit lengths at term age to 12 weeks of age in infants born preterm may be useful in understanding motor development.

Participants and Method: Gastrocnemius-soleus muscle tendon unit lengths were compared at term age, at 6 weeks of age, and at 12 weeks of age (preterm adjusted age) in 20 infants born full term and 22 infants born preterm.

Results: Significant differences were found between the 2 groups on taut tendon, relaxed muscle length (A_O); taut tendon, stretched muscle length (A_Max); and muscle stretch (A_O to A_Max). Infants born preterm demonstrated measures of A_O and A_Max in positions of greater plantar flexion compared with infants born full term. Significant differences in measurements of A_O were found between term age and 12 weeks of age, indicating that the tendon lengthens during this period for both groups.

Discussion and Conclusion: These results provide knowledge of musculoskeletal development of the gastrocnemius-soleus muscle and tendon. Differences in musculoskeletal measurements are consistent with uterine confinement in the last weeks of full-term gestation. These findings have implications when examining the musculoskeletal system in infants born preterm who are demonstrating functional changes.

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This article has been cited by other articles:

				J. C Heathcock Invited Commentary on "Gastrocnemius-Soleus Muscle Tendon Unit Changes Over the First 12 Weeks of Adjusted Age in Infants Born Preterm" Physical Therapy, February 1, 2009; 89(2): e1 - e1. [Full Text] [PDF]

				M. Grant-Beuttler, R. J Palisano, D. P Miller, B. Reddien Wagner, C. B Heriza, and P. A Shewokis Author Response to Invited Commentary by Heathcock Physical Therapy, February 1, 2009; 89(2): e2 - e4. [Full Text] [PDF]