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Achilles tendinopathy remains one of the most prevalent overuse injuries in elite as well as recreational athletes. Regardless of the fact that the aetiology of tendinopathy has not been fully understood, therapeutic mechanical loading programs have emerged as being the treatment of choice. In this light, mechanical properties of the tendon and their response to changes in loading or unloading have been the subject of many previous investigations. One of these properties often investigated is strain, a measure of relative deformation. By means of a systematic review, an overview was given of research in this field, with a primary objective to list the methods used and secondary aim to synthesize data on strain mapping in the Achilles tendon. Following the guidelines of the PRISMA statement, 47 articles were found appropriate for qualitative assessment. Achilles tendon strain has been investigated across a variety of contexts, including the response to exercise, walking, unloading, ageing, hormonal changes and weight. Only three studies investigated the effect of the presence of tendinopathy on strain. Ultrasound was the most often used imaging modality to measure or estimate strain. Further methodological parameters, e.g. the location of measurement, differed greatly between all different studies. Nearly all studies considered global strain. Some studies investigated the transverse strain response of the Achilles tendon. Recently, however, the role of local - intratendinous - strain distribution has been found to be of critical importance and further studies should focus on imaging modalities to investigate these local changes., (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Following comprehensive and semistructured interviews, (N = 30) this article questions the life changes arising in mothers six weeks after the birth of the first child. The birth of a child reflects emotional, behavioral and cognitive changes, requiring consideration and adjustments bythe mothers. We believe there are a number of factors that could impact the perceived self-efficacy and the emotional health of the mothers, and the relationship between mother and child. The research indicates areas of stress encountered by mothers and the strategies put in place by mothers to cope and overcome the stress problem. This article also questions the action taken to reduce stress by the medical team and in particularly the midwife during the birth process. The results show that all stressful events have not the same impacts on the perceived self-efficacy. Breast feeding and the crying of the babies appear to have the most impact. We believe, professional social support has a strong influence on the mothers perceived self-efficacy. As well, it is important to consider the value given to people in charge of support. Thus, the research indicates the complex link between stress, social support and coping strategies and leads to a complex transactional pattern.