Biomechanical variables associated with Achilles tendinopathy in runners.

AZEVEDO, Liane, LAMBERT, MI, VAUGHAN, CL, O'CONNOR, CM and SCHWELLNUS, MP (2022). Biomechanical variables associated with Achilles tendinopathy in runners. British journal of sports medicine, 43 (4), 288-292.

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Abstract

Objective

The aim of this study was to investigate the kinetics, kinematics and muscle activity in runners with Achilles tendinopathy.

Design

Case-control study.

Setting

Biomechanics laboratory.

Participants

21 runners free from injury and 21 runners with Achilles tendinopathy performed 10 running trials with standardised running shoes. Injured runners were diagnosed clinically according to established diagnostic criteria. Uninjured runners had been injury-free for at least 2 years.

Main outcome measurements

During each trial, kinetic and lower limb kinematic data were measured using a strain gauge force plate and six infrared cameras respectively. Electromyographic (EMG) data from six muscles (tibialis anterior (TA), peroneus longus (PE), lateral gastrocnemius (LG), rectus femoris (RF), biceps femoris (BF) and gluteus medius (GM)) were measured with a telemetric EMG system.

Results

Knee range of motion (heel strike to midstance) was significantly lower in injured runners than in uninjured runners. Similarly, preactivation (integrated EMG (IEMG) in 100 ms before heel strike) of TA was lower for injured runners than uninjured runners. RF and GM IEMG activity 100 ms after heel strike was also lower in the injured group. However, impact forces were not different between the two groups.

Conclusion

Altered knee kinematics and reduced muscle activity are associated with Achilles tendinopathy in runners. Rehabilitation exercises or other mechanisms (e.g. footwear) that affect kinematics and muscle activity may therefore be beneficial in the treatment of runners with Achilles tendinopathy.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Muscle, Skeletal; Knee Joint; Achilles Tendon; Humans; Electromyography; Range of Motion, Articular; Exercise Therapy; Case-Control Studies; Running; Adult; Female; Male; Tendinopathy; Biomechanical Phenomena; Achilles Tendon; Adult; Biomechanical Phenomena; Case-Control Studies; Electromyography; Exercise Therapy; Female; Humans; Knee Joint; Male; Muscle, Skeletal; Range of Motion, Articular; Running; Tendinopathy; 09 Engineering; 11 Medical and Health Sciences; 13 Education; Sport Sciences; 3202 Clinical sciences; 4207 Sports science and exercise; 5201 Applied and developmental psychology
Identification Number:	https://doi.org/10.1136/bjsm.2008.053421
Page Range:	288-292
SWORD Depositor:	Symplectic Elements
Depositing User:	Symplectic Elements
Date Deposited:	24 Jun 2024 15:12
Last Modified:	24 Jun 2024 15:15
URI:	https://shura.shu.ac.uk/id/eprint/33387

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