Biomechanical variables associated with Achilles tendinopathy in runners

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.

Comparison in lower leg neuromuscular activity between runners with unilateral mid-portion Achilles tendinopathy and healthy individuals

“…Dynamic muscular control of the lower leg during running might be crucial to adequately triggering joint stiffness of the ankle and the subtalar joint. Azevedo et al (2009) observed no differences before heel strike and reduced (but not statistically significant) post-heel strike EMG amplitudes of the peroneal muscles in runners with Achilles tendinopathy. Interestingly, no changes in EMG pattern were observed for the gastrocnemius muscle, which intuitively underlies direct influence by the pathological condition of the muscle-tendon complex (Azevedo et al, 2009).…”

“…Azevedo et al (2009) observed no differences before heel strike and reduced (but not statistically significant) post-heel strike EMG amplitudes of the peroneal muscles in runners with Achilles tendinopathy. Interestingly, no changes in EMG pattern were observed for the gastrocnemius muscle, which intuitively underlies direct influence by the pathological condition of the muscle-tendon complex (Azevedo et al, 2009). Knowledge about possible changes in neuromuscular control of Achilles tendinopathy patients may help to further fine-tune therapeutic strategies.…”

“…This is in contrast to previous reports, where lower tibialis anterior preactivity amplitudes in AT patients are reported. Unfortunately, no possible mechanisms for this finding were discussed (Azevedo et al, 2009). Achilles tendinopathy does not seem to alter pre-programmed neural control, since not only the tibialis anterior but also the peroneal and gastrocnemius muscle showed no preactivation differences between AT and CO (Baur et al, 2010;Horita et al, 2002).…”

Dynamic foot function as a risk factor for lower limb overuse injury: A systematic review

“…Prospective studies have shown that increased hip adduction during overground running [46] and increased hip internal rotation when landing from a drop jump [22] are risk factors for the development of patellofemoral pain. Furthermore, cross-sectional studies have reported deficits in neuromuscular control of the hip in those with patellofemoral pain [55][56][57][58][59][60][61] and Achilles tendinopathy [62,63]. Further research is required to better understand the relationship between proximal and distal mechanics during gait, and risk of overuse injury development.…”

Dancers With Achilles Tendinopathy Demonstrate Altered Lower Extremity Takeoff Kinematics

“…The highly activated plantar flexors optimize the tendon's dynamic stiffness and generate peak power for push-off, as in walking and running gait. 12 Alterations in athletic movement patterns, such as decreased knee flexion or decreased knee internal rotation in runners with AT and decreased energetics in a volleyball jump with patellar tendinopathy, have been observed in previous studies 2,3,33,38 ; however, literature exploring biomechanical strategies used by dancers with a history of tendinopathy is scarce. Takeoff to a dance leap can be viewed as an exaggerated step forward; therefore, we began our systematic exploration of AT in relation to dance biomechanics from the study of takeoff.…”