Running biomechanics in a long-term monitored recreational athlete with a history of Achilles tendon rupture

Abstract

This study represented a unique opportunity to understand changes in the human motion biomechanics during basic locomotion within a time interval of 4 years, when the monitored individual regained his original aerobic fitness, running performance and body mass index as prior to the injury. The participant visited the laboratory a month prior to the injury and during 4 years after the surgery. The surgery, subsequent rehabilitation and a 4-year running training programme in the studied recreational athlete did not completely eliminate the consequences of the Achilles tendon rupture. The function muscle deficit is namely manifested by a lower net plantar flexion moment and a lower net-generated ankle joint power during the take-off in the stance phase. The greater dorsal flexion in the affected ankle joint at the first contact with the ground and consequently higher peaks of ground reaction forces during running are consequences of the longer Achilles tendon in the affected lower extremity and weakened calf muscles.

Knee Joint Kinematics and Kinetics During Walking and Running After Surgical Achilles Tendon Repair

“… 3 , 29 Nevertheless, surgical and nonsurgical techniques used to treat AT ruptures enable increasing numbers of athletes to return to regular recreational athletic activity. 18 Despite the increasing incidence of AT ruptures in the sporting population, studies investigating movements in patients who have suffered this injury have focused mainly on walking, while running has (somewhat surprisingly) been neglected. 41 Thus, there is a lack of information on the possible risks associated with the regular use of running after AT ruptures as a form of physical exercise.…”

“…During the past 5 years, 3 case studies have been published on shod-running biomechanics in people with AT ruptures. 17 , 18 , 36 The first of these case studies indicated that, in running after surgical repair, there may be reduced plantar flexion moments and increased loading on the knee joint of the affected limb. 36 The second case study likewise reported reduced plantar flexion moments in the affected limb but also found considerably higher ground-reaction forces during the loading phase of the affected limb.…”

Footfall patterns of a runner with an Achilles tendon rupture

“…We hypothesized that the affected AT would appear elongated compared to the unaffected AT which could subsequently affect the ankle kinematics while running. 7 , 8 In addition, we expected a less loading on the affected AT compared to the unaffected AT. This study offers a unique opportunity to understand the preventive strategies and adaptations of the neuro-muscular system against overloading the weakened structures of the human body.…”

“…There is previous evidence of altered ankle kinematics during stance phase of 2 runners with an elongated AT. 7 , 8 Furthermore, AT elongation is a common problem for people with history of rupture. 9 AT rupture is a devastating injury that causes a functional deficit of the plantar flexors.…”

Achilles tendon ruptures

“…Silbernagel et al [34] showed similar results when examining heel-rise height and tendon length and concluded that minimizing tendon elongation appears to be an important treatment goal when maximizing function after repair. In regards to the running athlete, several studies have shown that deficits persist for up to 4 years after injury in both running biomechanics and functional muscle activity [35,36].…”