ACUTE EFFECTS OF FOOTWEAR AND FOOTSTRIKE PATTERN ON ACHILLES TENDON LOADING DURING RUNNING

Authors

xini Zhang, Ningbo University, Ningbo, ChinaFollow
Liqin Deng, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, ChinaFollow
Songlin Xiao, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, ChinaFollow
Weijie Fu, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, ChinaFollow

Category

Running & Jumping

Document Type

Paper

Abstract

The study aimed to investigate the effect of footwear and foot strikes on Achilles tendon (AT) loading during running. Eleven male recreational runners with rearfoot strike pattern were recruited. The ground reaction force, kinematics, and kinetics of the ankle joint at 10 km/h were collected using an instrumented split-belt treadmill and a motion capture system. The morphological and mechanical characteristics of AT were recorded and calculated with a synchronous ultrasonic imaging instrument. The results showed a significantly greater peak AT force in minimalist shoes and forefoot strike pattern. The peak force and length change of the AT significantly increased when forefoot striking. It suggested that immediate use of minimalist shoes and/or transitioning to forefoot strike could provide higher tendon loading intensity to improve the loading characteristics of the AT.

Recommended Citation

Zhang, xini; Deng, Liqin; Xiao, Songlin; and Fu, Weijie (2024) "ACUTE EFFECTS OF FOOTWEAR AND FOOTSTRIKE PATTERN ON ACHILLES TENDON LOADING DURING RUNNING," ISBS Proceedings Archive: Vol. 42: Iss. 1, Article 38.
Available at: https://commons.nmu.edu/isbs/vol42/iss1/38