Files and links (1)
PDFOpen Access (License Unspecified), Open Access
Dissertation
Running surface, ground contact time, and other biomechanical factors that may affect Achilles tendon forces during running
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), Drexel University
Oct 2022
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17918/00001371
Abstract
High Achilles tendon loads are thought to play a role in the etiology of Achilles tendon injuries. Avoiding soft surfaces and increasing ground contact time are strategies that may reduce peak Achilles tendon loads during running. This study's purpose was to identify changes that can be made to reduce Achilles tendon forces during running. Thirty rearfoot strike runners ran outdoors on grass and concrete while Achilles tendon forces were measured. Participants ran with preferred, low, and high ground contact times, and with fixed and free cadences. Peak Achilles tendon force, estimated cumulative Achilles tendon damage, and Achilles tendon impulse were compared. Peak Achilles tendon force and estimated cumulative Achilles tendon damage were higher while running on concrete than grass, but differences were small. There was no difference in Achilles tendon impulse while running on grass and concrete. Peak Achilles tendon force and estimated cumulative Achilles tendon damage decreased as ground contact time increased. There were no differences between the fixed and free cadence conditions. Participants made these changes with minimal practice and without the use of a metronome. Therefore, increasing ground contact time is a viable intervention to reduce Achilles tendon forces. A secondary data analysis of an existing data set identified additional factors that contribute to high Achilles tendon forces during running. Participants with high and low peak Achilles tendon forces were identified. Sagittal plane ankle, knee, and hip angles, anterior/posterior center of pressure position, and two-dimensional sagittal plane resultant ground reaction force waveforms were analyzed using principal components analysis. Principal components were entered into a discriminant analysis to identify gait features that distinguished between the groups. Runners with high peak Achilles tendon forces had greater center of pressure velocities at the beginning of stance, more dorsiflexion excursion during midstance, and higher ground reaction forces throughout stance. In conclusion, Achilles tendon forces were similar while running on grass and concrete. Increasing ground contact time decreased Achilles tendon forces during running. We also identified gait features that contribute to high Achilles tendon forces. These findings may lead to new interventions for runners at risk of Achilles tendon injuries.
Metrics
20 File views/ downloads
53 Record Views
Details
- Title
- Running surface, ground contact time, and other biomechanical factors that may affect Achilles tendon forces during running
- Creators
- Kevin Gregory Aubol - Drexel University, Physical Therapy (and Rehabilitation Sciences)
- Contributors
- Clare E. Milner (Advisor)
- Awarding Institution
- Drexel University
- Degree Awarded
- Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
- Publisher
- Drexel University; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Number of pages
- xi, 147 pages
- Resource Type
- Dissertation
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- College of Nursing and Health Professions; Drexel University; Physical Therapy (and Rehabilitation Sciences)
- Other Identifier
- 991019135409304721