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Journal article
Increasing ground contact time reduces Achilles tendon forces during Rearfoot strike running outdoors
Journal of science and medicine in sport / Sports Medicine Australia, v 29(1), pp 100-105
Jan 2026
PMID: 40914654
Featured in Collection : Research Supported by Drexel Libraries' OA Programs
Abstract
Objectives
Strategies to reduce Achilles tendon forces during running may be beneficial for injury prevention. Increasing ground contact time could reduce Achilles tendon forces during running but may also elicit changes in cadence that could offset these reductions. The purpose of this study was to determine if changing ground contact time altered Achilles tendon forces during running, with both a fixed and a free cadence.
Design
This was a cross-sectional study of healthy rearfoot strike runners.
Methods
Thirty rearfoot strike runners ran on a concrete sidewalk at 3.0 m/s with preferred, low, and high ground contact times, with both a fixed and a free cadence. Achilles tendon forces were estimated using data collected from Loadsol insoles.
Results
Peak Achilles tendon force, cumulative Achilles tendon fatigue load, and Achilles tendon impulse were compared among ground contact time and cadence conditions. Peak Achilles tendon force and cumulative Achilles tendon fatigue load decreased as ground contact time increased. These changes occurred with both a fixed and a free cadence.
Conclusions
Increasing ground contact time may be a viable intervention for decreasing peak Achilles tendon force and cumulative Achilles tendon fatigue load in runners, without the need for additional instructions to control cadence.
Metrics
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Details
- Title
- Increasing ground contact time reduces Achilles tendon forces during Rearfoot strike running outdoors
- Creators
- Kevin Gregory Aubol (Corresponding Author) - Drexel University, Physical Therapy (and Rehabilitation Sciences)Karin Grävare Silbernagel - University of DelawareJosh R. Baxter - University of PennsylvaniaPatricia A Shewokis - Drexel University, School of Biomedical Engineering, Science, and Health SystemsClare E Milner - Drexel University, Physical Therapy (and Rehabilitation Sciences)
- Publication Details
- Journal of science and medicine in sport / Sports Medicine Australia, v 29(1), pp 100-105
- Publisher
- Elsevier
- Number of pages
- 6
- Grant note
- Drexel University's College of Nursing and Health Professions Dean's PhD Student Research Award
This study was supported by Drexel University's College of Nursing and Health Professions Dean's PhD Student Research Award.
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Science, and Health Systems; Physical Therapy (and Rehabilitation Sciences)
- Web of Science ID
- WOS:001659729300001
- Scopus ID
- 2-s2.0-105015160890
- Other Identifier
- 991022083455404721
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- Collaboration types
- Domestic collaboration
- Web of Science research areas
- Sport Sciences