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A post from the fat lad got me thinking http://www.podiatry-arena.com/podiatry-forum/showpost.php?p=134514&postcount=12: Alexander's work points to the Achilles tendon acting as a spring during running gait- storing and returning elastic energy. Given that when running barefoot, a forefoot strike pattern may be more common and while running in shoes a rearfoot strike pattern appears to be more common, what influence does the strike pattern have on the ability of the achilles to store and return elastic energy?
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I would assume that forefoot strike would place more load on the achilles and therefore more energy returned, but there could be a chance that the elastic deformation could become plastic ( if I remember correctly and then something about creep).
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oFtw8G5nSI4 -
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Im guesing so from Craig post in my achilles thread, he said
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The Effect of Foot Strike Pattern on Achilles Tendon Load During Running.
Almonroeder T, Willson JD, Kernozek TW.
Ann Biomed Eng. 2013 May 3.
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Your talking as if everybody has compliant tendons, far, far from it. -
Eric -
The moment at the STJ from the Achilles is just a by product of the moment created at the ankle. The Achilles is first an ankle plantar flexor. I could see how it would be adaptive to also provide some supination moment with the average stj axis extending from the heel out to, roughly, the first met head. As ankle plantar flexion shifts the center of pressure anteriorly the angulation of the STj axis will make the Achilles an indirect pronator.
Eric -
The Relationship Between Achilles Tendon Moment Arm and Running Economy in Rearfoot and Forefoot Runners
Allison H. Gruber, Brian R. Umberger, Ross H. Miller, Joseph Hamill
Presented at 2013 ACSM Mtg
Running economy is based on several biomechanical and morphological characteristics. Scholz et al. (2008) found that a shorter Achilles tendon moment arm (ATMA) is related to greater running economy. A shorter ATMA may improve running economy by increasing the muscle force required to produce a given joint moment, thus increasing elastic energy utilization. However, that study only included natural rearfoot (RF) runners. Natural forefoot (FF) runners may differ morphologically leading to a preference for the FF pattern. It is unclear what effects potential morphological differences between RF and FF runners and kinematic differences between the RF and FF patterns may have on the relationship between rate of oxygen consumption (VO2) and ATMA length.
PURPOSE: To compare the relationships between ATMA length and VO2 in natural RF and FF runners.
METHODS : Fourteen natural RF and eight natural FF runners ran on a treadmill at 4.0 m/s using the RF and FF patterns for 5 min each while VO2 was measured. Standing ATMA was measured as the horizontal distance between the lateral malleolus and posterior aspect of the Achilles tendon. Correlation coefficients (r) were calculated to determine the relationships between ATMA length and VO2 for each group and footfall pattern.
RESULTS: There was no difference in standing ATMA length between groups (RF group = 4.72 ± 0.65 cm; FF group = 4.53 ± 0.26 cm). In agreement with Scholz et al. (2008), shorter ATMA was correlated with lower VO2 in the natural RF runners, regardless of the footfall pattern (r = 0.21, 0.14 for RF, FF running). However, for the natural FF runners, longer ATMA correlated with lower VO2 regardless of the footfall pattern (r = -0.63, -0.55 for RF, FF running).
CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest natural RF and FF runners may run with different muscle mechanics despite similar ATMA lengths. More economical natural FF runners may run with decreased plantar flexor force required to produce a given joint moment whereas more economical natural RF runners may run with increased plantar flexor force but optimal muscle shortening velocities. Therefore, muscle force rather than muscle work may dictate running economy in natural FF runners. A smaller correlation between ATMA and VO2 with FF running compared to RF running may be a result of greater plantar flexor force required with the FF pattern.Click to expand... -
Manipulation of Foot Strike and Footwear Increases Achilles Tendon Loading During Running
Hannah Rice, PhD, Mubarak Patel, MSc
The American Journal of Sports Medicine
Background:
The Achilles tendon is the most common site of tendon overuse injury in humans. Running with a forefoot strike pattern and in minimal shoes is a topic of recent interest, yet evidence is currently limited regarding the combined influence of foot strike and footwear on Achilles tendon loading.
Purpose:
To investigate the influence of both foot strike and footwear on Achilles tendon loading in habitual rearfoot strike runners.
Study Design:
Controlled laboratory study.
Methods:
Synchronized kinematic and force data were collected from 22 habitual rearfoot strikers (11 male), who habitually ran in nonminimal running shoes, during overground running at 3.6 m·s-1. Participants ran in 3 different footwear conditions (standard running shoe, minimal running shoe, and barefoot) with both a rearfoot strike (RFS) and an imposed forefoot strike (FFS) in each footwear condition. Achilles tendon loading was estimated by use of inverse dynamics, where the Achilles tendon moment arm was determined with a regression equation. A 2-way, repeated-measures analysis of variance was used to compare conditions.
Results:
Achilles tendon impulse was greater when subjects ran with an FFS rather than an RFS in minimal shoes. Achilles tendon loading rates were higher when subjects ran either in minimal shoes or barefoot than in standard shoes, regardless of foot strike.
Conclusion:
In runners who habitually rearfoot strike in standard running shoes, running in minimal shoes or barefoot increased the rate of tendon loading, and running with a forefoot strike in minimal shoes increased the magnitude of tendon loading.
Clinical Relevance:
Transitioning to these running conditions may increase the risk of tendinopathy.Click to expand... -
THE POTENTIAL OF FOOT STRIKE PATTERN BEING A RISK FACTOR IN ACHILLES TENDINOPATHY: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW
KYLE VAN HEERDEN
BACCALUREUS ARTIUM HONORS (Human Movement Sciences)
BLOEMFONTEIN; 2016
Objectives: The primary aim of this study was to conduct a systematic review and analysis of the literature regarding the probability of rearfoot striking and forefoot striking during the running gait being a potential risk factor for the development and progression of Achilles Tendinopathies in runners, based on the degree of strain that each running style places on the Achilles tendon.
Design: A systematic review of all prospective cohort (PC), cross sectional (CS) studies and descriptive epidemiology studies were performed. Electronic databases available from the UFS online library were searched as well as several other online journals. Electronic databases available from the UFS online library were searched from 2000 to 2016 for relevant articles. These data bases were SPORTDiscus, MEDLINE, Academic Search Complete, CINAHL, Health Source - Consumer Edition, Africa-Wide Information, Health Source: Nursing/Academic Edition, PsycINFO and Pubmed. The Boolean phrase [(foot* or feet*) and run* and (style* or pattern* or gait* or strike* or striking) and achilles and (tendin* or Tendon*) and (patholog* or injur*)] was used. It was also used to search Cochrane Library, British Journal of Sports Medicine, American Journal of Sports Medicine and Research Gate.
Results: Initial results yielded 49 studies. Titles and abstracts were scanned based on relevancy to the aim of the study, which produced 25 results. The remaining articles were read in full and scanned against inclusion and exclusion criteria, which produced 3 results. The three included articles were assessed on their quality score, which resulted with all three articles obtaining “good” and passing. The remaining three articles were systematically reviewed.
Conclusion: The studies by Rooney et al. (2013), Stearne et al. (2014) and Lyght et al. (2016) demonstrate that due to an increase in the ankle moment and other internal kinetics during a forefoot striking pattern when compared to a rearfoot striking pattern, there is an increase in the stress and strain on the Achilles tendon, which may contribute to the development and progression of Achilles tendinopathy. Clinicians can use this information by switching their patients to a rearfoot strike during the rehabilitation process in order to decrease the strain on the Achilles tendon.Click to expand... -
Saudação
A força da minha propulsão e a velocidade de passadas aumenta a tendinopatia para que ja tem tendinite? ou resulta uma patologia tendinosa? -
This is a very interesting article because as a person who is experiencing Achilles tendonitis and as a future Podiatry student, I was looking for information regarding this topic. Historically, I have always ran with a rearfoot strike but recently started doing the yoga 'downward dog' and walking with a forefoot strike which has eased the pain, but the soreness in the tendon still remains.
Perhaps, it is a case of having run for so many years on my heel that I weakened the muscles, so now walking/running oppositely, has corrected it somewhat? -
WilliamsL said: ↑This is a very interesting article because as a person who is experiencing Achilles tendonitis and as a future Podiatry student, I was looking for information regarding this topic. Historically, I have always ran with a rearfoot strike but recently started doing the yoga 'downward dog' and walking with a forefoot strike which has eased the pain, but the soreness in the tendon still remains.
Perhaps, it is a case of having run for so many years on my heel that I weakened the muscles, so now walking/running oppositely, has corrected it somewhat?Click to expand...
Rearfoot striking running does not "weaken muscles". Over 90% of runners rearfoot strike and about 1-2% of runners are forefoot strikers. Typically, those runners who try to transition from rearfoot to forefoot strike patterns will increase their risk of developing Achilles tendinitis. My advice is to continue stretching, go back to your natural rearfoot strike running pattern and wear 3-6 mm heel lifts in your running shoe to heal more rapidly from your Achilles tendinitis.
There is so much nonsense on the internet about forefoot striking running being somehow more "natural" and "better form" that it is really very sad how many runners have been injured by listening to and believing these "anti-rearfoot striking zealots". You may want to read this article I wrote a few years back on footstrike patterns in running.
https://www.podiatrytoday.com/emerging-evidence-footstrike-patterns-runningCheers,
Kevin
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Kevin A. Kirby, DPM
Adjunct Associate Professor
Department of Applied Biomechanics
California School of Podiatric Medicine at Samuel Merritt College
Website: www.KirbyPodiatry.com
FaceBook: www.facebook.com/kevinakirbydpm/
Private Practice:
107 Scripps Drive, Suite 200
Sacramento, CA 95825 USA
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Optimistic x 1 - List
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The Effects of Habitual Foot Strike Patterns on Achilles Tendon Loading in Female Runners
Thomas W. Kernozek et al
Gait and Posture; Article in Press
Highlights
•This study compared habitual rearfoot and non-rearfoot strike runners
•Non-rearfoot strike runners demonstrated greater Achilles tendon stress
•Rearfoot and non-rearfoot runners had similar Achilles tendon cross-sectional areaClick to expand...Background
Female runners that habitually use a forefoot/midfoot strike pattern (non-rearfoot runners) may be at greater risk for Achilles tendinopathy compared to runners that habitually use a rearfoot strike pattern. Differences in Achilles tendon loading between non-rearfoot and rearfoot strike runners may be a contributing factor.
Research Question
Our purpose was to determine if there were differences in Achilles tendon loading and cross-sectional area between female habitual rearfoot and non-rearfoot strike runners.
Methods
Thirty-five female runners participated in this cross-sectional study (17 rearfoot strike runners, 18 non-rearfoot strike runners). Ultrasound images of the Achilles tendon were used to measure cross-sectional area. Kinematic and kinetic data were collected at a set running speed and used in a muscloskeletal model to calculate Achilles tendon force. Achilles tendon stress was determined from specific Achilles tendon cross-sectional area. Principal components (PC) analysis was performed to identify/characterize the primary sources of variability in the Achilles tendon stress time series. The PC scores and cross-sectional area where compared using independent t-tests.
Results
PC 1 reflected variability in the Achilles tendon stress magnitude from 25-100% of stance, PC 2 reflected timing variability, and PC 3 reflected variability in the magnitude during early stance (0-25%). The non-rearfoot strike runners demonstrated higher PC scores for PC 1 and PC 3 compared to the rearfoot strike runners. This reflected greater Achilles tendon stress during mid/late stance (PC 1) and early stance (PC 3) for the non-rearfoot strike runners. For PC 2, there was a trend toward higher PC scores in the non-rearfoot strike runners. Achilles tendon cross-sectional area for the rearfoot and non-rearfoot strike runners were not different.
Significance
Habitual non-rearfoot strike runners did not have greater cross-sectional area despite higher Achilles tendon loading, which may pose a higher risk for Achilles tendinopathy.Click to expand... -
Do habitual foot-strike patterns in running influence functional Achilles tendon properties during gait?
Scott C. Wearing,I. S. Davis,T. Brauner,S. L. Hooper &T. Horstmann
Journal of Sports Sciences : 10 Sep 2019
The capacity of foot-strike running patterns to influence the functional properties of the Achilles tendon is controversial. This study used transmission-mode ultrasound to investigate the influence of habitual running foot-strike pattern on Achilles tendon properties during barefoot walking and running. Fifteen runners with rearfoot (RFS) and 10 with a forefoot (FFS) foot-strike running pattern had ultrasound transmission velocity measured in the right Achilles tendon during barefoot walking (≈1.1 ms−1) and running (≈2.0 ms−1). Temporospatial gait parameters, ankle kinematics and vertical ground reaction force were simultaneously recorded. Statistical comparisons between foot-strike patterns were made using repeated measure ANOVAs. FFS was characterised by a significantly shorter stance duration (−4%), greater ankle dorsiflexion (+2°), and higher peak vertical ground reaction force (+20% bodyweight) than RFS running (P < .05). Both groups adopted a RFS pattern during walking, with only the relative timing of peak dorsiflexion (3%), ground reaction force (1–2%) and peak vertical force loading rates (22–23%) differing between groups (P < .05). Peak ultrasound transmission velocity in the Achilles tendon was significantly higher in FFS during walking (≈100 ms−1) and running (≈130 ms−1) than RFS (P < .05). Functional Achilles tendon properties differ with habitual footfall patterns in recreational runners.Click to expand... -
Effects of 12-week transition training with minimalist shoes on Achilles tendon loading in habitual rearfoot strike runners
XiniZhang et al
Journal of Biomechanics; 9 October 2021, 110807
Minimalist shod runners have reported greater material and mechanical properties of the Achilles tendon (AT) due to increased loading than runners who wear more cushioned running shoes. This study aimed to investigate the effects of 12-week transition training from conventional shoes to minimalist shoes on AT loading in habitual rearfoot strike runners. Seventeen healthy male habitual rearfoot strikers completed 12-week transition training. They were instructed either to run in minimalist shoes with a forefoot strike pattern (MIN+FFS, n = 9) or run in minimalist shoes but were free to develop their strike pattern (MIN, n = 8). Ultrasound images were captured to determine the cross-sectional area of the AT. Sagittal plane ankle kinematics and ground reaction forces were recorded simultaneously to quantify ankle joint mechanics and AT loading. The strike angle significantly decreased in MIN+FFS after the transition training, indicating a flatter foot at initial contact, whereas no changes were observed in MIN. After training, a significant increase in peak plantarflexion moment was observed for MIN+FFS (15.4%) and MIN (7.6%). Significantly increased peak AT force, peak loading rate and peak stress were observed after training in both groups. Specifically, MIN+FFS had a greater increase in peak AT force (20.3% versus 10.1%), peak loading rate (37.2% versus 25.4%) and peak AT stress (13.7% versus 8.1%) than MIN. Furthermore, for both groups, there were no significant differences in the moment arm and cross-sectional area of the AT observed before and after 12 weeks of training. The results of this study suggested that it was insufficient to promote the morphological adaptation of the AT, but the mechanical loading of the AT was adapted during running after 12-week transition training with minimalist shoes in MIN+FFS and MIN. Preliminary evidence showed that a gradual transition to minimalist shoes with a forefoot strike pattern may be beneficial to the mechanical loading of the AT.Click to expand... -
Self-reported foot strike patterns and sonographic evidence of Achilles tendinopathy in asymptomatic marathon runners
Scott M. Marberry,Sara E. Filmalter,George G.A. PujalteORCID Icon,James C. Presley,Kristina F. DeMatas,Daniel P. Montero
Journal of Sports Sciences: 31 May 2022
It is unknown whether ultrasound findings and symptoms of Achilles tendinopathy in runners correlate with foot strike patterns. We aimed to examine the relationships among Achilles tendon ultrasound findings in runners with or without Achilles tendinopathy, their foot strike patterns, and their training regimens. We recruited marathon runners 18 years of age or older with no history of Achilles tendon pain or surgery participating in the 2018 DONNA Marathon. Participants completed surveys and underwent Achilles tendon sonographic evaluations and were categorized by foot strike patterns. Seventy-nine runners were included; 22 (28%) with forefoot, 30 (38%) midfoot, and 27 (34%) hindfoot strike patterns. Foot strike pattern was not associated with tendon hyperaemia (P = 1.00) or hypoechogenicity (P = .97), and there was no association of cross-sectional area of the Achilles tendon with peak weekly distance while training. Sonographic characteristics of Achilles tendinopathy did not correlate with foot strike patterns or training regimens. Although not statistically significant, it is worth noting that cross-sectional area was 1 mm2 larger per every 1 kg/m2 increase in body mass index.Click to expand... -
Effects of a 12-week gait retraining program on the Achilles tendon adaptation of habitually shod runners
Xini Zhang et al
Scand J Med Sci Sports. 2023 Oct 10
Purpose: This study investigated the effects of a 12-week gait retraining program on the morphological and mechanical properties of the Achilles tendon (AT) during running on the basis of real-time dynamic ultrasound imaging.
Methods: A total of 30 male recreational runners who were used to wearing cushioned shoes with a rearfoot strike (RFS) pattern were recruited. They were randomized into a retraining group (RG, n = 15) and a control group (CG, n = 15). The RG group was asked to run in five-fingered minimalist shoes with a forefoot strike (FFS) pattern, and the CG group was asked to keep their strike pattern. Three training sessions were performed per week. All the participants in RG uploaded running tracks obtained through a mobile application (.jpg) after each session for training supervision. 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 (length and cross-sectional area) and mechanical characteristics (force, stress, strain, etc.) of AT in vivo were recorded and calculated with a synchronous ultrasonic imaging instrument before and after the intervention. Repeated two-way ANOVA was used to compare the aforementioned parameters.
Results: A total of 28 participants completed the training. The strike angle of RG after training was significantly smaller than that before training and significantly smaller than that of CG after training (F (1, 13) = 23.068, p < 0.001, partial η2 = 0.640). The length (F (1, 13) = 10.086, p = 0.007, partial η2 = 0.437) and CSA (F (1, 13) = 7.475, p = 0.017, partial η2 = 0.365) of AT in RG increased after training. A significant main effect for time was observed for the time-to-peak AT force (F (1, 13) = 5.225, p = 0.040, partial η2 = 0.287), average (F (1, 13) = 7.228, p = 0.019, partial η2 = 0.357), and peak AT loading rate (F (1, 13) = 11.687, p = 0.005, partial η2 = 0.473).
Conclusion: Preliminary evidence indicated that a 12-week gait retraining program could exert a beneficial effect on AT. 57% (8/14) runners in RG shifted from RFS to FFS pattern. Although not all runners were categorized as FFS pattern after the intervention, their foot strike angle was reduced. Retraining primarily positively promoted AT morphological properties (i.e., CSA and length) to strengthen AT capability for mechanical loading.Click to expand... -
Rearfoot Strike Run Retraining for Achilles Tendon Pain: A Two-patient Case Series
Brittney Mazzone Gunterstockman, DPT, Jennifer Carmel, DPT, Laura Bechard, DPT, Adam Yoder, MS, Shawn Farrokhi, DPT, PhD
Military Medicine, usad436, https://doi.org/10.1093/milmed/usad436
Introduction
Running-related injuries are prevalent in the military and are often related to physical fitness test training. Non-rearfoot striking while running is known to increase the risk of Achilles tendon injuries because of the high eccentric energy absorption by the elastic components of the planarflexor muscle-tendon complex. However, there is limited evidence to suggest benefits of converting runners with Achilles tendon pain to use a rearfoot strike.
Methods
This is a case series of two active-duty Service members with chronic, running-related Achilles tendon pain that utilized a natural non-rearfoot strike pattern. Both patients were trained to utilize a rearfoot strike while running through the use of real-time visual feedback from wearable sensors.
Results
The trained rearfoot strike pattern was retained for over one month after the intervention, and both patients reported improvements in pain and self-reported function.
Conclusions
This case series demonstrated the clinical utility of converting two non-rearfoot strike runners to a rearfoot strike pattern to decrease eccentric demands on the plantarflexors and reduce Achilles tendon pain while running.Click to expand...
<
Change in running kinematics after cycling are related to alterations in running economy in triathle
|
Graston Technique for Plantar Fasciitis
>
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