Effect of Different Shoe Conditions on Achilles Tendon Mechanical Properties in Runners with Habitual Rearfoot Strike Patterns
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Key Laboratory of Exercise and Health Sciences of Ministry of Education,Shanghai University of Sport

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    Abstract:

    Purpose: Although the overuse injury rate of the Achilles tendon (AT) for running is high, the effect of shoe conditions on AT mechanical properties remains unclear. Hence, the purpose of this study is to determine the mechanical properties of AT during running under different shoe conditions (minimalist vs. conventional shoes). Methods: Sixteen healthy male rearfoot strike runners were recruited to complete over ground running trials at 3.33 m/s (±5%) under two shoe conditions. The cross-sectional area of the AT was obtained by ultrasound imaging. Sagittal plane ankle kinematics and ground reaction forces were recorded by motion capture system and a force platform simultaneously. Ankle mechanics and the mechanical properties of the AT were calculated. Result: Foot inclination angle was reduced by 39.9% with minimalist shoes (p<0.001). Increases in ankle moment (p = 0.003), peak AT force (p = 0.003), peak AT loading rate (p = 0.050), and average loading rate (p = 0.004), and decrease in time to peak AT force with minimalist shoes (p = 0.001) were observed. Peak AT stress (p = 0.005), strain (p = 0.005), and corresponding peak rate (p = 0.014) also increased in minimalist shoes. Conclusion: Greater AT mechanical properties were observed in runners who habitually wear conventional shoes with rearfoot strike patterns when they wore minimalist shoes. Hence, we recommend a gradual transition to minimalist shoes for runners who habitually wear conventional shoes with rearfoot strike patterns to improve the ability to load.

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History
  • Received:September 07,2020
  • Revised:November 20,2020
  • Adopted:December 08,2020
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