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Author Spotlight: Exploring the Complexities of Achilles Tendon Injuries — Research and Future Directions
Published on: October 27, 2023
874
Achilles tendon thickness reduces immediately after a marathon
Isabelle Scott1, Peter Malliaras2,3, Alex Tardioli2
1Department of Mathematics, University of Oxford, Oxford, England.
Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research
|December 23, 2022
Summary
Running a marathon significantly reduces Achilles tendon thickness immediately after the race. This finding may inform injury prevention strategies for runners and aid in post-marathon recovery protocols.
Area of Science:
- Sports Medicine
- Biomechanics
- Musculoskeletal Imaging
Background:
- Marathon running places significant stress on the Achilles tendon.
- Understanding immediate physiological changes in the Achilles tendon post-marathon is crucial for injury management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the immediate impact of marathon running on the anteroposterior thickness of the Achilles tendon.
- To assess changes in structural abnormalities and pain associated with the Achilles tendon after a marathon.
Main Methods:
- Ultrasonography was employed to measure Achilles tendon anteroposterior diameter in 21 marathon runners before and after the event.
- Pain levels were quantified using a numerical rating scale.
- Structural abnormalities indicative of tendinopathy were assessed.
Main Results:
- A significant 13% decrease in Achilles tendon anteroposterior diameter was observed immediately post-marathon (p < 0.01).
- No significant changes were noted in the prevalence of structural abnormalities (34%) or reported pain (12%) after the marathon (p > 0.05).
Conclusions:
- Marathon running leads to an acute reduction in Achilles tendon anteroposterior diameter.
- These findings suggest potential implications for developing targeted injury prevention and recovery strategies for marathon runners.
