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Author Spotlight: Integrating Mechanical and Biological Analysis in Tendinopathy Research
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Effects of Body Weight Support in Running on Achilles Tendon Loading
Callie Pohlman1,2, Andrew Pardee1,2, Mikey Friedman1,2
1Health Professions, Physical Therapy Program, University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, La Crosse, United States.
International Journal of Sports Medicine
|June 19, 2023
Summary
Body weight support (BWS) can reduce Achilles tendon (AT) loading during running. This intervention may decrease peak AT stress, force, and impulse, aiding in rehabilitation for runners experiencing AT tendinopathy.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Sports Medicine
- Orthopedics
Background:
- Achilles tendon (AT) tendinopathy is a prevalent condition among runners.
- Repetitive loading of the AT is a suspected etiological factor.
- Body weight support (BWS) presents a potential intervention to mitigate AT loading during running.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of BWS on ground reaction force, AT loading parameters, foot strike, and cadence in runners.
- To quantify changes in biomechanical variables associated with AT loading when running with BWS.
Main Methods:
- Twenty-four healthy female runners participated in the study.
- Participants ran on an instrumented treadmill under two conditions: with and without BWS using a harness system.
- Kinematic and kinetic data were analyzed using a musculoskeletal model to calculate AT loading, foot strike angle, and cadence.
Main Results:
- Ground reaction force decreased by 9.0% with BWS (p<.05).
- Peak AT stress, force, and impulse were significantly reduced by 9.4%, 11.7%, and 14.8%, respectively, with BWS (p<.05).
- Cadence was reduced with BWS, while foot strike angle remained similar.
Conclusions:
- BWS effectively reduces ground reaction forces and key AT loading variables, including stress, force, and impulse, during running.
- These findings suggest BWS is a promising tool for managing and rehabilitating Achilles tendon injuries in runners.
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