Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 11, 2025
Author Spotlight: Integrating Mechanical and Biological Analysis in Tendinopathy Research
Published on: March 1, 2024
Rearfoot Strike Run Retraining for Achilles Tendon Pain: A Two-patient Case Series
Brittney Mazzone Gunterstockman1, Jennifer Carmel2, Laura Bechard3,4
1Lincoln Memorial University, Knoxville, TN 37932, USA.
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.
