Achilles Tendon Loading during Running Estimated Via Shear Wave Tensiometry: A Step Toward Wearable Kinetic Analysis.

Area of Science:

• Biomechanics
• Human Movement Science
• Sports Medicine

Background:

• Understanding muscle-tendon forces is crucial for human performance, injury risk assessment, and rehabilitation.
• Shear wave tensiometry offers a noninvasive method for in vivo tendon force assessment, recently adapted into wearable technology.
• Previous studies have not evaluated the application of tensiometry for running, limiting its use in dynamic athletic movements.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the validity of wearable shear wave tensiometry for measuring Achilles tendon loading during running across various speeds.
• To assess the capacity of this noninvasive technique to provide accurate force measurements during dynamic locomotion.

Main Methods:

• Participants performed walking and running on an instrumented treadmill while Achilles tendon wave speeds were recorded using shear wave tensiometers.
• Whole-body kinematics and ground reaction force data were collected concurrently.
• Participant-specific calibration converted wave speeds to forces, which were then compared with ankle torque derived from inverse dynamics.

Main Results:

• Achilles tendon wave speed, force, and ankle torque demonstrated similar temporal patterns during the stance phase of both walking and running.
• Locomotion speed significantly and monotonically increased peak Achilles tendon wave speed, force, and ankle torque.
• Tensiometry-derived peak Achilles tendon forces during running aligned with estimates from previous indirect methods.

Conclusions:

• Shear wave tensiometry shows promise for evaluating Achilles tendon loading during dynamic athletic activities like running.
• This technology can be utilized for assessing tendon forces in field-based, unobstructed athletic movements.
• The findings support the use of wearable tensiometry for real-world performance and injury monitoring.