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Short-Term Workload Patterns Before Achilles Tendon Rupture in National Basketball Association Players: A Descriptive
Vineet Kumar1, Luke Sang2, Wyatt David1
1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA.
Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine
|July 26, 2026
Summary
Achilles tendon ruptures (ATRs) in the NBA are linked to increased player workload in the weeks before injury. Veteran players with higher cumulative workloads and younger players with lower workloads experienced ATRs, highlighting the need for targeted prevention strategies.
Area of Science:
- Sports Medicine
- Epidemiology
- Biomechanics
Background:
- Achilles tendon rupture (ATR) is a severe injury in professional basketball, leading to prolonged recovery and decreased performance.
- A record number of ATRs in the 2024-2025 NBA season emphasized the need to investigate workload-related risk factors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the association between player workload and Achilles tendon ruptures (ATRs) in the NBA.
- To identify specific workload patterns preceding ATRs and explore differences based on player experience.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of NBA data from 2014-2015 to 2024-2025.
- Inclusion criteria: players with basketball-related ATRs after playing at least one full game.
- Variables analyzed: age, position, playing time (5-, 10-, 15-game spans), games played, and scheduling metrics.
Main Results:
- Nineteen players sustained ATRs, with a mean age of 27.8 years.
- Significantly higher playing time was observed in the 10 and 15 games preceding injury compared to season averages (P=.01 and P=.03, respectively).
- Veteran players showed a positive correlation between league experience and workload, while younger players experienced ATRs with lower observed workloads.
Conclusions:
- Significant workload increases occurred in the 10-15 games before NBA players sustained Achilles tendon ruptures.
- Veteran players accumulated higher workloads, whereas less experienced players experienced ruptures under comparatively lower workloads.
- Proactive workload management, athlete education, and targeted prevention are crucial for preserving player health and career longevity.
