ZHANG Xi-ni, WANG Jun-qing, YANG Yang, FU Wei-jie. Effects of Simulated Barefoot Running on Achilles Tendon Mechanical Properties[J]. China Sport Science, 2019, 39(4): 63-70. DOI: 10.16469/j.css.201904007
    Citation: ZHANG Xi-ni, WANG Jun-qing, YANG Yang, FU Wei-jie. Effects of Simulated Barefoot Running on Achilles Tendon Mechanical Properties[J]. China Sport Science, 2019, 39(4): 63-70. DOI: 10.16469/j.css.201904007

    Effects of Simulated Barefoot Running on Achilles Tendon Mechanical Properties

    • Objective: To explore the effects of lower limb motor control on Achilles tendon biomechanical properties during running by establishing a 12-week running retraining model. Methods: 30 male recreational runners who were used to rearfoot running were divided into two groups: SBR group and MIN group (n=15 in each group) , a 12-week running retraining was completed by all runners. The SBR group ran with forefoot strike by wearing minimal shoes, while the MIN group ran with rearfoot strike by wearing minimal shoes. A two-way ANOVA (strike pattern×training) with repeated measures was used to do data analysis. Results: After 12-week running retraining: 1) The Achilles tendon force, stress and strain in these two groups were significantly increased (P<0.05) ; 2) The peak Achilles tendon force was significantly increased in these two groups, and the SBR group was significantly higher than the MIN group (P<0.05) ; 3) The pre-activation RMS of tibialis anterior was significantly decreased in both groups, and the RMS of soleus in the SBR group was significantly higher than that of the MIN group (P<0.05) ; 4) The RMS of the lateral head of the gastrocnemius in both groups showed a significant decline in post-activation and eccentric contraction phases (P<0.05) . Conclusion: The results indicated that the 12-week running retraining protocol was effective in energy storage and release in Achilles tendon, and it can improve the loading ability of Achilles tendon to prevent and reduce injury risk.
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