Highlights
- •Investigation of the effects of foot orthoses on Achilles tendon loads during running.
- •Foot orthoses served to significantly reduce Achilles tendon loads.
- •Orthotics may serve to attenuate Achiles tendon injury risk in runners.
Abstract
Background
Achilles tendon pathology is a frequently occurring musculoskeletal disorder in runners.
Foot orthoses have been shown to reduce the symptoms of pain in runners but their
mechanical effects are still not well understood.
Methods
This study aimed to examine differences in Achilles tendon load when running with
and without orthotic intervention. Twelve male runners ran at 4.0 m·s−1. Ankle joint moments and Achilles tendon forces were compared when running with and
without orthotics.
Findings
The results indicate that running with foot orthotics was associated with significant
reductions in Achilles tendon load compared to without orthotics.
Interpretation
In addition to providing insight into the mechanical effects of orthotics in runners,
the current investigation suggests that via reductions in Achilles tendon load, foot
orthoses may serve to reduce the incidence of chronic Achilles tendon pathologies
in runners.
Keywords
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Article Info
Publication History
Published online: August 08, 2014
Accepted:
July 30,
2014
Received:
April 6,
2014
Footnotes
☆University's Code of Conduct for Research can be found at the following web address: http://www.uclan.ac.uk/information/research/research_degrees/ethics_research_governance.php.
Identification
Copyright
© 2014 Elsevier Ltd. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
