Biomechanical insights into Achilles tendinopathy risk and protection in runners: a large prospective study 4HAIE

Key Points

1. Achilles tendinopathy is a common injury among runners and is often linked to high running volumes.

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BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE

Recreational running is massively popular. Running offers a wide array of health benefits and is one of the most accessible forms of exercise. The most common running injury is Achilles tendinopathy (AT) (1). AT prevalence is even higher amongst competitive runners. 43% of elite track and field athletes and 83% of middle-distance runners having experienced AT (2). AT injuries are not isolated to athletes however, they are also common amongst men in their late 30’s and 40’s (3). In fact, runners only account for 35% of all AT cases (4).

The authors of this study sought to evaluate the relationship between lower limb biomechanics and the onset of AT over a subsequent one-year period in both runners and non-runners. Secondary aims of the study included monitoring running volume and demographic data.

43% of elite track and field athletes and 83% of middle-distance runners having experienced Achilles Tendinopathy during their careers.

It appears that a stiffer foot/ankle complex with lower peak external rotation and lower inversion moments during stance phase carries a higher risk of developing AT.

METHODS

• The authors were able to recruit over 1,300 eligible participants with a final study group of 911 adults (mean age 37, 47% female, 53% male) for their prospective cohort study. The authors chose to include non-runners (n = 383) who

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