Does Lower-Limb Tendon Structure Influence Walking Gait?

Autor: Alejandro Núñez-Trull, Javier Álvarez-Medina, Diego Jaén-Carrillo, Alberto Rubio-Peirotén, Ferrán Abat, Luis E. Roche-Seruendo, Eva M. Gómez-Trullén
Jazyk: angličtina
Rok vydání: 2023
Předmět:
Zdroj: Healthcare, Vol 11, Iss 24, p 3142 (2023)
Druh dokumentu: article
ISSN: 2227-9032
DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11243142
Popis: Background: Within the exploration of human gait, key focal points include the examination of functional rockers and the influential role of tendon behavior in the intricate stretch–shortening cycle. To date, the possible relationship between these two fundamental factors in the analysis of human gait has not been studied. Therefore, this study aimed to analyze the relationship between the morphology of the patellar and Achilles tendons and plantar fascia with respect to the duration of the rockers. Methods: Thirty-nine healthy men (age: 28.42 ± 6.97 years; height: 173 ± 7.17 cm; weight: 67.75 ± 9.43 kg) were included. Data of the rockers were recorded using a baropodometric platform while participants walked over a 10 m walkway at a comfortable velocity. Before the trials, the thickness and cross-sectional area were recorded for the patellar tendon, Achilles tendon and plantar fascia using ultrasound examination. The relationship between the morphology of the soft tissue and the duration of the rockers was determined using a pairwise mean comparison (t-test). Results: A significant difference was found for rocker 1 duration, where a longer duration was found in the group of subjects with thicker patellar tendons. Regarding the Achilles tendon and plantar fascia, no significant differences were observed in terms of tendon morphology. However, subjects with thicker Achilles tendons showed a longer duration of rocker 1. Conclusions: The findings underscore a compelling association, revealing that an increased thickness of the patellar tendon significantly contributes to the extension of rocker 1 duration during walking in healthy adults.
Databáze: Directory of Open Access Journals