Shorter heels are linked with greater elastic energy storage in the Achilles tendon.

ABSTRACT: Previous research suggests that the moment arm of the m. triceps surae tendon (i.e., Achilles tendon), is positively correlated with the energetic cost of running. This relationship is derived from a model which predicts that shorter ankle moment arms place larger loads on the Achilles tendon, which should result in a greater amount of elastic energy storage and return. However, previous research has not empirically tested this assumed relationship. We test this hypothesis using an inverse dynamics approach in human subjects (n = 24) at speeds ranging from walking to sprinting. The spring function of the Achilles tendon was evaluated using specific net work, a metric of mechanical energy production versus absorption at a limb joint. We also combined kinematic and morphological data to dire

SUBMITTER: Foster AD 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8087768 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature