Running biomechanical and isokinetic strength differences in masters runners with and without Achilles tendinopathy

ABSTRACT

Masters runners are an increasing proportion of the running community. The most significant musculoskeletal changes in runners occur after the age of 50 in addition to changes in injury rates and types, the most common being Achilles tendinopathy (AT). Previous evidence has suggested similarities between risk factors for AT and age-related changes that are focused at the hip and the ankle during the propulsive stage of running. The purpose of this study was to investigate biomechanical and peak torque association to AT in masters runners. Thirty-two masters runners over age 50 with AT (60.31 ± 8.37, n = 16) and without (59.94 ± 4.95 n = 16) were included. 3D motion capture and force plates were used to assess running biomechanics. A motor-driven dynamometer was used to assess isokinetic peak torque production. No significant differences in running biomechanics were found between masters runners with and without AT. Hip peak isokinetic torque production was found to be significantly less in masters runners with AT, but no significant differences in ankle plantarflexion peak isokinetic torque production were found. Masters runners with AT may be able to adapt their running biomechanics and muscular torque production during submaximal running efforts.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Masters runners with Achilles tendinopathy do not demonstrate differences in peak hip extension moments during the stance phase of running during submaximal efforts compared to healthy masters runners.

• Masters runners with Achilles tendinopathy do not demonstrate differences in peak ankle plantarflexion moments during the stance phase of running during submaximal efforts compared to healthy masters runners.

• Masters runners with Achilles tendinopathy do not demonstrate differences in peak ankle plantarflexion concentric or eccentric isokinetic torque compared to healthy masters runners.

• Masters runners with Achilles tendinopathy demonstrate differences in peak hip extension concentric and eccentric isokinetic torque compared to healthy masters runners.

KEYWORDS:

• Masters runners
• ageing
• running
• biomechanics
• Achilles tendinopathy

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Supplemental data

Supplemental data for this article can be accessed online at https://doi.org/10.1080/14763141.2024.2373376.

Ethical approval

The Azusa Pacific University IRB board granted full ethical approval for this study. Study number is 23–127.