Does Lower-Limb Tendon Structure Influence Walking Gait?

Núñez-Trull, Alejandro ; Álvarez-Medina, Javier (Universidad de Zaragoza) ; Jaén-Carrillo, Diego ; Rubio-Peirotén, Alberto ; Abat, Ferrán ; Roche-Seruendo, Luis E. ; Gómez-Trullén, Eva M.

Resumen: 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.

Idioma: Inglés

DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11243142

Año: 2023

Publicado en: Healthcare (Switzerland) 11, 24 (2023), 3142 [8 pp.]
ISSN: 2227-9032

Factor impacto JCR: 2.4 (2023)

Categ. JCR: HEALTH POLICY & SERVICES rank: 49 / 118 = 0.415 (2023) - Q2 - T2
Categ. JCR: HEALTH CARE SCIENCES & SERVICES rank: 73 / 174 = 0.42 (2023) - Q2 - T2

Factor impacto CITESCORE: 3.5 - Leadership and Management (Q2) - Health Policy (Q2) - Health Informatics (Q3) - Health Information Management (Q3)

Factor impacto SCIMAGO: 0.606 - Health Policy (Q2) - Leadership and Management (Q2) - Health Informatics (Q3) - Health Information Management (Q3)

Tipo y forma: Article (Published version)

Área (Departamento): Área Educación Física y Depor. (Dpto. Fisiatría y Enfermería)