Does Lower-Limb Tendon Structure Influence Walking Gait?

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

Relationship between Connective Tissue Morphology and Lower-Limb Stiffness in Endurance Runners. A Prospective Study

Background: The lower limb behaves like a spring compressing and decompressing during running, where lower-limb stiffness is one of the most influential factors. This prospective observational study is aimed at examining the relationship between the connective tissue morphology and lower-limb stiffness and investigating whether the barefoot/shod condition influences on such relationship. Methods: 14 male amateur runners (10-km time trial <500 ) were included. Data were recorded over one session, where participants ran 2 trials (i.e., barefoot and shod conditions) of 3 minutes at 12 km/h, where running spatiotemporal parameters and vertical (Kvert) and leg stiffness (Kleg) were obtained. Prior to testing trials, thickness and cross-sectional area (CSA) were recorded for Achilles (AT) and patellar tendons (PT) and plantar fascia (PF) with ultrasound. Results: Under barefoot condition, a positive correlation was found between Kleg and AT-thickness and CSA and PF-thickness; and between Kvert and AT-thickness and PF thickness. Under shod condition, a positive correlation was found between Kleg and PT-CSA and PT-thickness, and between Kvert and PT-CSA and PT-thickness. Conclusions: The results reveal a specificity of the relationship between the lower-limb stiffness and the morphology of the connective tissue. Greater tendon shows higher lower-limb stiffness when that tendon is specially demanded by the function