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The Effect of Achilles Tendon Rupture on the Ankle Joint Mechanics During an Initial Acceleration Phase of Sprinting

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Thesis(1.79 MB)

Date

2024

Authors

Supervisor

McNair, Peter
Wyatt, Hannah

Item type

Thesis

Degree name

Master of Health Science

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Publisher

Auckland University of Technology

Abstract

Objective 1: To investigate sprint acceleration performance following an Achilles tendon rupture. 2: To assess deficits of peak power of lower limb joints during sprint acceleration performance. 3: To investigate correlations between the deficits in plantarflexor strength/power and ankle joint power during sprint acceleration. Study Design A cross-sectional observational study was conducted to assess participants across legs in the Achilles rupture (ACHL) group and between the ACHL and the Control (HEAL) group who were matched in age, gender, and activity-level. Background Significant deficits in kinetic and kinematic parameters as well as plantarflexor (PF) strength post Achilles tendon rupture have been observed during functional tasks. However, there are no studies that examined the biomechanics of maximal sprinting post injury despite the high prevalence of injury during the activity. Method A five-meter (5 m) sprint test was used to assess sprint acceleration performance; the 5 m sprint time, Horizontal impulse, and Ratio of Force (RF). The peak concentric power of the ankle, knee, and hip joints was measured to assess deficits. PF isometric maximal strength and power were assessed on a supine leg press machine. A single leg heel rise (SLHR) test assessed maximum height performed. Relationships between these variables and peak ankle joint concentric power during sprint acceleration were assessed. Statistical comparison was made across legs and between the two groups using linear mix-effect model analyses and correlation coefficients. Results No significant difference in the 5 m sprint time between the two groups was observed. The ACHL group had a 16% deficit (p < 0.05) in horizontal impulse during the push-off phase compared to the HEAL group. No significant differences were observed in any other sprint performance variables. The ACHL group had a 27% deficit (p < 0.05) in peak ankle joint concentric power in the involved leg during the first step. There were no other significant differences for peak concentric power at the other lower limb joints across legs between the two groups. A significant deficit of 7% and 22% in PF strength was observed at 0 and 20 degrees, respectively, in the ACHL group. The ACHL group had a 17% deficit (p < 0.05) in PF power (leg press) in the involved leg. The ACHL group had a 14% deficit (p < 0.05) in the involved limbs in the height attained in the SLHL test. A significant correlation (r = 0.3, p < 0.05) was found between PF power (leg press) and peak ankle concentric power (sprint) during the first step. Conclusion Achilles tendon rupture did not significantly affect 5 m sprint acceleration performance despite an inferior performance during the push-off phase and reduced (27%) peak ankle concentric power during the first step in the ACHL group. Although a significant correlation was found between peak ankle joint concentric power (sprint) and the deficits in PF muscle power (leg press) (r = 0.3), the contribution is questionable with the small correlation coefficient. Future study with larger sample size and multiple variables may support the conclusive evidence of effect of the injury on the biomechanics of sprint acceleration.

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http://hdl.handle.net/10292/18032

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