Achilles Tendon Affords Forefoot Runner’s a Performance Advantage

The foot strike we use when we run affects Achilles tendon function, which affects performance.

Forefoot running is framed as a potential gain for performance due to a more elastic engagement of the Achilles tendon. Moreover, optimal Achilles tendon elastic recoiling is rooted in the alignment of the body at touchdown during forefoot running.

• Forefoot running provides a smaller distance between the center of mass and foot strike position, creating a mass-on-a-spring effect which allows considerable elastic consolidation to occur, especially when the heel lowers to the ground to initiate stance.

Also, pre-activation of the calf musculature prior to touchdown stretches the Achilles tendon, which increases the capacity for elastic energy storage in forefoot running as compared with heel strike running (Roberts, 2002; Alexander, 2002).

Nevertheless, the findings suggest that the Achilles tendon is needed for efficient running which can only arise if a forefoot strike is utilized.

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References:

Alexander RM. Tendon elasticity and muscle function. Comp Biochem Phsiol Part A, 2002; 133; 1001-1011.

Sellers et al. Evolutionary robotic approaches in primate gait analysis. Int J Primatol, 2010; 31:321-338.

Wilson SW and Watson JS. A catapult action for rapid limb protraction. Nature, 2003; 421, 35-36.