Neurophysiological characteristics accompanying runners with Achilles tendinopathy and their influence in triceps surae performance (PhD Academy Award)

Abstract

My PhD aimed to explore the influence of cortical and corticospinal mechanisms of motor control and their influence in plantarflexor performance in runners with Achilles tendinopathy and whether it affected each muscle of the triceps surae differently (figure 1). Alongside neurophysiological measures, I also measured plantarflexor peak isometric torque, using isokinetic dynamometry, and endurance, as the maximal number of single-leg heel raises (SLHR). The first study focused on the brain’s role in motor control, where I investigated short-interval intracortical inhibition (SICI) to the triceps surae. In the second study, I shifted attention to α-motoneurons, specifically motor units, which consist of a group of muscle fibres innervated by the same α-motoneuron. This study explored the central nervous system’s independent control of each triceps surae muscle during isometric contractions and examined whether these control strategies differ between individuals with and without Achilles tendinopathy. Finally, I investigated a potential strategy to selectively increase lateral gastrocnemius activation of the by positioning the foot inwards during isometric plantarflexion. Figure 1 Changes in cortical and corticospinal circuits in runners with Achilles tendinopathy and their influence on plantarflexor performance. Achilles tendinopathy is a highly prevalent injury among runners and often becomes chronic, with many patients failing to respond to conservative treatment. …