A Mathematical Model of Achilles Tendon Overload During Jump Shot

Abstract

Introduction: Achilles tendon injuries usually occur with abrupt movements at the level of the ankle and foot, and the consequence is the overload of the Achilles tendon. Aim: Examine the Achilles tendon load as a function of the landing angle, and find the critical point at which the tendon overload begins and when a further increase in the landing angle can lead to rupture. Methods: The study has a prospective character. The input data represent the anthropometric values of the respondents, who are professional basketball players in the senior national team of Bosnia and Herzegovina and were processed in the CATIA v5-6 software solution. Software data processing analyzed the landing angles and the transfer of force to the Achilles tendon. The end result is a regression curve, which projects the angle at which the Achilles tendon is overloaded, and indicates an increased risk of possible injury to the tendon itself. Results: The onset of overloading starts at an angle of 32.28° and at an angle of 35.75° the overloaded load occurs, indicating the need for the subject to change the position of the foot to prevent damage to the tendon itself. Conclusion: An angle of 35.75° is the critical point at which the Achilles tendons are overloaded at the very landing. Prevention of injury should go in the direction of practicing the feet for a particular position at the time of the landing, and in the direction to develop adequate footwear that would mitigate the angle at the landing.