Imaging and simulation of Achilles tendon dynamics: Implications for walking performance in the elderly

Franz, Jason R.; Thelen, Darryl G.

doi:10.1016/j.jbiomech.2016.04.032

Cited by 57 publications

(50 citation statements)

References 32 publications

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“…For instance, the in vivo Achilles tendon consists of three, partly independent, sub-tendons that arise from the separate gastrocnemius and soleus muscle bellies (Franz et al, 2015). Age-related changes in these sub-tendons’ inter-dependence influence triceps surae muscle-tendon function (Franz and Thelen, 2016). These changes are overlooked in the model that we used in this study because the triceps surae tendons are independent in our models.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Achilles tendon stiffness minimizes the energy cost in simulations of walking in older but not in young adults

Delabastita

Groote

Vanwanseele

2020

Preprint

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Both Achilles tendon stiffness and walking patterns influence the energy cost of walking, but their relative contributions remain unclear. These independent contributions can only be investigated using simulations. We created models for 16 young (24±2 years) and 15 older (75±4 years) subjects, with individualized (using optimal parameter estimations) and generic triceps surae muscle-tendon parameters. We varied Achilles tendon stiffness and calculated the energy cost of walking. Both in young and older adults, Achilles tendon stiffness independently contributed to the energy cost of walking. However, overall, a 25% increase in Achilles tendon stiffness increased the triceps surae and whole-body energy cost of walking with approximately 7% and 1.5%, respectively. Therefore, the influence of Achilles tendon stiffness is rather limited. Walking patterns also independently contributed to the energy cost of walking because the plantarflexor (including, but not limited to the triceps surae) energy cost of walking was lower in older than in young adults. Hence, training interventions should probably rather target specific walking patterns than Achilles tendon stiffness to decrease the energy cost of walking. However, based on the results of previous experimental studies, we expected that the calculated hip extensor and whole-body energy cost of walking would be higher in older than in young adults. This was not confirmed in our results. Future research might therefore assess the contribution of the walking pattern to the energy cost of walking by individualizing maximal isometric muscle force and by using three-dimensional models of muscle contraction.Summary statementAchilles tendon stiffness and walking patterns independently contribute to the energy cost in simulations of walking in young and older adults. The influence of Achilles tendon stiffness is rather small.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Achilles tendon stiffness minimizes the energy cost in simulations of walking in older but not in young adults

Delabastita

Groote

Vanwanseele

2020

Preprint

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

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“…Based on the biplanar investigation approach utilized in the current study, the largest tendon tissue displacements during isometric plantarflexor contractions occurred in the antero‐medial portion of the free Achilles tendon, which we suspect reflects soleus subtendon behavior. Non‐uniform Achilles tendon displacements may have an important functional role in allowing independent mechanical performance of the individual triceps surae muscles, and this independence may be lost after injury or with aging . Future studies are warranted to examine the functional and pathological implications of non‐uniform Achilles tendon tissue displacements, which have now been shown to occur in both isolated muscle contractions and during human locomotion.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Biplanar ultrasound investigation of in vivo Achilles tendon displacement non-uniformity

2018

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The Achilles tendon is a common tendon for the medial and lateral gastrocnemius and soleus muscles. Non‐uniform Achilles tendon regional displacements have been observed in vivo which may result from non‐uniform muscle loading and intratendinous shearing. However, prior observations are limited to the sagittal plane. This study investigated Achilles tendon tissue displacement patterns during isometric plantarflexor contractions in the coronal and sagittal planes. Fourteen subjects (5 female, 9 male, 26 ± 3 year) performed maximal isometric plantarflexor contractions with the knee in full extension and flexed to 110°. An ultrasound transducer positioned over the free Achilles tendon collected beam formed radio frequency (RF) data at 70 frames/s. Localized tissue displacements were analyzed using a speckle tracking algorithm. We observed non‐uniform Achilles tendon tissue displacements in both imaging planes. Knee joint posture had no significant effect on tissue displacement patterns in either imaging plane. The non‐uniform Achilles tendon tissue displacements during loading may arise from the anatomical organization of the sub‐tendons associated with the three heads of the triceps surae. The biplanar investigation suggests that greatest displacements are localized to tissue likely to belong to soleus subtendon. This study adds novel information with possible implications for muscle coordination, function, and muscle‐tendon injury mechanisms.

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“…In fact, we showed earlier that 6-minute walking test results positively correlate with Achilles tendon stiffness in older adults (39). Additionally, recent studies using ultrasound imaging and musculoskeletal modeling have started to unfold more complex interactions between Achilles tendon mechanical properties and triceps surae muscle function in which age-related Achilles tendon interfascicular adhesions coupling gastrocnemius and soleus muscle function may contribute to the reduced plantarflexor performance in walking in older adults (15,16).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Slower Walking Speed in Older Men Improves Triceps Surae Force Generation Ability

Stenroth

Sipilä

Finni

et al. 2017

Medicine &Amp; Science in Sports &Amp; Exercise

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Purpose: Older adults walk slower than young adults but it is not known why. Previous research suggests that ankle plantarflexors may have a crucial role in the reduction of walking speed. The purpose of this study was to investigate age-related differences in triceps surae muscle-tendon function during walking to further investigate the role of plantarflexors in the age-related reduction of walking speed. Methods: Medial gastrocnemius and soleus muscle fascicle lengths were measured using ultrasound imaging during walking from 13 young (25±4yrs) men at preferred walking speed, and from 13 older (73±5yrs) men at preferred speed and at the young men's preferred speed. Muscle-tendon unit lengths were calculated from joint kinematics and tendinous tissue lengths were calculated by subtracting muscle lengths from muscle-tendon unit lengths. In addition, ground reaction forces and electromyographic activity of medial gastrocnemius and soleus were measured. Results: In both medial gastrocnemius and soleus it was observed that at preferred walking speed, older men used a narrower muscle fascicle operating range and lower shortening velocity at the estimated time of triceps surae peak force generation compared to young men. Fascicles also accounted for a lower proportion of muscle-tendon unit length changes during the stance phase in older compared to young men. Significant differences in triceps surae muscle function were not observed between age groups when compared at matched walking speed. Conclusions: In older men, walking at preferred speed allows triceps surae muscles to generate force with more favorable shortening velocity and to enhance use of tendinous tissue elasticity compared to walking at young men's preferred speed. The results suggest that older men may prefer slower walking speeds to compensate for decreased plantarflexor strength.

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Imaging and simulation of Achilles tendon dynamics: Implications for walking performance in the elderly

Cited by 57 publications

References 32 publications

Achilles tendon stiffness minimizes the energy cost in simulations of walking in older but not in young adults

Achilles tendon stiffness minimizes the energy cost in simulations of walking in older but not in young adults

Biplanar ultrasound investigation of in vivo Achilles tendon displacement non-uniformity

Slower Walking Speed in Older Men Improves Triceps Surae Force Generation Ability

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