Tiago Jacques disputation

The heading of the thesis is "Bilateral kinetic, kinematic, neuromechanical and muscle-tendon properties of habitual runners". The name of the PhD student is Tiago C Jacques.

The thesis was motivated by the high incidence of Achilles tendon injuries in habitual runners. Such injuries occur more often unilaterally and are usually associated to high loads being frequently applied to tendons.

Running by evaluating variables

The thesis experimental approach was to investigate inter-limb differences during running by evaluating variables previously associated to Achilles tendon injury. Possible bilateral differences may result in greater mechanical load to one limb and therefore may increase tendon injury risk. Triceps surae and Achilles tendon characteristics were also investigated in habitual runners bilaterally during isometric contractions. This in turn allowed to understand if similar adaptation can be expected to occur in muscle and tendon among limbs of habitual runners.

Harmful to tendon health

The few inter-limb differences identified during running are potentially harmful to tendon health. However, muscle and tendon characteristics were found to not differ among limbs, suggesting limbs adapt similarly and theoretically have the same capacity for managing running loads. Recommendations on monitoring running biomechanics and muscle-tendon adaptation bilaterally across the season were provided to coaches and clinicians as preventive strategies for Achilles tendon injuries in habitual runners.

The thesis can be read at The School of Sport and Health Sciences DiVA