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The impact of a 12 week running program on Achilles and patellar tendon stiffness - A transversal and a prospective study

Ernotte, Guillaume
(2022)

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Ernotte_Guillaume_37501500_2021-2022.pdf
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Details

Supervisors
Nguyen, Anh Phong
Faculty
Faculté des sciences de la motricité
Degree label
Master [60] en kinésithérapie et réadaptation
Abstract
Abstract Context and Objectives: For decades, stiffness is recognized to play a crucial role in running, both in terms of performance and injury prevention. Moreover, stiffness is a vital kinetic property in running and yet we do not know the impact of training on this feature. The aim of this study is 1. to evaluate the differences in stiffness between a regular runner and a sedentary individual. (Cross-sectional study) and 2. to evaluate the stiffness modulations in the Achilles tendon (AT) and patellar tendon (PT) when a sedentary individual realized a three-months running program. (Prospective study) Methods: The stiffness was assessed using the MyotonPro® device. For the cross-sectional study, 33 healthy runners and 49 non-runners were included. Their stiffness was measured at several points on the Achilles tendon, i.e. 2, 4, 6 and 8 cm above the distal insertion. Concerning the prospective study, 99 healthy non-runners were included. 76 of them started the running program while 23 did not modify their daily life activities. Their Achilles tendon stiffness was measure before and three months after the start of the training. The difference between pre and post-run stiffness measurement were statically analyzed to assess stiffness variation at the end of the running program. Results: Despite a statistically insignificant difference for Achilles tendon stiffness between runners and non-runners, there was a clinical tendency with an asymmetrical 95% confidence interval (CI) and a small effect size that runners could demonstrate greater stiffness. (+39.18 N/m, 95%CI between -4.58 N/m to 82.94 N/m, p-value=0.07, Cohen (d) effect size = 0.42). Concerning prospective study, there were no difference in the variation of stiffness between new runners and sedentary individuals. Similarly, a tendency of increased stiffness for runners compared to sedentary was observed with asymmetrical 95% CI and effect size(+31.94 N/m, 95%CI between -8.93 N/m to 72.81 N/m, p-value=0.123, Cohen (d) effect size = 0.43). Conclusion: The present study failed to demonstrate statistical significance of stiffness difference between either runner and non-runner and stiffness variation after a three-months running training in sedentary individuals. However, our results encourage us to continue studying stiffness in running Including a larger pool of participants.