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Conference presentation
Achilles Tendinopathy in Runners: The Hidden Role of the Nervous System in Persistent Plantarflexor Weakness
QUT Spring Symposium 2025 (Brisbane, Australia, 06/09/2025)
06/09/2025
Abstract
Persistent plantarflexor weakness is a common issue in runners with Achilles tendinopathy (AT). For years, soleus was considered the primary contributor, guiding both assessment and treatment. However, new research challenges this assumption. This presentation will show that runners with AT have a selective deficit in the lateral gastrocnemius, evidenced by reduced activation and a lower contribution to total triceps surae force. I will delve into the neural mechanisms driving this selective weakness and discuss how it may alter tendon load distribution, potentially explaining why symptoms persist. To address this, I will propose a new intervention using targeted recruitment strategies to specifically strengthen and increase the activation of the lateral gastrocnemius. This novel approach may improve treatment effectiveness by correcting a key deficit that current rehabilitation methods often fail.
Details
- Title
- Achilles Tendinopathy in Runners: The Hidden Role of the Nervous System in Persistent Plantarflexor Weakness
- Creators
- Gabriel Fernandes - Southern Cross University
- Conference
- QUT Spring Symposium 2025 (Brisbane, Australia, 06/09/2025)
- Identifiers
- 991013384752002368
- Academic Unit
- Faculty of Health
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Conference presentation