Reduced Achilles Tendon Stiffness Disrupts Calf Muscle Neuromechanics in Elderly Gait
Rebecca L. Krupenevich, Owen N. Beck, Gregory S. Sawicki, Jason R. Franz
Abstract
Older adults walk slower and with a higher metabolic energy expenditure than younger adults. In this review, we explore the hypothesis that age-related declines in Achilles tendon stiffness increase the metabolic cost of walking due to less economical calf muscle contractions and increased proximal joint work. This viewpoint may motivate interventions to restore ankle muscle-tendon stiffness, improve walking mechanics, and reduce metabolic cost in older adults.
Topics & Concepts
Achilles tendonAnkleMetabolic costGaitPhysical medicine and rehabilitationTendonPlantar flexionMedicineMuscle stiffnessEnergy expenditureCalf musclePhysical therapyJoint stiffnessGastrocnemius muscleStiffnessAnatomySkeletal muscleSurgeryInternal medicineEngineeringStructural engineeringMuscle activation and electromyography studiesTendon Structure and TreatmentSports injuries and prevention