title: Are the knee and ankle angles at contact related to the tendon properties of lower limbs in long distance runners?
abstract: The purpose of this study was to investigate whether the knee and ankle angles at contact during running were related to the elastic properties of tendon structures in knee extensors and plantar flexors and performance in trained long distance runners. Thirty-two highly trained male long distance runners participated in this study. Elongation of tendon structures in knee extensors and plantar flexors were measured using ultrasonography while subjects performed ramp isometric contractions up to the voluntary maximum. The relationship between estimated muscle force and tendon elongation was fit to a linear regression, the slope of which was defined as the stiffness of tendon structures. Knee and ankle angles at contact during running were determined at a speed of 18 km/h on a treadmill. Knee and ankle angles at contact were not correlated to the stiffness of tendon structures in knee extensors and plantar flexors. In addition, the best official record in a 5000-m race was not significantly correlated to knee and ankle joint angles at contact. In conclusion, knee and ankle angles at contact were not related to the elastic properties of tendon structures in knee extensors and plantar flexor and the performance of long distance running.
authors.affiliation: Department of Life Science (Sports Sciences), The University of Tokyo, Komaba 3-8-1, Meguro-ku, Tokyo, 153-8902 Japan.
authors.forename: Keitaro
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Kubo
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Physical Education, Kokushikan University, Tokyo, Japan.
authors.forename: Daisuke
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Miyazaki
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Physical Education, Kokushikan University, Tokyo, Japan.
authors.forename: Kenji
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Yamada
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Physical Education, Kokushikan University, Tokyo, Japan.
authors.forename: Shozo
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Shimoju
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Physical Education, Kokushikan University, Tokyo, Japan.
authors.forename: Naoya
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Tsunoda
keywords: Knee extensors; Plantar flexors; Tendon stiffness; Ultrasonography