Study
- 42 runners – 13 with Achilles tendinopathy, 8 with shin splints, 21 uninjured
- Researchers analysed their standing posture, flexibility and running biomechanics
Findings
- Pronation lasted longer among the uninjured runners. More eversion at heel-off (6° vs 0°)
- Injured runners had more tibia varus in standing position (8.7° vs 6.8°)
- Injured runners had less dorsiflexion flexibility (6.1° vs 11.2°)
Strengths
- One of the first studies looking at the duration of pronation rather than the amount or speed of pronation
Weaknesses
- Retrospective – runners were already injured so these biomechanical features could be an ‘effect’ rather than a cause
- Runners wore their own shoes, this could have influenced the running biomechanics
Key Takeaways For Clinicians
- Look for any eversion at heel-off in runners with Achilles tendinopathy or shins splints
Key Takeaways For Runners
- A longer duration of pronation may be something that contributes to, or results from, Achilles tendinopathy or shin splints