A2 Review article, Literature review, Systematic review
Towards modern understanding of the Achilles tendon properties in human movement research (2023)

Finni, T., & Vanwanseele, B. (2023). Towards modern understanding of the Achilles tendon properties in human movement research. Journal of Biomechanics, 152, Article 111583. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbiomech.2023.111583

JYU authors or editors

Juutinen, Taija

Publication details

All authors or editors: Finni, Taija; Vanwanseele, Benedicte

Journal or series: Journal of Biomechanics

ISSN: 0021-9290

eISSN: 1873-2380

Publication year: 2023

Publication date: 13/04/2023

Volume: 152

Article number: 111583

Publisher: Elsevier

Publication country: United States

Publication language: English

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbiomech.2023.111583

Publication open access: Openly available

Publication channel open access: Partially open access channel

Publication is parallel published (JYX): https://jyx.jyu.fi/handle/123456789/86537

Abstract

The Achilles tendon (AT) is the strongest tendon in humans, yet it often suffers from injury. The mechanical properties of the AT afford efficient movement, power amplification and power attenuation during locomotor tasks. The properties and the unique structure of the AT as a common tendon for three muscles have been studied frequently in humans using in vivo methods since 1990’s. As a part of the celebration of 50 years history of the International Society of Biomechanics, this paper reviews the history of the AT research focusing on its mechanical properties in humans. The questions addressed are: What are the most important mechanical properties of the Achilles tendon, how are they studied, what is their significance to human movement, and how do they adapt? We foresee that the ongoing developments in experimental methods and modeling can provide ways to advance knowledge of the complex three-dimensional structure and properties of the Achilles tendon in vivo, and to enable monitoring of the loading and recovery for optimizing individual adaptations.

Keywords: tendons; calcaneal tendon; physical properties; stiffness; strain; in vivo method; biomechanics