Foot strike pattern during running alters muscle-tendon dynamics of the gastrocnemius and the soleus

ABSTRACT Running is thought to be an efficient gait due, in part, to the behavior of the plantar flexor muscles and the elastic energy storage in the Achilles tendon. Although plantar flexor muscle mechanics and Achilles tendon energy storage have been explored during rearfoot striking, they have not been fully characterized during forefoot striking. This study examines how plantar flexor muscle-tendon mechanics during running differ between rearfoot and forefoot striking. We used musculoskeletal simulations, driven by joint angles and electromyography recorded from runners using both rearfoot and forefoot striking running patterns, to characterize plantar flexor muscle-tendon mechanics. The simulations revealed that foot strike pattern affected the soleus and gastrocnemius differently. For the soleus, forefoot striking resulted in decreased tendon energy storage and decreased positive fiber work compared to rearfoot striking. For the gastrocnemius, forefoot striking resulted in greater activation and increased negative fiber work compared to rearfoot striking. The increased activation and negative fiber work in the gastrocnemius during forefoot striking suggest that runners planning to convert to forefoot striking would benefit from a progressive eccentric gastrocnemius strengthening program to avoid injury.