PhD. study on runners with Achilles Tendinopathy

A huge thank you to all the volunteers who participated in the studies of my PhD and those who helped share this work.

https://bjsm.bmj.com/content/early/2025/06/19/bjsports-2025-109801

I have published a summary of the three main studies of my PhD in thr British journal of sports
Medicine.
BJSM is ranked #1 Sports Medicine journal.

Thanks again, for all that have participated in these in any form.

Neurophysiological characteristics accompanying runners with Achilles tendinopathy and their influence in triceps surae performance (PhD Academy Award) My PhD aimed to explore the influence of cortical and corticospinal mechanisms of motor control and their influence in plantarflexor performance in runners with Achilles tendinopathy and whether it affected each muscle of the triceps surae differently (figure 1). Alongside neurophysiological measure...

Our research group has a new study on athletes with Achilles tendinopathy. Not just runners, but any sport invovled running. We want to understand the different responses from each of the three muscles of the calf during fatigue.

Come participate !

Check if you meet the inclusion criteria using the form below

https://forms.gle/L9zoJXdiWN45d2MZ6

New publication alert 🚨

https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00421-022-05089-w

Lower motor unit discharge rates in gastrocnemius lateralis,
but not in gastrocnemius medialis or soleus, in runners with Achilles tendinopathy: a pilot study

What we did:
We measured the discharge properties of the motor units of Soleus, Gastrocnemius medialis and lateralis, of runners with and without AT, during plantar flexor isometric contraction in two submaximal torque intensities, 10 and 20% mvic.

We found:
Lower MU discharge rate of GL in the AT from 10 to 20% mvic. No differences in MU discharge rates in SOL or GM.

So what:
It is suggested that changes in muscle coordination strategies can occur due to presence of painful stimuli and can create uneven loading to the tendon. This could contribute to overloading the Achilles tendon and the development of tendinopathy.

What now:
New studies* should investigate strategies to increase firing rates of GL, such as heel raises with feet pointed inwards) in runners with AT and assess if this changes symptoms.
*We are already doing this, by the way. (See last 2 photos, from our latest study, not yet published)
Photos are data from SOL, GM and GL

2022 was a huge year. Many exciting news for everyone. QUT exercise and science, A/prof Trajano’s team. New faces starting, members going home or moving on to new roles. New babies, historical soccer moments to be remembered for life🇸🇦. Many publications and great achievements everyone. Congratulations to us all. .alsalm and Lucas Jr.

Come and help us understand more about the neuromuscular function of the calf muscles in runners with Achilles tendinopathy (Achilles tendon pain)
Participation will involve 1 session at the neurophysiology's lab (QUT- Kelvin Grove, Brisbane) for neuromuscular assessment, should you meet inclusion criteria for this study:
We’re looking for runners between 18 and 60 years of age, that run at least 2x a week for more than 4 months. Runners suffering from Achilles tendinopathy (Achilles tendon pain that aggravates with running) (AT), for more than 3 months.

More information, please feel free to send an email to [email protected]

Come and help us understand more about calf performance in runners with Achilles tendon pain. This type of study is so helpful to understand the mechanisms behind tendinopathy and reduce recurrences.