Biomechanical characteristics have been recurrently associated as aetiological factors in Achilles tendinopathy. Despite this, no study has investigated the relationship between biomechanics and clinical severity.
To establish whether an association exists between Achilles tendinopathy clinical severity and biomechanical kinetic and temporospatial variables.
Design: Observational cross-sectional cohort study.
Setting: Gait laboratory.
Twenty-four participants with mid-portion Achilles tendinopathy.
Main outcomes: Gait kinetic and temporospatial parameters were measured using an instrumented treadmill. Clinical severity was measured using the Victoria Institute of Sport Assessment-Achilles Questionnaire.
Overall clinical severity was reduced in participants with a greater step length (B = 2.144, p = 0.04) and a greater anteroposterior displacement of center of pressure (B = 0.117, p = 0.02) and increased in individuals with a greater step time (B = -343.861, p = 0.05).
Pain was greater in participants with a greater weight acceptance peak index (B = -1.058, p = 0.046), impulse (B = -0.108, p = 0.04) and active force peak (B = -0.102, p = 0.025) and reduced in participants with a greater weight acceptance rate (B = 0.004, p = 0.024), stride length (B = 0.374, p = 0.049), step length (B = 0.0755, p = 0.044) and push-off rate (B = 0.003, p = 0.038).
Function was reduced in participants with a greater weight acceptance peak index (B = -0.905, p = 0.014) and greater double support time (B = -198.526, p = 0.040).
Activity was increased in participants with an increased anteroposterior displacement of centre of pressure (B = 0.061, p = 0.038) and reduced in participants with a greater base of support. (B = -1.500, p = 0.033)
Significant correlations between biomechanical parameters and Achilles tendinopathy clinical severity exist. Biomechanical variables identified in this study should be investigated in larger cohorts prior to determining clinical applications.