Use of concurrent auditory, tactile, and visual cueing and estimated cadence increases on Achilles tendon loading in running.

OBJECTIVE

If self-estimated cadence increases or real-time cueing using auditory, tactile, and visual cues increases cadence and reduces Achilles tendon (AT) loading in runners.

DESIGN

Controlled laboratory.

PARTICIPANTS

35 recreational runners (age: 22.4 ± 1.9 years, mass: 74.5 ± 12.0 kg, height: 1.76 ± 0.09 m) MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Cadence was measured at preferred running cadence (baseline), self-estimated 10 % cadence increase, and 10 % increased real-time cadence cues, on an instrumented treadmill where kinematics and kinetics were obtained. Inverse dynamics and static optimization were applied to a 16-segment musculoskeletal model for kinematics and kinetics related to AT loading.

RESULTS

Cueing methods increased cadence from the baseline run (4.9 %-9.6 %) (p < 0.05). Foot inclination angle was unchanged (p > 0.05). Auditory cueing and visual cueing increased cadence to reduce AT Force by 10.9 % and 7.7 %, respectively. Step time and peak soleus force decreased for all conditions (p < 0.05). Peak ground reaction force decreased with visual cues (p < 0.05). Gastrocnemius force was unchanged.

CONCLUSION

Auditory and visual cues effectively influenced cadence, altering AT loading. Runners responded to auditory and visual cuing. Clinicians may consider these strategies when targeting cadence manipulation in runners with AT injuries in treadmill running.