ABSTRACT

　The purpose of the present work was to compare the ankle joint passive torque and mechanical properties of muscle-tendon systems in the athletes of three groups with Forefoot, Midfoot and Reaefoot strike pattern in distance running. Also, its relation to athletic performance was investigated. From male subjects (71 in experiment1, 23 in experiment 2) with wide range performance level from world top class to recreational runners, the ankle joint passive torque and stiffness index of both muscle and tendon were measured using B mode ultrasound apparatus. The result of interby group comparisons showed significant differences of performance between Rearfoot group and both Forefoot and Midfoot groups, while no significant difference was observed in ankle joint passive torque and mechanical properties of muscle and tendon. The correlation analysis revealed that athletes with high performance tend to possess high passive torque in observation of all subjects and even in that of each of Midfoot and Rearfoot groups. Additionally, athletes with high performance tend to be with high muscle stiffness index. These results suggest that high ankle joint passive torque and muscle stiffness index would influence improvement of athletic performance in distance running but the differences of effect in the variation of foot strike pattern were not clear.

DESCENTE SPORTS SCIENCE Vol.37/THE DESCENTE AND ISHIMOTO MEMORIAL FOUNDATION FOR THE PROMOTION SPORTS SCIENCE