MECHANISMS FOR RUPTURED ACHILLES TENDONS: WOMEN’S GYMNASTICS

William A Sands; Jeni  McNeal; Gabriella Penitente; Steve Murray; Michael Stone; Joshua Bullock; Monem Jemni

doi:10.52165/sgj.17.3.355-372

Authors

William A Sands FACSM - Retired, Colorado, USA
Jeni McNeal RipFest Diving, Washington, USA
Gabriella Penitente Sheffield Hallam University
Steve Murray University of California, Berkeley
Michael Stone East Tennessee State University
Joshua Bullock Orthopedic Specialty Hospital
Monem Jemni The Carrick Institute, Florida USA; Faculty of Physical Education, Ningbo University, China; Centre for Mental Health Research in Association with the University of Cambridge, UK.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.52165/sgj.17.3.355-372

Keywords:

tumbling take-off, injury, safety

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to characterize the unusual take-off techniques demonstrated during tumbling take-offs on a spring tumbling strip (STS) and to assess the potential causes of these techniques and their possible contributions to Achilles tendon ruptures. A survey study of women’s collegiate gymnasts showed an alarmingly high 17.2% prevalence of ruptured Achilles tendons (Bonanno, Cheng, Tilley, Abutalib, & Casey). Twelve highly trained female gymnasts from USA Gymnastics voluntarily participated. The take-off was captured (2D) via high-speed video (500 fps). An accelerometer (1D) was placed under the STS take-off position (1000 Hz). Reflective markers were placed on the toes, heels, ankles, knees, hips, torso center, shoulders, elbows, wrists, hands, and the apices of the head. Lower extremity angles were of primary interest. Two take-off trials were cross-correlated and analyzed. Results indicated an unusual and unexpected “secondary knee flexion” during take-off. Knee angle changes indicated that take-off actions were not simple eccentric knee flexion followed by concentric knee extension. The observed motions are heretofore undocumented. During the period from heel contact to heel departure, the gymnasts’ ankles reach extremes of dorsiflexion at approximately the same time that their knees are extending, and the STS reaches its lowest position of descent. We speculate that the gymnasts may be readjusting muscle stiffness, reacting to a sudden intermediate vibration of the STS, or showing an artefact of the rearward rotation of the entire body about the feet. The observed actions may contribute to Achilles tendon injury.

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Author Biographies

William A Sands, FACSM - Retired, Colorado, USA

Retired sports scientist. Formerly - Head Sports Biomechanics, Senior Physiologist, Director Recovery Center, US Olympic and Paralympic Committee. Sports Scientist US Ski and Snowboard Association.
Jeni McNeal, RipFest Diving, Washington, USA

Sports Scientist RipFest Diving, Spokane, Washington, USA
Gabriella Penitente, Sheffield Hallam University

Senior Lecturer Sport & Exercise Biomechanics

School of Sport and Physical Activity | Advanced Wellbeing Research Centre
Steve Murray, University of California, Berkeley

Director and Professor of Teaching

Physical Education Program
Michael Stone, East Tennessee State University

Professor: Department of Exercise and Sport Science

East Tennessee State University
Joshua Bullock, Orthopedic Specialty Hospital

Sports Scientist, The Orthopedic Specialty Hospital
Monem Jemni, The Carrick Institute, Florida USA; Faculty of Physical Education, Ningbo University, China; Centre for Mental Health Research in Association with the University of Cambridge, UK.

The Carrick Institute, Florida USA

Faculty of Physical Education, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315000, China

Centre for Mental Health Research in Association with the University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.

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