Abstract Summary
Due to the anatomical structure of Achilles tendon, it has been hypothesized that muscle force imbalance within the triceps surae (TS) muscle group may play a role in the development of Achilles tendinopathy. The aim of this study was to determine if the sharing of force production within the TS differs between a healthy and a pathological populations [Achilles tendinopathy (AT)]. 21 participants presenting AT and 21 healthy controls participated in the study. Participants attended two experimental sessions in which we measured gastrocnemius medialis (GM), gastrocnemius lateralis (GL) and soleus (SOL) force production using (i) activation [surface electromyography (EMG)] and (ii) force-generating capacities indicator [using physiological cross-sectional area (PCSA)]. Results showed that people with AT tend to activate their GL significantly less within the whole TS, when compared to healthy controls. This leads to a significant reduced contribution of the GL to the plantarflexion torque.
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