Neuromechanical modulation during bilateral hopping in patients with unilateral achilles tendon rupture

Patients who have repaired their Achilles tendon (AT) rupture have potentially high risk for re-rupture. The present study showed that the great strain of the rupture-experienced AT during hopping can be one of crucial risk factors for re-rupture. In addition, the preprogramed muscle activation may not function as preprogrammed protective strategy after the initial ground contact. Our results suggest the low Young’s modulus of the rupture-experienced AT may delay the onset of agonist preprogramed muscle activation. Therefore, it may be important to increase the AT stiffness for the person who had ruptured AT to prevent the elongation of the compliant AT.