(English) Episode 266-Digital twins for Achilles tendon rehab

This research examines in vivo free Achilles tendon strain by combining neuromusculoskeletal modeling with medical imaging to analyze various physical activities. By studying elite runners, the authors determined that tendon strain is highly task-dependent, with the lowest levels occurring during walking and the highest during running and maximal hop landings. The study also demonstrates that increasing locomotor speed or adding external weight during exercises significantly elevates the mechanical load on the tendon. These findings suggest that targeted exercise selection is crucial for clinical rehabilitation, as specific strain magnitudes are necessary to trigger anabolic remodeling and prevent tissue atrophy. Ultimately, the data provides a preliminary framework for personalizing Achilles tendon training to optimize recovery and performance.(Devaprakash D, Graham DF, Barrett RS, Lloyd DG, Obst SJ, Kennedy B, et al. Free Achilles tendon strain during selected rehabilitation, locomotor, jumping, and landing tasks. J Appl Physiol [Internet]. 2022;132(4):956–65. Available from: http://dx.doi.org/10.1152/japplphysiol.00662.2021)