Interlimb differences in gait kinematics, kinetics, and muscle activation during walking and running one year after acute unilateral Achilles tendon rupture

One year after Achilles tendon rupture, walking was characterized by increased gastrocnemius muscle activation and reduced ankle sagittal joint excursion compared with the unaffected side. Moreover, running also showed reduced ankle joint excursion accompanied by attenuated plantar flexor moments, however, without any evident side-to-side differences in EMG recordings. Despite the observed inter-limb deficits, gait resembled normative kinematic patterns, likely reflecting compensatory mechanisms. EMG and joint moments were more variable than kinematics. These results support the need for individualized targeted long-term triceps surae rehabilitation following Achilles tendon rupture.