KINEMATIC AND NEUROMUSCULAR CHANGES OF THE GAIT PATTERN AFTER ACHILLES-TENDON RUPTURE

After long immobilization periods in equinovalgus with operated Achill es tendon rupture, long-lasting changes of motor patterns in functiona l movement can be expected. In the present study, possible alterations in gait pattern have been analyzed based on kinematic and neuromuscul ar parameters. Ten patients 1 year after surgery and a healthy control group performed 10 gait cycles in natural walking cadence. Ankle moti on, pressure distribution, and electromyographic data were recorded an d analyzed in defined phases, Kinematic and neuromuscular changes are still evident 1 year after surgery with a temporal phase shift and a n euromuscular deficit of the lateral gastrocnemius muscle. The objectiv e of rehabilitation should be the facilitation of the temporal innerva tion pattern of the lateral gastrocnemius muscle in the functional mov ement.