Climbing is associated with tissue-specific mechanical adaptations of the plantar fascia and achilles tendon.

Authors

Michał Burzyński, Alicja Jurecka, Jerzy Walocha, Bartosz Rutowicz, Anna Groszyk, Konrad Kwolek, Henryk Liszka

Published in

Foot and ankle surgery : official journal of the European Society of Foot and Ankle Surgeons. Oct 04, 2026. Epub Oct 04, 2026.

Abstract

The effects of amateur climbing on the mechanical and viscoelastic properties of foot and lower leg soft tissues remain poorly understood.
This cross-sectional study compared 33 amateur climbers with 32 non-climbing controls. MyotonPRO assessment evaluated oscillation frequency, dynamic stiffness, logarithmic decrement, mechanical stress relaxation time, and creep at selected foot and lower leg soft-tissue sites. Foot Posture Index was used. Exploratory analyses were performed according to climbing experience.
Climbers demonstrated tissue-specific differences in selected myotonometric variables. The most consistent profile was observed in the distal plantar fascia beneath the fifth ray and the mid-portion of the Achilles tendon, where climbers showed higher oscillation frequency and dynamic stiffness with lower relaxation time and creep values. Foot Posture Index scores were comparable between groups.
Amateur climbing may be associated with localised biomechanical adaptations of lower extremity soft tissues.
Level IV.

PMID:
42850107
Bibliographic data and abstract were imported from PubMed on 09 Oct 2026.

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