Patellofemoral and Achilles Tendon Loads: Overground vs Treadmill Running (ptpodcast.com)

• No significant differences in peak patellofemoral joint loads between conditions.
• Achilles tendon loads were similar across overground and treadmill running.
• Treadmill running may alter knee flexion angles, affecting patellofemoral stress distribution.
• The study supports using treadmill running as a safe alternative for load management in rehabilitation.

"A 2016 study by Willy et al. compared patellofemoral joint and Achilles tendon loads during overground and treadmill running. Overall, no significant differences were found in peak joint loads, but treadmill running showed slightly different loading patterns. The findings suggest that treadmill running is a reasonable surrogate for overground running for most rehabilitation purposes. The study is discussed in depth on the PT Inquest podcast."