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- Title
Effects of high loading by eccentric triceps surae training on Achilles tendon properties in humans.
- Authors
Geremia, Jeam Marcel; Baroni, Bruno Manfredini; Bobbert, Maarten Frank; Bini, Rodrigo Rico; Lanferdini, Fabio Juner; Vaz, Marco Aurélio
- Abstract
<bold>Purpose: </bold>To document the magnitude and time course of human Achilles tendon adaptations (i.e. changes in tendon morphological and mechanical properties) during a 12-week high-load plantar flexion training program.<bold>Methods: </bold>Ultrasound was used to determine Achilles tendon cross-sectional area (CSA), length and elongation as a function of plantar flexion torque during voluntary plantar flexion. Tendon force-elongation and stress-strain relationships were determined before the start of training (pre-training) and after 4 (post-4), 8 (post-8) and 12 (post-12) training weeks.<bold>Results: </bold>At the end of the training program, maximum isometric force had increased by 49% and tendon CSA by 17%, but tendon length, maximal tendon elongation and maximal strain were unchanged. Hence, tendon stiffness had increased by 82%, and so had Young's modulus, by 86%. Significant changes were first detected at post-4 in stiffness (51% increase) and Young's modulus (87% increase), and at post-8 in CSA (15% increase).<bold>Conclusions: </bold>Achilles tendon material properties already improved after 4 weeks of high-load training: stiffness increased while CSA remained unchanged. Tendon hypertrophy (increased CSA) was observed after 8 training weeks and contributed to a further increase in Achilles tendon stiffness, but tendon stiffness increases were mostly caused by adaptations in tissue properties.
- Subjects
ACHILLES tendon; SKELETAL muscle physiology; PHYSIOLOGICAL adaptation; ELASTICITY; MUSCLE contraction; MUSCLE strength; PHYSICAL fitness; TORQUE; PHYSIOLOGY
- Publication
European Journal of Applied Physiology, 2018, Vol 118, Issue 6, pN.PAG
- ISSN
1439-6319
- Publication type
journal article
- DOI
10.1007/s00421-018-3904-1