Influence of lower-limb muscular and tendon mechanical properties and strength on countermovement jump performance

Maximilian Wdowski, Katarzyna Rosicka, Mathew Hill

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    7 Citations (Scopus)
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    Abstract

    BACKGROUND: The aim of the study is to examine the relationship between measures of muscle and tendon mechanical properties and strength on countermovement jump (CMJ) performance. METHODS: Twenty-six physically active participants (males; n = 16: females; n = 10) were tested. Testing comprised of measuring the mechanical properties of lower limb muscles and tendons using myotonometry, isometric and isokinetic knee extensor strength through dynamometry, and CMJ’s with a force platform. RESULTS: Large positive correlations were observed between CMJ jump height and Achilles tendon stiffness (N/m) (r=0.56) and Achilles tendon tone (Hz) (r=0.553). Large negative correlations were found between CMJ height and Achilles tendon elasticity (r=-0.658), and Achilles tendon relaxation (r=-0.572), and Achilles tendon creep (r=-0.589). Large correlations (r=0.592 to 0.659) were observed between CMJ height and all measures of isometric and isokinetic dynamometry measures. Achilles tendon stiffness, elasticity level and relaxation, and isokinetic peak concentric torque (N.m) explained 63% of this variance. CONCLUSIONS: Greater stiffness of the Achilles tendon may improve CMJ performance due to the improved transfer of concentric and eccentric force of the knee extensor muscles. Practitioners need to implement specific interventions to target increasing Achilles tendon stiffness to improve countermovement jump performance.
    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)16-22
    Number of pages7
    JournalThe Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness
    Volume63
    Issue number1
    Early online date1 Mar 2022
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 1 Jan 2023

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    Keywords

    • Achilles tendon
    • Lower extremity
    • Muscle strength
    • Muscles
    • Plyometric exercise

    ASJC Scopus subject areas

    • Orthopedics and Sports Medicine
    • Physical Therapy, Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation

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