Effects of plyometric training on passive stiffness of gastrocnemii and the musculo-articular complex of the ankle joint

Scand J Med Sci Sports. 2009 Dec;19(6):811-8. doi: 10.1111/j.1600-0838.2008.00853.x. Epub 2009 Aug 5.

Abstract

This study aimed to determine simultaneously the effects of plyometric training on the passive stiffness of the ankle joint musculo-articular complex, the gastrocnemii muscle-tendon complex (MTC) and the Achilles tendon in order to assess possible local adaptations of elastic properties. Seventeen subjects were divided into a trained (TG) group and a control (CG) group. They were tested before and after 8 weeks of a plyometric training period. The ankle joint range of motion (RoM), the global musculo-articular passive stiffness of the ankle joint, the maximal passive stiffness of gastrocnemii and the stiffness of the Achilles tendon during isometric plantar flexion were determined. A significant increase in the jump performances of TG relative to CG was found (squat jumps: +17.6%, P=0.008; reactive jumps: +19.8%, P=0.001). No significant effect of plyometric training was observed in the ankle joint RoM, musculo-articular passive stiffness of the ankle joint or Achilles tendon stiffness (P>0.05). In contrast, the maximal passive stiffness of gastrocnemii of TG increased after plyometric training relative to CG (+33.3%, P=0.001). Thus, a specific adaptation of the gastrocnemii MTC occurred after plyometric training, without affecting the global passive musculo-articular stiffness of the ankle joint.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Ankle Joint / physiopathology*
  • Biomechanical Phenomena
  • Humans
  • Isometric Contraction / physiology*
  • Male
  • Muscle, Skeletal / physiopathology*
  • Pilot Projects
  • Range of Motion, Articular*
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Young Adult