Stretching or Plyometric Stresses Do Not Induce Immediate Modifications in Achilles Tendon Stiffness. A cross-over study.

Details

Supervisors

Nguyen, Anh Phong

Faculty

Faculté des sciences de la motricité

Degree label

Master [120] en sciences de la motricité, orientation générale, à finalité spécialisée: kinésithérapie musculo-squelettique

Abstract

Background : The aim of this study was to evaluate if a single bout of plyometric exercise or stretching exercise could modulate the stiffness of the Achilles tendon and gastrocnemius muscles and modulate the dorsiflexion range of motion of the ankle joint. Another objective was to verify the intra-operator reliability of the MyotonPRO. Methods : Twenty-six healthy males (mean age= 23 ± 2.3) were recruited for this study. They had to perform 6x30sec of static stretching or plyometric exercise. The stiffness of the Achilles tendon and both gastrocnemius was assessed using the MyotonPRO device and the dorsiflexion range of motion of the ankle joint was measured using the weight-bearing lunge test. Results : The results of the study revealed that neither plyometric exercise nor stretching significantly modulated the stiffness of the structures or the dorsiflexion range of motion (p > 0.05). All stiffness measurements of delta between weight-bearing and non-weight-bearing position demonstrated a good reliability. Conclusion : Our findings highlighted that a single intervention of static stretching or plyometric exercise has no direct impact on the stiffness of the Achilles tendon and the gastrocnemius muscles or on the dorsiflexion range of motion. The MyotonPRO device showed good results in assessing intra-operator reliability on the stiffness of the Achilles tendon and gastrocnemius muscles. Our results also allowed us to demonstrate a delta correlation between the variation in stiffness in a weight-bearing and non-weight-bearing condition.