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01-10-2010 | Original Article

Effects of mechanical properties of muscle and tendon on performance in long distance runners

Authors: Keitaro Kubo, Tomonori Tabata, Toshihiro Ikebukuro, Katsumi Igarashi, Hideaki Yata, Naoya Tsunoda

Published in: European Journal of Applied Physiology | Issue 3/2010

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the mechanical properties of muscle and tendon in long distance runners and their relations to running performance. Fifteen long distance runners (LDR) and 21 untrained subjects (CON) participated in this study. Muscle strength and activation level of knee extensors and plantar flexors were measured. Tendon elongation was determined using ultrasonography, while subjects performed ramp isometric knee extension and plantar flexion up to the voluntary maximum. Relative MVC (to body mass) of LDR was significantly lower than that of CON for knee extensors, but not for plantar flexors. No significant difference in the neural activation levels was found between LDR and CON for both sites. Maximal tendon elongation of LDR was significantly lower than that of CON for knee extensors, but not for plantar flexors. Furthermore, faster running time in a 5,000 m race (best official record of LDR) was associated with lower tendon stiffness for both sites. In conclusion, the tendon of long distance runners is less extensible than those of untrained subjects for knee extensors, but not for plantar flexors. For both sites, however, the lower tendon stiffness may be in favor of the running performance in long distance runners.

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Title: Effects of mechanical properties of muscle and tendon on performance in long distance runners
Authors: Keitaro Kubo
Tomonori Tabata
Toshihiro Ikebukuro
Katsumi Igarashi
Hideaki Yata
Naoya Tsunoda
Publication date: 01-10-2010
Publisher: Springer-Verlag
Published in: European Journal of Applied Physiology / Issue 3/2010
Print ISSN: 1439-6319
Electronic ISSN: 1439-6327
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-010-1528-1

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Effects of mechanical properties of muscle and tendon on performance in long distance runners

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