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European Journal of Applied Physiology

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01-11-2014 | Original Article

Post activation potentiation can be induced without impairing tendon stiffness

Authors: Paulo Gago, Anton Arndt, Olga Tarassova, Maria M. Ekblom

Published in: European Journal of Applied Physiology | Issue 11/2014

Abstract

Purpose

This study aimed to investigate conditioning effects from a single 6-s plantar flexion maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) on Achilles tendon stiffness (ATS) and twitch properties of the triceps surae in athletes.

Methods

Peak twitch (PT), rate of torque development (RTD), rising time (RT_10–90%) and half relaxation time (HRT) were measured from supramaximal twitches evoked in the plantar flexors of 10 highly trained athletes. Twitches were evoked before and at seven occasions during 10 min of recovery after a 6-s MVIC. In a second session, but at identical post-conditioning time points, ATS was measured at 30 and 50 % of MVIC (ATS_30% and ATS_50%) using an ultrasonography-based method.

Results

The magnitude and duration of the conditioning MVIC on muscle contractile properties were in accordance with previous literature on post activation potentiation (PAP), i.e., high potentiation immediately after MVIC, with significant PAP for up to 3 min after the MVIC. While PT and RTD were significantly enhanced (by 60.6 ± 19.3 and 90.1 ± 22.5 %, respectively) and RT_10–90% and HRT were reduced (by 10.1 ± 7.7 and 18.7 ± 5.6 %, respectively) after conditioning, ATS remained unaffected.

Conclusions

Previous studies have suggested that changes in stiffness after conditioning may interfere with the enhancements in twitch contractile properties. The present study, however, provided some evidence that twitch enhancements after a standard PAP can be induced without changes in ATS. This result may suggest that athletes can use this protocol to enhance muscle contractile properties without performance deficits due to changes in ATS.

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Title: Post activation potentiation can be induced without impairing tendon stiffness
Authors: Paulo Gago
Anton Arndt
Olga Tarassova
Maria M. Ekblom
Publication date: 01-11-2014
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: European Journal of Applied Physiology / Issue 11/2014
Print ISSN: 1439-6319
Electronic ISSN: 1439-6327
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-014-2945-3

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Springer Medicine

Post activation potentiation can be induced without impairing tendon stiffness

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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