Journal
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF APPLIED PHYSIOLOGY
Volume 110, Issue 5, Pages 1037-1046Publisher
SPRINGER
DOI: 10.1007/s00421-010-1582-8
Keywords
Ultrasound imaging; Lactate threshold; Tendon compliance; Oxygen uptake
Categories
Funding
- NSERC Canada
- National Aboriginal Achievement Foundation of Canada
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The purpose of this study was to determine if changes in triceps-surae tendon stiffness (TST K) could affect running economy (RE) in highly trained distance runners. The intent was to induce increased TST K in a subgroup of runners by an added isometric training program. If TST K is a primary determinant of RE, then the energy cost of running (EC) should decrease in the trained subjects. EC was measured via open-circuit spirometry in 12 highly trained male distance runners, and TST K was measured using ultrasonography and dynamometry. Runners were randomly assigned to either a training or control group. The training group performed 4 x 20 s isometric contractions at 80% of maximum voluntary plantarflexion moment three times per week for 8 weeks. All subjects (mean VO(2)max = 67.4 +/- 4.6 ml kg(-1) min(-1)) continued their usual training for running. TST K was measured every 2 weeks. EC was measured in both training and control groups before and after the 8 weeks at three submaximal velocities, corresponding to 75, 85 and 95% of the speed at lactate threshold (sLT). Isometric training did neither result in a mean increase in TST K (0.9 +/- 25.8%) nor a mean improvement in RE (0.1 +/- 3.6%); however, there was a significant relationship (r(2) = 0.43, p = 0.02) between the change in TST K and change in EC, regardless of the assigned group. It was concluded that TST K and EC are somewhat labile and change together.
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