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Original Article

Effect of a 10-Week Stretching Program of the Triceps Surae Muscle Architecture and Tendon Mechanical Properties

Carolina C. Peixinho1, Gabriel A. Silva1, Maria Clara A. Brandão1, Luciano L. Menegaldo1, Liliam F. de Oliveira1,2 ( )
Biomedical Engineering Program, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Bloco H, sala 327, Av. Horácio Macedo 2030, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
School of Physical Education and Sports, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
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Abstract

Purpose

The present study aimed to test if a long-term passive stretching training causes adaptations of the medial gastrocnemius architecture and the Achilles tendon (AT) tangent modulus.

Methods

A total of 20 males took part in the study. The stretching group (n = 12), performed stretching exercises for the plantar flexors for 10 weeks, 4–5 times a week, which comprised two static positions sustained twice each during 30 s.

Results

For the stretching group, maximum dorsiflexion angle, peak passive torque, and muscle–tendon unit maximum length significantly increased after training. No other differences were found related to muscle architecture and AT tangent modulus.

Conclusion

Joint amplitude gain after a long-term stretching of the triceps surae was not accompanied by structural or mechanical changes of the medial gastrocnemius and AT tendon, and seems to reflect an increasing stretch tolerance level.

Keywords

StretchingMuscle architectureAchilles tendonTriceps suraeTangent modulus

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Journal of Science in Sport and Exercise
Volume 3 Issue 2,
May 2021
Pages 107-114
DOI: 10.1007/s42978-021-00110-8
Cite this article:
Peixinho CC, Silva GA, Brandão MCA, et al. Effect of a 10-Week Stretching Program of the Triceps Surae Muscle Architecture and Tendon Mechanical Properties. Journal of Science in Sport and Exercise, 2021, 3(2): 107-114. https://doi.org/10.1007/s42978-021-00110-8

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Received: 15 October 2019
Accepted: 14 January 2021
Published: 14 March 2021
© Beijing Sport University 2021
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