Patellar tendon properties distinguish elite from non-elite soccer players and are related to peak horizontal but not vertical power.

ABSTRACT:

Purpose

To investigate potential differences in patellar tendon properties between elite and non-elite soccer players, and to establish whether tendon properties were related to power assessed during unilateral jumps performed in different directions.

Methods

Elite (n = 16; age 18.1 ± 1.0 years) and non-elite (n = 13; age 22.3 ± 2.7 years) soccer players performed vertical, horizontal-forward and medial unilateral countermovement jumps (CMJs) on a force plate. Patellar tendon (PT) cross-sectional area, elongation, strain, stiffness, and Young's modulus (measured at the highest common force interval) were assessed with ultrasonography and isokinetic dynamometry.

Results

Elite demonstrated greater PT elongation (6.83 ± 1.87 vs. 4.92 ± 1.88 mm, P = 0.011) and strain (11.

SUBMITTER: Murtagh CF 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6060780 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature