Ontology highlight
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 (11.73?±?3.25 vs. 8.38?±?3.06%, P?=?0.009) than non-elite soccer players. Projectile range and peak horizontal power during horizontal-forward CMJ correlated positively with tendon elongation (r?=?0.657 and 0.693, P?ConclusionsNot only does a more compliant patellar tendon appear to be an indicator of elite soccer playing status but it may also facilitate unilateral horizontal-forward and medial, but not vertical CMJ performance. These findings should be considered when prescribing talent selection and development protocols related to direction-specific power in elite soccer players.
SUBMITTER: Murtagh CF
PROVIDER: S-EPMC6060780 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Aug
REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature
Murtagh Conall F CF Stubbs Michael M Vanrenterghem Jos J O'Boyle Andrew A Morgans Ryland R Drust Barry B Erskine Robert M RM
European journal of applied physiology 20180602 8
<h4>Purpose</h4>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.<h4>Methods</h4>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) ...[more]