This study investigates the acute and 24-hour recovery effects of localized muscle fatigue on the viscoelastic properties of the medial gastrocnemius (MG) muscle and vertical jump performance. The research aims to quantify the changes in muscle stiffness, tone, and elasticity immediately after a standardized fatigue protocol and to monitor the recovery of these parameters 24 hours later. Additionally, the study evaluates the impact of fatigue on explosive power, measured by countermovement jump (CMJ) height, across these time points.
Participants undergo a structured experimental procedure to evaluate the changes across three time points: Baseline Assessment: Passive muscle tone (Hz), stiffness (N/m), and elasticity (logarithmic decrement) of the medial gastrocnemius (MG) are measured using the MyotonPRO device. Initial vertical jump height is determined through countermovement jump (CMJ) tests. Fatigue Protocol \& Acute Assessment: Participants perform standardized standing calf raises until task failure. Immediately following the protocol, MG myotonometric properties and CMJ performance are re-measured to determine the acute fatigue-induced changes. 24-Hour Follow-up: Participants return to the laboratory exactly 24 hours later. All measurements (MyotonPRO and CMJ) are repeated to assess the return to baseline levels and the recovery status of the muscle-tendon unit. The statistical analysis focuses on the differences between baseline, post-fatigue, and 24-hour recovery measurements.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
NA
Purpose
OTHER
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
28
Participants undergo a localized isometric fatigue protocol in a supine position with their feet placed against a solid wall. They perform maximal isometric plantar flexion pushing against the wall. The protocol continues until the participant reports a score of 8 or higher (indicating 'very strong' to 'maximal' exertion) on the Borg CR-10 Scale. Task failure is also confirmed by the inability to maintain the required isometric pressure or foot position despite verbal encouragement. This ensures a standardized level of subjective and objective muscle fatigue across all participants.
Istanbul Beykent University
Istanbul, Turkey (Türkiye)
Muscle Stiffness of the Medial and Lateral Gastrocnemius
Evaluation of the intrinsic mechanical stiffness of the medial (MG) and lateral (LG) gastrocnemius muscles using myotonometry. Higher values indicate greater stiffness. Measured in Newtons per meter (N/m).
Time frame: Baseline, immediately post-fatigue (Post-0), and 24 hours post-fatigue (Post-24h)
Vertical Jump Performance (Jump Height)
Assessment of explosive power using the Countermovement Jump (CMJ) height measured on a digital force platform. Measured in centimeters (cm).
Time frame: Baseline, immediately post-fatigue (Post-0), and 24 hours post-fatigue (Post-24h)
Countermovement Jump Phase Durations (Braking and Eccentric)
Temporal analysis of the jumping strategy, specifically the duration of the eccentric and braking phases. Measured in milliseconds (ms).
Time frame: Baseline, immediately post-fatigue (Post-0), and 24 hours post-fatigue (Post-24h)
Dynamic Balance Performance (Y-Balance Test)
Measurement of dynamic postural control in three directions (Anterior, Posteromedial, Posterolateral). Reach distances are normalized to leg length. Measured in percentage of leg length (%LL).
Time frame: Baseline, immediately post-fatigue (Post-0), and 24 hours post-fatigue (Post-24h)
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