Murtagh, CF, Stubbs, M, Vanrenterghem, J, O'Boyle, A, Morgans, R, Drust, B and Erskine, RM (2018) Patellar tendon properties distinguish elite from non-elite soccer players and are related to peak horizontal but not vertical power. European Journal of Applied Physiology, 118. pp. 1737-1749. ISSN 1439-6319

Preview

Text Patellar tendon properties distinguish elite from non-elite soccer.pdf - Published Version Available under License Creative Commons Attribution. Download (946kB) | Preview

Abstract

Purpose: The aims of our study were to investigate differences in tendon properties between elite and non-elite soccer players, and to establish whether tendon properties were related to power assessed during unilateral jumps in different directions. Methods: Elite (n=16; age, 18.1 ± 1.0yrs) and non-elite (n=13; age, 22.3 ± 2.7yrs) soccer players performed three repetitions of each type (unilateral vertical, unilateral horizontal-forward and unilateral medial) of countermovement jump (CMJ) on a force plate. Patellar tendon (PT) cross-sectional area (CSA), elongation, stiffness and Young’s modulus (measured at the highest common force interval) were assessed with ultrasonography and isokinetic dynamometry. Results: Elite soccer players 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. Projectile range and peak horizontal power during unilateral horizontal-forward CMJ correlated positively with tendon elongation (r=0.657 and 0.693, P<0.001) but inversely with Young’s modulus (r=-0.376 and -0.402, P=0.044 and 0.031). Peak medial power during unilateral medial CMJ correlated positively with tendon elongation (r=0.658, P=<0.001) but inversely with tendon stiffness (r=-0.368, P=0.050). No tendon property correlated with unilateral vertical CMJ performance (r≤0.168; P≥0.204). Conclusions: Patellar tendon strain was greater in elite vs. non-elite soccer players and can therefore be considered an indicator of elite soccer playing status. Moreover, a more compliant patellar tendon appears to facilitate unilateral horizontal-forward and medial, but not vertical CMJ performance in soccer players. These findings should be considered when prescribing the detail of talent selection and development protocols related to direction-specific power in elite soccer players.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	1106 Human Movement And Sports Science
Subjects:	R Medicine > RC Internal medicine > RC1200 Sports Medicine
Divisions:	Sport & Exercise Sciences
Publisher:	Springer
Related URLs:	https://www.ljmu.ac.uk/about-us/staff-profiles/faculty-of-science/sport-and-exercise-sciences/robert-erskine
Date Deposited:	22 May 2018 10:38
Last Modified:	04 Sep 2021 10:29
DOI or ID number:	10.1007/s00421-018-3905-0
URI:	https://researchonline.ljmu.ac.uk/id/eprint/8695

View Item