Abstract
We previously reported increased running economy and joint range of motion (ROM) during subsequent exercise performed 48-h following strenuous exercise while wearing garments containing micro-titanium particles generated from high-pressure aqueous processing of titanium (AQUA TITANTM). Here we utilised an isolated plantarflexion triceps surae model and AQUA TITAN-treated flexible tape to determine if dermal application of the micro-titanium could account for meaningful changes in functional properties of the musculotendinous unit. In a randomised double-blind crossover, 20 trained men day 1, baseline measures, AQUA TITAN or placebo tape covering the triceps surae, intermittent high-intensity treadmill running; day 2, rest; day 3, post-stress post-treatment outcome measures. Outcomes comprised: plantarflexion ROM via isokinetic dynamometry; short latency reflex from electromyography; Achilles tendon stiffness from isometric dynamometry, ultrasonography (Achilles-medial-gastrocnemius junction), motion analysis, and force-length modelling. High-intensity exercise with placebo tape reduced tendon stiffness (-16.5%; 95% confidence limits ±8.1%; small effect size), relative to non-taped baseline, but this effect was negligible (-5.9%; ±9.2%) with AQUA TITAN (AQUA TITAN-placebo difference -11.3%; ±11.6%). Change in latency relative to baseline was trivial with placebo (1.6%; ±3.8%) but large with AQUA TITAN (-11.3%; ±3.3%). The effects on ROM with AQUA TITAN (1.6%; ±2.0%) and placebo were trivial (-1.6% ±1.9%), but the small difference (3.1%; ±2.7%) possibly greater with AQUA TITAN. AQUA TITAN tape accelerated the reflex response and attenuated reduced Achilles tendon stiffness following fatiguing exercise. Altered neuromuscular control of tendon stiffness via dermal application of micro-titanium treated materials may facilitate restoration of musculotendinous contractile performance following prior strenuous exercise.
Highlights
There is considerable current interest in research, athletic, and rehabilitation fields for interventions that can improve musculotendinous function following fatiguing exercise
The previous studies fixed the ultrasound probe to the belly of the medial gastrocnemius to image the attachment of the distal portion of a muscle fascicle into the deep aponeurosis, where changes in tendon length were inferred from displacement of the muscle fascicles, with the assumption that the aponeurosis distal to the measurement site remained a constant length, which we found was not the case
AQUA TITAN tape led to a small increase in plantarflexor range of motion (ROM) (3.1% 95% confidence limits (CL): ±2.7%) (Figure 4b)
Summary
There is considerable current interest in research, athletic, and rehabilitation fields for interventions that can improve musculotendinous function following fatiguing exercise. High tendon compliance can enhance the storage and release of energy during muscular contraction (Alexander 2002), while high stiffness maximizes force transfer (Lichtwark et al 2007). Maximal muscle forces produced in the triceps surae are higher for athletes with stiffer tendons (Hof et al 2002). During recovery from a bout of exhaustive exercise, limb fatigue reduced subsequent running economy (Hunter and Smith 2007) which may be due to reduced muscle strength and tendon stiffness (Lichtwark et al 2007) as occurring in high-load isometric models (Kay and Blazevich 2009)
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