Abstract
PurposeThe purpose of this study was to determine the effect of targeted eccentric calf muscle exercises compared to regular training on ankle dorsiflexion in healthy adolescent soccer players with a decreased ankle dorsiflexion.MethodsMale adolescent players (aged 14–21 years) from two professional soccer clubs were evaluated with the Weight Bearing Dorsiflexion Lunge Test (WBDLT) at baseline and after 12 weeks of this prospective controlled study. One club served as the control group and the other as the intervention group. Players with decreased ankle dorsiflexion (WBDLT) ≤ 10 cm) performed stretching and eccentric calf muscle exercises three times per week next to regular training in the intervention group, and performed only regular training in the control group. Primary outcome was the between-group difference in change in WBDLT between baseline and 12 weeks.ResultsOf 107 eligible players, 47(44 %) had a decreased ankle dorsiflexion. The WBDLT (± standard deviation) increased in the intervention group from 7.1 (± 1.8) to 7.4 (± 2.4) cm (95 % Confidence Interval (CI)[-0.493 to 1.108], p = 0.381) and in the control group from 6.1 (± 2.4) to 8.2 (± 2.9) cm (95 % CI [1.313 to 2.659], p < 0.001). The difference in change of WBDLT between both groups was statistically significant (95 % CI [-2.742 to -0.510], p = 0.005).ConclusionsTargeted eccentric calf muscle exercises do not increase ankle dorsiflexion in healthy adolescent soccer players. Compared to regular training, eccentric exercises even resulted in a decreased calf muscle flexibility.Trial registrationThis trial was registered retrospectively on the 7th of September 2016 in The Netherlands Trial Register (ID number: 6044).
Highlights
Achilles tendinopathy is a persevering injury with low treatment response, research for prevention strategies are limited [1]
Two prospective studies reported that a decreased ankle dorsiflexion was associated with a 2.5–3.6 times higher risk of Achilles tendinopathy [5, 6].ankle dorsiflexion angle is measured by many different medical professionals, such as physiotherapists, sports physicians and orthopaedic surgeons
No Achilles tendon injuries occurred in both groups during the exercise period and there was no loss to follow-up
Summary
Achilles tendinopathy is a persevering injury with low treatment response, research for prevention strategies are limited [1]. Achilles tendon injuries account for 2.4 % of all injuries in professional soccer players, and are associated with a prolonged absence in Decreased ankle dorsiflexion increases strain on the soleus and gastrocnemius tendons. When ankle dorsiflexion is limited, the force absorbed by both soleus and gastrocnemius increases. Two prospective studies reported that a decreased ankle dorsiflexion was associated with a 2.5–3.6 times higher risk of Achilles tendinopathy [5, 6].ankle dorsiflexion angle is measured by many different medical professionals, such as physiotherapists, sports physicians and orthopaedic surgeons
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
