Influences of Repetitive Drop Jump and Isometric Leg Press Exercises on Tendon Properties in Knee Extensors

Abstract

The present study aimed to investigate the effects of repetitive drop jumps (DJ) and isometric leg presses (LP) on the tendon properties in knee extensors. Before and after each endurance test, the elongation (L) of the tendon and aponeurosis of the vastus lateralis muscle was measured directly by ultrasonography while the subjects performed ramp isometric knee extensions up to maximum voluntary isometric contraction. Eight men performed 100 repetitions of the DJ and 50 repetitions of the LP for 10 seconds with 10 seconds relaxation. In the DJ, there were no significant differences in L values at any force production levels before and after each endurance test. In LP, however, the L values above 500 N were significantly greater after the endurance test than before. These results suggest that the tendon properties in knee extensors change to become more compliant after the repeated longer-duration contractions, but not after repeated ballistic exercises.