Athletic Performance, Muscle Elasticity, Muscle Fatigue
Conditions
Keywords
Muscle Fatigue, Muscle Myotonometric Properties, Countermovement Jump
Brief summary
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.
Detailed description
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.
Interventions
DEVICEIsometric Plantar Flexion Fatigue Protocol
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.
Sponsors
University of Beykent
Study design
Allocation
NA
Intervention model
SINGLE_GROUP
Primary purpose
OTHER
Masking
NONE
Masking description
Masking is not possible due to the nature of the physical fatigue protocol.
Intervention model description
A single-group, repeated measures design where all participants undergo a fatigue protocol, with measurements taken at three time points: baseline, immediately post-fatigue, and 24 hours later.
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to 25 Years
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
* Healthy volunteers aged between 18 and 25. * Physical activity level categorized as sedentary or recreationally active according to IPAQ. * Willingness to follow the supine isometric fatigue protocol and attend follow-up measurements. * Sedentary or recreationally active (IPAQ scores).
Exclusion criteria
* History of lower extremity musculoskeletal injuries or surgeries within the last 6 months. * Any diagnosed neurological, metabolic, or cardiovascular diseases. * Regular use of medications or supplements that may affect muscle tone or recovery (e.g., muscle relaxants, high-dose antioxidants). * Recent history of intensive strength training for the lower limbs.
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Muscle Stiffness of the Medial and Lateral Gastrocnemius | Baseline, immediately post-fatigue (Post-0), and 24 hours post-fatigue (Post-24h) | 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). |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Vertical Jump Performance (Jump Height) | Baseline, immediately post-fatigue (Post-0), and 24 hours post-fatigue (Post-24h) | Assessment of explosive power using the Countermovement Jump (CMJ) height measured on a digital force platform. Measured in centimeters (cm). |
| Countermovement Jump Phase Durations (Braking and Eccentric) | Baseline, immediately post-fatigue (Post-0), and 24 hours post-fatigue (Post-24h) | Temporal analysis of the jumping strategy, specifically the duration of the eccentric and braking phases. Measured in milliseconds (ms). |
| Dynamic Balance Performance (Y-Balance Test) | Baseline, immediately post-fatigue (Post-0), and 24 hours post-fatigue (Post-24h) | 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). |
Countries
Turkey (Türkiye)
Contacts
PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATORAli İlez, PhD Can
VU University of Amsterdam
PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATORNergiz Batur, PhD Can
Galata University
Outcome results
None listed