The relationship between lower-body stiffness and dynamic performance

Title
The relationship between lower-body stiffness and dynamic performance
Publication Date
2014
Author(s)
Pruyn, Elizabeth
Watsford, Mark
Murphy, Aron
Type of document
Journal Article
Language
en
Entity Type
Publication
Publisher
NRC Research Press
Place of publication
Canada
DOI
10.1139/apnm-2014-0063
UNE publication id
une:21828
Abstract
Greater levels of lower-body stiffness have been associated with improved outcomes for a number of physical performance variables involving rapid stretch-shorten cycles. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between several measures of lower-body stiffness and physical performance variables typically evident during team sports in female athletes. Eighteen female athletes were assessed for quasi-static stiffness (myometry) for several isolated muscles in lying and standing positions. The muscles included the medial gastrocnemius (MedGast), lateral gastrocnemius, soleus, and Achilles tendon. Dynamic stiffness during unilateral hopping was also assessed. Participants were separated into relatively stiff and compliant groups for each variable. A number of significant differences in performance were evident between stiff and compliant subjects. When considering the quasi-static stiffness of the MedGast in lying and standing positions, relatively stiff participants recorded significantly superior results during agility, bounding, sprinting, and jumping activities. Stiffness as assessed by hopping did not discriminate between performance ability in any test. Relationships highlighted by MedGast results were supported by further significant differences in eccentric utilisation ratio and drop jump results between stiff and compliant groups for the lateral gastrocnemius and soleus in lying and standing positions. Higher levels of lower-body stiffness appear to be advantageous for females when performing rapid and (or) repeated stretch-shorten cycle movements, including sprinting, bounding, and jumping. Further, the stiffness of the MedGast is of particular importance during the performance of these activities. It is important for practitioners working with athletes in sports that rely upon these activities for success to consider stiffness assessment and modification.
Link
Citation
Applied Physiology, Nutrition, and Metabolism, 39(10), p. 1144-1150
ISSN
1715-5320
1715-5312
Start page
1144
End page
1150

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