RECOVERY OF TRANSVERSE STRAIN IN HIGH–STRESS TENDONS FOLLOWING EXERCISE

Background This study evaluated the time course of recovery of transverse strain in the Achilles and patellar tendons following a bout of resistance exercise. Methods Seventeen healthy adults underwent sonographic examination of the right patellar (n=9) or Achilles (n=8) tendons immediately prior to and following 90 repetitions of weight–bearing exercise. Quadriceps and gastrocnemius exercise were performed against an effective resistance of 175% and 250% body weight, respectively. Sagittal tendon thickness was determined 20 mm from the tendon enthesis and transverse strain was repeatedly monitored over a 24 hour recovery period. Results Resistance exercise resulted in an immediate decrease in Achilles (t7=10.6, P