Mechanical properties of the patellar tendon in weightlifting athletes - the utility of myotonometry. Adaptations of patellar tendon to mechanical loading.

Purpose: Tendons adapt to loads applied to them, by changing their own mechanical properties. The purpose of the study was to examine the influence of practicing sport in the form of weightlifting/strength training by individuals of various age groups upon the mechanical properties of the patellar tendon.

Methods

200 people participated in the study. Group 1 (n = 109) comprised individuals training strength sports as amateurs, group 2 (n = 91) consisted of people who were not physically active. The patellar tendon was examined in various positions of the knee joint: 0, 30, 60, 90, 120° respectively. The following mechanical parameters were measured with the use of a device for myoto-nometric measurements, MyotonPRO: frequency [Hz], stiffness [N/m], decrement [log], relaxation time [ms] and creep [De]. The results were compared as regards physical activity, training history, BMI value, and gender.

Results

Stiffness and tone increased while elasticity decreased with patellar tendon stretching degree. In the group of individuals in training, greater stiffness and tone and lower elasticity were noted. Moreover, stiffness and tone appeared to be higher in elderly people and individuals with longer training experience.

Conclusions

Mechanical loads connected with strength training result in development of adaptive changes in the patellar tendon, in the form of higher stiffness and tone, as well as lower elasticity. The MyotonPRO device is useful for quantitative assessment of the mechanical properties of patellar tendon.