Muscle-tendon adaptation monitoring in elite athletes: Preliminary results from a longitudinal investigation

In this study, we analysed the triceps surae(TS) muscle-tendon unit (MTU) mechanical properties (muscle strength and tendon stiffness) in elite jumping event athletes (long jump, triple jump, high jump, pole vault) and monitored the training-induced alterations in these properties over one year in nine elite jumpers, in order to detect potential changes in the uniformity of adaptation within the TS MTU.The findings indicate to a higher TS muscle strength and Achilles tendon stiffness in the take-off leg in comparison to the swing leg. The longitudinal monitoring revealed a concordant muscle and tendon adaptation in the TS MTU in both legs in the selected athletes.