title: Influence of stretching and warm-up on Achilles tendon material properties.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Controversy exists on stretching and warm-up in injury prevention. We hypothesized that warm up has a greater effect on Achilles tendon biomechanics than static stretching. This study investigated static stretching and warm-up on Achilles tendon biomechanics in recreational athletes, in vivo.
  
  
  METHODS
  Ten active, healthy subjects, 5 males, 5 females, With a mean age of 22.9 years with no previous Achilles tendon injuries were recruited. Typical stretching and warm-up routines were created. Testing was performed in a randomized cross-over design. A custom-built dynamometer was utilized to perform controlled isometric plantarflexion. A low profile ultrasound probe was utilized to visualize the musculotendinous junction of the medial gastrocnemius. An eight-camera motion capture system was used to capture ankle motion. Custom software calculated Achilles tendon biomechanics.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Achilles tendon force production was consistent. No statistically significant differences were detected in stretch, stiffness, and strain between pre-, post-stretching, and post-warm-up interventions.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Stretching or warm-up alone, and combined did not demonstrate statistically significant differences. Stretching and warm-up may have an equivalent effect on Achilles tendon biomechanics. Prolonged and more intense protocols may be required for changes to occur.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Stretching and warm-up of the Achilles before exercise are commonly practiced. Investigating the effect of stretching and warm-up may shed light on potential injury prevention.
authors: Stanford University, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Stanford, CA, USA.
authors: Don Young
authors: DY
authors: Park
authors: Jonas
authors: J
authors: Rubenson
authors: Amelia
authors: A
authors: Carr
authors: James
authors: J
authors: Mattson
authors: Thor
authors: T
authors: Besier
authors: Loretta B
authors: LB
authors: Chou
mesh_terms: D000125:Achilles Tendon / Q000293:injuries / Q000502:physiology*; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D015444:Exercise / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D052580:Muscle Stretching Exercises / Q000379:methods*