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Int J Sports Med 2010; 31(1): 51-57
DOI: 10.1055/s-0029-1241210
Orthopedics & Biomechanics

© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

In Vivo Assessment of Both Active and Passive Parts of the Plantarflexors Series Elastic Component Stiffness Using the Alpha Method: A Reliability Study

A. Fouré1 , A. Nordez1 , C. Cornu1
  • 1University of Nantes, UFR STAPS – Laboratoire Motricité, Interactions, Performance (EA 4334), Nantes, France
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Publication History

Publication Date:
22 December 2009 (online)

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Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the reliability of an in vivo adaptation of the short range stiffness experiment associated with the application of a mathematical model to determine the stiffness of both torque dependent and independent components of the plantarflexors series elastic component. Fourteen subjects participated in this study. The experimental protocol consisted of quickly moving the ankle joint in dorsiflexion during constant voluntary isometric plantarflexion at 7 submaximal torque levels. Relationships between joint stiffness and torque were established and the stiffness of both torque dependent and independent components were determined using the alpha method. The day-to-day reliability was assessed for joint stiffness and stiffness of both torque dependent and independent components (ICC higher than 0.88 and CVs lower than 6.0%). This method could then be used to better understand adaptive subjacent mechanisms to assess the effects of training protocols, and the rehabilitation of neuromuscular pathologies or traumatisms.

Key words

biomechanics - muscle - tendon - ankle joint - compliance - human

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Correspondence

Mr. Alexandre Fouré

University of Nantes UFR STAPS 25 bis boulevard Guy Mollet

44322 Nantes

France

Phone: +33(0)2/51/83 72 17

Fax: +33(0)2/51/83 72 10

Email: alexandre.foure@univ-nantes.fr

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