In vivo Achilles tendon loading during jumping in humans

Abstract

Elastic behaviour of the human tendomuscular system during jumping was investigated by determination of the in vivo Achilles tendon force. A buckle-type transducer was implanted under local anaesthesia around the right Achilles tendon of an adult subject. After calibration, the Achilles tendon force was recorded together with the triceps surae muscle electromyogram activity and high speed filming and ground reaction force during: a maximal vertical jump from a squat position, a maximal vertical jump from an erect standing position with a preliminary counter-movement, and repetitive submaximal hopping on the spot. Jumping heights were 33, 40 and 7 cm in the squat, the counter movement and the hopping positions, respectively. The peak Achilles tendon force and mechanical work by the calf muscles were 2233 N and 34 J in the squat jump, 1895 N and 27 J in the counter movement jump, and 3786 N and 51 J when hopping. The changes in tendon length were estimated assuming a stiffness constant calculated from the tendon architecture. The percentages of elastic energy stored in the Achilles tendon during jumping were 23%, 17% and 34% of the total calf muscle work in the squat jump, the counter movement jump, and hopping, respectively.