The influence of lower limb plyometric and resistance training on the stiffness of Achilles and patellar tendons in recreational athletes

Study aim: This study aimed to investigate the influence of combined plyometric and resistance training of lower limbs when administered for a shorter duration of six weeks on the stiffness of Achilles and patellar tendons as well as the jump height.

Materials and methods: Twenty recreational athletes were administered six weeks of a single session of lower limb resistance training and one session of plyometric training every week for a total duration of six weeks. Tendon stiffness was measured using MyotonPro, and vertical jump height was derived from the force plate at baseline and six weeks after the intervention.

Results: There was a statistically significant difference (p < 0.01) between the baseline and post-training measures of patellar and Achilles tendons stiffness as well as the squat jump (SJ) and countermovement jump (CMJ) height.

Conclusion: Both resistance and plyometric training may be incorporated into the training session as combined training showed significant improvements in jump height and tendon stiffness after six weeks of combined RT and PT.