Abstract:
Purpose: The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of plyometric training and eccentric training on Achilles tendon stiffness in male long-distance runners Methods: Twenty male long-distance runners (aged 18-30 years old) were divided into 2 groups : plyometric training (PLY) and eccentric training (ECC) groups. Both groups were trained 3 days per week for 6 weeks. Maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVC), tendon displacement and tendon stiffness were measured before and after training. A level of significant was set at p-value <.05. Results: The results showed that PLY significantly increased Achilles tendon stiffness and significantly decreased tendon displacement, but not MVC. In contrast, EEC significantly increased Achilles tendon stiffness and MVC but not tendon displacement. However, there was no significant difference in Achilles tendon stiffness observed between groups. Conclusion: These results showed that either plyometric training or eccentric training was effective for enhancing Achilles tendon stiffness and can be used by coach and athletes to strengthen Achilles tendon stiffness in male long distance runners.