A study of the reproducibility and reliability of the musculo-articular stiffness of the ankle joint.

The objective of this work was to evaluate the reproducibility, reliability and usefulness of the musculo-articular stiffness (MAS) of the ankle joint, measuring it by the free vibration technique. Seventeen (nine males and eight females) healthy university students were included in the study. Force (f), MAS (k) and unitary MAS (k) (defined as the ratio between the value of stiffness k obtained in the test (absolute terms) and the value of force (f)) were obtained.

Evaluation of the stiffnesses of the Achilles tendon and soleus from the apparent stiffness of the triceps surae.

The triceps surae plays an important role in the performance of many sports. Although the apparent average mechanical properties of the triceps surae may be a satisfactory parameter for estimating the training level of an athlete, a knowledge of the mechanical properties of the individual constituents of the triceps surae (in particular the Achilles tendon and soleus) permits a more detailed and in-depth control of the effects of training from more physically based parameters. The objective of this work is therefore the estimation of the individual viscoelastic properties (stiffness and viscosity) of soleus and Achilles tendon from the apparent properties of the triceps surae obtained by free vibration techniques.

A critical study on the experimental determination of stiffness and viscosity of the human triceps surae by free vibration methods.

Muscles and tendons play an important role in human performance. Their mechanical behaviour can be described by analytical/numerical models including springs and dampers. Free vibration techniques are a widely used approach to the in vivo determination of stiffness and viscosity of muscle-tendon complexes involved in sport movements.