Effects of isokinetic eccentric training on the human Achilles tendon

This study investigated the effects of isokinetic eccentric training on the cross-sectional area and thickness of the Achilles tendon. Thirty healthy adults were randomized into an Eccentric Training Group and a Control Group. Subjects in the Eccentric Training Group performed an isokinetic eccentric exercise of the gastrocnemius 3 times·wk^-1 for 5 wks. Testing occurred at baseline and after training. Achilles tendon cross-sectional area and thickness were determined using ultrasound imaging. After training, there was no significant difference in the cross-sectional area or the tendon thickness between groups (mean difference in cross-sectional area 3.2 mm², 95% CI -3.3 to 9.7; thickness -0.2 mm, 95% CI -0.5 to 0.2). Thus, the findings indicate that short-term isokinetic eccentric training in healthy young men does not result in tendon hypertrophy.