Bilateral Characteristics of the Achilles Tendon and Their Relationship with Jump Performance in University Kendo Athletes.

Abstract

Objectives: This study aimed to examine the morphological characteristics and stiffness of the bilateral Achilles tendon (AT) and jump performance, as well as to investigate the relationship between these factors in male and female university Kendo athletes.

Methods: Ten male and ten female trained university Kendo players participated in the study. Magnetic resonance imaging was used to capture images of the sagittal and transverse images of the AT, from which the transverse cross-sectional area (CSA), length, and volume were calculated. AT stiffness was also assessed using the MyotonPRO, and rebound jump and single-leg hop performance were measured.

Results: The maximum CSA of the AT was significantly greater in the left leg than in the right leg (p<0.05). No significant relationship was found between AT characteristics and jumping performance, regardless of gender or whether the left or right leg was considered.

Conclusions: These results suggest that the characteristic kinematic loading of the left leg during jumping in Kendo may lead to different adaptations in AT morphology between the left and right legs, regardless of gender.