Eccentric Training Effects on Functionality and Neuromechanical Properties After Achilles Tendon Surgical Repair

Early rehabilitation protocols have been studied in Achilles tendon (AT) rupture patients, but deficits in tendon biomechanical properties have been observed several years after the injury. AT rupture patients are unable to return to their previous levels of physical activity. They present deleterious adaptations in the plantar flexor muscles that lead to functional deficits, and deficits in the tendon's structural and mechanical properties. Eccentric contractions have been suggested to recover these muscle properties. This contraction is known to produce higher force compared to isometric and concentric contractions, and increases tendon stiffness. However, there is a lack of studies showing the effects of the eccentric training in AT rupture rehabilitation. We want to know if an isokinetic eccentric training program will determine the desired adaptations on triceps surae muscle-tendon unit's properties in patients subjected to the AT surgical repair. More specifically, the aim of this study is verifying the effects of a 12-week eccentric training program on triceps surae muscle-tendon unit's properties in subjects that were subjected to the AT surgical repair. 30 subjects will be randomized in two groups: (1) isokinetic eccentric training; and (2) traditional eccentric training control group. All participants will be submitted to a four-week control period, followed by a 12-week period of training for the plantar flexor muscles. Neuromuscular system properties, AT biomechanical properties and functional tests will be evaluated. Participants will be evaluated in four moments: at baseline; after 4, 8 and 12 weeks of rehabilitation. Tendon mechanical (stiffness, stress, strain), material (Young's modulus) and morphological (cross-sectional area and tendon length) properties; muscle architecture (thickness, pennation angle and fascicle length); and functional tests (heel rise resistance and height) will be analyzed between groups and periods. Effects and interactions will be analyzed with ANOVA two-way. Clinical effects will be analyzed using effect size and magnitude-based inferences.

Detailed Description: Early rehabilitation protocols have been studied in Achilles tendon (AT) rupture patients, but deficits in tendon biomechanical properties have been observed several years after the injury. AT rupture patients are unable to return to their previous levels of physical activity. They present deleterious adaptations in the plantar flexor muscles that lead to functional deficits and deficits in the tendon structural and mechanical properties. Deficits in calf muscle endurance and strength remained 7 years after the injury. In this regards, eccentric contractions are recommended to recover muscle morphology and mechanical properties. This contraction type produces higher force compared to isometric and concentric contractions, and increases tendon stiffness. However, there is a lack of studies showing the effect of the eccentric training in AT rupture rehabilitation. We want to know if an isokinetic eccentric training program will determine the desired adaptations on triceps surae muscle-tendon unit's properties in patients subjected to the AT surgical repair. More specifically, the aim of this study is verifying the effects of a 12-week eccentric training program on triceps surae muscle-tendon unit's properties in subjects that were subjected to the AT surgical repair. Our hypothesis is that the eccentric training program will (1) increase the ability to produce muscular strength; (2) will produce an increase in gastrocnemius and soleus muscles thickness, fascicle length, and pennation angle; (3) will increase AT stiffness and Young's modulus; (4) will increase ankle functionality; (5) will improve the patient's quality of life. Finally, we expect that the abovementioned changes from isokinetic eccentric training will be greater than those from the traditional eccentric control group that will be subjected to 12 weeks of plantar flexor training with weights. 30 subjects will be randomized in two groups: (1) isokinetic eccentric training; and (2) traditional eccentric training control group. All participants will be submitted to a four-week control period, followed by a 12- week period of training for the plantar flexor muscles. Neuromuscular system properties, AT biomechanical properties and functional tests will be evaluated. Participants will be evaluated in four moments: at baseline; after 4, 8 and 12 weeks of rehabilitation. Tendon mechanical (stiffness, stress, strain), material (Young's modulus) and morphological (cross sectional area and tendon length) properties; muscle architecture (thickness, pennation angle and fascicle length); and functional tests (heel rise resistance and height) will be analyzed between groups and periods. Effects and interactions will be analyzed with ANOVA two- way (group x period). Clinical effects will be analyzed using effect size (Cohen's d) and magnitude-based inferences.

Eligibility Criteria:
Inclusion Criteria:

* Participants will be male and female subjects who suffered total acute Achilles tendon rupture, and which underwent surgical repair. In addition, to participate in this study all volunteers will need to present medical and/or physiotherapeutic release for physical/sports activities practice.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Volunteers that did not have Achilles tendon surgical reconstruction, that did not present medical and/or physiotherapeutic release for physical/sports activities, who have participated in strength training program for the plantar flexors in the last 6 months, patients with diabetic diseases, as well as those with difficulty for understanding and/or executing the test and training protocols in the isokinetic dynamometer will be excluded.