This study aimed to evaluate the effects of an 8-week eccentric exercise program on the muscle architecture, strength, and performance of the right and left triceps surae muscles in young female volleyball players.
Twenty-six athletes were randomly assigned to the control group (n=12) or the exercise group (n=14). The exercise group engaged in eccentric training three times per week for eight weeks, completing 10 repetitions across three sets per session. Muscle architecture variables, including fascicle length, pennation angle, and muscle thickness, were assessed using ultrasound both pre- and post-intervention. Additionally, muscle strength was measured using a hand-held dynamometer, while performance was evaluated through single-leg hop and vertical jump tests.
Ethical approval was granted by the Istanbul Medipol University Non-Interventional Clinical Research Ethics Committee, and the analysis was based on an effect size of 0.60, α=0.05, and a power of 0.80. Results indicate significant differences in muscle thickness and pennation angle in the gastrocnemius medialis for the exercise group compared to the control group (p=0.006 and p=0.032). Muscle strength increased significantly in both groups (p0.001). Furthermore, the exercise group demonstrated superior performance in the attack jump (AJ), block jump (BJ), and squat jump (SJ) tests (p=0.035, p=0.014, p=0.002). However, no significant differences were observed in the single leg hop test between the two groups.
Eccentric exercise training induces significant changes in the muscle architecture and performance of the triceps surae muscle, particularly in muscle thickness, pennation angle, and strength. These adaptations are essential for improving force generation and power output, key components of athletic performance in sports that require explosive lower limb movements, such as volleyball. Furthermore, eccentric training is thought to improve muscle architecture and strength, enhancing the triceps surae's ability to tolerate high mechanical loads during activities such as jumping, potentially reducing the risk of injury. The findings of this study support the integration of eccentric exercises into the training regimens of young athletes to optimize muscular function, performance, and injury prevention.
The results of this study contribute to the understanding of how eccentric exercises affect muscle architecture and provide practical guidance for incorporating eccentric training in sports programs to optimize muscle performance.
Eccentric Exercise
Musculus Triceps Surae
