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Completed

NCT Number: NCT07457398

Effects of Gastrocnemius Fatigue on Muscle Elasticity and Jumping

This study investigates the acute and 24-hour recovery effects of localized muscle fatigue on the viscoelastic properties of the medial gastrocnemius (MG) muscle and vertical jump performance. The research aims to quantify the changes in muscle stiffness, tone, and elasticity immediately after a standardized fatigue protocol and to monitor the recovery of these parameters 24 hours later. Additionally, the study evaluates the impact of fatigue on explosive power, measured by countermovement jump (CMJ) height, across these time points.

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Key information

Conditions

Muscle Fatigue Athletic Performance Muscle Elasticity

Age range

18 year–25 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Istanbul Beykent University

Istanbul, Turkey (Türkiye)

About this study

Participants undergo a structured experimental procedure to evaluate the changes across three time points:

Baseline Assessment: Passive muscle tone (Hz), stiffness (N/m), and elasticity (logarithmic decrement) of the medial gastrocnemius (MG) are measured using the MyotonPRO device. Initial vertical jump height is determined through countermovement jump (CMJ) tests.

Fatigue Protocol & Acute Assessment: Participants perform standardized standing calf raises until task failure. Immediately following the protocol, MG myotonometric properties and CMJ performance are re-measured to determine the acute fatigue-induced changes.

24-Hour Follow-up: Participants return to the laboratory exactly 24 hours later. All measurements (MyotonPRO and CMJ) are repeated to assess the return to baseline levels and the recovery status of the muscle-tendon unit.

The statistical analysis focuses on the differences between baseline, post-fatigue, and 24-hour recovery measurements.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • Healthy volunteers aged between 18 and 25.
  • Physical activity level categorized as sedentary or recreationally active according to IPAQ.
  • Willingness to follow the supine isometric fatigue protocol and attend follow-up measurements.
  • Sedentary or recreationally active (IPAQ scores).

Exclusion criteria

  • History of lower extremity musculoskeletal injuries or surgeries within the last 6 months.
  • Any diagnosed neurological, metabolic, or cardiovascular diseases.
  • Regular use of medications or supplements that may affect muscle tone or recovery (e.g., muscle relaxants, high-dose antioxidants).
  • Recent history of intensive strength training for the lower limbs.

Treatment and study plan

Isometric Plantar Flexion Fatigue Protocol

Device

Participants undergo a localized isometric fatigue protocol in a supine position with their feet placed against a solid wall. They perform maximal isometric plantar flexion pushing against the wall. The protocol continues until the participant reports a score of 8 or higher (indicating 'very strong' to 'maximal' exertion) on the Borg CR-10 Scale. Task failure is also confirmed by the inability to maintain the required isometric pressure or foot position despite verbal encouragement. This ensures a standardized level of subjective and objective muscle fatigue across all participants.

Primary outcomes

  1. Muscle Stiffness of the Medial and Lateral Gastrocnemius

    Time frame: Baseline, immediately post-fatigue (Post-0), and 24 hours post-fatigue (Post-24h)

    Evaluation of the intrinsic mechanical stiffness of the medial (MG) and lateral (LG) gastrocnemius muscles using myotonometry. Higher values indicate greater stiffness. Measured in Newtons per meter (N/m).

Secondary outcomes

  1. Vertical Jump Performance (Jump Height)

    Time frame: Baseline, immediately post-fatigue (Post-0), and 24 hours post-fatigue (Post-24h)

    Assessment of explosive power using the Countermovement Jump (CMJ) height measured on a digital force platform. Measured in centimeters (cm).

  2. Countermovement Jump Phase Durations (Braking and Eccentric)

    Time frame: Baseline, immediately post-fatigue (Post-0), and 24 hours post-fatigue (Post-24h)

    Temporal analysis of the jumping strategy, specifically the duration of the eccentric and braking phases. Measured in milliseconds (ms).

  3. Dynamic Balance Performance (Y-Balance Test)

    Time frame: Baseline, immediately post-fatigue (Post-0), and 24 hours post-fatigue (Post-24h)

    Measurement of dynamic postural control in three directions (Anterior, Posteromedial, Posterolateral). Reach distances are normalized to leg length. Measured in percentage of leg length (%LL).

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

University of Beykent

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Investigation of the Effects of Gastrocnemius Muscle Fatigue on Muscle Elastic Properties and Jump Performance

Important dates

Study start
2026
Primary completion
2026
Study completion
2026
First posted
Mar 9, 2026
Registry last updated
May 22, 2026

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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