Effects of Gastrocnemius Fatigue on Muscle Elasticity and Jumping

NCT07457398 | Completed

• 1 other identifier: UBeykent-17
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 28
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

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.

Conditions

Muscle Fatigue; Muscle Elasticity; Athletic Performance

Keywords

Muscle Fatigue; Muscle Myotonometric Properties; Countermovement Jump

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (1)

• Muscle Stiffness of the Medial and Lateral Gastrocnemius

  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).

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

Secondary Outcomes (3)

• Vertical Jump Performance (Jump Height)

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

• Countermovement Jump Phase Durations (Braking and Eccentric)

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

• Dynamic Balance Performance (Y-Balance Test)

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

Study Arms (1)

Gastrocnemius Fatigue Group

EXPERIMENTAL

Participants in this arm undergo a standardized localized muscle fatigue protocol for the plantar flexors. This involves performing repetitive standing calf raises at a constant tempo of 60 beats per minute until task failure. Muscle myotonometric properties (tone, stiffness, elasticity) and vertical jump performance (CMJ) are measured at baseline, immediately post-fatigue, and 24 hours later to evaluate acute changes and recovery.

Device: Isometric Plantar Flexion Fatigue Protocol

Interventions

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.

Gastrocnemius Fatigue Group

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 18 Years - 25 Years
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: Yes
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64)

You may qualify if:

• 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).

You may not qualify if:

• 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.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• University of Beykent: lead

Study Sites (1)

Istanbul Beykent University

Istanbul, Turkey (Türkiye)

Location

Study Officials

• Ali İlez, PhD Can

  VU University of Amsterdam

  PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

• Nergiz Batur, PhD Can

  Galata University

  PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: NA
• Masking: NONE
• Masking Details: Masking is not possible due to the nature of the physical fatigue protocol.
• Purpose: OTHER
• Intervention Model: SINGLE GROUP
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Assistant Professor

Model Details: A single-group, repeated measures design where all participants undergo a fatigue protocol, with measurements taken at three time points: baseline, immediately post-fatigue, and 24 hours later.

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: February 25, 2026
• First Posted: March 9, 2026
• Study Start: January 15, 2026
• Primary Completion: February 15, 2026
• Study Completion: February 24, 2026
• Last Updated: May 22, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-05

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share

Locations

TU (1)