Date of Award
Fall 11-22-2024
Document Type
Masters Thesis
Degree Name
M.S. in Bioengineering
Organizational Unit
Daniel Felix Ritchie School of Engineering and Computer Science, Mechanical and Materials Engineering
First Advisor
Michelle Sabick
Copyright Statement / License for Reuse
All Rights Reserved.
Keywords
Gymnastics, Achilles tendon, Impact loading, Adaptation, Injury risk
Abstract
Gymnasts are at a high risk of Achilles tendon (AT) injuries due to intense loads during takeoffs and landings. To better understand better the relationship between impact loading and its effects on tendon adaptation and athletic performance, this study uses Inertial Measurement Units (IMUs) to track AT loading across a collegiate gymnastics season. This data were compared against physiological and athletic performance metrics, obtained through force plates and ultrasound imaging, to explore how mechanical load influences reported pain and athletic performance. Results varied, with cumulative impacts being correlated with improved jump height (Spearman 0.362, Pearson 0.348), while peak power and reactive strength index (RSI) showed weaker relationships. AT thickness showed a positive correlation with cumulative impacts (R-squared 0.0359 for right AT), indicating potential tendon adaptation. Acute loading had stronger effects on jump height and RSI, while some gymnasts reported less pain with increasing impacts, indicating potential load adaptation. Significant variability was seen across individuals. These findings suggest that while cumulative loading may promote certain performance adaptations, individualized load management is crucial to enhance athletic performance and mitigate injury risk in gymnasts.
Copyright Date
11-2024
Publication Statement
Copyright is held by the author. User is responsible for all copyright compliance.
Rights Holder
Julio Serrano Samayoa
Provenance
Received from Author
File Format
application/pdf
Language
English (eng)
Extent
115 pgs
File Size
2.8 MB
Recommended Citation
Serrano Samayoa, Julio, "The Impact of Cumulative and Acute Loading on Achilles Tendon Health, Performance, and Reported Pain in Collegiate Gymnasts" (2024). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 2507.
https://digitalcommons.du.edu/etd/2507
Included in
Biological and Chemical Physics Commons, Biological Engineering Commons, Sports Medicine Commons, Sports Studies Commons