Eccentric/concentric training of ankle evertor and dorsiflexors in recreational athletes: Muscle latency and strength

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of a combined eccentric-concentric exercise program of the ankle evertors and dorsiflexors on the latency time of the peroneus longus and tibialis anterior muscles. Twenty-four healthy male recreational athletes were admitted to this study and were randomly assigned to either the exercise group (n=12) or the control group (n=12). Subjects in the exercise group performed an isokinetic exercise program of the ankle evertors and dorsiflexors in a combined eccentric-concentric mode for 3 days per week for 6 weeks. Before and after the exercise program, muscle reaction times of the peroneus longus and tibialis anterior muscles to sudden supinating maneuvers on a tilting platform, and isokinetic strength of the ankle joint musculature were evaluated. The peroneus longus and tibialis anterior reaction times showed significant (P<0.01-0.05) reductions following six weeks of intervention in the exercise group. Additionally, eccentric peak torques for the ankle evertor and dorsiflexors represented significant (P<0.05) increases in the exercise group compared with the control group. The results of this study suggest that it is possible to reduce peroneal and anterior tibial reaction times following a six week eccentric/concentric isokinetic training program in healthy ankles.