Season 1 · Episode 15
Dr Falk Mersmann discussed the hows and whys of building tendon strength
Movement Optimism · Gregory Lehman
September 17, 202433m 40s
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Show Notes
Another very practical and pragmatic podcast. Dr Falk Mersmann is a leader in how tendons adapt to load and I would say an accidental leader in the minumum effective dose to get tendons to adapt.
Some topics we covered:
- Why having a good balance between tendon stiffness and muscle strength is important for tendinopathy prevention and treatment
- How personalized tendon loading can address this potential risk factor
- Specifics of tendon loading to achieve tendon positive tendon adaptations (e.g increasing stiffness).
- Why plyometrics don't seem to influence tendon strength
- Why only doing the goal activity (e.g running) may not be enough for a healthy tendon
- Why stretching can't decrease tendon stiffness
- Limitations of shear wave elastography versus measuring mechanical stiffness
Some relevant papers (all open access) 1. Addressing tendon - muscle imbalances
2. Comparing different loading volumes and frequencies to achieve tendon adaptations
3. A functional high load program to prevent/treat tendon related pain in athletes