Dr Falk Mersmann discussed the hows and whys of building tendon strength
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