Effects of Gastrocnemius Fatigue on Muscle Elasticity and Jumping

Participants undergo a structured experimental procedure to evaluate the changes across three time points: Baseline Assessment: Passive muscle tone (Hz), stiffness (N/m), and elasticity (logarithmic decrement) of the medial gastrocnemius (MG) are measured using the MyotonPRO device. Initial vertical jump height is determined through countermovement jump (CMJ) tests. Fatigue Protocol \& Acute Assessment: Participants perform standardized standing calf raises until task failure. Immediately following the protocol, MG myotonometric properties and CMJ performance are re-measured to determine the acute fatigue-induced changes. 24-Hour Follow-up: Participants return to the laboratory exactly 24 hours later. All measurements (MyotonPRO and CMJ) are repeated to assess the return to baseline levels and the recovery status of the muscle-tendon unit. The statistical analysis focuses on the differences between baseline, post-fatigue, and 24-hour recovery measurements.