Quadriceps and Patellar Tendon Thickness and Stiffness in Elite Track Cyclists: An Ultrasonographic and Myotonometric Evaluation

Track cyclists are required to perform short- and long-term efforts during sprint and endurance race events, respectively. The 200 m flying sprint races require maximal power output and anaerobic capacity, while the 4,000 m pursuit cyclists demand a high level of aerobic capacity. Our goal was to investigate spatial changes in morphological and mechanical properties displayed using 3D topographical maps of the quadriceps muscle and tendons after 200 m flying start and 4,000 m individual pursuit race in elite track cyclists. We hypothesized a non-uniform distribution of the changes in the quadriceps muscle stiffness (QM(stiff)), and acute alterations in quadriceps tendon (QT(thick)) and patellar tendon (PT(thick)) thickness. Fifteen men elite sprint and 15 elite men endurance track cyclists participated. Sprint track cyclists participated in a 200 m flying start, while endurance track cyclists in 4,000 m individual pursuit. Outcomes including QT(thick) (5–10–15 mm proximal to the upper edge of the patella), PT(thick) (5–10–15–20 mm inferior to the apex of the patella)—using ultrasonography evaluation, QM(stiff), and quadriceps tendon stiffness (QT(stiff)) were measured according to anatomically defined locations (point 1–8) and patellar tendon stiffness (PT(stiff))—using myotonometry, measured in a midway point between the patella distal and the tuberosity of tibial. All parameters were assessed before and after (up to 5 min) the 200 m or 4,000 m events. Sprint track cyclists had significantly larger QT(thick) and PT(thick) than endurance track cyclists. Post-hoc analysis showed significant spatial differences in QM(stiff) between rectus femoris, vastus lateralis, and vastus medialis in sprint track cyclists. At before race, sprint track cyclists presented significantly higher mean QT(thick) and PT(thick), and higher QM(stiff) and the QT(stiff), as compared with the endurance track cyclists. The observed changes in PT(Thick) and QT(Thick) were mostly related to adaptation-based vascularity and hypertrophy processes. The current study suggests that assessments using both ultrasonography and myotonometry provides crucial information about tendons and muscles properties and their acute adaptation to exercise. Higher stiffness in sprint compared with endurance track cyclists at baseline seems to highlight alterations in mechanical properties of the tendon and muscle that could lead to overuse injuries.