Effects of Position and Force of Calf Compression with Graded Ankle Plantar Flexion on Central Aponeurosis Displacement

Abstract

[Purpose] This study investigated the effects of position and force of calf compression with graded ankle plantar flexion on central aponeurosis displacement. [Subjects] Ten healthy adult men participated in this study. [Methods] The subjects were placed in the prone position with knee and ankle joint angles of 0° and asked to perform graded isometric plantar flexion at 0, 5, 10 or 15 kg. The position of compression was either proximal or distal to the maximum circumference of the calf. Force of compression was set at 0, 50, 100 or 150 mmHg. Under these conditions, displacement of the central aponeurosis of the gastrocnemius lateralis, soleus and triceps surae-Achilles tendon junction was measured by ultrasonography. [Results] With isometric contraction, central aponeurosis displacement of the gastrocnemius lateralis and soleus with 100 or 150 mmHg of distal compression was significantly lower than at 0 mmHg of distal compression. However, with proximal compression, central aponeurosis displacement with isometric contraction did not change in relation to the compression force. [Conclusion] This study showed that even when the level of compression remains unchanged, compression achieves different effects depending on the position of compression.