Honors Theses

Date of Award

Spring 5-1-2026

Document Type

Undergraduate Thesis

Department

Health, Exercise Science, and Recreation Management

First Advisor

Thomas Andre

Second Advisor

Corbit Franks

Third Advisor

Adam Smith

Relational Format

Dissertation/Thesis

Abstract

Objective: MyotonPRO is a portable and reliable measurement device used to non-invasively measure passive stiffness values. Passive stiffness has been observed to play a role within understanding muscle performance along with movement efficacy. The measures have been utilized in rehabilitation, injury reduction, and athletic settings. The goal of the current investigation was to determine how body weight and incline walking protocols affect passive stiffness in lower extremity muscles and tendons. Methods: Twenty undergraduate students (15 females and 5 males) completed the study. Each participant completed three different walking conditions: Trackmaster treadmill at 0% grade, Trackmaster treadmill at 10% grade, and Boost Treadmill at 70% body weight at 10% grade. Every condition was set to a velocity of 1.341 m/sec and a time of 20 minutes. Passive stiffness measurements of the rectus femoris, biceps femoris, medial gastrocnemius, lateral gastrocnemius, patellar tendon, and Achilles tendon were taken PRE and POST each condition. Results: Lateral gastrocnemius had a significant effect on the Trackmaster 10% incline condition (p=0.020). Whereas the patellar tendon had significant changes during the Boost treadmill (p=0.003). The rectus femoris, medial gastrocnemius, Achilles tendon and biceps femoris had no notable changes within stiffness in response to any of the treadmill conditions. Conclusion: The results of the study indicate passive stiffness measures are predicted to occur among a greater stimulus, like muscle fatigue. The conditions lacked the ability to elicit significant fatigue therefore measurable changes were not fully observed. Although significant sensitivities within the lateral gastrocnemius and patellar tendon occurred, previous literature alluded to greater changes occurring among the lower extremities. Therefore, further research is warranted to fully understand the effects each condition has on lower extremity passive muscle stiffness.

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