Effects of specific collagen peptide supplementation combined with resistance training on Achilles tendon properties

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of specific collagen peptides (SCP) combined with resistance training (RT) on changes in tendinous and muscular properties. In a randomized, placebo‐controlled study, 40 healthy male volunteers (age: 26.3 ± 4.0 years) completed a 14 weeks high‐load resistance training program. One group received a daily dosage of 5g SCP while the other group received 5g of a placebo (PLA) supplement. Changes in Achilles tendon cross‐sectional area (CSA), tendon stiffness, muscular strength, and thickness of the plantar flexors were measured. The SCP supplementation led to a significantly (p = 0.002) greater increase in tendon CSA (+11.0%) compared with the PLA group (+4.7%). Moreover, the statistical analysis revealed a significantly (p = 0.014) greater increase in muscle thickness in the SCP group (+7.3%) compared with the PLA group (+2.7%). Finally, tendon stiffness and muscle strength increased in both groups, with no statistical difference between the groups. In conclusion, the current study shows that the supplementation of specific collagen peptides combined with RT is associated with a greater hypertrophy in tendinous and muscular structures than RT alone in young physically active men. These effects might play a role in reducing tendon stress (i.e., deposition of collagen in load‐bearing structures) during daily activities.

Collagen supplementation augments changes in patellar tendon properties in female soccer players

“…Although previous studies using high-intensity resistance training for 9–12 weeks found an increase in patellar tendon CSA at the proximal and distal ends ( Kongsgaard et al, 2007 ; Seynnes et al, 2009 ), the intensity of training in the current study was probably insufficient to induce tendon hypertrophy. In contrast to our findings, a recent study by Jerger et al (2022) showed that moderate-to-high intensity strength training (70%–85% single repetition maximum) for 14 weeks with 5 g daily collagen supplementation further increased Achilles tendon CSA compared to training alone in previously untrained, healthy, young men. However, the increase in tendon stiffness after training did not differ between PLA and COL in this study ( Jerger et al, 2022 ).…”

“…In contrast to our findings, a recent study by Jerger et al (2022) showed that moderate-to-high intensity strength training (70%–85% single repetition maximum) for 14 weeks with 5 g daily collagen supplementation further increased Achilles tendon CSA compared to training alone in previously untrained, healthy, young men. However, the increase in tendon stiffness after training did not differ between PLA and COL in this study ( Jerger et al, 2022 ). The discrepancies between our findings and those of Jerger et al (2022) are likely linked to the numerous methodological differences between studies.…”

“…However, the increase in tendon stiffness after training did not differ between PLA and COL in this study (Jerger et al, 2022). The discrepancies between our findings and those of Jerger et al (2022) are likely linked to the numerous methodological differences between studies. For example, the intensity and frequency of strength training in the study by Jerger et al (2022) probably facilitated a greater hypertrophic response (+5% in PLA and +11% in COL).…”

“…Furthermore, short-term power training with 20 g collagen supplementation appears to have a beneficial effect on the rate of force development in young male athletes ( Lis et al, 2021 ), which suggests collagen supplementation may enhance the stiffening of the muscle-tendon unit that occurs with strength training. Interestingly, a recent study found that just 5 g collagen supplementation with strength training in young men induced greater hypertrophy of the Achilles tendon and gastrocnemius muscle than strength training alone, although tendon stiffness was not affected ( Jerger et al, 2022 ). It is not known, however, if collagen supplementation can affect the patellar tendon in a similar manner, or whether the interaction of a larger dose of collagen with soccer-specific training can elicit greater changes in patellar tendon properties in high-level female soccer players, which would have implications for mitigating soft tissue injury risk in this population.…”

Collagen peptide supplementation for pain and function: is it effective?

“…They demonstrated that collagen peptide supplementation yielded significantly greater tendon and plantar flexor cross-sectional area compared with controls. However, tendon stiffness and muscular strength improved similarly in both groups with resistance training [22]. These increases in tendinous tissue synthesis when combined with a resistance or rehabilitative program may also enhance recovery from injury via improved collagen production.…”