Does lower extremity stiffness influence change of direction speed in badminton athletes after dynamic loaded warm-up?

This study investigated whether lower extremity stiffness plays a role in the enhancement of change of direction speed (CODS) and the duration of this enhancement after dynamic loaded warm-up (DLWU). Fifteen badminton athletes underwent DLWU, and CODS, individual muscle and tendon stiffness, and vertical stiffness were measured before DLWU and 6, 12, and 18 min after DLWU. The data were analyzed using ANOVA and covariance analysis. Significant improvements in CODS were found at 6, 12, and 18 min post-DLWU compared to pre-DLWU (p < 0.05). The Achilles tendon stiffness of the dominant leg increased at 6 min (p = 0.039) and 18 min (p = 0.024) post-DLWU compared to pre-DLWU. Achilles tendon stiffness of the dominant leg had a significant effect on improving CODS (p > 0.05). CODS improvement lasted up to 18 min after DLWU in badminton athletes, potentially related to increased Achilles tendon stiffness of the dominant leg.