# @zachdechant on Instagram

- **Type:** Video
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/DZca74kuads
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/66708098-zachdechant-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/postThumbnails/79fe77c696.jpg
- **Posted:** 2026-06-11T11:40:23.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** Zach Dechant (@zachdechant) — https://gondola.cc/zachdechant

## Caption

Tendon Neuroplastic Training (TNT), developed by researcher Ebonie Rio is based on the idea that chronic tendon pain involves changes in both the tendon and the nervous system.

When a tendon becomes painful, the brain often reduces the neural drive sent to the muscle attached to that tendon.

Less neural drive means:

❌ Reduced motor unit recruitment
❌ Slower force production
❌ Decreased strength
❌ Persistent pain despite the tendon being structurally capable of handling more load

TNT attempts to address this by pairing a metronome with resistance exercise.

The athlete performs each repetition to a consistent external rhythm. I use a 6 sec CON and a 6 sec ECC for each rep. Rio usually suggests a 3-4 sec tempo per rep. I’ve found the longer tempo to be even more helpful. 

Why?

The metronome increases cortical involvement and motor planning demands. Instead of simply loading the tendon, you’re forcing the brain to pay attention to the movement.

Research has shown that TNT can improve muscle activation and reduce pain in athletes with tendinopathy. The goal isn’t just to strengthen the tendon. The goal is to restore the connection between the brain, muscle, and tendon.

Traditional tendon rehab focuses on the hardware. TNT focuses on the hardware and the software.

#TendonRehab #strengthandconditioning #patellartendinitis #tendonitis #tendon

## Stats

- **Views:** 31,508
- **Likes:** 2,221
- **Shares:** 0
- **Comments:** 36

## Tags

tendonrehab, strengthandconditioning, tendonitis, patellartendinitis, tendon

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