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Updated: Aug 7, 2026
11:36
Ex vivo Mechanical Loading of Tendon
Published on: May 28, 2007
Adaptation of the tendon to mechanical usage
1Institute for Biophysical and Clinical Research into Human Movement, Manchester Metropolitan University, MMU Cheshire, Alsager Campus, Alsager, UK. nreeves@mmu.ac.uk
Journal of Musculoskeletal & Neuronal Interactions
|July 20, 2006
Summary
Tendon mechanical properties change with usage. Aging reduces stiffness and modulus, but exercise can reverse this, while unloading decreases them, with chronic unloading causing atrophy.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Musculoskeletal science
- Gerontology
Background:
- Tendons are crucial for transmitting muscle forces.
- Tendon mechanical properties are influenced by mechanical loading.
- Understanding these changes is vital for injury prevention and rehabilitation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess in vivo tendon mechanical properties across various loading conditions.
- To investigate the effects of aging, exercise, and unloading on tendon mechanics.
- To explore the implications of altered tendon properties on function and injury risk.
Main Methods:
- Utilized an ultrasound-based technique for in vivo assessment.
- Evaluated tendon mechanical properties in young and older adults.
- Compared properties under conditions of normal use, increased loading (exercise), and unloading (bed rest, spinal cord injury).
Main Results:
- Aging decreased tendon stiffness (10%) and modulus (14%) compared to young adults.
- Exercise loading in older adults increased stiffness (65%) and modulus (69%).
- Both bed rest and spinal cord injury reduced stiffness and modulus; only chronic spinal cord injury led to tendon atrophy.
Conclusions:
- Tendon mechanical properties are adaptable to mechanical usage throughout life.
- Exercise can mitigate age-related declines in tendon properties.
- Unloading significantly impairs tendon mechanical integrity, with chronic unloading causing structural loss.
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