[Effect of power training on articular cartilage]

Hyaline articular cartilage consists mainly of water, which is reversibly transferred to the joint space under compression to reduce friction between the cartilage surfaces. This water content is regulated by proteoglycanes, which are produced by chondrocytes. Under excessive compression of the cartilage surface the collagen matrix ruptures and water is irreversibly transferred into the joint space, which reduces the elasticity of cartilage tissue. Power training should lead to a submaximal loading of cartilage below the rupture limit as the capacity of cartilage tissue to adapt to higher loads is limited. When the cartilage tissue shows osteoarthritic changes the loading capacity of the cartilage matrix is significantly reduced, which should be taken into consideration during power training.