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Updated: Mar 21, 2026
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Treatment of Ligament Constructs with Exercise-conditioned Serum: A Translational Tissue Engineering Model
Published on: June 11, 2017
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Effect of aging and exercise on the tendon
Rene B Svensson1, Katja Maria Heinemeier1,2, Christian Couppé1,3
1Institute of Sports Medicine Copenhagen, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Bispebjerg Hospital and Center for Healthy Aging, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Denmark.
Summary
Aging tendons show reduced cell proliferation and increased glycation, leading to decreased strength. Exercise, however, can counteract these effects by promoting growth factors and improving tendon stiffness and modulus.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Sports Medicine
- Musculoskeletal Biology
Background:
- Tendons are crucial connective tissues that transmit forces from muscles to bones.
- Understanding tendon adaptation to aging and exercise is vital for injury prevention and rehabilitation.
- Aging leads to structural and mechanical changes in tendons, potentially increasing injury risk.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and synthesize current literature on tendon responses to aging.
- To examine how exercise influences tendon structure, composition, and mechanical properties.
- To compare the effects of aging and exercise on tendon health.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of in vitro and in vivo studies on tendon aging and exercise.
- Analysis of cellular, molecular, and biomechanical changes in tendons.
- Synthesis of findings related to collagen synthesis, cell proliferation, and mechanical properties.
Main Results:
- Aging is associated with reduced cell proliferation, decreased stem/progenitor cells, and increased glycation, leading to reduced modulus and strength.
- Tendon turnover in the core is minimal after maturity.
- Exercise stimulates growth factor production and collagen synthesis, particularly at the tendon periphery.
- Resistance training can increase tendon stiffness, modulus, and size, and may reduce glycation.
Conclusions:
- Exercise interventions can effectively counteract age-related declines in tendon health and mechanical function.
- Targeted exercise may improve tendon resilience and reduce the risk of age-related musculoskeletal issues.
- Further research into exercise-specific adaptations in different tendon regions is warranted.
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