Effect of continuous load on the mechanical properties of tendon adhesions

The restoration of tendon gliding after tendon repair or grafting is dependent upon alteration of the scar about the tendon. Application of a load (active range of motion exercises) is used clinically to effect this alteration. Using the chicken as a model, we are attempting to define the optimal timing, quantity and duration of the load. In these initial experiments, the effects of application of a continuous load for forty eight hours were evaluated in eighty nine chickens. A continuous load applied for forty eight hours had no significant effect on motion of repaired tendons or the scar "stiffness".