scholarly journals Lower tendon stiffness in very old compared with old individuals is unaffected by short-term resistance training of skeletal muscle

2018 ◽  
Vol 125 (1) ◽  
pp. 205-214 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christian Skou Eriksen ◽  
Cecilie Henkel ◽  
Rene B. Svensson ◽  
Anne-Sofie Agergaard ◽  
Christian Couppé ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Mechanical Properties ◽  
Resistance Training ◽  
Patellar Tendon ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Tendon Stiffness ◽  
Very Old ◽  
Reduced Physical Activity ◽  
Heavy Resistance Training

Aging negatively affects collagen-rich tissue, like tendons, but in vivo tendon mechanical properties and the influence of physical activity after the 8th decade of life remain to be determined. This study aimed to compare in vivo patellar tendon mechanical properties in moderately old (old) and very old adults and the effect of short-term resistance training. Twenty old (9 women, 11 men, >65 yr) and 30 very old (11 women, 19 men, >83 yr) adults were randomly allocated to heavy resistance training (HRT) or no training (CON) and underwent testing of in vivo patellar tendon (PT) mechanical properties and PT dimensions before and after a 3-mo intervention. Previous measurements of muscle properties, blood parameters, and physical activity level were included in the analysis. Data from 9 old HRT, 10 old CON, 14 very old CON, and 12 old HRT adults were analyzed. In addition to lower quadriceps muscle strength and cross-sectional area (CSA), we found lower PT stiffness and Young’s modulus ( P < 0.001) and a trend toward the lower mid-portion PT-CSA ( P = 0.09) in very old compared with old subjects. Daily step count was also lower in very old subjects ( P < 0.001). Resistance training improved muscle strength and cross-sectional area equally in old and very old subjects ( P < 0.05) but did not affect PT mechanical properties or dimension. We conclude that PT material properties are reduced in very old age, and this may likely be explained by reduced physical activity. Three months of resistance training however, could not alter PT mechanical properties in very old individuals. NEW & NOTEWORTHY This research is the first to quantify in vivo tendon mechanical properties in a group of very old adults in their eighties. Patellar tendon stiffness was lower in very old (87 yr on average) compared with moderately old (68 yr on average) individuals. Reduced physical activity with aging may explain some of the loss in tendon stiffness, but regular heavy resistance training for 3 mo was not sufficient to change tendon mechanical properties.

Effect of androgenic-anabolic steroids and heavy strength training on patellar tendon morphological and mechanical properties

2013 ◽  
Vol 115 (1) ◽  
pp. 84-89 ◽  
Author(s):  
Olivier R. Seynnes ◽  
Sigitas Kamandulis ◽  
Ramutis Kairaitis ◽  
Christian Helland ◽  
Emma-Louise Campbell ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Resistance Training ◽  
Patellar Tendon ◽  
Anabolic Steroids ◽  
Tendon Injury ◽  
Limit Strain ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Collagen Remodeling ◽  
History Of ◽  
Androgenic Anabolic Steroids

Combined androgenic-anabolic steroids (AAS) and overloading affects tendon collagen metabolism and ultrastructure and is often associated with a higher risk of injury. The aim of this prospective study was to investigate whether such effects would be reflected in the patellar tendon properties of individuals with a history of long-term resistance training and AAS abuse (RTS group), compared with trained (RT) and untrained (CTRL) nonsteroids users. Tendon cross-sectional area (CSA), stiffness, Young's modulus, and toe limit strain were measured in vivo, from synchronized ultrasonography and dynamometry data. The patellar tendon of RT and RTS subjects was much stiffer and larger than in the CTRL group. However, stiffness and modulus were higher in the RTS group (26%, P < 0.05 and 30%, P < 0.01, respectively) than in the RT group. Conversely, tendon CSA was 15% ( P < 0.05) larger in the RT group than in RTS, although differences disappeared when this variable was normalized to quadriceps maximal isometric torque. Yet maximal tendon stress was higher in RTS than in RT (15%, P < 0.05), without any statistical difference in maximal strain and toe limit strain between groups. The present lack of difference in toe limit strain does not substantiate the hypothesis of changes in collagen crimp pattern associated with AAS abuse. However, these findings indicate that tendon adaptations from years of heavy resistance training are different in AAS users, suggesting differences in collagen remodeling. Some of these adaptations (e.g., higher stress) could be linked to a higher risk of tendon injury.

Mechanical properties and collagen cross-linking of the patellar tendon in old and young men

2009 ◽  
Vol 107 (3) ◽  
pp. 880-886 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. Couppé ◽  
P. Hansen ◽  
M. Kongsgaard ◽  
V. Kovanen ◽  
C. Suetta ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mechanical Properties ◽  
Patellar Tendon ◽  
Structural Integrity ◽  
Young Men ◽  
Activity Level ◽  
Cross Linking ◽  
Collagen Concentration ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Age Related

Age-related loss in muscle mass and strength impairs daily life function in the elderly. However, it remains unknown whether tendon properties also deteriorate with age. Cross-linking of collagen molecules provides structural integrity to the tendon fibrils and has been shown to change with age in animals but has never been examined in humans in vivo. In this study, we examined the mechanical properties and pyridinoline and pentosidine cross-link and collagen concentrations of the patellar tendon in vivo in old (OM) and young men (YM). Seven OM (67 ± 3 years, 86 ± 10 kg) and 10 YM (27 ± 2 years, 81 ± 8 kg) with a similar physical activity level (OM 5 ± 6 h/wk, YM 5 ± 2 h/wk) were examined. MRI was used to assess whole tendon dimensions. Tendon mechanical properties were assessed with the use of simultaneous force and ultrasonographic measurements during ramped isometric contractions. Percutaneous tendon biopsies were taken and analyzed for hydroxylysyl pyridinoline (HP), lysyl pyridinoline (LP), pentosidine, and collagen concentrations. We found no significant differences in the dimensions or mechanical properties of the tendon between OM and YM. Collagen concentrations were lower in OM than in YM (0.49 ± 0.27 vs. 0.73 ± 0.14 mg/mg dry wt; P < 0.05). HP concentrations were higher in OM than in YM (898 ± 172 vs. 645 ± 183 mmol/mol; P < 0.05). LP concentrations were higher in OM than in YM (49 ± 38 vs. 16 ± 8 mmol/mol; P < 0.01), and pentosidine concentrations were higher in OM than in YM (73 ± 13 vs. 11 ± 2 mmol/mol; P < 0.01). These cross-sectional data raise the possibility that age may not appreciably influence the dimensions or mechanical properties of the human patellar tendon in vivo. Collagen concentration was reduced, whereas both enzymatic and nonenzymatic cross-linking of concentration was elevated in OM vs. in YM, which may be a mechanism to maintain the mechanical properties of tendon with aging.

scholarly journals Influence of aging on the in vivo properties of human patellar tendon

2008 ◽  
Vol 105 (6) ◽  
pp. 1907-1915 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. C. Carroll ◽  
J. M. Dickinson ◽  
J. M. Haus ◽  
G. A. Lee ◽  
C. J. Hollon ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mechanical Properties ◽  
Patellar Tendon ◽  
Signal Intensity ◽  
Knee Extensors ◽  
Stress And Strain ◽  
Force Output ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Mri ◽  
Deformation Stress

Tendons are important for optimal muscle force transfer to bone and play a key role in functional ability. Changes in tendon properties with aging could contribute to declines in physical function commonly associated with aging. We investigated the in vivo mechanical properties of the patellar tendon in 37 men and women [11 young (27 ± 1 yr) and 26 old (65 ± 1 yr)] using ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Patella displacement relative to the tibia was monitored with ultrasonography during ramped isometric contractions of the knee extensors, and MRI was used to determine tendon cross-sectional area (CSA) and signal intensity. At peak force, patellar tendon deformation, stress, and strain were 13 ( P = 0.05), 19, and 12% less in old compared with young ( P < 0.05). Additionally, deformation, stiffness, stress, CSA, and length were 18, 35, 41, 28, and 11% greater ( P < 0.05), respectively, in men compared with women. After normalization of mechanical properties to a common force, no age differences were apparent; however, stress and strain were 26 and 22% higher, respectively, in women compared with men ( P < 0.05). CSA and signal intensity decreased 12 and 24%, respectively, with aging ( P < 0.05) in the midregion of the tendon. These data suggest that differences in patellar tendon in vivo mechanical properties with aging are more related to force output rather than an age effect. In contrast, the decrease in signal intensity indirectly suggests that the internal milieu of the tendon is altered with aging; however, the physiological and functional consequence of this finding requires further study.

Mechanical properties of human patellar tendon at the hierarchical levels of tendon and fibril

2012 ◽  
Vol 112 (3) ◽  
pp. 419-426 ◽  
Author(s):  
René B. Svensson ◽  
Philip Hansen ◽  
Tue Hassenkam ◽  
Bjarki T. Haraldsson ◽  
Per Aagaard ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mechanical Properties ◽  
Young’S Modulus ◽  
Patellar Tendon ◽  
Young's Modulus ◽  
Hierarchical Structures ◽  
Collagen Fibrils ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Hierarchical Levels

Tendons are strong hierarchical structures, but how tensile forces are transmitted between different levels remains incompletely understood. Collagen fibrils are thought to be primary determinants of whole tendon properties, and therefore we hypothesized that the whole human patellar tendon and its distinct collagen fibrils would display similar mechanical properties. Human patellar tendons ( n = 5) were mechanically tested in vivo by ultrasonography. Biopsies were obtained from each tendon, and individual collagen fibrils were dissected and tested mechanically by atomic force microscopy. The Young's modulus was 2.0 ± 0.5 GPa, and the toe region reached 3.3 ± 1.9% strain in whole patellar tendons. Based on dry cross-sectional area, the Young's modulus of isolated collagen fibrils was 2.8 ± 0.3 GPa, and the toe region reached 0.86 ± 0.08% strain. The measured fibril modulus was insufficient to account for the modulus of the tendon in vivo when fibril content in the tendon was accounted for. Thus, our original hypothesis was not supported, although the in vitro fibril modulus corresponded well with reported in vitro tendon values. This correspondence together with the fibril modulus not being greater than that of tendon supports that fibrillar rather than interfibrillar properties govern the subfailure tendon response, making the fibrillar level a meaningful target of intervention. The lower modulus found in vitro suggests a possible adverse effect of removing the tissue from its natural environment. In addition to the primary work comparing the two hierarchical levels, we also verified the existence of viscoelastic behavior in isolated human collagen fibrils.

Training-induced changes in structural and mechanical properties of the patellar tendon are related to muscle hypertrophy but not to strength gains

2009 ◽  
Vol 107 (2) ◽  
pp. 523-530 ◽  
Author(s):  
O. R. Seynnes ◽  
R. M. Erskine ◽  
C. N. Maganaris ◽  
S. Longo ◽  
E. M. Simoneau ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Resistance Training ◽  
Patellar Tendon ◽  
Isometric Force ◽  
Knee Extension ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Tendon Stiffness ◽  
Volume Measurements ◽  
Human Tendon ◽  
And Function ◽  
Induced Changes

To obtain a better understanding of the adaptations of human tendon to chronic overloading, we examined the relationships between these adaptations and the changes in muscle structure and function. Fifteen healthy male subjects (20 ± 2 yr) underwent 9 wk of knee extension resistance training. Patellar tendon stiffness and modulus were assessed with ultrasonography, and cross-sectional area (CSA) was determined along the entire length of the tendon by using magnetic resonance imaging. In the quadriceps muscles, architecture and volume measurements were combined to obtain physiological CSA (PCSA), and maximal isometric force was recorded. Following training, muscle force and PCSA increased by 31% ( P < 0.0001) and 7% ( P < 0.01), respectively. Tendon CSA increased regionally at 20–30%, 60%, and 90–100% of tendon length (5–6%; P < 0.05), and tendon stiffness and modulus increased by 24% ( P < 0.001) and 20% ( P < 0.01), respectively. Although none of the tendon adaptations were related to strength gains, we observed a positive correlation between the increase in quadriceps PCSA and the increases in tendon stiffness ( r = 0.68; P < 0.01) and modulus ( r = 0.75; P < 0.01). Unexpectedly, the increase in muscle PCSA was inversely related to the distal and the mean increases in tendon CSA (in both cases, r = −0.64; P < 0.05). These data suggest that, following short-term resistance training, changes in tendon mechanical and material properties are more closely related to the overall loading history and that tendon hypertrophy is driven by other mechanisms than those eliciting tendon stiffening.

Habitual loading results in tendon hypertrophy and increased stiffness of the human patellar tendon

2008 ◽  
Vol 105 (3) ◽  
pp. 805-810 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. Couppé ◽  
M. Kongsgaard ◽  
P. Aagaard ◽  
P. Hansen ◽  
J. Bojsen-Moller ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mechanical Properties ◽  
Patellar Tendon ◽  
Cross Sectional Area ◽  
Isometric Contractions ◽  
Sectional Area ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Strength Difference ◽  
Distal Tendon

The purpose of this study was to examine patellar tendon (PT) size and mechanical properties in subjects with a side-to-side strength difference of ≥15% due to sport-induced loading. Seven elite fencers and badminton players were included. Cross-sectional area (CSA) of the PT obtained from MRI and ultrasonography-based measurement of tibial and patellar movement together with PT force during isometric contractions were used to estimate mechanical properties of the PT bilaterally. We found that distal tendon and PT, but not mid-tendon, CSA were greater on the lead extremity compared with the nonlead extremity (distal: 139 ± 11 vs. 116 ± 7 mm2; mid-tendon: 85 ± 5 vs. 77 ± 3 mm2; proximal: 106 ± 7 vs. 83 ± 4 mm2; P < 0.05). Distal tendon CSA was greater than proximal and mid-tendon CSA on both the lead and nonlead extremity ( P < 0.05). For a given common force, stress was lower on the lead extremity (52.9 ± 4.8 MPa) compared with the nonlead extremity (66.0 ± 8.0 MPa; P < 0.05). PT stiffness was also higher in the lead extremity (4,766 ± 716 N/mm) compared with the nonlead extremity (3,494 ± 446 N/mm) ( P < 0.05), whereas the modulus did not differ (lead 2.27 ± 0.27 GPa vs. nonlead 2.16 ± 0.28 GPa) at a common force. These data show that a habitual loading is associated with a significant increase in PT size and mechanical properties.

scholarly journals The combined effects of obesity and ageing on skeletal muscle function and tendon properties in vivo in men

Endocrine ◽  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
David J. Tomlinson ◽  
Robert M. Erskine ◽  
Christopher I. Morse ◽  
Joseph M. Pappachan ◽  
Emmanuel Sanderson-Gillard ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Body Mass ◽  
Older Men ◽  
Normal Weight ◽  
Skeletal Muscle Function ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Tendon Stiffness ◽  
Tnf Α ◽  
Combined Impact ◽  
Negative Relationships

Abstract Purpose We investigated the combined impact of ageing and obesity on Achilles tendon (AT) properties in vivo in men, utilizing three classification methods of obesity. Method Forty healthy, untrained men were categorised by age (young (18–49 years); older (50–80 years)), body mass index (BMI; normal weight (≥18.5–<25); overweight (≥25–<30); obese (≥30)), body fat% (normal adipose (<28%); high adiposity (≥28%)) and fat mass index (FMI; normal (3–6); excess fat (>6–9); high fat (>9). Assessment of body composition used dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, gastrocnemius medialis (GM)/AT properties used dynamometry and ultrasonography and endocrine profiling used multiplex luminometry. Results Older men had lower total range of motion (ROM; −11%; P = 0.020), GM AT force (−29%; P < 0.001), stiffness (−18%; P = 0.041), Young’s modulus (−22%; P = 0.011) and AT stress (−28%; P < 0.001). All three methods of classifying obesity revealed obesity to be associated with lower total ROM (P = 0.014–0.039). AT cross sectional area (CSA) was larger with higher BMI (P = 0.030). However, after controlling for age, higher BMI only tended to be associated with greater tendon stiffness (P = 0.074). Interestingly, both AT CSA and stiffness were positively correlated with body mass (r = 0.644 and r = 0.520) and BMI (r = 0.541 and r = 0.493) in the young but not older adults. Finally, negative relationships were observed between AT CSA and pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β. Conclusions This is the first study to provide evidence of positive adaptations in tendon stiffness and size in vivo resulting from increased mass and BMI in young but not older men, irrespective of obesity classification.

scholarly journals Does knee joint cooling change in vivo patellar tendon mechanical properties?

2016 ◽  
Vol 116 (10) ◽  
pp. 1921-1929 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luis M. Alegre ◽  
Michael Hasler ◽  
Sebastian Wenger ◽  
Werner Nachbauer ◽  
Robert Csapo
Keyword(s):  
Mechanical Properties ◽  
Knee Joint ◽  
Patellar Tendon

Effects of Cyclic Stress on the Mechanical Properties of Cultured Collagen Fascicles from the Rabbit Patellar Tendon

2003 ◽  
Vol 125 (6) ◽  
pp. 893-901 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ei Yamamoto ◽  
Susumu Tokura ◽  
Kozaburo Hayashi
Keyword(s):  
Mechanical Properties ◽  
Tensile Strength ◽  
Patellar Tendon ◽  
Control Level ◽  
Quadratic Function ◽  
Peak Stress ◽  
Cyclic Stress ◽  
Original Strength

Effects of cyclic stress on the mechanical properties of collagen fascicles were studied by in vitro tissue culture experiments. Collagen fascicles (approximately 300 μm in diameter) obtained from the rabbit patellar tendon were applied cyclic load at 4 Hz for one hour per day during culture period for one or two weeks, and then their mechanical properties were determined using a micro-tensile tester. There was a statistically significant correlation between tensile strength and applied peak stress in the range of 0 to 5 MPa, and the relation was expressed by a quadratic function. The maximum strength (19.4 MPa) was obtained at the applied peak stress of 1.8 MPa. The tensile strength of fascicles were within a range of control values, if they were cultured under peak stresses between 1.1 and 2.6 MPa. Similar results were also observed in the tangent modulus, which was maintained at control level under applied peak stresses between 0.9 and 2.8 MPa. The stress of 0.9 to 1.1 MPa is equivalent to approximately 40% of the in vivo peak stress which is developed in the intact rabbit patellar tendon by running, whereas that of 2.6 to 2.8 MPa corresponds to approximately 120% of the in vivo peak stress. Therefore, the fascicles cultured under applied peak stresses of lower than 40% and higher than 120% of the in vivo peak stress do not keep the original strength and modulus. These results indicate that the mechanical properties of cultured collagen fascicles strongly depend upon the magnitude of the stress applied during culture, which are similar to our previous results observed in stress-shielded and overstressed patellar tendons in vivo.

scholarly journals Effect of Resistance Training Along with Curcumin Supplementation on Expression of Some Regulator Genes Associated with Cardiac Muscle Structure in Obese Rats

Thrita ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Atefeh Rauofi ◽  
Sirous Farsi ◽  
Seyed Ali Hosseini
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Resistance Training ◽  
Cardiac Muscle ◽  
Muscle Atrophy ◽  
Synergistic Effects ◽  
Training Group ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Gene Expressions ◽  
Obese Rats ◽  
Reduced Physical Activity

Background: Reduced physical activity can cause obesity and metabolic syndrome, leading to fibrosis in cardiac muscles and premature cardiac aging. Physical activity, along with herbal supplements, can have a synergistic effect on preventing cardiac muscle proteolysis. Objectives: In this study, the effects of curcumin and resistance training were assessed on cardiac muscle atrophy in obese rats. Methods: Twenty-four male Sprague rats were categorized into four groups, including the placebo, resistance training, curcumin, and resistance training + curcumin. Resistance training was performed three times a week with three sets in each session, repeated five times for eight weeks. During this time, 150 mg/kg curcumin was administered through gavage. Twenty-four hours after finishing resistance training, surgery was performed on the cardiac muscle, and gene expressions of PGC1-α, FOXO1, Murf-1, Atrogin, Collagen1, and Collagen 3 were assessed with real-time PCR. Results: The expression of PGC1-α and FOXO1 genes in both resistance training and resistance training+curcumin groups significantly increased and decreased, respectively, compared to the control group (P = 0.001). The MuRF1 expression in the curcumin+resistance training group decreased significantly (P = 0.013) compared to the placebo and curcumin groups. The expression of collagen type 1 and type 2 in all the three treatment groups had significant decreases compared to the placebo group (P < 0.05). Conclusions: Considering the results of this study, resistance training and curcumin supplement each alone can prevent cardiac muscle atrophy. However, the simultaneous use of curcumin supplement and resistance training can lead to synergistic effects.

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