Fascicles from energy-storing tendons show an age-specific response to cyclic fatigue loading.

ABSTRACT: Some tendons, such as the human Achilles and equine superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT), act as energy stores, stretching and recoiling to increase efficiency during locomotion. Our previous observations of rotation in response to applied strain in SDFT fascicles suggest a helical structure, which may provide energy-storing tendons with a greater ability to extend and recoil efficiently. Despite this specialization, energy-storing tendons are prone to age-related tendinopathy. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of cyclic fatigue loading (FL) on the microstructural strain response of SDFT fascicles from young and old horses. The data demonstrate two independent age-related mechanisms of fatigue failure; in young horses, FL caused low levels of matrix damage and decreased ro

SUBMITTER: Thorpe CT 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3899876 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature