Effects of training, immobilization and remobilization on tendons

Abstract

Since a tendon is a living tissue, it is not a surprise that tendon shows the capacity to adapt its structure and mechanical properties to the functional demands of the entire muscle-tendon unit. However, compared with muscle, the experimental knowledge of the effects of strength or endurance-type training on tendon tissue is scarce and clinical human experiments are completely lacking (1). Research should, however, be able to improve the true understanding of the biomechanical, functional, morphological and biochemical changes that occur in tendons due to training and physical activity, since understanding of the basic physiology of a tissue is the key to understanding its pathological processes (1, 2). Compared with muscle tissue, the metabolic turnover of tendon tissue is many times slower due to poorer vascularity and circulation (1, 3). The adaptive responses of tendons to training are therefore also slower than those in muscles, but they may finally be considerable if the time frame is long enough (3, 4).