An adaptive model of achilles tendon mechanical properties during adolescence: Effect of sex
Document Type
Journal Article
Publication Title
Muscles, Ligaments and Tendons Journal
Volume
11
Issue
2
First Page
281
Last Page
291
Publisher
CIC Edizioni Internazionali
School
School of Medical and Health Sciences / Centre for Exercise and Sports Science Research
RAS ID
38777
Abstract
Background. This longitudinal study aimed to quantify the relative effects of body mass, peak muscle force, maturation and sex on Achilles tendon (AT) mechanical properties and to examine the external factors that trigger mechanical changes, or intrinsic tendon adaptations during adolescence. Methods. We measured AT mechanical properties and dimensions during pre-pubertal and adolescent growth in 41 participants (20 boys and 21 girls). Participants were tested over 18 months; longitudinal changes were examined through linear mixedmodelling. Results. Sex and maturation were found to be the major factors influencing AT mechanical changes. Their effects were largely exerted through increases in muscle force, which imposed greater stress on AT and strongly predicted changes in stiffness and Young’s modulus in boys and girls, while strain was consistent. Conclusions. The more rapid increase in stiffness before the age of peak height velocity in boys was associated with an increase in force at that time, which may have evoked the molecular signaling required for adaptations to internal tendon structure leading a different adaptive response between sexes. The present data are suggestive of an adaptive model in which increases in muscle force production impose greater mechanical loading, on the tendon to trigger increases in stiffness as children mature through adolescence.
DOI
10.32098/mltj.02.2021.11
Access Rights
free_to_read
Comments
Chalatzoglidis, G., Blazevich, A. J., & Arabatzi, F. (2021). An adaptive model of achilles tendon mechanical properties during adolescence: Effect of sex. Muscles, Ligaments and Tendons Journal, 11(2), 281-291. https://doi.org/10.32098/mltj.02.2021.11