The influence of physical activity during youth on structural and functional properties of the Achilles tendon

• Published in: Scandinavian journal of medicine & science in sports 2015-02, Vol.25 (1), p.25-31
• Main Authors: Lenskjold, A., Kongsgaard, M., Larsen, J. O., Nielsen, R. H., Kovanen, V., Aagaard, P., Kjaer, M., Magnusson, S. P.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Achilles Tendon - anatomy & histology; Achilles Tendon - diagnostic imaging; Achilles Tendon - physiology; Adult; Biopsy; Case-Control Studies; Collagen; cross-links; Electromyography; fibril morphology; Humans; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Male; Motor Activity - physiology; Organ Size; Reticulin; Risk Factors; Sedentary Lifestyle; Sports injuries; Tendinopathy; tendon cross-sectional area; tendon stiffness; Tendons; Ultrasonography
• ISSN: 0905-7188; 1600-0838
• DOI: 10.1111/sms.12143

Achilles tendinopathy is a highly prevalent sports injury. Animal studies show a growth response in tendons in response to loading in the immature phase but not after puberty maturation. The aim of this investigation was to examine the structural and material properties in long distance runners who were either physically active (HAY) or inactive (LAY) in young age. Twelve men in HAY group and eight men in LAY group participated. Structural, functional, and biochemical properties of Achilles tendon were estimated from magnetic resonance imaging, ultrasound video recordings, mechanical tests, and tendon biopsies, respectively. There was no difference between the groups with respect to tendon cross‐sectional area or tendon free length. There was no difference between the groups with respect to maximal force or mechanical properties. The collagen content, enzymatic and nonenzymatic cross‐link density did not differ between the groups, nor did collagen fibril density, diameter, and area. There was a correlation between age and pentosidine/collagen within the groups [(HAY: P