FUNCTION AND BIOMECHANICS OF TENDONS

Citation
Dt. Kirkendall et We. Garrett, FUNCTION AND BIOMECHANICS OF TENDONS, Scandinavian journal of medicine & science in sports, 7(2), 1997, pp. 62-66
Citations number
27
Categorie Soggetti
Sport Sciences
ISSN journal
09057188
Volume
7
Issue
2
Year of publication
1997
Pages
62 - 66
Database
ISI
SICI code
0905-7188(1997)7:2<62:FABOT>2.0.ZU;2-2
Abstract
Tendon is a highly organized connective tissue joining muscle to bone, capable of resisting high tensile forces while transmitting forces fr om muscle to bone. The dense, regularly arranged collagenous tissue is made up of fibers, cells of various shapes and ground substance. The mechanical and physiological characteristics of collagen (nearly 85% o f the dry weight of tendon) dictate the qualities of tendon. In additi on, tendon is flexible so that it can bend at joints, as well as actin g as a damping tissue to absorb shock and limit potential damage to mu scle (1). Tendon also shows a degree of extensibility. If the strain u sed; to stretch a tendon could be recovered,a beneficial elastic effec t would be achieved. Muscles lengthen and shorten in a cyclical manner . During the lengthening period, elastic energy can be stored and used as elastic recoil. For example, the Achilles tendon is stretched late in the stance phase as the triceps surae muscles contract and the ank le dorsiflexes. Prior to plantarflexion, muscle activation ceases and stored energy helps to initiate planter flexion.