Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/2440/53851
Citations
Scopus Web of ScienceĀ® Altmetric
?
?
Type: Journal article
Title: Physical activity: does long-term, high-intensity exercise in horses result in tendon degeneration?
Author: Birch, Helen L.
Wilson, Alan M.
Goodship, Allen Edward
Citation: Journal of Applied Physiology, 2008; 105:1927-1933
Publisher: American Physiological Society
Issue Date: 2008
ISSN: 8750-7587
School/Discipline: School of Medical Sciences : Pathology
Statement of
Responsibility: 
Helen L. Birch, Alan M. Wilson and Allen E. Goodship
Abstract: This study explores the hypothesis that high-intensity exercise induces degenerative changes in the injury-prone equine superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT), but not in the rarely injured common digital extensor tendon (CDET). The horse represents a large-animal model that is applicable to human tendon and ligament physiology and pathology. Twelve age-matched female horses undertook galloping exercise three times a week with trotting exercise on alternative days (high-intensity group, n = 6) or only walking exercise (low-intensity group, n = 6) for 18 mo. The SDFT, suspensory ligament, deep digital flexor tendon, and CDET were harvested from the forelimb. Tissue from the mid-metacarpal region of the right limb tendons was analyzed for water, DNA, sulfated glycosaminoglycan and collagen content, collagen type III-to-I ratios, collagen cross-links, and tissue fluorescence. Left limb tendons were mechanically tested to failure. The analyses showed matrix composition to have considerable diversity between the functionally different structures. In addition, the specific structures responded differently to the imposed exercise. High-intensity training resulted in a significant decrease in the GAG content in the SDFT, but no change in collagen content, despite a decrease in collagen fibril diameters. There were no signs of degeneration or change in mechanical properties of the SDFT. The CDET had a lower water content following high-intensity training and a higher elastic modulus. Long-term, high-intensity training in skeletally mature individuals results in changes that suggest accelerated aging in the injury-prone SDFT and adaptation in the CDET.
Keywords: ligament; physical training; extracellular matrix
DOI: 10.1152/japplphysiol.00717.2007
Appears in Collections:Pathology publications

Files in This Item:
There are no files associated with this item.


Items in DSpace are protected by copyright, with all rights reserved, unless otherwise indicated.