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Journal of the mechanical behavior of biomedical materials2015; 52; 85-94; doi: 10.1016/j.jmbbm.2015.04.009

The interfascicular matrix enables fascicle sliding and recovery in tendon, and behaves more elastically in energy storing tendons.

Abstract: While the predominant function of all tendons is to transfer force from muscle to bone and position the limbs, some tendons additionally function as energy stores, reducing the cost of locomotion. Energy storing tendons experience extremely high strains and need to be able to recoil efficiently for maximum energy storage and return. In the equine forelimb, the energy storing superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT) has much higher failure strains than the positional common digital extensor tendon (CDET). However, we have previously shown that this is not due to differences in the properties of the SDFT and CDET fascicles (the largest tendon subunits). Instead, there is a greater capacity for interfascicular sliding in the SDFT which facilitates the greater extensions in this particular tendon (Thorpe et al., 2012). In the current study, we exposed fascicles and interfascicular matrix (IFM) from the SDFT and CDET to cyclic loading followed by a test to failure. The results show that IFM mechanical behaviour is not a result of irreversible deformation, but the IFM is able to withstand cyclic loading, and is more elastic in the SDFT than in the CDET. We also assessed the effect of ageing on IFM properties, demonstrating that the IFM is less able to resist repetitive loading as it ages, becoming stiffer with increasing age in the SDFT. These results provide further indications that the IFM is important for efficient function in energy storing tendons, and age-related alterations to the IFM may compromise function and predispose older tendons to injury.
Copyright © 2015 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.
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Publication Date: 2015-04-16 PubMed ID: 25958330PubMed Central: PMC4655227DOI: 10.1016/j.jmbbm.2015.04.009Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

The research looks into how energy storing tendons work more efficiently due to their elasticity and ability to recover from extreme strains, attributed to an element called the interfascicular matrix (IFM). It also notes how ageing affects the function of the IFM, making it stiffer and therefore making older tendons more prone to injury.

Investigation of Tendon Functions

The researchers first acknowledged the primary function of all tendons, which is to transfer the force between muscles and bones, positioning the limbs appropriately. They then discussed a special function found in some tendons, where they also work as energy stores, reducing the energy cost during locomotion. These types of tendons, called energy-storing tendons, can withstand highly extreme strains and recoil efficiently for maximum energy storage and return.

  • The researchers compared the energy storing superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT) and the positional common digital extensor tendon (CDET) in a horse’s forelimb.
  • Notably, the SDFT has higher failure strains than CDET. However, the difference does not lie in the properties of the fascicles- the largest tendon subunits of these tendons.
  • Rather, the reason for SDFT’s higher resilience is ascribed to the greater capacity for interfascicular sliding enabled by the interfascicular matrix (IFM), which assists the extended extensions in this particular tendon.

Focus on Interfascicular Matrix (IFM)

The researchers then focused on the IFM, subjecting it and fascicles from the SDFT and CDET to cyclical loading followed by a failure test.

  • The results showed that the more elastic behavior of the IFM in the SDFT was not due to irreversible deformation.
  • Rather, the IFM has the ability to withstand cyclic loading. In other words, it can endure repeated strain without breaking.
  • Additionally, the IFM was found to be more resilient or elastic in the SDFT than in the CDET.

Impact of Ageing on IFM and Tendons

The researchers also studied the impact of ageing on IFM properties, which can affect tendon resilience.

  • Findings showed that as IFM ages, its ability to resist repetitive loading diminishes, which consequently causes it to become stiffer.
  • This increased stiffness with age was particularly noted in the SDFT.
  • Thus, the study concluded that ageing alters the IFM properties, which can compromise its function, making older tendons susceptible to injuries.

Cite This Article

APA
Thorpe CT, Godinho MSC, Riley GP, Birch HL, Clegg PD, Screen HRC. (2015). The interfascicular matrix enables fascicle sliding and recovery in tendon, and behaves more elastically in energy storing tendons. J Mech Behav Biomed Mater, 52, 85-94. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jmbbm.2015.04.009

Publication

Journal of the mechanical behavior of biomedical materials
ISSN: 1878-0180
NlmUniqueID: 101322406
Country: Netherlands
Language: English
Volume: 52
Pages: 85-94
PII: S1751-6161(15)00129-0

Researcher Affiliations

Thorpe, Chavaunne T
  • Institute of Bioengineering, School of Engineering and Materials Science, Queen Mary University of London, Mile End Road, London E1 4NS UK. Electronic address: c.thorpe@qmul.ac.uk.
Godinho, Marta S C
  • Institute of Bioengineering, School of Engineering and Materials Science, Queen Mary University of London, Mile End Road, London E1 4NS UK.
Riley, Graham P
  • School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich NR4 7TJ, UK.
Birch, Helen L
  • Institute of Orthopaedics and Musculoskeletal Science, University College London, Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital, Stanmore HA7 4LP, UK.
Clegg, Peter D
  • Department of Musculoskeletal Biology, Institute of Ageing and Chronic Disease, University of Liverpool, Leahurst Campus, Neston CH64 7TE, UK.
Screen, Hazel R C
  • Institute of Bioengineering, School of Engineering and Materials Science, Queen Mary University of London, Mile End Road, London E1 4NS UK.

MeSH Terms

  • Aging
  • Animals
  • Elasticity
  • Energy Metabolism
  • Forelimb
  • Horses
  • Materials Testing
  • Tendons / metabolism

Grant Funding

  • MR/K006312/1 / Medical Research Council
  • BB/K008412 / Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council

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Citations

This article has been cited 58 times.
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