Chondroitin sulphate glycosaminoglycans contribute to widespread inferior biomechanics in tendon after focal injury.

Both mechanical and structural properties of tendon change after injury however the causal relationship between these properties is presently unclear. This study aimed to determine the extent of biomechanical change in post-injury tendon pathology and whether the sulphated glycosaminoglycans (glycosaminoglycans) present are a causal factor in these changes. Equine superficial digital flexor tendons (SDF tendons) were surgically-injured in vivo (n=6 injured, n=6 control).

Passive mechanical properties of the gastrocnemius after spinal cord injury.

Introduction: In this study we compared passive mechanical properties of gastrocnemius muscle-tendon units, muscle fascicles, and tendons in control subjects and people with ankle contractures after spinal cord injury.

Methods: Passive gastrocnemius length-tension curves were derived from passive ankle torque-angle data obtained from 20 spinal cord injured subjects with ankle contractures and 30 control subjects. Ultrasound images of muscle fascicles were used to partition length-tension curves into fascicular and tendinous components.

Passive mechanical properties of gastrocnemius muscles of people with ankle contracture after stroke.

Objective: To investigate the mechanisms of contracture after stroke by comparing passive mechanical properties of gastrocnemius muscle-tendon units, muscle fascicles, and tendons in people with ankle contracture after stroke with control participants.

Design: Cross-sectional study.

Setting: Laboratory in a research institution.