Interfascicular matrix mechanics of tendon
Research type
Research Study
Full title
The role of the interfascicular matrix in mediating tendon fatigue resistance: Do age related changes lead to tendinopathy?
IRAS ID
151277
Contact name
Hazel Screen
Contact email
Research summary
While tendinopathy is common and increases with age, current treatments are limited and ineffective. Development of new treatment strategies is challenging, as the factors predisposing specific tendons to tendinopathy are poorly understood. However, we have evidence suggesting that the interfascicular matrix (IFM)if tendon is critical for facilitating tendon extension and recoil, and thus maintaining tendon fatigue resistance and health. This is particularly important in energy storing tendons, which experience high strains during use and are prone to injury. Further, we have evidence that IFM properties are altered in aged individuals, a group in which tendon disease is widespread. We therefore hypothesise that energy storing tendons have a specialised IFM, enabling them to sustain large repetitive strains without damage. A less specialised IFM or age-related deterioration reduces IFM extensibility and elasticity, predisposing certain tendons to long-term injury. We will investigate IFM structure in different tendon types from different aged individuals, and correlate this with IFM and tendon fatigue and failure properties. This will allows to identify the IFM components key in maintaining tendon function and preventing injury, and determine why specific tendons and individuals are prone to injury. This understanding will aid the development of novel repair and rehabilitation strategies for tendon disease and injury.
REC name
North East - Tyne & Wear South Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
14/NE/0154
Date of REC Opinion
16 May 2014
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion