Tendon Adaptations to Eccentric Exercise and the Implications for Older Adults.
Level 5 - mechanism / opinion, no new human data
Narrative review without systematic search or meta-analytic synthesis
PubMed 33467375 · doi:10.3390/jfmk4030060
What was done
This narrative review evaluated existing evidence on how eccentric exercise modifies healthy tendon tissue properties (such as stiffness, Young's modulus, and cross-sectional area) compared to other training modalities, and examined its potential application for counteracting age-related tendon changes in older adults.
What was found
The abstract reports no numerical data or effect sizes. It notes that while higher mechanical loads during eccentric training were hypothesized to yield greater tendon adaptations, evidence suggests no overall difference in adaptations across contraction types; however, eccentric training involves lower physiological demands, making it advantageous for older individuals.
Why it matters
Eccentric exercise may provide the tendon structural benefits of heavy resistance training with reduced metabolic and cardiovascular strain, offering an accessible intervention for aging populations.
Limits
This is a narrative review with no primary data, systematic search protocol, or meta-analysis. Specific parameters, effect sizes, and sample sizes are not provided in the abstract.
Cited by
- supports Emphasizing the eccentric phase of resistance exercises increases tensile strength in tendons.