The @entity1641 superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT) functions as an energy store during high-speed gaits reducing the energetic cost of locomotion. To enable the SDFT to function effectively, the appropriate mechanical properties are essential. We tested the hypothesis that the SDFT does not undergo gross @entity1184 in response to high-intensity exercise whereas tendons not involved in energy storage undergo adaptive @entity1184 . Two groups (n = 6) of Thoroughbred fillies were trained at high-intensity on a high-speed @entity1641 treadmill for 5 months (short-term study) or 18 months (long-term study). Age-matched groups (n = 6) of @entity1641 undertook low-intensity exercise only for the same time period. Throughout the short-term study the SDFT and @entity427 ( @entity427 ) were ultrasonograpically scanned at mid-metacarpal level and cross-sectional area (CSA) calculated. At the end of the short-term study ( @entity1641 age = 2 years) and long-term study ( @entity1641 age = 3 years) the left SDFT, @entity427 , suspensory ligament (SL) and common digital extensor tendon (CDET) were harvested and CSA calculated. Comparison of the @entity427 from 2- and 3-year-old @entity1641 revealed an age-related increase in CSA which was confirmed by ultrasonographs. Post mortem analysis showed a significant @entity1184 of the CDET with high-intensity training in the short-term study (younger @entity1641 ). CSA did not differ significantly between training groups for any of the structures following long-term training. These results suggest a structure specific @entity1184 response to the imposed training regime.

Treadmill exercise-induced tendon XXXX : assessment of tendons with different mechanical functions.

@entity1184 :: ('MESH:D006984', 'Disease') :: ['hypertrophy', 'hypertrophic'] @entity1641 :: ('9796', 'Species') :: ['horse', 'horses', 'equine'] @entity427 :: ('MESH:D012021', 'Disease') :: ['DDFT', 'deep digital flexor tendon']
@entity1184 :: (MESH:D006984,Disease) :: ['hypertrophy']
