Work

Effects of Mechanical Loading on the Structure and Function of the Achilles Tendon: From Homeostatic Adaptation to Pathological Degeneration

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: The Achilles tendon, the largest and strongest tendon in the human body, exhibits dynamic adaptive changes in its structure and function through mechanobiological regulation. This review synthesizes the dual regulatory effects of mechanical loading on Achilles tendon homeostasis and pathology: Moderate mechanical stimulation activates integrin-mediated signaling pathways (including PI3K/Akt and MAPK/ERK cascades), promoting tenocyte proliferation/differentiation, collagen biosynthesis, and orderly remodeling of extracellular matrix (ECM), thereby enhancing tendon stiffness, elastic modulus, and ultimate tensile strength. Conversely, chronic overload or disuse conditions induce collagen disorganization, aberrant matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) expression, and inflammatory cascades, creating a predisposition to tendinopathy and degenerative disorders. Emerging evidence highlights the critical role of mechanotransduction in injury repair, with early-stage progressive loading regimens demonstrating enhanced healing outcomes through optimized ECM metabolism and biomechanical signal propagation. Clinically, individualized load management strategies, including blood flow restriction training and biomaterial-assisted mechanomodulation, show promise in injury prevention and rehabilitation. Future research integrating multi-omics approaches with intelligent load-monitoring technologies may clarify mechanobiological coupling mechanisms and facilitate precision interventions for Achilles tendon disorders.

Source: Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology

DOI: 10.3390/jfmk11030273

Authors: Linshu Guan, Weijian Zhang, Haoliang Wang, Yizhe Zhang, Jiachen Sun, Jun Lu

Institutions: Zhongda Hospital Southeast University, Southeast University

Language: English

Topic: Tendon Structure and Treatment

Subfield: Orthopedics and Sports Medicine

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,930