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IS-DAAD-Forskerutveksl. Norge-Tyskland

Effect of loading-rate and strain-rate on mechanical behaviour of the patellar tendon when measured in vivo

Tildelt: kr 8 992

There is theoretical and clinical need to accurately assess tendon mechanical properties non-invasively. Currently, a mismatch between in vitro and in vivo methodologies prevents the full validation of the latter. Furthermore, the viscous nature of tendon s, one their most important properties, is absent from in vivo experiments because of a methodological gap. Here we propose to address all these issues via an original approach and an unprecedented level of experimental control. The purpose of the present study is to investigate the influence of loading rate and strain rate on patella tendon stiffness measured in vivo. Similarly to in vitro observations, we hypothesize that tendon would display rate sensitive mechanics, as evidenced by a dose response rel ationship between loading rate and stiffness. However, we also intend to produce data comparable to in vitro experimental conditions by testing tendon properties at a constant strain rate. Finally, we will combine variables measured at various loading/str ain rates to calculate an index reflecting tendon viscoelastic properties. The results from the proposed experiments will enable the personal and institutional development of both the Norwegian and German parts. Potentially, these findings will provide th e scientific community with new, non-invasive, tools of investigation of tendon function during normal adaptation, ageing and pathology.

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IS-DAAD-Forskerutveksl. Norge-Tyskland