Volume 35, Issue 250 (11-2025)
J Mazandaran Univ Med Sci 2025, 35(250): 50-64 |
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Nikjoo N, Khezry D, Talebpour F, Fattahi A. Enhanced Effects of Treadmill Exercise on the Strength of Partially Ruptured Achilles Tendons in a Rat Model. J Mazandaran Univ Med Sci 2025; 35 (250) :50-64
URL: http://jmums.mazums.ac.ir/article-1-22224-en.html
URL: http://jmums.mazums.ac.ir/article-1-22224-en.html
Abstract: (69 Views)
Background and purpose: Tendon rupture is a common musculoskeletal injury characterized by slow and often incomplete healing. This study investigated the effects of daily treadmill exercise initiated after the inflammatory phase on Achilles tendon repair in a rat model.
Materials and methods: In this experimental study, twenty-one mature female rats were randomly assigned to three groups: control, tendon injury, and tendon injury + treadmill. The Achilles tendon was surgically transected to induce injury. One week after surgery, the treadmill group performed running exercise at a speed of 10 m/min for 30 minutes per session, five days per week, on a 0 incline for four consecutive weeks. Following the training period, a footprint test was conducted to evaluate functional recovery and gait performance, after which the animals were euthanized for histological and biomechanical analyses.
Results: Treadmill training initiated after the inflammatory phase led to notable improvements in tendon repair. The Achilles Functional Index (AFI) was significantly higher in the treadmill group than in the tendon injury group (P< 0.05). Footprint analysis demonstrated that the tendon injury + treadmill group’s gait profile closely resembled that of the uninjured control group. Histological examination showed disorganized collagen fibers, inflammatory infiltration, and increased cell density in the injury group, whereas the treadmill-trained group displayed more organized collagen alignment, reduced inflammation, and lower cellular density. Biomechanical (tensiometric) testing confirmed superior mechanical strength and recovery in the tendon injury + treadmill group compared with the tendon injury group.
Conclusion: Post-injury treadmill exercise enhances tendon healing and maintains functional integrity, suggesting that controlled aerobic activity initiated after the inflammatory phase may facilitate tissue repair. Further research is warranted to determine the optimal timing, intensity, and duration of exercise for effective clinical translation
Materials and methods: In this experimental study, twenty-one mature female rats were randomly assigned to three groups: control, tendon injury, and tendon injury + treadmill. The Achilles tendon was surgically transected to induce injury. One week after surgery, the treadmill group performed running exercise at a speed of 10 m/min for 30 minutes per session, five days per week, on a 0 incline for four consecutive weeks. Following the training period, a footprint test was conducted to evaluate functional recovery and gait performance, after which the animals were euthanized for histological and biomechanical analyses.
Results: Treadmill training initiated after the inflammatory phase led to notable improvements in tendon repair. The Achilles Functional Index (AFI) was significantly higher in the treadmill group than in the tendon injury group (P< 0.05). Footprint analysis demonstrated that the tendon injury + treadmill group’s gait profile closely resembled that of the uninjured control group. Histological examination showed disorganized collagen fibers, inflammatory infiltration, and increased cell density in the injury group, whereas the treadmill-trained group displayed more organized collagen alignment, reduced inflammation, and lower cellular density. Biomechanical (tensiometric) testing confirmed superior mechanical strength and recovery in the tendon injury + treadmill group compared with the tendon injury group.
Conclusion: Post-injury treadmill exercise enhances tendon healing and maintains functional integrity, suggesting that controlled aerobic activity initiated after the inflammatory phase may facilitate tissue repair. Further research is warranted to determine the optimal timing, intensity, and duration of exercise for effective clinical translation
Type of Study: Research(Original) |
Subject:
anatomy
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