Fig. 2.

Tendon mechanics. A single bout of exercise, followed by 24 h of rest, significantly increased tendon cross-sectional area (CSA; A) and trended toward decreasing modulus (B), maximum stress (C), and maximum load (F), suggesting mildly inferior properties. Chronic exercise resulted in beneficial mechanical adaptations of the tendon after 2 wk [modulus (B), maximum stress (C), stiffness (E), and maximum load (F)] and 8 wk [stiffness (E) and maximum load (F)]. D: percent relaxation decreased after 2 weeks of exercise. Separate Student’s t-tests were performed at each time point. Means and SD are shown; n = 9–12 acute, 12–17 at 2 wk, 11–13 at 8 wk.