Effects of Training on Mechanical Properties of Achilles and Patellar Tendons of Older Adults: A Systematic Review |Biomedgrid

Purpose/Aim Aging changes mechanical properties of tendons, influencing the transmission of strength, postural stability, and the risk of falling. Tendon stiffness can be modified by exercise intervention. Thus, this systematic review aimed to analyze the effects of different training programs on the triceps sural and quadriceps patellar tendons in older adults. Materials and Methods The search was performed in the databases Pubmed, Embase, Scopus, and Sport Discus. Studies analyzing: a. Healthy older adults aged ≥ 60 years, b. Submitted to exercise programs, c. Primary or secondary outcomes of properties of patellar tendon or sural triceps tendon, and d. In English were included. Results Ten of 1105 peer-reviewed articles were selected. The exercise programs included resistance training, isokinetic, walking, plyometric, vibrating platform, skiing, and varied duration, frequency, intensity, and progression. Significant changes were found in sural triceps tendon, patellar tendon stiffness, and Young's Modulus after conventional high-intensity resistance training, Ski training, vibrating platform, and isokinetic training. Conclusions This review provides evidence that training programs, especially resistance training, can cause significant changes in stiffness and Young's modulus of patellar tendon and sural triceps tendon in healthy older adults. High training loads seem to be necessary to promote tendon changes. The analysis also highlights the need for future studies investigating the influence of training variables.