Grants and Contributions:

Grant or Award spanning more than one fiscal year. (2017-2018 to 2022-2023)

Innovation

This research program will generate mechanistic insights into tendon cell behaviour, and will apply this fundamental knowledge to the development of improved exercise programs that address the basic human need to remain physically active. The proposed research will advance our understanding of human tendons by studying the biological responses of mechanically stimulated tendon cells.

Overview

Tendons, which connect muscles and bones, are a dense collagenous tissue populated by specialized fibroblasts. These fibroblasts are periodically subjected to tensile strains, which are important in maintaining tissue homeostasis and triggering adaptive tissue responses during periods of increased loading. The longterm objective is to develop new exercise programs, which stimulate adaptation in healthy adult tendons.

Background

The development of exercise programs that can improve the strength of muscles and bones has improved our society’s ability to age successfully. Exercise scientists and physical activity proponents, however, often overlook tendons. A recent series of studies has revealed that if given a sufficient training stimulus, tendons can become stronger and improve their energy storage capacity. The mechanisms underlying tendon strengthening are not fully understood, but are thought to involve the production of new collagen fibres by local tendon fibroblasts (tenocytes). The adaptive capacity of tendons is important to study, because tendons play a vital role in many functional activities.

Summary of the Scientific Approach

The experimental work will be conducted in the Centre for Hip Health and Mobility, an interdisciplinary research laboratory equipped through grants from CFI and the BC Knowledge Development Foundation, on which the applicant was a PI. Tendon mechanobiology will be examined in vitro and in vivo using several machines in the laboratory including a FlexCell unit with bioartificial tendon capability, a Bose Electroforce unit with associated organ culture chambers, a Biodex unit for human exercise studies (in conjunction with electromyography, real-time ultrasound and motion capture system), and a motion function laboratory equipped with an instrumented treadmill for calculation of tendon energy storage and release during human movement.