Abstract
Left hindlimbs in 9 weeks old Wistar rats were immobilized (Imm group) for 15 wks. Then, they were remobilized, and returned to normal activities (Imm/Rem group). Non-treated, age-matched rat were used as Control group. Tensile tests were performed to determine the mechanical properties of the patellar tendon (PT) and medial collateral ligament (MCL). Cross-sectional area of the PT, tangent modulus of the MCL, and stiffness of both were decreased by immobilization ; however, they were restored to control level soon after remobilization. These results indicate that the PT and MCL demonstrate different adaptive responses to immobilization and remobilization.
