27/09/2021
The tendon loading rate probably explains why tendinopathy is associated with repetitive stretch-shorten cycle (SSC) rather than heavy loads. The SSC occurs during any activity that requires the tendon to store and release energy like a spring. Everything else is easy for a tendon e.g. eccentric movements, high weight. The loading rate is calculated in BW/sec. Here are two examples for the patellar and the Achilles tendon in different activities. So the highest loading rate for the patellar tendon is to land in a stop jump sequence, like in a basketball or volleyball, while leg pressing 3x bodyweight has a very low loading rate. This is the same for the Achilles tendon where calf raises have a very low loading rate for the tendon while running and hopping have a very high strain rate. Interestingly, the very best athletes who can run fast or jump high are the ones who are also at risk to develop tendon pathology the most, probably because they can load their tendons faster than anyone else. This phenomenon is also called the “Jumper’s knee paradox”, described in an article by Visnes et al. (2013)
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