Effect of androgenic-anabolic steroids and heavy strength training on patellar tendon morphological and mechanical properties

Abstract

Combined androgenic-anabolic steroids (AAS) and overloading affects tendon collagen metabolism and ultrastructure and is often associated with a higher risk of injury. The aim of this prospective study was to investigate whether such effects would be reflected in the patellar tendon properties of individuals with a history of long-term resistance training and AAS abuse (RTS group), compared with trained (RT) and untrained (CTRL) nonsteroids users. Tendon cross-sectional area (CSA), stiffness, Young's modulus, and toe limit strain were measured in vivo, from synchronized ultrasonography and dynamometry data. The patellar tendon of RT and RTS subjects was much stiffer and larger than in the CTRL group. However, stiffness and modulus were higher in the RTS group (26%, P < 0.05 and 30%, P < 0.01, respectively) than in the RT group. Conversely, tendon CSA was 15% (P < 0.05) larger in the RT group than in RTS, although differences disappeared when this variable was normalized to quadriceps maximal isometric torque. Yet maximal tendon stress was higher in RTS than in RT (15%, P < 0.05), without any statistical difference in maximal strain and toe limit strain between groups. The present lack of difference in toe limit strain does not substantiate the hypothesis of changes in collagen crimp pattern associated with AAS abuse. However, these findings indicate that tendon adaptations from years of heavy resistance training are different in AAS users, suggesting differences in collagen remodeling. Some of these adaptations (e.g., higher stress) could be linked to a higher risk of tendon injury.

The Achilles tendon is mechanosensitive in older adults: adaptations following 14 weeks versus 1.5 years of cyclic strain exercise

“…For instance, in young badminton players and fencers with between-leg strength differences in quadriceps femoris muscle (on average 22%), an asymmetrical adaptation of patellar tendon (PT) cross-sectional area (CSA) and stiffness has been identified (Couppé et al, 2008). Although not statistically significant, habitual exercise has been suggested to affect the Young's modulus (on average up to 16%) and may possibly trigger structural adaptive modifications in human tendons (Seynnes et al, 2013;Westh et al, 2008;Wiesinger et al, 2015). In addition, diverse exercise training interventions for 12-14 weeks in younger adults have led to increased PT and AT stiffness, Young's modulus and tendon CSA, concurrent with increments in muscle strength (Arampatzis et al, 2007a;Bohm et al, 2014;Kongsgaard et al, 2007;Kubo et al, 2001Kubo et al, , 2007aMalliaras et al, 2013).…”

Equine doping: perceptions, adverse effects and Cyprus hippodrome case review for the years 2001-2010

“…Studies in humans and rats suggest that chronic use of anabolic steroids leads to a stiffer tendons with lower energy absorption potential, increasing the risk of tendon injury (Seynnes et al, 2013;Inhofe et al, 1995). Additionally, it has been associated with adrenal insufficiency (Dowling et al 1993), aggressive behaviour, infertility and severe laminitis (Dowling 2002).…”

The Effect of Intense Drop Jumps from a Platform Physical Exercise on Muscle and Connective Tissue Damage / Didelės apimties šuolių nuo pakylos fizinio krūvio poveikis raumenų ir jungiamojo audinio pažaidai

“…Tokius fizinius krūvius rekomenduojama taikyti atsargiai, nes didelis kiekis šuolių / metimų gali sukelti lėtinį nuovargį ir mažina pratybų efektyvumą (Seynnes et al, 2013). Manoma, kad labai didelės apimties ekscentriniai-koncentriniai krūviai ne tik sukelia raumenų pažaidą, bet ir neigiamai veikia sausgyslių bei raiščių struktūrinį vientisumą.…”