Tendons and ligaments

Region 1

Toe region

Region 2

Linear region (stiffness of a material)

Region 3

End of linear region (progressive failure point)

Structure is now providing less resistance to force

Region 4

Maximum load and complete failure

Area under curve

Energy absorbed by structure

Elastin

Provides ‘bounce’ to tendons and ligs. More abundant in ligaments

Has low stress, but high strain. Has minimal reaction to forces applied until at its limit

Tensile strength of tendon

Up to 2x that of muscle

Due to high strength tends ot cause muscle rupture before structural failure

Tendon injury

Tend to occur under high tensile load with fully contracted muscle under eccentric load