MUSCLE AND TENDON ADAPTATIONS TO AGEING AND SPACEFLIGHT

摘要

Striking similarities exist between some of the structural and functional changes of the muscle and tendon induced by ageing and simulated spaceflight. Both conditions involve a reduction in fibre length and in tendon stiffness. These changes ate expected to affect the F-L and F-V properties of the muscle. The use of concentric eccentric countermeasures seems to significantly mitigate the structural and functional changes of the muscle and tendon. The possible role of apoptosis in the loss of muscle mass with long-term spaceflight ought to be clarified. The Authors are grateful to ESA for the opportunity of participating to the LTBR-2001-2 Toulouse bed rest project. Particular appreciation is expressed to the volunteers of this bed rest study. We are also thankful to ASI for significant financial support.