Viscoelasticity and Damage of Ligament: Loading and RecoveryLoading and Recovery

总结-粘弹性和韧带损伤：加载和恢复。S.湖和R.如果一个重物挂在一个弹性材料上，比如一个钢弹簧，它会伸展并保持在变形的长度。当重量被移除时，它立即恢复其原始长度。 如果同样的重量挂在粘弹性材料上，它最初会拉伸，但随着时间的推移会继续拉伸。 当重量被移除时，一些拉伸立即恢复，一些随着时间逐渐恢复。如果在拉伸过程中损坏，那么它将永远不会恢复其原始长度。 韧带是粘弹性的。 他们在体力活动时伸展，在休息时恢复。 组织伸展和恢复是其功能的基础，但尚未得到很好的理解。目的是通过实验表征韧带在加载和恢复过程中的力学行为。本研究将包括低于和高于损伤阈值的力。 实验数据将用数学模型进行分析。 产生损伤（扭伤）的拉伸会削弱组织，并使关节处于疼痛和骨关节炎的风险中。结果将被用来指导最好的例行拉伸运动的体育和康复，并提供一个框架的设计人工韧带。研究结果也将纳入共同主要研究者教授的生物力学课程和我们受欢迎的网站。这笔赠款将培养两名研究生从事生物医学研究。新的发现将在会议和期刊论文中发表。

Summary - Viscoelasticity and Damage of Ligament: Loading and RecoveryR. S. Lakes and R. Vanderby If a weight is hung on an elastic material such as a steel spring, it stretches and remains at that deformed length. When the weight is removed, it immediately recovers its original length. If the same weight is hung on a viscoelastic material, it stretches initially, but continues to stretch over time. When the weight is removed, some of the stretch is immediately recovered and some is recovered gradually with time. If damaged in the stretch, then it will never recover its original length. Ligaments are viscoelastic. They stretch during physical activity and recover during periods of rest. Tissue stretch and recovery is fundamental to its function but not yet well understood. The objective is to experimentally characterize the mechanical behavior of ligaments, both during loading and recovery. This study will include forces that are below and above the threshold of damage. Experimental data will be analyzed with mathematical models. Stretches which produce damage (sprains) can weaken the tissue and put joints at risk for pain and osteoarthritis. Results will be used to guide the best routines for stretching exercises for athletics and rehabilitation, and to provide a framework for the design of artificial ligaments. Results will also be incorporated in the bio-mechanics classes taught by the co-principal investigators and in our popular web site. This grant will train two graduate students for careers in biomedical research. New findings will be presented at conferences and in journal papers.