(Khan & Scott, 2009)
Aims: To present the current scientific knowledge underpinning how load may be used therapeutically to stimulate tissue repair and remodelling in tendon, muscle, cartilage and bone.
Method: Review, not systematic
Results: Use of the term “mechano-transduction”. mechanical stimuli (general movement, exercise) are converted into biochemical responses. 1. Load/stimuli applied to tissue 2. Tissue communicate / distribute load message 3. Response to the load/stimuli.
Tissue (tendon, muscle, cartilage, bone) respond favourably to stimuli, increasing in strength / healing.
Limitations: Not a systematic review, more like an overview. No critical appraisal of included literature. Doesn’t say anything about optimal dosage, just general assumptions.
In practice: Load applied to tissues is transmitted and cells respond to stimuli increasing strength / healing processes.
Khan, K. M., & Scott, A. (2009). Mechanotherapy: How physical therapists’ prescription of exercise promotes tissue repair. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 43(4), 247–252. https://doi.org/10.1136/bjsm.2008.054239