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    The Structure, Function, and Adaptation of Lower-Limb Aponeuroses: Implications for Myo-Aponeurotic Injury


    Hulm, Scott, Timmins, Ryan G., Hickey, Jack, Maniar, Nirav, Lin, Yi-Chung, Knaus, Katherine R., Heiderscheit, Bryan C., Blemker, Silvia S. and Opar, David A. (2024) The Structure, Function, and Adaptation of Lower-Limb Aponeuroses: Implications for Myo-Aponeurotic Injury. Sports Medicine - Open, 10 (1). ISSN 2198-9761

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    Abstract

    The aponeurosis is a large fibrous connective tissue structure within and surrounding skeletal muscle and is a critical component of the muscle–tendon unit (MTU). Due to the lack of consensus on terminology and the heterogeneous nature of the aponeurosis between MTUs, there are several questions that remain unanswered. For example, the aponeurosis is often conflated with the free tendon rather than being considered an independent structure. This has subsequent implications when interpreting data regarding the structure, function, and adaptation of the aponeuroses from these studies. In recent years, a body of work has emerged to suggest that acute injury to the myo-aponeurotic complex may have an impact on return-to-sport timeframes and reinjury rates. Therefore, the purpose of this review is to provide a more detailed understanding of the morphology and mechanical behaviour common to all aponeuroses, as well as the unique characteristics of specific lower-limb aponeuroses that are commonly injured. This review provides the practitioner with a current understanding of the mechanical, material, and adaptive properties of lower limb aponeuroses and suggests directions for future research related to the myo-aponeurotic complex.
    Item Type: Article
    Keywords: Aponeurosis; Muscle–tendon injury; Morphology; Mechanical behaviour; Remodelling;
    Academic Unit: Faculty of Science and Engineering > Sports Science and Nutrition
    Item ID: 19692
    Identification Number: 10.1186/s40798-024-00789-3
    Depositing User: Jack Hickey
    Date Deposited: 14 Apr 2025 13:42
    Journal or Publication Title: Sports Medicine - Open
    Publisher: Springer
    Refereed: Yes
    Related URLs:
    URI: https://mural.maynoothuniversity.ie/id/eprint/19692
    Use Licence: This item is available under a Creative Commons Attribution Non Commercial Share Alike Licence (CC BY-NC-SA). Details of this licence are available here

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