Which chronic adaptations occur in tendons with resistance training?

• A. Increased collagen synthesis, greater tendon stiffness, and enhanced load tolerance.
• B. Decreased collagen synthesis and stiffness.
• C. No change.
• D. Worsened load tolerance.

Answer: (A)

Resistance training prompts the tendon to remodel its matrix over time. Tenocytes ramp up collagen production, especially type I collagen, and the collagen fibers become more organized with greater cross-linking. This makes the tendon stiffer and better able to bear load, so it can handle higher forces with less stretch, reflecting improved load tolerance. The combination of increased collagen content and a tougher, more resilient matrix is exactly what you’d expect from chronic tendon adaptations to resistance work.

Choices that suggest decreased collagen synthesis and stiffness, no change, or worse load tolerance don’t fit the adaptive pattern seen with ongoing resistance training.