The following values were obtained: maximal load, n = 15; stiffness, n = 254; plastic energy, n = 8; postyield load, n = 5; postyield deflection, n = 7.
In contrast, swimming exercise during the hindlimb unloading period (HS + Swim) resulted in significantly higher values of tibial maximal load, compared not only with the HS group (+23%, P < 0.001, 55.1 N versus 44.7 N) but also with the HS + WB group (+26%, P < 0.01, 55.1 N versus 43.7 N), whence swimming exercise completely preserved bone strength (HS + Swim versus Control, P > 0.05).
The columns under investigation were loaded with the force values from zero to the maximal load destroying the profile, which allowed one to observe the column behaviour till its collapse.
Table 6 Summary of fatigue failure tests: maximal load, vertical & lateral stiffness, number of cycles (all values prior to failure) and failure types.
Its loading parameters were recorded and the value corresponding to 60% of the maximal load was determined from the load-deflection curve.
Mean maximal load, stiffness and energy-at-failure were all greater than the values in controls.
In obtained results, there were no significant differences in the values of the stress determined at the point of maximal load and the energy stored in the samples for proportional stress strain limit (elastic region).
Peak load corresponded to 60% of the maximal load measured from the first bone (contralateral humerus).
In the single cycle loading tests, significant differences in maximal load were documented.
Therefore, a loading force of 60% of the maximal load was applied.
