What describes the deformation in the shape or properties of a tissue with constant load over time?

Creep refers to the time-dependent deformation of a material under a constant load. It is a phenomenon observed in materials, including biological tissues, which gradually change shape or properties over time when subjected to a sustained stress. As the tissue continues to be loaded, it deforms progressively, indicating that the tissue is unable to fully recover to its original shape due to the persistent force acting upon it.

This process is particularly relevant in fields such as biomechanics and rehabilitation, where understanding how tissues react to prolonged stress can influence treatment and injury prevention strategies. In contrast, stress relates to the internal force per area that causes deformation, whereas strain measures the amount of deformation experienced by a material due to that stress. Elasticity is the ability of a material to return to its original shape after the stress is removed, which is different from the progressive deformation seen in creep.