scholarly journals Effect of aging on human muscle architecture

2003 ◽  
Vol 95 (6) ◽  
pp. 2229-2234 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. V. Narici ◽  
C. N. Maganaris ◽  
N. D. Reeves ◽  
P. Capodaglio
Keyword(s):  
The Elderly ◽  
Muscle Architecture ◽  
Cross Sectional Area ◽  
Elderly Group ◽  
Sectional Area ◽  
Morphometric Measurements ◽  
Fascicle Length ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Physically Active ◽  
Structural Alterations

The effect of aging on human gastrocnemius medialis (GM) muscle architecture was evaluated by comparing morphometric measurements on 14 young (aged 27–42 yr) and on 16 older (aged 70–81 yr) physically active men, matched for height, body mass, and physical activity. GM muscle anatomic cross-sectional area (ACSA) and volume (Vol) were measured by computerized tomography, and GM fascicle length ( Lf) and pennation angle (θ) were assessed by ultrasonography. GM physiological cross-sectional area (PCSA) was calculated as the ratio of Vol/ Lf. In the elderly, ACSA and Vol were, respectively, 19.1% ( P < 0.005) and 25.4% ( P < 0.001) smaller than in the young adults. Also, Lf and θ were found to be smaller in the elderly group by 10.2% ( P < 0.01) and 13.2% ( P < 0.01), respectively. When the data for the young and elderly adults were pooled together, θ significantly correlated with ACSA ( P < 0.05). Because of the reduced Vol and Lf in the elderly group, the resulting PCSA was found to be 15.2% ( P < 0.05) smaller. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that aging significantly affects human skeletal muscle architecture. These structural alterations are expected to have implications for muscle function in old age.

scholarly journals The influence of muscle pennation angle and cross-sectional area on contact forces in the ankle joint

2016 ◽  
Vol 52 (1) ◽  
pp. 12-23 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ran S Sopher ◽  
Andrew A Amis ◽  
D Ceri Davies ◽  
Jonathan RT Jeffers
Keyword(s):  
Pennation Angle ◽  
Muscle Architecture ◽  
Cross Sectional Area ◽  
Contact Forces ◽  
Sectional Area ◽  
Muscle Forces ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Contact Loads ◽  
The Mean ◽  
And Function

Data about a muscle’s fibre pennation angle and physiological cross-sectional area are used in musculoskeletal modelling to estimate muscle forces, which are used to calculate joint contact forces. For the leg, muscle architecture data are derived from studies that measured pennation angle at the muscle surface, but not deep within it. Musculoskeletal models developed to estimate joint contact loads have usually been based on the mean values of pennation angle and physiological cross-sectional area. Therefore, the first aim of this study was to investigate differences between superficial and deep pennation angles within each muscle acting over the ankle and predict how differences may influence muscle forces calculated in musculoskeletal modelling. The second aim was to investigate how inter-subject variability in physiological cross-sectional area and pennation angle affects calculated ankle contact forces. Eight cadaveric legs were dissected to excise the muscles acting over the ankle. The mean surface and deep pennation angles, fibre length and physiological cross-sectional area were measured. Cluster analysis was applied to group the muscles according to their architectural characteristics. A previously validated OpenSim model was used to estimate ankle muscle forces and contact loads using architecture data from all eight limbs. The mean surface pennation angle for soleus was significantly greater (54%) than the mean deep pennation angle. Cluster analysis revealed three groups of muscles with similar architecture and function: deep plantarflexors and peroneals, superficial plantarflexors and dorsiflexors. Peak ankle contact force was predicted to occur before toe-off, with magnitude greater than five times bodyweight. Inter-specimen variability in contact force was smallest at peak force. These findings will help improve the development of experimental and computational musculoskeletal models by providing data to estimate force based on both surface and deep pennation angles. Inter-subject variability in muscle architecture affected ankle muscle and contact loads only slightly. The link between muscle architecture and function contributes to the understanding of the relationship between muscle structure and function.

scholarly journals Ontogenetic scaling patterns and functional anatomy of the pelvic limb musculature in emus (Dromaius novaehollandiae)

2014 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luis P Lamas ◽  
Russell P Main ◽  
John R. Hutchinson
Keyword(s):  
Body Mass ◽  
Functional Anatomy ◽  
Major Axis ◽  
Cross Sectional Area ◽  
Sectional Area ◽  
Fascicle Length ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Positive Allometry ◽  
Dromaius Novaehollandiae ◽  
Pelvic Limb

Emus (Dromaius novaehollandiae) are exclusively terrestrial, bipedal and cursorial ratites with some similar biomechanical characteristics to humans. Their growth rates are impressive as their body mass increases eighty-fold from hatching to adulthood whilst maintaining the same mode of locomotion throughout life. These ontogenetic characteristics stimulate biomechanical questions about the strategies that allow emus to cope with their rapid growth and locomotion, which can be partly addressed via scaling (allometric) analysis of morphology. In this study we have collected pelvic limb anatomical data (muscle architecture, tendon length, tendon mass and bone lengths) and calculated muscle physiological cross sectional area (PCSA) and average tendon cross sectional area from emus across three ontogenetic stages (n=17, body masses from 3.6 to 42 kg). The data were analysed by reduced major axis regression to determine how these biomechanically relevant aspects of morphology scaled with body mass. Muscle mass and PCSA showed a marked trend towards positive allometry (26 and 27 out of 34 muscles respectively) and fascicle length showed a more mixed scaling pattern. The long tendons of the main digital flexors scaled with positive allometry for all characteristics whilst other tendons demonstrated a less clear scaling pattern. Finally, the two longer bones of the limb (tibiotarsus and tarsometatarsus) also exhibited positive allometry for length and the two others (femur and first phalanx of digit III) had trends towards isometry. These results indicate that emus experience a relative increase in their muscle force-generating capacities, as well as potentially increasing the force-sustaining capacities of their tendons, as they grow. Furthermore, we have clarified anatomical descriptions and provided illustrations of the pelvic limb muscle-tendon units in emus.

scholarly journals Ontogenetic scaling patterns and functional anatomy of the pelvic limb musculature in emus (Dromaius novaehollandiae)

2014 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luis P Lamas ◽  
Russell P Main ◽  
John R. Hutchinson
Keyword(s):  
Body Mass ◽  
Functional Anatomy ◽  
Major Axis ◽  
Cross Sectional Area ◽  
Sectional Area ◽  
Fascicle Length ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Positive Allometry ◽  
Dromaius Novaehollandiae ◽  
Pelvic Limb

Emus (Dromaius novaehollandiae) are exclusively terrestrial, bipedal and cursorial ratites with some similar biomechanical characteristics to humans. Their growth rates are impressive as their body mass increases eighty-fold from hatching to adulthood whilst maintaining the same mode of locomotion throughout life. These ontogenetic characteristics stimulate biomechanical questions about the strategies that allow emus to cope with their rapid growth and locomotion, which can be partly addressed via scaling (allometric) analysis of morphology. In this study we have collected pelvic limb anatomical data (muscle architecture, tendon length, tendon mass and bone lengths) and calculated muscle physiological cross sectional area (PCSA) and average tendon cross sectional area from emus across three ontogenetic stages (n=17, body masses from 3.6 to 42 kg). The data were analysed by reduced major axis regression to determine how these biomechanically relevant aspects of morphology scaled with body mass. Muscle mass and PCSA showed a marked trend towards positive allometry (26 and 27 out of 34 muscles respectively) and fascicle length showed a more mixed scaling pattern. The long tendons of the main digital flexors scaled with positive allometry for all characteristics whilst other tendons demonstrated a less clear scaling pattern. Finally, the two longer bones of the limb (tibiotarsus and tarsometatarsus) also exhibited positive allometry for length and the two others (femur and first phalanx of digit III) had trends towards isometry. These results indicate that emus experience a relative increase in their muscle force-generating capacities, as well as potentially increasing the force-sustaining capacities of their tendons, as they grow. Furthermore, we have clarified anatomical descriptions and provided illustrations of the pelvic limb muscle-tendon units in emus.

Combination of hormone replacement therapy and high physical activity is associated with differences in Achilles tendon size in monozygotic female twin pairs

2009 ◽  
Vol 106 (4) ◽  
pp. 1332-1337 ◽  
Author(s):  
T. Finni ◽  
V. Kovanen ◽  
P. H. A. Ronkainen ◽  
E. Pöllänen ◽  
G. R. Bashford ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Hormone Replacement Therapy ◽  
Achilles Tendon ◽  
Replacement Therapy ◽  
Hormone Replacement ◽  
Cross Sectional Area ◽  
Sectional Area ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Physically Active ◽  
Tendon Thickness

Estrogen concentration has been suggested to play a role in tendon abnormalities and injury. In physically active postmenopausal women, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) has been suggested to decrease tendon diameter. We hypothesized that HRT use and physical activity are associated with Achilles tendon size and tissue structure. The study applied cotwin analysis of fourteen 54- to 62-yr-old identical female twin pairs with current discordance for HRT use for an average of 7 yr. Achilles tendon thickness and cross-sectional areas were determined by ultrasonography, and tendon structural organization was analyzed from the images using linear discriminant analysis (LDA). Maximal voluntary and twitch torques from plantar flexor muscles were measured. Serum levels of estradiol, estrone, testosterone, and sex hormone binding globulin were analyzed. Total daily metabolic equivalent score (MET-h/day) was calculated from physical activity questionnaires. Results showed that, in five physically active (MET > 4) pairs, the cotwins receiving HRT had greater estradiol level ( P = 0.043) and smaller tendon cross-sectional area than their sisters (63 vs. 71 mm2, P = 0.043). Among all pairs, Achilles tendon thickness and cross-sectional area did not significantly differ between HRT using and nonusing twin sisters. Intrapair correlation for Achilles tendon thickness was high, despite HRT use discordance ( r = 0.84, P < 0.001). LDA distinguished different tendon structure only from two of six examined twin pairs who had a similar level of physical activity. In conclusion, the effect of HRT on Achilles tendon characteristics independent of genetic confounding may be present only in the presence of sufficient physical activity. In physically active twin pairs, the higher level of estrogen seems to be associated with smaller tendon size.

Quadriceps and Gastrocnemii Anatomical Cross-Sectional Area and Vastus Lateralis Fascicle Length Predict Peak-Power and Time-To-Peak-Power

2019 ◽  
Vol 91 (1) ◽  
pp. 158-165 ◽  
Author(s):  
Giuseppe Coratella ◽  
Stefano Longo ◽  
Susanna Rampichini ◽  
Eloisa Limonta ◽  
Sheida Shokohyar ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Peak Power ◽  
Vastus Lateralis ◽  
Cross Sectional Area ◽  
Sectional Area ◽  
Fascicle Length ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Time To Peak

scholarly journals Three-dimensional muscle architecture of the infant and adult trapezius: a cadaveric study

2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
pp. 26-35
Author(s):  
Mikaela L. Stiver ◽  
Luke R. Bradshaw ◽  
Ethan M. Breinhorst ◽  
Anne M. R. Agur ◽  
S. Ali Mirjalili
Keyword(s):  
Fiber Bundle ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Trapezius Muscle ◽  
Shoulder Girdle ◽  
Muscle Architecture ◽  
Cross Sectional Area ◽  
Cadaveric Study ◽  
Sectional Area ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
3D Architecture

Objectives: The elaborate morphometry of the human trapezius muscle facilitates its involvement in numerous active movements of the shoulder girdle and passive stabilization of the upper extremity. Despite its functional importance throughout the lifespan, little is known about the 3D architecture of trapezius at any post-natal timepoints. Accordingly, the aim of this preliminary cadaveric study was to digitize, quantify, model, and compare the 3D architecture of trapezius at two temporal extremes: infancy and adulthood. Methods: We examined trapezius in two female formalin-embalmed cadavers, aged 6 months and 72 years, respectively. We meticulously dissected each muscle, allowing us to digitize and model the comprehensive muscle architecture in situ at the fiber bundle level. We quantified standard architectural parameters to facilitate comparison between each functional partition of trapezius (i.e., descending, transverse, ascending) and proportionally between the infant and adult specimens. Results: We found markedly different patterns in fiber bundle length range, physiological cross-sectional area, and muscle volume within and between muscles. Notably, the proportional physiological cross-sectional area of the ascending and descending partitions was equal (1:1) in the infant, in contrast to 3:1 in the adult. The transverse partitions were proportionally similar, accounting for over half of the whole muscle physiological cross-sectional area in both specimens. Conclusion: This study provides preliminary insights into infant and adult trapezius architecture at an unparalleled level of detail and precision. The quantifiable architectural differences appear to coincide with functional development-a notion that warrants further investigation in larger samples and with longitudinal approaches.

scholarly journals Effect of Core Stability Exercise on Cross-Sectional Area of Lumbar Multifidus Muscle and Physical Capacity

2018 ◽  
Vol 3 (82) ◽  
Author(s):  
Irina Klizienė ◽  
Saulė Sipavičienė ◽  
Daiva Imbrasienė ◽  
Šarūnas Klizas ◽  
Hermanas Inokaitis
Keyword(s):  
Elderly Women ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Physical Capacity ◽  
Cross Sectional Area ◽  
Core Stability ◽  
Sectional Area ◽  
Multifidus Muscle ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Lumbar Multifidus ◽  
Lumbar Multifidus Muscle

Research background and hypothesis. Our research novelty was the validation of the use of the method of Ultrasound Imaging to measure the changes in the size of the cross-sectional area (CSA) of the multifidus muscle, performing  exercises  for  lumbar  stability.  Stabilization  exercises  have  been  designed  in  order  to  enhance  the neuromuscular control system correct the dysfunction.Research aim. The purpose of this study was to establish the effect of core stability exercise for cross-sectional area of lumbar multifidus muscle and physical capacity for elderly women.Research methods. The elderly women (n = 22) were in occupations involving light or no manual work and did not take part in sports. CSA of the multifidus muscle was measured from L2 to L5 vertebral segments. These measures were taken with ultrasound „TITAN TM ” (SonoSite, USA). For the assessment of physical capacity we estimated the women’s static strength endurance of back muscles and dynamic strength endurance of abdominal muscles. The tests were done three times: the first testing occurred before exercises for training lumbar stability, the second – after four months, and the third – after eight months of applying exercises for training lumbar stability.Research results. The results of study showed that after eight months of stability exercises, the subjects had significantly larger right side multifidus CSA than before practice  – 9.01 ± 1.1, the left side of the lumbar multifidus muscle was 8.23 ± 0.9 (p < 0.05). After the evaluation of physical capacity we revealed that after eight moths it was 97.6 ± 2.8 s (very good), compared to the values before the research (25.4 ± 9.2) (p < 0.05).Discussion  and  conclusions.  After  the  core  stabilization  exercise  program  multifidus  CSA  values  were significantly larger than before practice, multifidus muscle asymmetry  decreased. Physical activity programs adapted to the elderly women increased their physical capacities.Keywords: lumbar stability, physical activity programs, age.

scholarly journals Ontogenetic scaling patterns and functional anatomy of the pelvic limb musculature in emus (Dromaius novaehollandiae)

2014 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luis P Lamas ◽  
Russell P Main ◽  
John R. Hutchinson
Keyword(s):  
Body Mass ◽  
Functional Anatomy ◽  
Major Axis ◽  
Cross Sectional Area ◽  
Sectional Area ◽  
Fascicle Length ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Positive Allometry ◽  
Dromaius Novaehollandiae ◽  
Pelvic Limb

Emus (Dromaius novaehollandiae) are exclusively terrestrial, bipedal and cursorial ratites with some similar biomechanical characteristics to humans. Their growth rates are impressive as their body mass increases eighty-fold from hatching to adulthood whilst maintaining the same mode of locomotion throughout life. These ontogenetic characteristics stimulate biomechanical questions about the strategies that allow them to cope through these changes. To answer such questions, in this study we have collected pelvic limb anatomical data (muscle architecture, tendon length, tendon mass and bone lengths) and calculated muscle physiological cross sectional area (PCSA) and average tendon cross sectional area from emus across an ontogenetic series (n=17, body masses from 3.6 to 42 kg). The data were analysed by reduced major axis regression to determine scaling relationships with body mass. Muscle mass and PCSA showed a marked trend towards positive allometry (26 and 27 out of 34 muscles respectively) and fascicle length showed a more mixed scaling pattern. The long tendons of the main digital flexors scaled with positive allometry for all characteristics whilst other tendons demonstrated a less clear scaling pattern. Finally, the two longer bones of the limb (tibiotarsus and tarsometatarsus) also exhibited positive allometry for length and the other two (femur and first phalanx of the pes) had trends towards isometry. These results indicate that emus increase their muscle force-generating capacities, as well as potentially increasing the force-sustaining capacities of their tendons, as they grow. Furthermore, we have clarified anatomical descriptions and provided illustrations of the pelvic limb muscle-tendon units in emus.

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