In vivo maximal fascicle-shortening velocity during plantar flexion in humans

2015 ◽  
Vol 119 (11) ◽  
pp. 1262-1271 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hugo Hauraix ◽  
Antoine Nordez ◽  
Gaël Guilhem ◽  
Giuseppe Rabita ◽  
Sylvain Dorel
Keyword(s):  
Angular Velocity ◽  
Fiber Type ◽  
Plantar Flexion ◽  
Load Condition ◽  
Ultrasound Images ◽  
Maximal Velocity ◽  
Shortening Velocity ◽  
Hill Model ◽  
Angular Velocities

Interindividual variability in performance of fast movements is commonly explained by a difference in maximal muscle-shortening velocity due to differences in the proportion of fast-twitch fibers. To provide a better understanding of the capacity to generate fast motion, this study aimed to 1) measure for the first time in vivo the maximal fascicle-shortening velocity of human muscle; 2) evaluate the relationship between angular velocity and fascicle-shortening velocity from low to maximal angular velocities; and 3) investigate the influence of musculo-articular features (moment arm, tendinous tissues stiffness, and muscle architecture) on maximal angular velocity. Ultrafast ultrasound images of the gastrocnemius medialis were obtained from 31 participants during maximal isokinetic and light-loaded plantar flexions. A strong linear relationship between fascicle-shortening velocity and angular velocity was reported for all subjects (mean R2 = 0.97). The maximal shortening velocity (VFmax) obtained during the no-load condition (NLc) ranged between 18.8 and 43.3 cm/s. VFmax values were very close to those of the maximal shortening velocity (Vmax), which was extrapolated from the F-V curve (the Hill model). Angular velocity reached during the NLc was significantly correlated with this VFmax ( r = 0.57; P < 0.001). This finding was in agreement with assumptions about the role of muscle fiber type, whereas interindividual comparisons clearly support the fact that other parameters may also contribute to performance during fast movements. Nevertheless, none of the biomechanical features considered in the present study were found to be directly related to the highest angular velocity, highlighting the complexity of the upstream mechanics that lead to maximal-velocity muscle contraction.

In vivo estimation of contraction velocity of human vastus lateralis muscle during “isokinetic” action

2000 ◽  
Vol 88 (3) ◽  
pp. 851-856 ◽  
Author(s):  
Y. Ichinose ◽  
Y. Kawakami ◽  
M. Ito ◽  
H. Kanehisa ◽  
T. Fukunaga
Keyword(s):  
Angular Velocity ◽  
Vastus Lateralis ◽  
Knee Extension ◽  
Vastus Lateralis Muscle ◽  
Shortening Velocity ◽  
Full Extension ◽  
Fascicle Length ◽  
Lateralis Muscle ◽  
Angular Velocities

To determine the shortening velocities of fascicles of the vastus lateralis muscle (VL) during isokinetic knee extension, six male subjects were requested to extend the knee with maximal effort at angular velocities of 30 and 150°/s. By using an ultrasonic apparatus, longitudinal images of the VL were produced every 30 ms during knee extension, and the fascicle length and angle of pennation were obtained from these images. The shortening fascicle length with extension of the knee (from 98 to 13° of knee angle; full extension = 0°) was greater (43 mm) at 30°/s than at 150°/s (35 mm). Even when the angular velocity remained constant during the isokinetic range of motion, the fascicle velocity was found to change from 39 to 77 mm/s at 150°/s and from 6 to 19 mm/s at 30°/s. The force exerted by a fascicle changed with the length of the fascicle at changing angular velocities. The peak values of fascicle force and velocity were observed at ∼90 mm of fascicle length. In conclusion, even if the angular velocity of knee extension is kept constant, the shortening velocity of a fascicle is dependent on the force applied to the muscle-tendon complex, and the phenomenon is considered to be caused mainly by the elongation of the elastic element (tendinous tissue).

Muscle function during jumping in frogs. I. Sarcomere length change, EMG pattern, and jumping performance

1996 ◽  
Vol 271 (2) ◽  
pp. C563-C570 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. J. Lutz ◽  
L. C. Rome
Keyword(s):  
Mechanical Properties ◽  
Muscle Function ◽  
Length Change ◽  
Operating Conditions ◽  
Mechanical Power ◽  
Shortening Velocity ◽  
Jumping Performance ◽  
Angular Velocities ◽  
High Level

We determined the influence of temperature on muscle function during jumping to better understand how the frog muscular system is designed to generate a high level of mechanical power. Maximal jumping performance and the in vivo operating conditions of the semimembranosus muscle (SM), a hip extensor, were measured and related to the mechanical properties of the isolated SM in the accompanying paper [Muscle function during jumping in frogs. II. Mechanical properties of muscle: implication for system design. Am. J. Physiol. 271 (Cell Physiol. 40): C571-C578, 1996]. Reducing temperature from 25 to 15 degrees C caused a 1.75-fold decline in peak mechanical power generation and a proportional decline in aerial jump distance. The hip and knee joint excursions were nearly the same at both temperatures. Accordingly, sarcomeres shortened over the same range (2.4 to 1.9 microns) at both temperatures, corresponding to myofilament overlap at least 90% of maximal. At the low temperature, however, movements were made more slowly. Angular velocities were 1.2- to 1.4-fold lower, and ground contact time was increased by 1.33-fold at 15 degrees C. Average shortening velocity of the SM was only 1.2-fold lower at 15 degrees C than at 25 degrees C. The low Q10 of velocity is in agreement with that predicted for muscles shortening against an inertial load.

scholarly journals The cross-bridge cycle and skeletal muscle fatigue

2008 ◽  
Vol 104 (2) ◽  
pp. 551-558 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert H. Fitts
Keyword(s):  
Peak Power ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Fiber Type ◽  
Low Ph ◽  
Forward Rate ◽  
Maximal Velocity ◽  
Functional Changes ◽  
Cross Bridge ◽  
The Cross

The functional correlates of fatigue observed in both animals and humans during exercise include a decline in peak force (P0), maximal velocity, and peak power. Establishing the extent to which these deleterious functional changes result from direct effects on the myofilaments is facilitated through understanding the molecular mechanisms of the cross-bridge cycle. With actin-myosin binding, the cross-bridge transitions from a weakly bound low-force state to a strongly bound high-force state. Low pH reduces the number of high-force cross bridges in fast fibers, and the force per cross bridge in both fast and slow fibers. The former is thought to involve a direct inhibition of the forward rate constant for transition to the strong cross-bridge state. In contrast, inorganic phosphate (Pi) is thought to reduce P0 by accelerating the reversal of this step. Both H+ and Pi decrease myofibrillar Ca2+ sensitivity. This effect is particularly important as the amplitude of the Ca2+ transient falls with fatigue. The inhibitory effects of low pH and high Pi on P0 are reduced as temperature increases from 10 to 30°C. However, the H+-induced depression of peak power in the slow fiber type, and Pi inhibition of myofibrillar Ca2+ sensitivity in slow and fast fibers, are greater at high compared with low temperature. Thus the depressive effects of H+ and Pi at in vivo temperatures cannot easily be predicted from data collected below 25° C. In vitro, reactive oxygen species reduce myofibrillar Ca2+ sensitivity; however, the importance of this mechanism during in vivo exercise is unknown.

Fiber type-specific determinants of V maxfor insulin-stimulated muscle glucose uptake in vivo

2003 ◽  
Vol 284 (3) ◽  
pp. E541-E548 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hilary Ann Petersen ◽  
Patrick T. Fueger ◽  
Deanna P. Bracy ◽  
David H. Wasserman ◽  
Amy E. Halseth
Keyword(s):  
Glucose Uptake ◽  
Fiber Type ◽  
Type I ◽  
Fiber Types ◽  
Maximal Velocity ◽  
Glucose Flux ◽  
Steady State Levels ◽  
Type I Fibers ◽  
Relationship Of

The aim of this study was to determine barriers limiting muscle glucose uptake (MGU) during increased glucose flux created by raising blood glucose in the presence of fixed insulin. The determinants of the maximal velocity ( V max) of MGU in muscles of different fiber types were defined. Conscious rats were studied during a 4 mU · kg−1 · min−1insulin clamp with plasma glucose at 2.5, 5.5, and 8.5 mM. [U-14C]mannitol and 3- O-methyl-[3H]glucose ([3H]MG) were infused to steady-state levels ( t = −180 to 0 min). These isotope infusions were continued from 0 to 40 min with the addition of a 2-deoxy-[3H]glucose ([3H]DG) infusion. Muscles were excised at t = 40 min. Glucose metabolic index (Rg) was calculated from muscle-phosphorylated [3H]DG. [U-14C]mannitol was used to determine extracellular (EC) H2O. Glucose at the outer ([G]om) and inner ([G]im) sarcolemmal surfaces was determined by the ratio of [3H]MG in intracellular to EC H2O and muscle glucose. Rg was comparable at the two higher glucose concentrations, suggesting that rates of uptake near V max were reached. In summary, by defining the relationship of arterial glucose to [G]om and [G]im in the presence of fixed hyperinsulinemia, it is concluded that 1) V max for MGU is limited by extracellular and intracellular barriers in type I fibers, as the sarcolemma is freely permeable to glucose; 2) V max is limited in muscles with predominantly type IIb fibers by extracellular resistance and transport resistance; and 3) limits to Rg are determined by resistance at multiple steps and are better defined by distributed control rather than by a single rate-limiting step.

Plantar flexor muscles of kangaroo rats (D. deserti) shorten at a velocity to produce optimal power during jumping

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Janneke Schwaner ◽  
David C. Lin ◽  
Craig P. McGowan
Keyword(s):  
Angular Velocity ◽  
Vastus Lateralis ◽  
Knee Extensor ◽  
Extensor Muscle ◽  
Joint Work ◽  
Shortening Velocity ◽  
Kangaroo Rats ◽  
Optimal Velocity ◽  
Muscle Shortening

During jumping by kangaroo rats, the musculotendon work contributions across all joints are not well understood. Namely, measures of external joint work do not provide information on the contributions from individual muscles or in-series elastic structures. In this study, we examined the functional roles of a major ankle extensor muscle, lateral gastrocnemius (LG), and of a major knee extensor muscle, vastus lateralis (VL), through in vivo sonomicrometry and electromyography techniques, during vertical jumping by kangaroo rats. Our data showed that both muscles increased shortening and activity with higher jumps. We found that knee angular velocity and VL muscle shortening velocity were coupled in time. In contrast, the ankle angular velocity and LG muscle shortening velocity were decoupled, and rapid joint extension near the end of the jump produced high power outputs at the ankle joint. Further, the decoupling of muscle and joint kinematics allowed the LG muscle to prolong the period of shortening velocity near optimal velocity (Vopt), which likely enabled the muscle to sustain maximal power generation. These observations were consistent with a LG tendon that is much more compliant than that of the VL.

Reliability of Achilles Tendon Moment Arm Measured In Vivo Using Freehand Three-Dimensional Ultrasound

2017 ◽  
Vol 33 (4) ◽  
pp. 300-304 ◽  
Author(s):  
Steven J. Obst ◽  
Lee Barber ◽  
Ashton Miller ◽  
Rod S. Barrett
Keyword(s):  
Achilles Tendon ◽  
Plantar Flexion ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Correlation Coefficients ◽  
Lateral Malleolus ◽  
Medial Malleolus ◽  
Minimal Detectable Change ◽  
Ultrasound Images ◽  
Moment Arm

This study investigated reliability of freehand three-dimensional ultrasound (3DUS) measurement of in vivo human Achilles tendon (AT) moment arm. Sixteen healthy adults were scanned on 2 separate occasions by a single investigator. 3DUS scans were performed over the free AT, medial malleolus, and lateral malleolus with the ankle passively positioned in maximal dorsiflexion, mid dorsiflexion, neutral, mid plantar flexion and maximal plantar flexion. 3D reconstructions of the AT, medial malleolus, and lateral malleolus were created from manual segmentation of the ultrasound images and used to geometrically determine the AT moment arm using both a straight (straight ATMA) and curved (curved ATMA) tendon line-of-action. Both methods were reliable within- and between-session (intra-class correlation coefficients > 0.92; coefficient of variation < 2.5 %) and revealed that AT moment arm increased by ∼ 7 mm from maximal dorsiflexion (∼ 41mm) to maximal plantar flexion (∼ 48 mm). Failing to account for tendon curvature led to a small overestimation (< 2 mm) of AT moment arm that was most pronounced in ankle plantar flexion, but was less than the minimal detectable change of the method and could be disregarded.

Relationships between in vivo and in vitro measurements of metabolism in young and old human calf muscles

1993 ◽  
Vol 75 (2) ◽  
pp. 813-819 ◽  
Author(s):  
K. K. McCully ◽  
R. A. Fielding ◽  
W. J. Evans ◽  
J. S. Leigh ◽  
J. D. Posner
Keyword(s):  
Oxidative Metabolism ◽  
Fiber Type ◽  
Plantar Flexion ◽  
Muscle Metabolism ◽  
Resonance Spectroscopy ◽  
In Vitro Measurements ◽  
Older Subjects ◽  
Calf Muscles

This study compared in vivo measurements of muscle metabolism in humans with magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) and in vitro analysis of biopsies. Healthy subjects [4 young males, 28.2 +/- 6.8 (SD) yr, and 6 older subjects (5 males, 1 female), 66 +/- 6.0 yr] performed a maximal cycle ergometer test, and MRS measurements of the calf muscles and needle biopsies of the lateral gastrocnemius were performed. Biopsies were analyzed for fiber type and citrate synthase (CS) activity. MRS measurements of inorganic phosphate (Pi), phosphocreatine (PCr), ATP, and pH were made using a 1.8-T 78-cm clear-bore magnet-and-spectrometer system. Two or three 5-min bouts of plantar flexion were performed against variable resistance to deplete PCr levels to 50% of resting values (mean end pH 6.99). PCr values during recovery were fit to an exponential curve, and the rate constant (PCrrate) was calculated. PCrrate was used as an index of oxidative metabolism. Older subjects had lower peak O2 uptake (VO2 peak) values (19.2 +/- 5.6 vs. 49.5 +/- 8.1 ml O2.min-1 x kg-1), CS activities (16 +/- 2.8 vs. 25 +/- 2.6 mmol.kg wet wt-1 x min-1), and PCrrate values (25.3 +/- 8. vs. 37.5 +/- 5.3 mmol PCr.kg wet wt-1.min-1) than young subjects. PCrrate correlated with CS activity, and both PCrrate and CS activity correlated with VO2 peak (P < 0.05). No correlations were found between percent fiber type and PCrrate, CS activity, and VO2 peak. These results support studies that showed decreases in muscle metabolism with age in healthy humans and show a good correlation between in vivo and in vitro measurements of oxidative metabolism.

Power loss is greater in old men than young men during fast plantar flexion contractions

2010 ◽  
Vol 109 (5) ◽  
pp. 1441-1447 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brian H. Dalton ◽  
Geoffrey A. Power ◽  
Anthony A. Vandervoort ◽  
Charles L. Rice
Keyword(s):  
Peak Power ◽  
Contractile Function ◽  
Plantar Flexion ◽  
Constant Load ◽  
Triceps Surae ◽  
Voluntary Activation ◽  
Maximal Velocity ◽  
Shortening Velocity ◽  
Maximal Voluntary Isometric Contraction ◽  
Old Men

It is unclear during human aging whether healthy older adults (>70 yr old) experience greater, lesser, or the same fatigability compared with younger adults. The reported disparate findings may be related to the task-dependent nature of fatigue and the limited number of studies exploring nonisometric contractile function and aging. The purpose here was to determine the effects of fast shortening contractions on the fatigability of the triceps surae in 10 young (∼24 yr old) and 10 old (∼78 yr old) men using isometric and dynamic measures. Participants performed 50 maximal velocity-dependent plantar flexions at a constant load of 20% maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVC). Isometric twitch properties and MVCs were tested at baseline and during and following the fatigue task. Voluntary activation was similar between the old and young (∼98%) and was unaltered with fatigue. The old had 26% lower ( P < 0.01) isometric MVC torque and 18% slower ( P < 0.01) maximal shortening velocity than the young. Hence, peak power was 38% lower in the old ( P < 0.01). At task termination, MVC torque was maintained in the old ( P = 0.15) but decreased by 21% in the young ( P < 0.01). Twitch half-relaxation time was lengthened in the old at task termination by 26% ( P < 0.01) but unchanged in the young ( P = 0.10). Peak power was reduced by 24% and 17% at task termination in the old and young, respectively ( P < 0.01). Despite a better maintenance in isometric MVC torque production, the weaker and slower contracting triceps surae of the old was more fatigable than the young during fast dynamic efforts with an unconstrained velocity.

Shortening behavior of the different components of muscle-tendon unit during isokinetic plantar flexions

2013 ◽  
Vol 115 (7) ◽  
pp. 1015-1024 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hugo Hauraix ◽  
Antoine Nordez ◽  
Sylvain Dorel
Keyword(s):  
Range Of Motion ◽  
Triceps Surae ◽  
Myotendinous Junction ◽  
Shortening Velocity ◽  
Movement Velocity ◽  
In Vivo Experiments ◽  
Velocity Relationship ◽  
Angular Velocities ◽  
Gastrocnemius Muscles

The torque-velocity relationship has been widely considered as reflecting the mechanical properties of the contractile apparatus, and the influence of tendinous tissues on this relationship obtained during in vivo experiments remains to be determined. This study describes the pattern of shortening of various muscle-tendon unit elements of the triceps surae at different constant angular velocities and quantifies the contributions of fascicles, tendon, and aponeurosis to the global muscle-tendon unit shortening. Ten subjects performed isokinetic plantar flexions at different preset angular velocities (i.e., 30, 90, 150, 210, 270, and 330°/s). Ultrafast ultrasound measurements were performed on the muscle belly and on the myotendinous junction of the medial and lateral gastrocnemius muscles. The contributions of fascicles, tendon, and aponeurosis to global muscle-tendon unit shortening velocity were calculated for velocity conditions for four parts of the total range of motion. For both muscles, the fascicles' contribution decreased throughout the motion (73.5 ± 21.5% for 100–90° angular range to 33.7 ± 20.2% for 80–70°), whereas the tendon contribution increased (25.8 ± 15.4 to 55.6 ± 16.8%). In conclusion, the tendon contribution to the global muscle-tendon unit shortening is significant even during a concentric contraction. However, this contribution depends on the range of motion analyzed. The intersubject variability found in the maximal fascicle shortening velocity, for a given angular velocity, suggests that some subjects might possess a more efficient musculoarticular complex to produce the movement velocity. These findings are of great interest for understanding the ability of muscle-tendon shortening velocity.

Thermal dependence of muscle function

1984 ◽  
Vol 247 (2) ◽  
pp. R217-R229 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. F. Bennett
Keyword(s):  
Fiber Type ◽  
Force Generation ◽  
Maximal Velocity ◽  
Body Temperatures ◽  
Temperature Dependent ◽  
Thermal Dependence ◽  
Mammalian Muscle ◽  
Rate Processes ◽  
Q10 Values

Maximal isometric forces during both twitch and tetanus are largely temperature independent in muscles from both endothermic and ectothermic vertebrates. Anuran muscle can develop maximal force at lower temperatures than mammalian muscle. Tetanic tension is maximal at normally experienced body temperatures in a variety of animals, but twitch tension seldom is. Thermal dependence of twitch tension varies with muscle fiber type: tension decreases with increasing temperature in fast-twitch muscles and remains constant in slow-twitch muscles. In contrast to the low temperature dependence of force generation, rates of development of tension (time to peak twitch tension and tetanic rise time) and maximal velocity of shortening and power output are markedly temperature dependent, with average temperature coefficient (Q10) values of 2.0-2.5 Q10 values for rate processes of anuran muscle are only slightly lower than those of mammalian muscle. High body temperatures permit rapid rates of muscle contraction; animals active at low body temperatures do not achieve the maximal rate performance their muscles are capable of delivering. Thermal acclimation or hibernation does not appear to result in compensatory adjustments in either force generation or rate processes. In vivo, dynamic processes dependent on contractile rates are positively temperature dependent, although with markedly lower Q10 values than those of isolated muscle. Static force application in vivo is nearly temperature independent.

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