BODY SIZE, MUSCLE POWER OUTPUT AND LIMITATIONS ON BURST LOCOMOTOR PERFORMANCE IN THE LIZARD DIPSOSAURUS DORSALIS

1993 ◽  
Vol 174 (1) ◽  
pp. 199-213 ◽  
Author(s):  
T. P. Johnson ◽  
S. J. Swoap ◽  
A. F. Bennett ◽  
R. K. Josephson
Keyword(s):  
Body Size ◽  
Body Mass ◽  
Power Output ◽  
Muscle Power ◽  
Muscle Length ◽  
Muscle Fibres ◽  
Dipsosaurus Dorsalis ◽  
Cycling Frequency ◽  
Length Changes

The power output of fast-glycolytic (FG) muscle fibres isolated from the iliofibularis (IF) muscle of desert iguanas (Dipsosaurus dorsalis) was measured at 35 sC using the oscillatory work-loop technique. To simulate cyclical muscle length changes during running, isolated fibre bundles were subjected to sinusoidal length changes and phasic stimulation during the strain cycle. At constant strain (12 %), the duration and timing (phase) of stimulation were adjusted to maximise power output. Using both hatchlings (4–8 g) and adults of varying sizes (15–70 g), the intraspecific allometries of IF length and contractile properties were described by regression analysis. The muscle length at which isometric force was maximum (L0, mm) increased geometrically with body mass (M, g) (L0=5.7M0.33). Maximum power output and the force produced during shortening showed no significant relationship to body size; work output per cycle (Wopt, J kg-1) under conditions required to maximise power did increase with body size (Wopt=3.7M0.24). Twitch duration (Td, ms), measured from the onset of force generation to 50 % relaxation, increased allometrically with body mass (Td=12.4M0.18). Limb cycling frequency during burst running (f, reported in the literature) and the frequency required to maximise power output in vitro (fopt) decreased with body size, both being proportional to body mass raised to the power 0.24. These findings suggest that limb cycling frequency may be limited by twitch contraction kinetics. However, despite corresponding proportionality to body size, limb cycling frequencies during burst running are about 20 % lower than the cycling frequencies required to maximise power output. Differences in the contractile performance of the IF in vitro and in vivo are discussed in relation to constraints imposed by gravitational forces and the design of muscular, nervous and skeletal systems.

IN VIVO MUSCLE LENGTH CHANGES IN BUMBLEBEES AND THE IN VITRO EFFECTS ON WORK AND POWER

1993 ◽  
Vol 183 (1) ◽  
pp. 101-113 ◽  
Author(s):  
K. M. Gilmour ◽  
C. P. Ellington
Keyword(s):  
High Speed ◽  
Time Course ◽  
Second Harmonic ◽  
Muscle Length ◽  
Muscle Fibres ◽  
Bombus Lucorum ◽  
Length Changes ◽  
In Vitro Effects

The amplitude and time course of muscle length changes were examined in vivo in tethered, flying bumblebees Bombus lucorum. A ‘window’ was cut in the dorsal cuticle and aluminium particles were placed on the exposed dorsal longitudinal muscle fibres. Muscle oscillations were recorded using high-speed video and a high-magnification lens. The amplitude of muscle length changes was 1.9 % (s.d.=0.5 %, N=7), corresponding to the commonly quoted strain of 1–3 % for asynchronous muscle. Higher harmonics, particularly the second, were found in the muscle oscillations and in the wing movements. The second harmonic for wing movements was damped in comparison to that for muscle length changes, probably as a result of compliance in the thoracic linkage. Inclusion of the second harmonic in the driving signal for in vitro experiments on glycerinated fibres generally resulted in a decrease in the work and power, but a substantial increase was found for some fibres.

scholarly journals Power output and the frequency of oscillatory work in mammalian diaphragm muscle: the effects of animal size

1991 ◽  
Vol 157 (1) ◽  
pp. 381-389 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. D. Altringham ◽  
I. S. Young
Keyword(s):  
Body Mass ◽  
Power Output ◽  
Maximum Power ◽  
Diaphragm Muscle ◽  
Muscle Fibres ◽  
Cycle Frequency ◽  
Maximum Power Output ◽  
Oscillatory Power ◽  
Length Changes ◽  
Animal Size

Bundles of muscle fibres were isolated from the diaphragm of mouse, rat and rabbit. Mean oscillatory power output was determined during phasic stimulation and imposed sinusoidal length changes. Maximum power output was measured over a range of cycle frequencies. The cycle frequency for maximum power output (fopt) decreased with increasing body mass and was described by the equation, fopt = 4.42M-0.16, where M is body mass. A very similar relationship has been reported between body mass and the frequency of the trot-gallop transition in terrestrial, quadrupedal mammals [Heglund et al. (1974), Science 186, 1112–1113), and the significance of this similarity is discussed.

scholarly journals Scaling of Power Output in Fast Muscle Fibres of the Atlantic Cod During Cyclical Contractions

1992 ◽  
Vol 170 (1) ◽  
pp. 143-154 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. ELIZABETH ANDERSON ◽  
IAN A. JOHNSTON
Keyword(s):  
Steady State ◽  
Power Output ◽  
Standard Length ◽  
Atlantic Cod ◽  
Maximum Power ◽  
Fast Muscle ◽  
Muscle Fibres ◽  
Cycle Frequency ◽  
Maximum Power Output ◽  
Length Changes

Fast muscle fibres were isolated from abdominal myotomes of Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua L.) ranging in size from 10 to 63 cm standard length (Ls). Muscle fibres were subjected to sinusoidal length changes about their resting length (Lf) and stimulated at a selected phase of the strain cycle. The work performed in each oscillatory cycle was calculated from plots of force against muscle length, the area of the resulting loop being net work. Strain and the number and timing of stimuli were adjusted to maximise positive work per cycle over a range of cycle frequencies at 8°C. Force, and hence power output, declined with increasing cycles of oscillation until reaching a steady state around the ninth cycle. The strain required for maximum power output (Wmax) was ±7-11% of Lf in fish shorter than 18 cm standard length, but decreased to ±5 % of Lf in larger fish. The cycle frequency required for Wmax also declined with increasing fish length, scaling to Ls−0.51 under steady-state conditions (cycles 9–12). At the optimum cycle frequency and strain the maximum contraction velocity scaled to Ls−0.79. The maximum stress (Pmax) produced within a cycle was highest in the second cycle, ranging from 51.3 kPa in 10 cm fish to 81.8 kPa in 60 cm fish (Pmax=28.2Ls0.25). Under steady-state conditions the maximum power output per kilogram wet muscle mass was found to range from 27.5 W in a 10 cm Ls cod to 16.4 W in a 60 cm Ls cod, scaling with Ls−0.29 and body mass (Mb)−0.10 Note: To whom reprint requests should be sent

Climbing Performance of Harris' Hawks (Parabuteo Unicinctus) with Added Load: Implications for Muscle Mechanics and for Radiotracking

1989 ◽  
Vol 142 (1) ◽  
pp. 17-29 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. J. PENNYCUICK ◽  
M. R. FULLER ◽  
LYNNE McALLISTER
Keyword(s):  
Body Mass ◽  
Power Output ◽  
Muscle Power ◽  
Muscle Mechanics ◽  
The Body ◽  
Power Product ◽  
Horizontal Flight ◽  
Flight Muscles ◽  
Food Load ◽  
Parabuteo Unicinctus

Two Harris' hawks were trained to fly along horizontal and climbing flight paths, while carrying loads of various masses, to provide data for estimating available muscle power during short flights. The body mass of both hawks was about 920 g, and they were able to carry loads up to 630 g in horizontal flight. The rate of climb decreased with increasing all-up mass, as also did the climbing power (product of weight and rate of climb). Various assumptions about the aerodynamic power in low-speed climbs led to estimates of the maximum power output of the flight muscles ranging from 41 to 46 W. This, in turn, would imply a stress during shortening of around 210 kPa. The effects of a radio package on a bird that is raising young should be considered in relation to the food load that the forager can normally carry, rather than in relation to its body mass.

Tracheal smooth muscle mechanics in vivo

1990 ◽  
Vol 68 (1) ◽  
pp. 209-219 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Okazawa ◽  
P. Pare ◽  
J. Road
Keyword(s):  
Smooth Muscle ◽  
Muscle Mechanics ◽  
Muscle Length ◽  
Base Line ◽  
Maximal Velocity ◽  
Velocity Of Shortening ◽  
Length Changes ◽  
Trachealis Muscle

We applied the technique of sonomicrometry to directly measure length changes of the trachealis muscle in vivo. Pairs of small 1-mm piezoelectric transducers were placed in parallel with the muscle fibers in the posterior tracheal wall in seven anesthetized dogs. Length changes were recorded during mechanical ventilation and during complete pressure-volume curves of the lung. The trachealis muscle showed spontaneous fluctuations in base-line length that disappeared after vagotomy. Before vagotomy passive pressure-length curves showed marked hysteresis and length changed by 18.5 +/- 13.2% (SD) resting length at functional residual capacity (LFRC) from FRC to total lung capacity (TLC) and by 28.2 +/- 16.2% LFRC from FRC to residual volume (RV). After vagotomy hysteresis decreased considerably and length now changed by 10.4 +/- 3.7% LFRC from FRC to TLC and by 32.5 +/- 14.6% LFRC from FRC to RV. Bilateral supramaximal vagal stimulation produced a mean maximal active shortening of 28.8 +/- 14.2% resting length at any lung volume (LR) and shortening decreased at lengths above FRC. The mean maximal velocity of shortening was 4.2 +/- 3.9% LR.S-1. We conclude that sonomicrometry may be used to record smooth muscle length in vivo. Vagal tone strongly influences passive length change. In vivo active shortening and velocity of shortening are less than in vitro, implying that there are significant loads impeding shortening in vivo.

The potentiating effect of prestretch on the contractile performance of rat gastrocnemius medialis muscle during subsequent shortening and isometric contractions

1992 ◽  
Vol 165 (1) ◽  
pp. 121-136 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. J. Ettema ◽  
P. A. Huijing ◽  
A. de Haan
Keyword(s):  
Muscle Length ◽  
Dynamic Responses ◽  
Muscle Performance ◽  
Muscle Fibres ◽  
Isometric Contractions ◽  
Shortening Velocity ◽  
Average Force ◽  
Gastrocnemius Medialis ◽  
Dynamic Experiments ◽  
Length Changes

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of an active stretch during the onset of a muscle contraction on subsequent active behaviour of the contractile machinery within an intact mammalian muscle-tendon complex. Muscle length and shortening velocity were studied because they may be important variables affecting this so-called prestretch effect. Seven gastrocnemius medialis (GM) muscles of the rat were examined. Tetanic, isovelocity shortening contractions from 3 mm above muscle optimum length (l0) to l0 - 2 mm, at velocities of 10–50 mm s-1 (dynamic experiments), were preceded by either an isometric contraction (PI) or an active stretch (PS). By imposing quick length decreases between the prephase and the concentric phase, all excess force generated in the prephase was instantaneously eliminated. This procedure only allowed small force changes during subsequent shortening (caused by the intrinsic properties of the contractile machinery). In this way, the influence of series elastic structures on subsequent muscle performance was minimized. Experiments were also performed at lengths ranging from l0 + 2.5 mm to l0 - 1.5 mm, keeping the length constant after the initial quick length changes (isometric experiments). For the dynamic experiments, enhancement of the performance of the contractile machinery (potentiation) was calculated as the ratio of the average force level over each millimetre of shortening during PS to that during PI conditions (PS/PI). For the isometric experiments, the PS/PI force ratio after 300 ms of stimulation was used. The main result of the present study confirmed results reported in the literature and experiments on isolated muscle fibres. For all conditions, a potentiation effect was found, ranging from about 2 to 16%. Muscle length appeared to have a large positive effect on the degree of potentiation. At the greatest lengths potentiation was largest, but at lengths below optimum a small effect was also found. A negative influence of shortening velocity was mainly present at increased muscle lengths (l0 + 2.5 mm and l0 + 1.5 mm). For the dynamic experiments, no interaction was found between the effects of muscle length and shortening velocity on potentiation. However, there was a clear difference between the isometric and dynamic responses: the dependence of potentiation on muscle length was significantly greater for the isometric contractions than for the dynamic ones. These isometric-dynamic differences indicate that the processes underlying prestretch effects operate differently under isometric and dynamic conditions.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

MYOTOMAL MUSCLE FUNCTION AT DIFFERENT LOCATIONS IN THE BODY OF A SWIMMING FISH

1993 ◽  
Vol 182 (1) ◽  
pp. 191-206 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. D. Altringham ◽  
C. S. Wardle ◽  
C. I. Smith
Keyword(s):  
Power Output ◽  
Muscle Function ◽  
Muscle Activation ◽  
Muscle Power ◽  
Travelling Waves ◽  
The Body ◽  
Muscle Fibres ◽  
Cycle Frequency ◽  
Lateral Muscle

We describe experiments on isolated, live muscle fibres which simulate their in vivo activity in a swimming saithe (Pollachius virens). Superficial fast muscle fibres isolated from points 0.35, 0.5 and 0.65 body lengths (BL) from the anterior tip had different contractile properties. Twitch contraction time increased from rostral to caudal myotomes and power output (measured by the work loop technique) decreased. Power versus cycle frequency curves of rostral fibres were shifted to higher frequencies relative to those of caudal fibres. In the fish, phase differences between caudally travelling waves of muscle activation and fish bending suggest a change in muscle function along the body. In vitro experiments indicate that in vivo superficial fast fibres of rostral myotomes are operating under conditions that yield maximum power output. Caudal myotomes are active as they are lengthened in vivo and initially operate under conditions which maximise their stiffness, before entering a positive power-generating phase. A description is presented for the generation of thrust at the tail blade by the superficial, fast, lateral muscle. Power generated rostrally is transmitted to the tail by stiffened muscle placed more caudally. A transition zone between power generation and stiffening travels caudally, and all but the most caudal myotomes generate power at some phase of the tailbeat. Rostral power output, caudal force, bending moment and force at the tail blade are all maximal at essentially the same moment in the tailbeat cycle, as the tail blade crosses the swimming track.

PECTORALIS MUSCLE FORCE AND POWER OUTPUT DURING FLIGHT IN THE STARLING

1992 ◽  
Vol 164 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-18 ◽  
Author(s):  
ANDREW A. BIEWENER ◽  
KENNETH P. DIAL ◽  
G. E. GOSLOW
Keyword(s):  
Power Output ◽  
Muscle Force ◽  
Muscle Power ◽  
Isometric Force ◽  
Attachment Site ◽  
Bone Strain ◽  
Pectoralis Muscle ◽  
Live Animal ◽  
Level Flight ◽  
Length Changes

Force recordings of the pectoralis muscle of European starlings have been made in vivo during level flight in a wind tunnel, based on bone strain recordings at the muscle's attachment site on the humerus (deltopectoral crest). This represents the first direct measurement of muscle force during activity in a live animal based on calibrated bone strain recordings. Our force measurements confirm earlier electromyographic data and show that the pectoralis begins to develop force during the final one-third of the upstroke, reaches a maximal level halfway through the downstroke, and sustains force throughout the downstroke. Peak forces generated by the pectoralis during level flight at a speed estimated to be 13.7ms−1 averaged 6.4N (28% of maximal isometric force), generating a mean mass-specific muscle power output of 104 W kg−1. Combining our data for the power output of the pectoralis muscle with data for the metabolic power of starlings flying at a similar speed yields an overall flight efficiency of 13 %. The force recordings and length changes of the muscle, based on angular displacements of the humerus, indicate that the pectoralis muscle undergoes a lengthening--shortening contraction sequence during its activation and that, in addition to lift and thrust generation, overcoming wing inertia is probably an important function of this muscle in flapping flight.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document