scholarly journals Effects of Different Tissue Flossing Applications on Range of Motion, Maximum Voluntary Contraction, and H-Reflex in Young Martial Arts Fighters

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Miloš Kalc ◽  
Samo Mikl ◽  
Franci Žökš ◽  
Matjaž Vogrin ◽  
Thomas Stöggl
Keyword(s):  
Range Of Motion ◽  
Ankle Joint ◽  
Martial Arts ◽  
Maximum Voluntary Contraction ◽  
Voluntary Contraction ◽  
H Reflex ◽  
Elastic Band ◽  
Significant Drop ◽  
Joint Flexibility ◽  
Calf Muscles

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of tissue flossing applied to the ankle joint or to the calf muscles, on ankle joint flexibility, plantarflexor strength and soleus H reflex. Eleven young (16.6 ± 1.2 years) martial arts fighters were exposed to three different intervention protocols in distinct sessions. The interventions consisted of wrapping the ankle (ANKLE) or calf (CALF) with an elastic band for 3 sets of 2 min (2 min rest) to create vascular occlusion. A third intervention without wrapping the elastic band served as a control condition (CON). Active range of motion for ankle (AROM), plantarflexor maximum voluntary contraction (MVC), and soleus H reflex were assessed before (PRE), after (POST), and 10 min after (POST10) the intervention. The H reflex, level of pain (NRS) and wrapping pressure were also assessed during the intervention. Both CALF and ANKLE protocols induced a significant drop in H reflex during the intervention. However, the CALF protocol resulted in a significantly larger H reflex reduction during and after the flossing intervention (medium to large effect size). H reflexes returned to baseline levels 10 min after the intervention in all conditions. AROM and MVC were unaffected by any intervention. The results of this study suggest that tissue flossing can decrease the muscle soleus H reflex particularly when elastic band is wrapped around the calf muscles. However, the observed changes at the spinal level did not translate into higher ankle joint flexibility or plantarflexor strength.

Nonlinear behavior of muscle reflexes at the human ankle joint

1995 ◽  
Vol 73 (1) ◽  
pp. 65-72 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. B. Stein ◽  
R. E. Kearney
Keyword(s):  
Ankle Joint ◽  
Stretch Reflex ◽  
Maximum Voluntary Contraction ◽  
Voluntary Contraction ◽  
Voluntary Activation ◽  
Random Perturbations ◽  
Hydraulic Actuator ◽  
Voluntary Activity ◽  
Highly Nonlinear ◽  
Human Ankle

1. Pulse inputs (similar to tendon jerks) were applied to the human ankle joint with the use of a hydraulic actuator. Inputs of only 1-2 degrees could elicit large responses (> 20% of maximum voluntary contraction). The magnitude of the response depended nonlinearly on a number of factors: the amplitude, direction, and duration of the pulse; the angle of the ankle; and the level of voluntary activation of the ankle muscles. 2. Pulses that flexed or extended the ankle could both produce reflex torques in the same direction (extensor torque). Although an extension of the ankle did not itself produce a response, it could affect the response to a subsequent flexion for up to 1 s. 3. The influence of random perturbations on the stretch reflex at the ankle was assessed. Responses to pulse displacements alone and to pulses superimposed on random perturbations were compared at the same level of voluntary activity. Reflex responses decreased in a graded manner with increasing amplitude or bandwidth of the random perturbations. 4. These results demonstrate that stretch reflexes can generate substantial torques, but in a highly nonlinear manner. In particular, passive joint movements markedly alter stretch reflex gain, and these changes must be considered in interpreting the functional significance of reflex actions.

scholarly journals Joint Flexibility and Isometric Strength Parameters Are Not Relevant Determinants for Countermovement Jump Performance

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (5) ◽  
pp. 2510
Author(s):  
Andreas Konrad ◽  
Marina Maren Reiner ◽  
Daniel Bernsteiner ◽  
Christoph Glashüttner ◽  
Sigrid Thaller ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Range Of Motion ◽  
Maximum Voluntary Contraction ◽  
Knee Extensor ◽  
Voluntary Contraction ◽  
Knee Extensors ◽  
Plantar Flexors ◽  
Countermovement Jump ◽  
Jump Performance ◽  
Leg Muscles ◽  
Knee Flexors

Vertical jumps are of great importance as a performance predictor for many types of sports that require speed and agility. However, to date, it is not clear if flexibility and/or the strength of the different leg muscles are determinants for countermovement jump (CMJ) performance. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to relate isometric maximum voluntary contraction (MVC) torque and the flexibility of various muscle groups of the lower body with CMJ performance. Thirty-six healthy male volunteers participated in this study. The participants performed MVCs of the knee extensors, knee flexors, and plantar flexors on a dynamometer. Moreover, range of motion of the hip flexors and plantar flexors was assessed with 3D motion capture, and the range of motion of the knee flexors (hamstrings) was assessed with a Sit n’ Reach® box. CMJs were assessed with a force platform. The correlation analysis revealed a significant moderate correlation of CMJ height with the flexibility of the hip flexors (rP = −0.39) and plantar flexors (rP = 0.47), but not the knee flexors. Moreover, we found that absolute MVC values are not related to CMJ height. However, we did find that knee extensor MVC relative to body mass is significantly related to CMJ height (rP = 0.33) with a moderate magnitude. Although we found significant correlations, the magnitudes of correlations vary between trivial and large according to a 90% confidence interval. Thus, this indicates that range of motion or strength of the assessed leg muscles can explain CMJ performance only to a limited extent.

scholarly journals Association between medial gastrocnemius muscle-tendon unit architecture and ankle dorsiflexion range of motion with and without consideration of slack angle

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (3) ◽  
pp. e0248125
Author(s):  
Kosuke Hirata ◽  
Hiroaki Kanehisa ◽  
Naokazu Miyamoto
Keyword(s):  
Shear Modulus ◽  
Range Of Motion ◽  
Ankle Joint ◽  
Joint Angle ◽  
Pennation Angle ◽  
Medial Gastrocnemius ◽  
Fascicle Length ◽  
Joint Flexibility ◽  
Anatomical Position ◽  
Maximal Angle

Joint flexibility is theoretically considered to associate with muscle-tendon unit (MTU) architecture. However, this potential association has not been experimentally demonstrated in humans in vivo. We aimed to identify whether and how MTU architectural parameters are associated with joint range of motion (RoM), with a special emphasis on slack angle. The fascicle length, pennation angle, tendinous tissue length, MTU length, and shear modulus of the medial gastrocnemius (MG) were assessed during passive ankle dorsiflexion using ultrasound shear wave elastography in 17 healthy males. During passive dorsiflexion task, the ankle joint was rotated from 40° plantar flexion to the maximal dorsiflexion joint angle at which each subject started experiencing pain. From the ankle joint angle-shear modulus relationship, the angle at which shear modulus began to rise (slack angle) was calculated. Two dorsiflexion RoMs were determined as follows; 1) range from the anatomical position to maximal angle (RoManat-max) and 2) range from the MG slack angle to maximal angle (RoMslack-max). The MTU architectural parameters were analyzed at the anatomical position and MG slack angle. The resolved fascicle length (fascicle length × cosine of pennation angle) and ratios of resolved fascicle or tendinous tissue length to MTU length measured at the MG slack angle significantly correlated with the RoMslack-max (r = 0.491, 0.506, and -0.506, respectively). Any MTU architectural parameters assessed at the anatomical position did not correlate with RoManat-max or RoMslack-max. These results indicate that MTUs with long fascicle and short tendinous tissue are advantageous for joint flexibility. However, this association cannot be found unless MTU architecture and joint RoM are assessed with consideration of muscle slack.

scholarly journals Comparison of Upper Extremity Muscle Activation Levels Between Isometric and Dynamic Maximum Voluntary Contraction Protocols

2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 21 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ben Warnock ◽  
Danielle L. Gyemi ◽  
Evan Brydges ◽  
Jennifer M. Stefanczyk ◽  
Charles Kahelin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Upper Extremity ◽  
Muscle Activation ◽  
Full Range ◽  
Maximum Voluntary Contraction ◽  
Elbow Flexion ◽  
Voluntary Contraction ◽  
Elastic Band ◽  
Muscle Activations ◽  
Voluntary Contractions ◽  
Flexion And Extension

Background: Muscle activations (MA) during maximum voluntary contractions (MVC) are commonly utilized to normalize muscle contributions. Isometric MVC protocols may not activate muscles to the same extent as during dynamic activities, such as falls on outstretched hands (FOOSH), that can occur during sport or recreational activities. Objective: The purpose of this study was to compare the peak MA of upper extremity muscles during isometric and dynamic MVC protocols. Methods: Twenty-four (12 M, 12 F) university-aged participants executed wrist and elbow flexion and extension actions during five-second MVC protocols targeting six upper extremity muscles (three flexors and three extensors). Each protocol [isometric (ISO); dynamic (eccentric (ECC), concentric (CON), elastic band (ELAS), un-resisted (UNRES)] consisted of three contractions (with one-minute rest periods between) during two sessions separated by one week. Muscle activation levels were collected using standard electromyography (EMG) preparations, electrode placements and equipment reported previously. Results: Overall, the ECC and CON dynamic protocols consistently elicited higher peak muscle activation levels than the ISO protocol for both males and females during both sessions. Over 95% of the CON trials resulted in mean and peak muscle activation ratios greater than ISO, with 56.3% being significantly greater than ISO (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Higher activation levels can be elicited in upper extremity muscles when resistance is applied dynamically through a full range of motion during MVC protocols.

INFLUENCE OF FOOT INSOLE ON THE GAIT PERFORMANCE IN SUBJECTS WITH FLAT FOOT DISORDER

2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (06) ◽  
pp. 1950050
Author(s):  
M. T. KARIMI ◽  
R. B. TAHMASEBI ◽  
B. SATVATI ◽  
F. FATOYE
Keyword(s):  
Range Of Motion ◽  
Ankle Joint ◽  
Lower Limb ◽  
Walking Speed ◽  
Force Plate ◽  
Flat Foot ◽  
Gait Performance ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Foot Disorder

Flat foot is the most common foot disorder that influences the alignment of the lower limb structure. It is controversial whether the use of foot insole influences kinetic and kinematic of the leg or not. Therefore, this study investigated the influence of foot insole on the gait performance in subjects with flat foot disorder. A group of flat foot subject was recruited into this study (the number of subjects was 15). The motion of the leg joints was determined using the Qualysis motion analysis system. Moreover, the force applied on the lower limb was recorded by a Kistler force plate. The range of motion of the lower limb joints, the moments applied on the lower limb joints and force transmitted through the leg were the parameters used in this study. The difference between these parameters during walking with and without insole was evaluated using the paired [Formula: see text]-test. Significant value was set at [Formula: see text]. There was no significant difference between the range of motion of ankle joint while walking with and without insole. However, the medial directed force applied on the leg decreased significantly [Formula: see text]. The use of foot insole did not influence the moments transmitted through the hip and knee joints. The walking speed of the subjects improved while walking with foot insole. Use of foot insole influenced the magnitude of the force applied on the leg and the adductor moment of ankle joint due to its influence on foot alignment. As the walking speed of the improved subjects follows the use of insole, it can be concluded that it may have a positive effects on the performance of flat foot subjects.

scholarly journals Development of a trunk motor paradigm for use in neuroimaging

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 193-200
Author(s):  
Elizabeth Saunders ◽  
Brian C. Clark ◽  
Leatha A. Clark ◽  
Dustin R. Grooms
Keyword(s):  
Motor Control ◽  
Maximum Voluntary Contraction ◽  
Voluntary Contraction ◽  
Erector Spinae ◽  
Head Motion ◽  
Low Back ◽  
Cyclic Contraction ◽  
Cyclic Contractions ◽  
Measurement Units ◽  
Healthy Participants

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to quantify head motion between isometric erector spinae (ES) contraction strategies, paradigms, and intensities in the development of a neuroimaging protocol for the study of neural activity associated with trunk motor control in individuals with low back pain. Ten healthy participants completed two contraction strategies; (1) a supine upper spine (US) press and (2) a supine lower extremity (LE) press. Each contraction strategy was performed at electromyographic (EMG) contraction intensities of 30, 40, 50, and 60% of an individually determined maximum voluntary contraction (MVC) (±10% range for each respective intensity) with real-time, EMG biofeedback. A cyclic contraction paradigm was performed at 30% of MVC with US and LE contraction strategies. Inertial measurement units (IMUs) quantified head motion to determine the viability of each paradigm for neuroimaging. US vs LE hold contractions induced no differences in head motion. Hold contractions elicited significantly less head motion relative to cyclic contractions. Contraction intensity increased head motion in a linear fashion with 30% MVC having the least head motion and 60% the highest. The LE hold contraction strategy, below 50% MVC, was found to be the most viable trunk motor control neuroimaging paradigm.

scholarly journals Effects of the Suboccipital Muscle Inhibition Technique on the Range of Motion of the Ankle Joint and Balance According to Its Application Duration: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Healthcare ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (6) ◽  
pp. 646
Author(s):  
Han-Sol Kang ◽  
Hyung-Wook Kwon ◽  
Di-gud Kim ◽  
Kwang-Rak Park ◽  
Suk-Chan Hahm ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Randomized Controlled Trial ◽  
Range Of Motion ◽  
Ankle Joint ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Balance Test ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Active Range Of Motion ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Muscle Inhibition ◽  
Inhibition Technique

This study aimed to investigate the effects of suboccipital muscle inhibition technique (SMIT) on active range of motion (AROM) of the ankle joint, lunge angle (LA), and balance in healthy adults, according to the duration of its application. A total of 80 participants were randomly allocated to the 4-min suboccipital muscle inhibition (SMI) group (SMI_4M, n = 20), 8-min SMI group (n = 20), 4-min sham-SMI (SSMI) group (n = 20), and 8-min SSMI group (n = 20). Accordingly, the SMIT and sham SMIT were applied for 4 min or 8 min in the respective groups. AROM of dorsiflexion and LA were assessed, and a single leg balance test (SLBT) was performed before and after the intervention. AROM (4 min, p < 0.001; 8 min, p < 0.001), LA (4 min, p < 0.001; 8 min, p < 0.001), and SLBT (4 min, p < 0.001; 8 min, p < 0.001) significantly improved after SMI application. Compared with the SSMI group, the SMI group showed a significant increase in AROM (p < 0.001), LA (p < 0.001), and SLBT (p < 0.001). Except for SLBT (p = 0.016), there were no significant interactions between intervention and application duration. The results suggest that the SMIT, at durations of both 4 and 8 min, could be effective tools for improving AROM, LA, and balance.

scholarly journals The Effects of Spinal Manipulation on Motor Unit Behavior

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 105
Author(s):  
Lucien Robinault ◽  
Aleš Holobar ◽  
Sylvain Crémoux ◽  
Usman Rashid ◽  
Imran Khan Niazi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Motor Unit ◽  
Conduction Velocity ◽  
Spinal Manipulation ◽  
Maximum Voluntary Contraction ◽  
Force Production ◽  
Movement Control ◽  
Position Sense ◽  
Joint Position Sense ◽  
Voluntary Contraction ◽  
Passive Movement

Over recent years, a growing body of research has highlighted the neural plastic effects of spinal manipulation on the central nervous system. Recently, it has been shown that spinal manipulation improved outcomes, such as maximum voluntary force and limb joint position sense, reflecting improved sensorimotor integration and processing. This study aimed to further evaluate how spinal manipulation can alter neuromuscular activity. High density electromyography (HD sEMG) signals from the tibialis anterior were recorded and decomposed in order to study motor unit changes in 14 subjects following spinal manipulation or a passive movement control session in a crossover study design. Participants were asked to produce ankle dorsiflexion at two force levels, 5% and 10% of maximum voluntary contraction (MVC), following two different patterns of force production (“ramp” and “ramp and maintain”). A significant decrease in the conduction velocity (p = 0.01) was observed during the “ramp and maintain” condition at 5% MVC after spinal manipulation. A decrease in conduction velocity suggests that spinal manipulation alters motor unit recruitment patterns with an increased recruitment of lower threshold, lower twitch torque motor units.

Right to left differences in the ankle joint complex range of motion

1994 ◽  
Vol 26 (5) ◽  
pp. 551???555 ◽  
Author(s):  
DARREN J. STEFANYSHYN ◽  
JACK R. ENGSBERG
Keyword(s):  
Range Of Motion ◽  
Ankle Joint

Comparison of Biomechanical and Anatomical Effects Following Eccentric and Concentric Exertions

2005 ◽  
Vol 49 (14) ◽  
pp. 1287-1291
Author(s):  
Amrish O. Chourasia ◽  
Mary E. Sesto ◽  
Youngkyoo Jung ◽  
Robert S. Howery ◽  
Robert G. Radwin
Keyword(s):  
Signal Intensity ◽  
Intensity Ratio ◽  
Maximum Voluntary Contraction ◽  
Magnetic Resonance Images ◽  
Voluntary Contraction ◽  
Work Place ◽  
Signal Intensity Ratio ◽  
Mechanical Stiffness ◽  
Average Decrease ◽  
Muscle Shortening

Work place exertions may include muscle shortening (concentric) or muscle lengthening (eccentric) contractions. This study investigates the upper limb mechanical properties and magnetic resonance images (MRI) of the involved muscles following submaximal eccentric and concentric exertions. Twelve participants were randomly assigned to perform at 30° per second eccentric or concentric forearm supination exertions at 50% isometric maximum voluntary contraction (MVC) for 30 minutes. Measurement of mechanical stiffness, isometric MVC, localized discomfort and MRI supinator: extensor signal intensity ratio was done before, immediately after, 1 hour after and 24 hours after the bout of exercise. A 53% average decrease in mechanical stiffness after 1 hour was observed for the eccentric group (p< 0.05) compared to a 1% average decrease for the concentric group (p> 0.05). Edema, indicative of swelling, was observed 24 hrs after exercise, with an average increase in the MRI supinator: extensor signal intensity ratio of 36% for the eccentric group and less than 10% for the concentric group (p<0.05).

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