scholarly journals Do triceps surae muscle dynamics govern non-uniform Achilles tendon deformations?

PeerJ ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 6 ◽  
pp. e5182 ◽  
Author(s):  
William H. Clark ◽  
Jason R. Franz
Keyword(s):  
Achilles Tendon ◽  
Triceps Surae ◽  
Medial Gastrocnemius ◽  
Tendon Tissue ◽  
Triceps Surae Muscle ◽  
Muscle Dynamics ◽  
Muscle Shortening ◽  
Displacement Patterns ◽  
Dual Probe

The human Achilles tendon (AT) consists of sub-tendons arising from the gastrocnemius and soleus muscles that exhibit non-uniform tissue displacements thought to facilitate some independent actuation. However, the mechanisms governing non-uniform displacement patterns within the AT, and their relevance to triceps surae muscle contractile dynamics, have remained elusive. We used a dual-probe ultrasound imaging approach to investigate triceps surae muscle dynamics (i.e., medial gastrocnemius-GAS, soleus-SOL) as a determinant of non-uniform tendon tissue displacements in the human AT. We hypothesized that superficial versus deep differences in AT tissue displacements would be accompanied by and correlate with anatomically consistent differences in GAS versus SOL muscle shortening. Nine subjects performed ramped maximum voluntary isometric contractions at each of five ankle joint angles spanning 10° dorsiflexion to 30° plantarflexion. For all conditions, SOL shortened by an average of 78% more than GAS during moment generation. This was accompanied by, on average, 51% more displacement in the deep versus superficial region of the AT. The magnitude of GAS and SOL muscle shortening positively correlated with displacement in their associated sub-tendons within the AT. Moreover, and as hypothesized, superficial versus deep differences in sub-tendon tissue displacements positively correlated with anatomically consistent differences in GAS versus SOL muscle shortening. We present the first in vivo evidence that triceps surae muscle dynamics may precipitate non-uniform displacement patterns in the architecturally complex AT.

scholarly journals The effects of triceps surae muscle stimulation on localized achilles subtendon tissue displacements

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nathan L. Lehr ◽  
William H. Clark ◽  
Michael D. Lewek ◽  
Jason R. Franz
Keyword(s):  
Achilles Tendon ◽  
Muscle Activation ◽  
Triceps Surae ◽  
Medial Gastrocnemius ◽  
Muscle Stimulation ◽  
Triceps Surae Muscle ◽  
Ankle Angle ◽  
In Series ◽  
Fixed End

The triceps surae muscle tendon unit is comprised of the lateral and medial gastrocnemius (MG) and soleus (SOL) muscles and three in series elastic “subtendons” that form the Achilles tendon. Comparative literature and our own in vivo evidence suggests that sliding between adjacent subtendons may facilitate independent muscle actuation. We aim to more clearly define the relation between individual muscle activation and subtendon tissue displacements. Here, during fixed-end contractions, electrical muscle stimulation controlled the magnitude of force transmitted via individual triceps surae muscles while ultrasound imaging recorded resultant subtendon tissue displacements. We hypothesized that MG and SOL stimulation would elicit larger displacements in their associated subtendon. 10 young adults completed 4 experimental activations at 3 ankle angles (-20°, 0°, 20°) with knee flexed to approximately 20°: MG stimulation (STIMMG), SOL stimulation (STIMSOL), combined stimulation, and volitional contraction. At 20° plantarflexion, STIMSOL elicited 49% larger tendon non-uniformity (SOL – MG subtendon tissue displacement) than that of STIMMG (p=0.004). For STIMSOL, a one-way post-hoc ANOVA revealed a significant main effect of ankle angle (p=0.009) on Achilles tendon non-uniformity. However, peak tendon non-uniformity decreased by an average of 61% from plantarflexion to dorsiflexion, likely due to an increase in passive tension. Our results suggest that localized tissue displacements within the Achilles tendon respond in anatomically consistent ways to differential patterns of triceps surae muscle activation, but these relations are highly susceptible to ankle angle. This in vivo evidence points to at least some mechanical independence in actuation between the human triceps surae muscle-subtendon units.

scholarly journals Considerations on the human Achilles tendon moment arm for in vivo triceps surae muscle–tendon unit force estimates

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Denis Holzer ◽  
Florian Kurt Paternoster ◽  
Daniel Hahn ◽  
Tobias Siebert ◽  
Wolfgang Seiberl
Keyword(s):  
Achilles Tendon ◽  
Triceps Surae ◽  
Muscle Forces ◽  
Moment Arm ◽  
Unit Force ◽  
Plateau Region ◽  
Triceps Muscle ◽  
Triceps Surae Muscle ◽  
The Individual

Abstract Moment arm-angle functions (MA-a-functions) are commonly used to estimate in vivo muscle forces in humans. However, different MA-a-functions might not only influence the magnitude of the estimated muscle forces but also change the shape of the muscle’s estimated force-angle relationship (F-a-r). Therefore, we investigated the influence of different literature based Achilles tendon MA-a-functions on the triceps surae muscle–tendon unit F-a-r. The individual in vivo triceps torque–angle relationship was determined in 14 participants performing maximum voluntary fixed-end plantarflexion contractions from 18.3° ± 3.2° plantarflexion to 24.2° ± 5.1° dorsiflexion on a dynamometer. The resulting F-a-r were calculated using 15 literature-based in vivo Achilles tendon MA-a-functions. MA-a-functions affected the F-a-r shape and magnitude of estimated peak active triceps muscle–tendon unit force. Depending on the MA-a-function used, the triceps was solely operating on the ascending limb (n = 2), on the ascending limb and plateau region (n = 12), or on the ascending limb, plateau region and descending limb of the F-a-r (n = 1). According to our findings, the estimated triceps muscle–tendon unit forces and the shape of the F-a-r are highly dependent on the MA-a-function used. As these functions are affected by many variables, we recommend using individual Achilles tendon MA-a-functions, ideally accounting for contraction intensity-related changes in moment arm magnitude.

Differential displacement of the human soleus and medial gastrocnemius aponeuroses during isometric plantar flexor contractions in vivo

2004 ◽  
Vol 97 (5) ◽  
pp. 1908-1914 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jens Bojsen-Møller ◽  
Philip Hansen ◽  
Per Aagaard ◽  
Ulla Svantesson ◽  
Michael Kjaer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Knee Joint ◽  
Achilles Tendon ◽  
Plantar Flexion ◽  
Human Locomotion ◽  
Muscular Contraction ◽  
Triceps Surae ◽  
Medial Gastrocnemius ◽  
Plantar Flexor ◽  
Flexion Moment

The human triceps surae muscle-tendon complex is a unique structure with three separate muscle compartments that merge via their aponeuroses into the Achilles tendon. The mechanical function and properties of these structures during muscular contraction are not well understood. The purpose of the study was to investigate the extent to which differential displacement occurs between the aponeuroses of the medial gastrocnemius (MG) and soleus (Sol) muscles during plantar flexion. Eight subjects (mean ± SD; age 30 ± 7 yr, body mass 76.8 ± 5.5 kg, height 1.83 ± 0.06 m) performed maximal isometric ramp contractions with the plantar flexor muscles. The experiment was performed in two positions: position 1, in which the knee joint was maximally extended, and position 2, in which the knee joint was maximally flexed (125°). Plantarflexion moment was assessed with a strain gauge load cell, and the corresponding displacement of the MG and Sol aponeuroses was measured by ultrasonography. Differential shear displacement of the aponeurosis was quantified by subtracting displacement of Sol from that of MG. Maximal plantar flexion moment was 36% greater in position 1 than in position 2 (132 ± 20 vs. 97 ± 11 N·m). In position 1, the displacement of the MG aponeurosis at maximal force exceeded that of the Sol (12.6 ± 1.7 vs. 8.9 ± 1.5 mm), whereas in position 2 displacement of the Sol was greater than displacement of the MG (9.6 ± 1.0 vs. 7.9 ± 1.2 mm). The amount and “direction” of shear between the aponeuroses differed significantly between the two positions across the entire range of contraction, indicating that the Achilles tendon may be exposed to intratendinous shear and stress gradients during human locomotion.

scholarly journals Passive Mechanical Properties of Human Medial Gastrocnemius and Soleus Musculotendinous Unit

2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-12
Author(s):  
Ruoli Wang ◽  
Shiyang Yan ◽  
Marius Schlippe ◽  
Olga Tarassova ◽  
Gaia Valentina Pennati ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mechanical Properties ◽  
Achilles Tendon ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Triceps Surae ◽  
Medial Gastrocnemius ◽  
Passive Stretching ◽  
Slack Length ◽  
In Vivo Characterization ◽  
Passive Stretch

The in vivo characterization of the passive mechanical properties of the human triceps surae musculotendinous unit is important for gaining a deeper understanding of the interactive responses of the tendon and muscle tissues to loading during passive stretching. This study sought to quantify a comprehensive set of passive muscle-tendon properties such as slack length, stiffness, and the stress-strain relationship using a combination of ultrasound imaging and a three-dimensional motion capture system in healthy adults. By measuring tendon length, the cross-section areas of the Achilles tendon subcompartments (i.e., medial gastrocnemius and soleus aspects), and the ankle torque simultaneously, the mechanical properties of each individual compartment can be specifically identified. We found that the medial gastrocnemius (GM) and soleus (SOL) aspects of the Achilles tendon have similar mechanical properties in terms of slack angle (GM: − 10.96 ° ± 3.48 ° ; SOL: − 8.50 ° ± 4.03 ° ), moment arm at 0° of ankle angle (GM: 30.35 ± 6.42  mm; SOL: 31.39 ± 6.42  mm), and stiffness (GM: 23.18 ± 13.46  Nmm-1; SOL: 31.57 ± 13.26  Nmm-1). However, maximal tendon stress in the GM was significantly less than that in SOL (GM: 2.96 ± 1.50  MPa; SOL: 4.90 ± 1.88  MPa, p = 0.024 ), largely due to the higher passive force observed in the soleus compartment (GM: 99.89 ± 39.50  N; SOL: 174.59 ± 79.54  N, p = 0.020 ). Moreover, the tendon contributed to more than half of the total muscle-tendon unit lengthening during the passive stretch. This unequal passive stress between the medial gastrocnemius and the soleus tendon might contribute to the asymmetrical loading and deformation of the Achilles tendon during motion reported in the literature. Such information is relevant to understanding the Achilles tendon function and loading profile in pathological populations in the future.

Soleus aponeurosis strain distribution following chronic unloading in humans: an in vivo MR phase-contrast study

2006 ◽  
Vol 100 (6) ◽  
pp. 2004-2011 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hae-Dong Lee ◽  
Taija Finni ◽  
John A. Hodgson ◽  
Alex M. Lai ◽  
V. Reggie Edgerton ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Achilles Tendon ◽  
Strain Distribution ◽  
Phase Contrast ◽  
Plantar Flexion ◽  
Voluntary Contraction ◽  
Triceps Surae ◽  
Medial Gastrocnemius ◽  
Contrast Study ◽  
Ankle Plantar Flexion

The in vivo strain properties of human skeletal muscle-tendon complexes are poorly understood, particularly following chronic periods of reduced load bearing. We studied eight healthy volunteers who underwent 4 wk of unilateral lower limb suspension (ULLS) to induce chronic unloading. Before and after the ULLS, maximum isometric ankle plantar flexion torque was determined by using a magnetic resonance (MR)-compatible dynamometry. Volumes of the triceps surae muscles and strain distribution of the soleus aponeurosis and the Achilles tendon at a constant submaximal plantar flexion (20% pre-maximal voluntary contraction) were measured by using MRI and velocity-encoded, phase-contrast MRI techniques. Following ULLS, volumes of the soleus and the medial gastrocnemius and the maximum isometric ankle plantar flexion (maximum voluntary contraction) decreased by 5.5 ± 1.9, 7.5 ± 2.7, and 48.1 ± 6.1%, respectively. The strain of the aponeurosis along the length of the muscle before the ULLS was 0.3 ± 0.3%, ranging from −1.5 to 2.7% in different locations of the aponeurosis. Following ULLS, the mean strain was −6.4 ± 0.3%, ranging from −1.6 to 1.3%. The strain distribution of the midregion of the aponeurosis was significantly influenced by the ULLS, whereas the more distal component showed no consistent changes. Achilles tendon strain was not affected by the ULLS. These results raise the issue as to whether these changes in strain distribution affect the functional properties of the triceps surae and whether the probability of strain injuries within the triceps surae increases following chronic unloading in those regions of this muscle complex in which unusual strains occur.

scholarly journals Gender Difference in Architectural and Mechanical Properties of Medial Gastrocnemius–Achilles Tendon Unit In Vivo

Life ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (6) ◽  
pp. 569
Author(s):  
Liqin Deng ◽  
Xini Zhang ◽  
Songlin Xiao ◽  
Baofeng Wang ◽  
Weijie Fu
Keyword(s):  
Mechanical Properties ◽  
Gender Differences ◽  
Gender Difference ◽  
Achilles Tendon ◽  
Medial Gastrocnemius ◽  
Regular Exercise ◽  
Training Experience ◽  
Exercise Habits ◽  
Vertical Stiffness

This study aims to explore whether gender differences exist in the architectural and mechanical properties of the medial gastrocnemius–Achilles tendon unit (gMTU) in vivo. Thirty-six healthy male and female adults without training experience and regular exercise habits were recruited. The architectural and mechanical properties of the gMTU were measured via an ultrasonography system and MyotonPRO, respectively. Independent t-tests were utilized to quantify the gender difference in the architectural and mechanical properties of the gMTU. In terms of architectural properties, the medial gastrocnemius (MG)’s pennation angle and thickness were greater in males than in females, whereas no substantial gender difference was observed in the MG’s fascicle length; the males possessed Achilles tendons (ATs) with a longer length and a greater cross-sectional area than females. In terms of mechanical properties, the MG’s vertical stiffness was lower and the MG’s logarithmic decrement was greater in females than in males. Both genders had no remarkable difference in the AT’s vertical stiffness and logarithmic decrement. Gender differences of individuals without training experience and regular exercise habits exist in the architectural and mechanical properties of the gMTU in vivo. The MG’s force-producing capacities, ankle torque, mechanical efficiency and peak power were higher in males than in females. The load-resisting capacities of AT were greater and the MG strain was lesser in males than in females. These findings suggest that males have better physical fitness, speed and performance in power-based sports events than females from the perspective of morphology and biomechanics.

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