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Jakubowski KL, Ludvig D, Perreault EJ, Lee SSM. Non-linear properties of the Achilles tendon determine ankle impedance over a broad range of activations in humans. J Exp Biol 2023; 226:jeb244863. [PMID: 37350252 PMCID: PMC10399991 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.244863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2022] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/24/2023]
Abstract
Regulating ankle mechanics is essential for controlled interactions with the environment and rejecting unexpected disturbances. Ankle mechanics can be quantified by impedance, the dynamic relationship between an imposed displacement and the torque generated in response. Ankle impedance in the sagittal plane depends strongly on the triceps surae and Achilles tendon, but their relative contributions remain unknown. It is commonly assumed that ankle impedance is controlled by changing muscle activation and, thereby, muscle impedance, but this ignores that tendon impedance also changes with activation-induced loading. Thus, we sought to determine the relative contributions from the triceps surae and Achilles tendon during conditions relevant to postural control. We used a novel technique that combines B-mode ultrasound imaging with joint-level perturbations to quantify ankle, muscle and tendon impedance simultaneously across activation levels from 0% to 30% of maximum voluntary contraction. We found that muscle and tendon stiffness, the static component of impedance, increased with voluntary plantarflexion contractions, but that muscle stiffness exceeded tendon stiffness at very low loads (21±7 N). Above these loads, corresponding to 1.3% of maximal strength for an average participant in our study, ankle stiffness was determined predominately by Achilles tendon stiffness. At approximately 20% MVC for an average participant, ankle stiffness was 4 times more sensitive to changes in tendon stiffness than to changes in muscle stiffness. We provide the first empirical evidence demonstrating that the nervous system, through changes in muscle activations, leverages the non-linear properties of the Achilles tendon to increase ankle stiffness during postural conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristen L. Jakubowski
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
- Department of Physical Therapy and Human Movement Sciences, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
- Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Emory University and Georgia Tech, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Daniel Ludvig
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
- Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Eric J. Perreault
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
- Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Sabrina S. M. Lee
- Department of Physical Therapy and Human Movement Sciences, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
- Department of Biomedical Physiology and Kinesiology, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada, V5A 1S6
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Jerger S, Centner C, Lauber B, Seynnes O, Sohnius T, Jendricke P, Oesser S, Gollhofer A, König D. Effects of specific collagen peptide supplementation combined with resistance training on Achilles tendon properties. Scand J Med Sci Sports 2022; 32:1131-1141. [PMID: 35403756 DOI: 10.1111/sms.14164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Revised: 03/24/2022] [Accepted: 04/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of specific collagen peptides (SCP) combined with resistance training (RT) on changes in tendinous and muscular properties. In a randomized, placebo-controlled study, 40 healthy male volunteers (age: 26.3 ± 4.0 years) completed a 14 weeks high-load resistance training program. One group received a daily dosage of 5g SCP while the other group received 5g of a placebo (PLA) supplement. Changes in Achilles tendon cross-sectional area (CSA), tendon stiffness, muscular strength, and thickness of the plantar flexors were measured. The SCP supplementation led to a significantly (p = 0.002) greater increase in tendon CSA (+11.0%) compared with the PLA group (+4.7%). Moreover, the statistical analysis revealed a significantly (p = 0.014) greater increase in muscle thickness in the SCP group (+7.3%) compared with the PLA group (+2.7%). Finally, tendon stiffness and muscle strength increased in both groups, with no statistical difference between the groups. In conclusion, the current study shows that the supplementation of specific collagen peptides combined with RT is associated with a greater hypertrophy in tendinous and muscular structures than RT alone in young physically active men. These effects might play a role in reducing tendon stress (i.e., deposition of collagen in load-bearing structures) during daily activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Jerger
- Department of Sport and Sport Science, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Christoph Centner
- Department of Sport and Sport Science, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Praxisklinik Rennbahn, Muttenz, Switzerland
| | - Benedikt Lauber
- Department of Sport and Sport Science, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Department of Neurosciences and Movement Sciences, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Olivier Seynnes
- Department of Physical Performance, Norwegian School of Sport Sciences, Oslo, Norway
| | - Tim Sohnius
- Department of Sport and Sport Science, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Patrick Jendricke
- Department of Sport and Sport Science, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | | | - Albert Gollhofer
- Department of Sport and Sport Science, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Daniel König
- Department for Nutrition, Exercise and Health, Centre of Sports Science, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Department for Nutrition, Exercise and Health, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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Suckey MM, Benza DW, DesJardins JD, Anker JN. Upconversion Spectral Rulers for Transcutaneous Displacement Measurements. SENSORS 2021; 21:s21103554. [PMID: 34065299 PMCID: PMC8160897 DOI: 10.3390/s21103554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2021] [Revised: 05/10/2021] [Accepted: 05/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
We describe a method to measure micron to millimeter displacement through tissue using an upconversion spectral ruler. Measuring stiffness (displacement under load) in muscles, bones, ligaments, and tendons is important for studying and monitoring healing of injuries. Optical displacement measurements are useful because they are sensitive and noninvasive. Optical measurements through tissue must use spectral rather than imaging approaches because optical scattering in the tissue blurs the image with a point spread function typically around the depth of the tissue. Additionally, the optical measurement should have low background and minimal intensity dependence. Previously, we demonstrated a spectral encoder using either X-ray luminescence or fluorescence, but the X-ray luminescence required an expensive X-ray source and used ionizing radiation, while the fluorescence sensor suffered from interference from autofluorescence. Here, we used upconversion, which can be provided with a simple fiber-coupled spectrometer with essentially autofluorescence-free signals. The upconversion phosphors provide a low background signal, and the use of closely spaced spectral peaks minimizes spectral distortion from the tissue. The small displacement noise level (precision) through tissue was 2 µm when using a microscope-coupled spectrometer to collect light. We also showed proof of principle for measuring strain on a tendon mimic. The approach provides a simple method to study biomechanics using implantable sensors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa M. Suckey
- Department of Chemistry, Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29634, USA; (M.M.S.); (D.W.B.)
| | - Donald W. Benza
- Department of Chemistry, Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29634, USA; (M.M.S.); (D.W.B.)
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29634, USA
| | - John D. DesJardins
- Department of Bioengineering, Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29634, USA;
| | - Jeffrey N. Anker
- Department of Chemistry, Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29634, USA; (M.M.S.); (D.W.B.)
- Department of Bioengineering, Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29634, USA;
- Center for Optical Materials Science and Engineering (COMSET) and Environmental Toxicology Program, Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29634, USA
- Correspondence:
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Pinto MS, Sánchez C, Martins N, Menegaldo LL, Pompeu F, de Oliveira LF. Effect of Achilles Tendon Mechanics on the Running Economy of Elite Endurance Athletes. Int J Sports Med 2021; 42:1128-1136. [PMID: 33784785 DOI: 10.1055/a-1403-2606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The Achilles tendon stores and releases strain energy, influencing running economy. The present study aims to verify the influence of the Achilles tendon tangent modulus, as a material property, on running economy by comparing two groups of elite endurance-performance athletes undergoing different running training volumes. Twelve athletes, six long-distance runners and six pentathletes, were studied. Long-distance runners had a higher weekly running training volume (116.7±13.7 vs. 58.3±20.4 km, p<0.05) and a better running economy (204.3±12.0 vs. 222.0±8.7 O2 mL ∙ kg-1 ∙ km-1, p<0.05) evaluated in a treadmill at 16 km·h-1, 1% inclination. Both groups presented similar VO2max (68.5±3.8 vs. 65.7±5.0 mL ∙ min-1 ∙ kg-1, p>0.05). Achilles tendon tangent modulus was estimated from ultrasound-measured deformations, with the ankle passively mobilized by a dynamometer. True stress was calculated from the measured torque. The long-distance runners had a higher maximum tangent modulus (380.6±92.2 vs. 236.2±82.6 MPa, p<0.05) and maximum true stress than pentathletes (24.2±5.1 vs. 16.0±3.5 MPa, p<0.05). The correlation coefficient between tangent modulus at larger deformations was R=-0.7447 (p<0.05). Quantifying tendon tissue adaptations associated with different running training volumes will support subject and modality-specific workouts prescription of elite endurance athletes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Souza Pinto
- Programa de Engenharia Biomédica, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Carlos Sánchez
- Escola de Educação Física e Desportos, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Natália Martins
- Programa de Engenharia Biomédica, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | - Fernando Pompeu
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Educação Física (PPGEF-UFRJ), Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Liliam Fernandes de Oliveira
- Programa de Engenharia Biomédica, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.,Escola de Educação Física e Desportos, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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Passive Mechanical Properties of Human Medial Gastrocnemius and Soleus Musculotendinous Unit. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2021; 2021:8899699. [PMID: 33628828 PMCID: PMC7889354 DOI: 10.1155/2021/8899699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2020] [Revised: 12/15/2020] [Accepted: 01/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
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.
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Hayes A, Easton K, Devanaboyina PT, Wu JP, Kirk TB, Lloyd D. A review of methods to measure tendon dimensions. J Orthop Surg Res 2019; 14:18. [PMID: 30636623 PMCID: PMC6330756 DOI: 10.1186/s13018-018-1056-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2018] [Accepted: 12/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Tendons are soft tissues of the musculoskeletal system that are designed to facilitate joint movement. Tendons exhibit a wide range of mechanical properties matched to their functions and, as a result, have been of interest to researchers for many decades. Dimensions are an important aspect of tendon properties. Change in the dimensions of tissues is often seen as a sign of injury and degeneration, as it may suggest inflammation or general disorder of the tissue. Dimensions are also important for determining the mechanical properties and behaviours of materials, particularly the stress, strain, and elastic modulus. This makes the dimensions significant in the context of a mechanical study of degenerated tendons. Additionally, tendon dimensions are useful in planning harvesting for tendon transfer and joint reconstruction purposes. Historically, many methods have been used in an attempt to accurately measure the dimensions of soft tissue, since improper measurement can lead to large errors in the calculated properties. These methods can be categorised as destructive (by approximation), contact, and non-contact and can be considered in terms of in vivo and ex vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex Hayes
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Curtin University of Technology, Perth, Western Australia, Australia. .,Medical Engineering and Physics, Royal Perth Hospital, Perth, Western Australia, Australia.
| | | | - Pavan Teja Devanaboyina
- Centre for Musculoskeletal Research, Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
| | - Jian-Ping Wu
- Academy of Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies and the Department of Biomedical Engineering of Southern University of Science and Technology, No 1088, Xueyaun Rd, Xili, Nanshan District, Shenzhen City, 518055, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Thomas Brett Kirk
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Curtin University of Technology, Perth, Western Australia, Australia.,Faculty of Science and Engineering, Curtin University of Technology, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - David Lloyd
- Centre for Musculoskeletal Research, Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
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Collagen fibril organization in chicken and porcine skeletal muscle perimysium under applied tension and compression. J Mech Behav Biomed Mater 2018; 77:734-744. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jmbbm.2017.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2017] [Revised: 08/02/2017] [Accepted: 08/04/2017] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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