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Bohm S, Schroll A, Mersmann F, Arampatzis A. Assessment and modelling of the activation-dependent shift in optimal length of the human soleus muscle in vivo. J Physiol 2024; 602:1371-1384. [PMID: 38482557 DOI: 10.1113/jp285986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Previous in vitro and in situ studies have reported a shift in optimal muscle fibre length for force generation (L0) towards longer length at decreasing activation levels (also referred to as length-dependent activation), yet the relevance for in vivo human muscle contractions with a variable activation pattern remains largely unclear. By a combination of dynamometry, ultrasound and electromyography (EMG), we experimentally obtained muscle force-fascicle length curves of the human soleus at 100%, 60% and 30% EMGmax levels from 15 participants aiming to investigate activation-dependent shifts in L0 in vivo. The results showed a significant increase in L0 of 6.5 ± 6.0% from 100% to 60% EMGmax and of 9.1 ± 7.2% from 100% to 30% EMGmax (both P < 0.001), respectively, providing evidence of a moderate in vivo activation dependence of the soleus force-length relationship. Based on the experimental results, an approximation model of an activation-dependent force-length relationship was defined for each individual separately and for the collective data of all participants, both with sufficiently high accuracy (R2 of 0.899 ± 0.056 and R2 = 0.858). This individual approximation approach and the general approximation model outcome are freely accessible and may be used to integrate activation-dependent shifts in L0 in experimental and musculoskeletal modelling studies to improve muscle force predictions. KEY POINTS: The phenomenon of the activation-dependent shift in optimal muscle fibre length for force generation (length-dependent activation) is poorly understood for human muscle in vivo dynamic contractions. We experimentally observed a moderate shift in optimal fascicle length towards longer length at decreasing electromyographic activity levels for the human soleus muscle in vivo. Based on the experimental results, we developed a freely accessible approximation model that allows the consideration of activation-dependent shifts in optimal length in future experimental and musculoskeletal modelling studies to improve muscle force predictions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Bohm
- Department of Training and Movement Sciences, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Berlin School of Movement Science, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Arno Schroll
- Department of Training and Movement Sciences, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Berlin School of Movement Science, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Falk Mersmann
- Department of Training and Movement Sciences, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Berlin School of Movement Science, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Adamantios Arampatzis
- Department of Training and Movement Sciences, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Berlin School of Movement Science, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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Tsai MS, Domroes T, Pentidis N, Koschinski S, Schroll A, Bohm S, Arampatzis A, Mersmann F. Effect of the temporal coordination and volume of cyclic mechanical loading on human Achilles tendon adaptation in men. Sci Rep 2024; 14:6875. [PMID: 38519507 PMCID: PMC10960029 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-56840-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Human tendons adapt to mechanical loading, yet there is little information on the effect of the temporal coordination of loading and recovery or the dose-response relationship. For this reason, we assigned adult men to either a control or intervention group. In the intervention group, the two legs were randomly assigned to one of five high-intensity Achilles tendon (AT) loading protocols (i.e., 90% maximum voluntary contraction and approximately 4.5 to 6.5% tendon strain) that were systematically modified in terms of loading frequency (i.e., sessions per week) and overall loading volume (i.e., total time under loading). Before, at mid-term (8 weeks) and after completion of the 16 weeks intervention, AT mechanical properties were determined using a combination of inverse dynamics and ultrasonography. The cross-sectional area (CSA) and length of the free AT were measured using magnetic resonance imaging pre- and post-intervention. The data analysis with a linear mixed model showed significant increases in muscle strength, rest length-normalized AT stiffness, and CSA of the free AT in the intervention group (p < 0.05), yet with no marked differences between protocols. No systematic effects were found considering the temporal coordination of loading and overall loading volume. In all protocols, the major changes in normalized AT stiffness occurred within the first 8 weeks and were mostly due to material rather than morphological changes. Our findings suggest that-in the range of 2.5-5 sessions per week and 180-300 s total high strain loading-the temporal coordination of loading and recovery and overall loading volume is rather secondary for tendon adaptation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng-Shiuan Tsai
- Department of Training and Movement Sciences, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Berlin School of Movement Science, Berlin, Germany
| | - Theresa Domroes
- Department of Training and Movement Sciences, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Berlin School of Movement Science, Berlin, Germany
| | - Nikolaos Pentidis
- Department of Training and Movement Sciences, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Berlin School of Movement Science, Berlin, Germany
| | - Sophia Koschinski
- Department of Training and Movement Sciences, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Berlin School of Movement Science, Berlin, Germany
| | - Arno Schroll
- Department of Training and Movement Sciences, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Berlin School of Movement Science, Berlin, Germany
| | - Sebastian Bohm
- Department of Training and Movement Sciences, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Berlin School of Movement Science, Berlin, Germany
| | - Adamantios Arampatzis
- Department of Training and Movement Sciences, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Berlin School of Movement Science, Berlin, Germany
| | - Falk Mersmann
- Department of Training and Movement Sciences, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany.
- Berlin School of Movement Science, Berlin, Germany.
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Arampatzis A, Kharazi M, Theodorakis C, Mersmann F, Bohm S. Biarticular mechanisms of the gastrocnemii muscles enhance ankle mechanical power and work during running. ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2023; 10:230007. [PMID: 37650058 PMCID: PMC10465202 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.230007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
The objective of the study was to explore how biarticular mechanisms of the gastrocnemii muscles may provide an important energy source for power and work at the ankle joint with increasing running speed. Achilles tendon force was quantified as a proxy of the triceps surae muscle force and the contribution of the monoarticular soleus and the biarticular gastrocnemii to the mechanical power and work performed at the ankle joint was investigated in three running speeds (transition 2.0 m s-1, slow 2.5 m s-1, fast 3.5 m s-1). Although the contribution of the soleus was higher, biarticular mechanisms of the gastrocnemii accounted for a relevant part of the performed mechanical power and work at the ankle joint. There was an ankle-to-knee joint energy transfer in the first part of the stance phase and a knee-to-ankle joint energy transfer during push-off via the gastrocnemii muscles, which made up 16% of the total positive ankle joint work. The rate of knee-to-ankle joint energy transfer increased with speed, indicating a speed-related participation of biarticular mechanisms in running. This energy transfer via the gastrocnemii seems to occur with negligible energy absorption/production from the quadriceps vasti contractile elements and is rather an energy exchange between elastic structures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adamantios Arampatzis
- Department of Training and Movement Sciences, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Philippstr. 13, Haus 11, 10115 Berlin, Germany
- Berlin School of Movement Science, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, 10115 Berlin, Germany
| | - Mohamadreza Kharazi
- Department of Training and Movement Sciences, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Philippstr. 13, Haus 11, 10115 Berlin, Germany
- Berlin School of Movement Science, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, 10115 Berlin, Germany
| | - Christos Theodorakis
- Department of Training and Movement Sciences, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Philippstr. 13, Haus 11, 10115 Berlin, Germany
- Berlin School of Movement Science, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, 10115 Berlin, Germany
| | - Falk Mersmann
- Department of Training and Movement Sciences, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Philippstr. 13, Haus 11, 10115 Berlin, Germany
- Berlin School of Movement Science, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, 10115 Berlin, Germany
| | - Sebastian Bohm
- Department of Training and Movement Sciences, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Philippstr. 13, Haus 11, 10115 Berlin, Germany
- Berlin School of Movement Science, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, 10115 Berlin, Germany
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Crotty ED, Furlong LAM, Harrison AJ. Reliability of mechanical properties of the plantar flexor muscle tendon unit with consideration to joint angle and sex. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0287431. [PMID: 37352329 PMCID: PMC10289375 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0287431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The reliability of mechanical measures can be impacted by the protocol used, including factors such as joint angle and the sex of participants. This study aimed to determine the inter-day reliability of plantar flexor mechanical measures across ankle joint angles and contraction types and consider potential sex-specific effects. 14 physically-active individuals participated in two identical measurement sessions involving involuntary and voluntary plantar flexor contractions, at three ankle angles (10° plantarflexion (PF), 0° (anatomical zero (AZ)), and 10° dorsiflexion (DF)), while torque and surface EMG were recorded. The reliability of mechanical parameters of maximal voluntary torque (MVT), rate of torque development (RTD), electromechanical delay, and tendon stiffness were assessed using absolute and relative reliability measures. MVT measures were reliable across ankle angles. RTD measures showed good group level reliability and moderate reliability for an individual during the early phase of contraction across ankle angles. Explosive voluntary torque measures tended to be less reliable from 50 ms onward, with varied reliability across angles for late-phase RTD. Tendon stiffness demonstrated the best reliability at the DF angle. Sex-based differences in the reliability of tendon measures found that females had significantly different initial tendon length between testing sessions. Despite this, tendon excursion, force, and stiffness measures demonstrated similar reliability compared to males. Ankle angle changes influence the reliability of plantar flexor mechanical measurements across contraction types, particularly for voluntary contractions. These results highlight the importance of establishing potential protocol effects on measurement reliability prior to quantifying plantar flexor mechanical measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evan D. Crotty
- Sport and Human Performance Research Centre, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Laura-Anne M. Furlong
- Sport and Human Performance Research Centre, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Andrew J. Harrison
- Sport and Human Performance Research Centre, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
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Kharazi M, Theodorakis C, Mersmann F, Bohm S, Arampatzis A. Contractile Work of the Soleus and Biarticular Mechanisms of the Gastrocnemii Muscles Increase the Net Ankle Mechanical Work at High Walking Speeds. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:872. [PMID: 37372156 DOI: 10.3390/biology12060872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2023] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
Increasing walking speed is accompanied by an increase of the mechanical power and work performed at the ankle joint despite the decrease of the intrinsic muscle force potential of the soleus (Sol) and gastrocnemius medialis (GM) muscles. In the present study, we measured Achilles tendon (AT) elongation and, based on an experimentally determined AT force-elongation relationship, quantified AT force at four walking speeds (slow 0.7 m.s-1, preferred 1.4 m.s-1, transition 2.0 m.s-1, and maximum 2.6 ± 0.3 m.s-1). Further, we investigated the mechanical power and work of the AT force at the ankle joint and, separately, the mechanical power and work of the monoarticular Sol at the ankle joint and the biarticular gastrocnemii at the ankle and knee joints. We found a 21% decrease in maximum AT force at the two higher speeds compared to the preferred; however, the net work of the AT force at the ankle joint (ATF work) increased as a function of walking speed. An earlier plantar flexion accompanied by an increased electromyographic activity of the Sol and GM muscles and a knee-to-ankle joint energy transfer via the biarticular gastrocnemii increased the net ATF mechanical work by 1.7 and 2.4-fold in the transition and maximum walking speed, respectively. Our findings provide first-time evidence for a different mechanistic participation of the monoarticular Sol muscle (i.e., increased contractile net work carried out) and the biarticular gastrocnemii (i.e., increased contribution of biarticular mechanisms) to the speed-related increase of net ATF work.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamadreza Kharazi
- Department of Training and Movement Sciences, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, 10115 Berlin, Germany
- Berlin School of Movement Science, 10115 Berlin, Germany
| | - Christos Theodorakis
- Department of Training and Movement Sciences, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, 10115 Berlin, Germany
- Berlin School of Movement Science, 10115 Berlin, Germany
| | - Falk Mersmann
- Department of Training and Movement Sciences, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, 10115 Berlin, Germany
- Berlin School of Movement Science, 10115 Berlin, Germany
| | - Sebastian Bohm
- Department of Training and Movement Sciences, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, 10115 Berlin, Germany
- Berlin School of Movement Science, 10115 Berlin, Germany
| | - Adamantios Arampatzis
- Department of Training and Movement Sciences, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, 10115 Berlin, Germany
- Berlin School of Movement Science, 10115 Berlin, Germany
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Radovanović G, Bohm S, Arampatzis A, Legerlotz K. In Achilles Tendinopathy the Symptomatic Tendon Differs from the Asymptomatic Tendon While Exercise Therapy Has Little Effect on Asymmetries-An Ancillary Analysis of Data from a Controlled Clinical Trial. J Clin Med 2023; 12:1102. [PMID: 36769750 PMCID: PMC9918090 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12031102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2022] [Revised: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND As inter-limb asymmetries can be associated with higher injury risk, we aimed to investigate their role in Achilles tendinopathy patients. METHODS In Achilles tendinopathy patients (n = 41), we assessed inter-limb asymmetries of mechanical, material, and morphological musculoskeletal properties and function and how those were affected by 12 weeks of exercise intervention (high-load protocol, n = 13; Alfredson protocol, n = 11). Moreover, we assessed whether asymmetry reductions correlated with improved Patient-Reported Outcomes (VISA-A score). RESULTS At baseline, tendinopathic tendons demonstrated lower tendon force (p = 0.017), lower tendon stress (p < 0.0001), larger tendon cross-sectional area (CSA) (p < 0.001), and increased intratendinous (p = 0.042) and tendon overall (p = 0.021) vascularization. For the high-load group, PRE-to-POST asymmetry comparisons revealed an asymmetry increase for the counter-movement jump (CMJ) (p = 0.034) and PRE-to-POST VISA-A score improvements correlated with CSA asymmetry reductions (p = 0.024). Within the Alfredson group, PRE-to-POST VISA-A score improvements correlated with CMJ asymmetry reductions (p = 0.044) and tendon stiffness asymmetry increases (p = 0.037). POST-to-POST in-between group comparisons revealed lower asymmetry in the high-load group for tendon elongation (p = 0.021) and tendon strain (p = 0.026). CONCLUSIONS The tendinopathic limb differs from the asymptomatic limb while therapeutic exercise interventions have little effect on asymmetries. Asymmetry reductions are not necessarily associated with tendon health improvements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Goran Radovanović
- Movement Biomechanics, Institute of Sports Sciences, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, 10099 Berlin, Germany
- Department Performance, Neuroscience, Therapy and Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical School Hamburg—University of Applied Sciences and Medical University, 20457 Hamburg, Germany
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Exercise Science and Sports Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical School Hamburg—University of Applied Sciences and Medical University, 20457 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Sebastian Bohm
- Department of Training and Movement Sciences, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, 10099 Berlin, Germany
| | - Adamantios Arampatzis
- Department of Training and Movement Sciences, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, 10099 Berlin, Germany
| | - Kirsten Legerlotz
- Movement Biomechanics, Institute of Sports Sciences, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, 10099 Berlin, Germany
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Radovanović G, Bohm S, Peper KK, Arampatzis A, Legerlotz K. Evidence-Based High-Loading Tendon Exercise for 12 Weeks Leads to Increased Tendon Stiffness and Cross-Sectional Area in Achilles Tendinopathy: A Controlled Clinical Trial. SPORTS MEDICINE - OPEN 2022; 8:149. [PMID: 36538166 PMCID: PMC9768072 DOI: 10.1186/s40798-022-00545-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Assuming that the mechanisms inducing adaptation in healthy tendons yield similar responses in tendinopathic tendons, we hypothesized that a high-loading exercise protocol that increases tendon stiffness and cross-sectional area in male healthy Achilles tendons may also induce comparable beneficial adaptations in male tendinopathic Achilles tendons in addition to improving pain and function. OBJECTIVES We investigated the effectiveness of high-loading exercise in Achilles tendinopathy in terms of inducing mechanical (tendon stiffness, maximum strain), material (Young's modulus), morphological (tendon cross-sectional area (CSA)), maximum voluntary isometric plantar flexor strength (MVC) as well as clinical adaptations (Victorian Institute of Sports Assessment-Achilles (VISA-A) score and pain (numerical rating scale (NRS))) as the primary outcomes. As secondary outcomes, drop (DJ) and counter-movement jump (CMJ) height and intratendinous vascularity were assessed. METHODS We conducted a controlled clinical trial with a 3-month intervention phase. Eligibility criteria were assessed by researchers and medical doctors. Inclusion criteria were male sex, aged between 20 and 55 years, chronic Achilles tendinopathy confirmed by a medical doctor via ultrasound-assisted assessment, and a severity level of less than 80 points on the VISA-A score. Thirty-nine patients were assigned by sequential allocation to one of three parallel arms: a high-loading intervention (training at ~ 90% of the MVC) (n = 15), eccentric exercise (according to the Alfredson protocol) as the standard therapy (n = 15) and passive therapy (n = 14). Parameters were assessed pre- and-post-intervention. Data analysis was blinded. RESULTS Primary outcomes: Plantar flexor MVC, tendon stiffness, mean CSA and maximum tendon strain improved only in the high-loading intervention group by 7.2 ± 9.9% (p = 0.045), 20.1 ± 20.5% (p = 0.049), 8.98 ± 5.8% (p < 0.001) and -12.4 ± 10.3% (p = 0.001), respectively. Stiffness decreased in the passive therapy group (-7.7 ± 21.2%; p = 0.042). There was no change in Young's modulus in either group (p > 0.05). The VISA-A score increased in all groups on average by 19.8 ± 15.3 points (p < 0.001), while pain (NRS) dropped by -0.55 ± 0.9 points (p < 0.001). SECONDARY OUTCOMES CMJ height decreased for all groups (-0.63 ± 4.07 cm; p = 0.005). There was no change in DJ height and vascularity (p > 0.05) in either group. CONCLUSION Despite an overall clinical improvement, it was exclusively the high-loading intervention that induced significant mechanical and morphological adaptations of the plantar flexor muscle-tendon unit. This might contribute to protecting the tendon from strain-induced injury. Thus, we recommend the high-loading intervention as an effective (alternative) therapeutic protocol in Achilles tendinopathy rehabilitation management in males. CLINICAL TRIALS REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT02732782.
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Affiliation(s)
- Goran Radovanović
- grid.7468.d0000 0001 2248 7639Institute of Sports Sciences, Movement Biomechanics, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Philippstr. 13, 10115 Berlin, Germany ,grid.11500.350000 0000 8919 8412Department Performance, Neuroscience, Therapy and Health, Medical School Hamburg, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Applied Sciences and Medical University, 20457 Hamburg, Germany ,grid.11500.350000 0000 8919 8412Institute of Interdisciplinary Exercise Science and Sports Medicine, Medical School Hamburg, University of Applied Sciences and Medical University, 20457 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Sebastian Bohm
- grid.7468.d0000 0001 2248 7639Department of Training and Movement Sciences, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, 10099 Berlin, Germany
| | - Kim Kristin Peper
- grid.6936.a0000000123222966Munich Institute of Robotics and Machine Intelligence, Technische Universität München, 80992 Munich, Germany
| | - Adamantios Arampatzis
- grid.7468.d0000 0001 2248 7639Department of Training and Movement Sciences, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, 10099 Berlin, Germany
| | - Kirsten Legerlotz
- grid.7468.d0000 0001 2248 7639Institute of Sports Sciences, Movement Biomechanics, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Philippstr. 13, 10115 Berlin, Germany
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Escriche-Escuder A, Cuesta-Vargas AI, Casaña J. Modelling and in vivo evaluation of tendon forces and strain in dynamic rehabilitation exercises: a scoping review. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e057605. [PMID: 35879000 PMCID: PMC9328104 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-057605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Although exercise is considered the preferred approach for tendinopathies, the actual load that acts on the tendon in loading programmes is usually unknown. The objective of this study was to review the techniques that have been applied in vivo to estimate the forces and strain that act on the human tendon in dynamic exercises used during rehabilitation. DESIGN Scoping review. DATA SOURCES Embase, PubMed, Web of Science and Google Scholar were searched from database inception to February 2021. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA Cross-sectional studies available in English or Spanish language were included if they focused on evaluating the forces or strain of human tendons in vivo during dynamic exercises. Studies were excluded if they did not evaluate tendon forces or strain; if they evaluated running, walking, jumping, landing or no dynamic exercise at all; and if they were conference proceedings or book chapters. DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS Data extracted included year of publication, study setting, study population characteristics, technique used and exercises evaluated. The studies were grouped by the types of techniques and the tendon location. RESULTS Twenty-one studies were included. Fourteen studies used an indirect methodology based on inverse dynamics, nine of them in the Achilles and five in the patellar tendon. Six studies implemented force transducers for measuring tendon forces in open carpal tunnel release surgery patients. One study applied an optic fibre technique to detect forces in the patellar tendon. Four studies measured strain using ultrasound-based techniques. CONCLUSIONS There is a predominant use of inverse dynamics, but force transducers, optic fibre and estimations from strain data are also used. Although these tools may be used to make general estimates of tendon forces and strains, the invasiveness of some methods and the loss of immediacy of others make it difficult to provide immediate feedback to the individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrian Escriche-Escuder
- Department of Physiotherapy, University of Malaga, Malaga, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA), Malaga, Spain
| | - Antonio I Cuesta-Vargas
- Department of Physiotherapy, University of Malaga, Malaga, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA), Malaga, Spain
- Department of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Jose Casaña
- Department of Physiotherapy, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
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Relationship of Vertical Jump Performance and Ankle Joint Range of Motion: Effect of Knee Joint Angle and Handedness in Young Adult Handball Players. Sports (Basel) 2022; 10:sports10060086. [PMID: 35736826 PMCID: PMC9228190 DOI: 10.3390/sports10060086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2022] [Revised: 05/14/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The purpose of the study is to examine the effect of the ankle joint range of motion (ROM) on the vertical jump (VJ) performance of adult handball players. The active (ACT) and passive (PAS) ankle joint ROM of 12 male members of the U21 National Handball Team with the knee joint at 0°, 40°, and 90° flexion (0° = fully extended knee) was evaluated using a video analysis measuring method. Participants also performed maximum VJ with (CMJ) and without (SQJ) countermovement, as well as with (AS) and without (NAS) an arm swing. Statistical analyses included 2 × 2 × 3 MANOVA, 2 × 2 repeated measures ANOVA, and Pearson’s correlation. Results reveal that PAS-ROM was larger (p < 0.05) in all knee joint flexion angles. ROM was smaller (p < 0.05) by approximately 10° at 0° compared to 90° knee flexion. No lateral effects on ROM due to the handedness of the players were observed. AS and CM resulted in increased jump height (p < 0.05). Finally, ACT-ROM when the knee joint was flexed at 40° was highly correlated (r ≥ 0.66, p < 0.05) with VJ performance except for CMJ-AS. In conclusion, the differences in the bi-articular gastrocnemius muscle flexibility due to the alteration of the angular position of the examined joints affected the ability to generate impulse during the VJ tests.
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Hunter S, Werth J, James D, Lambrianides Y, Smith K, Karamanidis K, Epro G. Reliability and Accuracy of a Time-Efficient Method for the Assessment of Achilles Tendon Mechanical Properties by Ultrasonography. SENSORS 2022; 22:s22072549. [PMID: 35408164 PMCID: PMC9002634 DOI: 10.3390/s22072549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Revised: 03/23/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The assessment of the force-length relationship under mechanical loading is widely used to evaluate the mechanical properties of tendons and to gain information about their adaptation, function, and injury. This study aimed to provide a time-efficient ultrasound method for assessing Achilles tendon mechanical properties. On two days, eleven healthy young non-active adults performed eight maximal voluntary isometric ankle plantarflexion contractions on a dynamometer with simultaneous ultrasonographic recording. Maximal tendon elongation was assessed by digitizing ultrasound images at rest and at maximal tendon force. Achilles tendon stiffness index was calculated from the ratio of tendon force-to-strain. No within- and between-day differences were detected between the proposed method and manual frame by frame tracking in Achilles tendon maximal force, maximal elongation, maximal strain, and stiffness index. The overall coefficient of variation between trials ranged from 3.4% to 10.3% and average difference in tendon tracking between methods was less than 0.6% strain. Furthermore, an additional assessment demonstrated significant differences between elite athletes, healthy young, and older adults in Achilles tendon force and stiffness index. Hence, the analysis has the potential to reliably and accurately monitor changes in Achilles tendon mechanical properties due to aging and altered mechanical loading in a time-efficient manner.
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Pentidis N, Mersmann F, Bohm S, Schroll A, Giannakou E, Aggelousis N, Arampatzis A. Development of Muscle-Tendon Adaptation in Preadolescent Gymnasts and Untrained Peers: A 12-Month Longitudinal Study. Med Sci Sports Exerc 2021; 53:2565-2576. [PMID: 34649260 DOI: 10.1249/mss.0000000000002742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The current study investigated the effects of long-term athletic training on the development of the triceps surae muscle-tendon unit in preadolescence. METHODS Eleven preadolescent untrained children and a group of 21 artistic gymnastics athletes of similar age (9 ± 1.7 yr) and maturity (Tanner stages I and II) participated in the study. The measurements were conducted every 3 months for 1 yr, and training volume and duration of the athletes were documented. Plantar flexor muscle strength, Achilles tendon stiffness, maximum tendon strain, and gastrocnemius medialis morphometrics were measured by integrating kinematics, ultrasonography, and dynamometry. A linear mixed-effects model was used to analyze the investigated parameters. RESULTS We found greater muscle strength (P < 0.001) in athletes compared with nonathletes but no differences in Achilles tendon stiffness (P = 0.252), indicating a training-induced imbalanced adaptation of muscle strength and tendon stiffness in preadolescent athletes. Although pennation angle (P = 0.490), thickness (P = 0.917), and fascicle length (P = 0.667) did not differ between groups, we found higher fluctuations in pennation angle and muscle strength over 1 yr in athletes. The imbalanced adaptation of muscle strength and tendon stiffness together with greater fluctuations of muscle strength resulted in greater tendon strain fluctuations over 1 yr (P = 0.017) and a higher frequency of athletes with high-level tendon strain (≥9%) compared with nonathletes. CONCLUSIONS The findings indicate an increased mechanical demand for the tendon in preadolescent athletes that could have implications for the risk of tendon overuse injury. Therefore, we recommend the implementation of individual training approaches to preserve a balanced adaptation within the triceps surae muscle-tendon unit in preadolescent athletes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Erasmia Giannakou
- Department of Physical Education and Sports Science, Democritus University of Thrace, Komotini, GREECE
| | - Nickos Aggelousis
- Department of Physical Education and Sports Science, Democritus University of Thrace, Komotini, GREECE
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12
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Kharazi M, Theodorakis C, Mersmann F, Arampatzis A, Bohm S. A Simplified Method for Considering Achilles Tendon Curvature in the Assessment of Tendon Elongation. SENSORS 2021; 21:s21217387. [PMID: 34770691 PMCID: PMC8588279 DOI: 10.3390/s21217387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2021] [Revised: 10/23/2021] [Accepted: 11/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
The consideration of the Achilles tendon (AT) curvature is crucial for the precise determination of AT length and strain. We previously established an ultrasound-kinematic-based method to quantify the curvature, using a line of reflective foil skin markers covering the AT from origin to insertion. The current study aimed to simplify the method by reducing the number of markers while maintaining high accuracy. Eleven participants walked (1.4 m/s) and ran (2.5, 3.5 m/s) on a treadmill, and the AT curvature was quantified using reflective foil markers aligned with the AT between the origin on the gastrocnemius myotendinous-junction (tracked by ultrasound) and a marker on the calcaneal insertion. Foil markers were then systematically removed, and the introduced error on the assessment of AT length and strain was calculated. We found a significant main effect of marker number on the measurement error of AT length and strain (p<0.001). Using more than 30% of the full marker-set for walking and 50% for running, the R2 of the AT length error saturated, corresponding to average errors of <0.1 mm and <0.15% strain. Therefore, a substantially reduced marker-set, associated with a marginal error, can be recommended for considering the AT curvature in the determination of AT length and strain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamadreza Kharazi
- Department of Training and Movement Sciences, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, 10115 Berlin, Germany; (M.K.); (C.T.); (F.M.); (A.A.)
- Berlin School of Movement Science, 10115 Berlin, Germany
| | - Christos Theodorakis
- Department of Training and Movement Sciences, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, 10115 Berlin, Germany; (M.K.); (C.T.); (F.M.); (A.A.)
- Berlin School of Movement Science, 10115 Berlin, Germany
| | - Falk Mersmann
- Department of Training and Movement Sciences, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, 10115 Berlin, Germany; (M.K.); (C.T.); (F.M.); (A.A.)
- Berlin School of Movement Science, 10115 Berlin, Germany
| | - Adamantios Arampatzis
- Department of Training and Movement Sciences, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, 10115 Berlin, Germany; (M.K.); (C.T.); (F.M.); (A.A.)
- Berlin School of Movement Science, 10115 Berlin, Germany
| | - Sebastian Bohm
- Department of Training and Movement Sciences, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, 10115 Berlin, Germany; (M.K.); (C.T.); (F.M.); (A.A.)
- Berlin School of Movement Science, 10115 Berlin, Germany
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-30-2093-46010
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13
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Quantifying mechanical loading and elastic strain energy of the human Achilles tendon during walking and running. Sci Rep 2021; 11:5830. [PMID: 33712639 PMCID: PMC7955091 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-84847-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2020] [Accepted: 02/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
The purpose of the current study was to assess in vivo Achilles tendon (AT) mechanical loading and strain energy during locomotion. We measured AT length considering its curve-path shape. Eleven participants walked at 1.4 m/s and ran at 2.5 m/s and 3.5 m/s on a treadmill. The AT length was defined as the distance between its origin at the gastrocnemius medialis myotendinous junction (MTJ) and the calcaneal insertion. The MTJ was tracked using ultrasonography and projected to the reconstructed skin surface to account for its misalignment. Skin-to-bone displacements were assessed during a passive rotation (5°/s) of the ankle joint. Force and strain energy of the AT during locomotion were calculated by fitting a quadratic function to the experimentally measured tendon force-length curve obtained from maximum voluntary isometric contractions. The maximum AT strain and force were affected by speed (p < 0.05, ranging from 4.0 to 4.9% strain and 1.989 to 2.556 kN), yet insufficient in magnitude to be considered as an effective stimulus for tendon adaptation. Besides the important tendon energy recoil during the propulsion phase (7.8 to 11.3 J), we found a recoil of elastic strain energy at the beginning of the stance phase of running (70-77 ms after touch down) between 1.7 ± 0.6 and 1.9 ± 1.1 J, which might be functionally relevant for running efficiency.
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14
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Motor Control and Achilles Tendon Adaptation in Adolescence: Effects of Sport Participation and Maturity. J Hum Kinet 2021; 76:101-116. [PMID: 33603928 PMCID: PMC7877283 DOI: 10.2478/hukin-2021-0003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
An important but unresolved research question in adolescent children is the following: “Does sport participation interact with maturation to change motor control and the mechanical and morphological properties of tendons?” Here, we address this important research question with a longitudinal study around the age of peak height velocity (PHV). Our purpose was to characterize the interactive effects of maturation and sports participation on motor control and the mechanical and morphological properties of the Achilles tendon (AT) in adolescent athletes and non-athletes. Twenty-two adolescent athletes (13.1 ± 1.1 years) and 19 adolescent non-athletes (12.8 ± 1.1 years) volunteered for this study. We quantified motor control as the coefficient of variation of torque during a ramp task. In addition, we quantified the AT morphological and mechanical properties using ultrasonography from 18 months before to 12 months after PHV. We found that motor control improved with maturation in both athletes and non-athletes. We found that athletes have a greater increase in body mass with maturation that relates to greater plantarflexion peak force and AT peak stress. Also, athletes have a thicker and longer AT, as assessed with resting cross-sectional area and length. Although the rate of increase in the morphological change with maturation was similar for athletes and non-athletes, the rate of increase in normalized AT stiffness was greater for athletes. This increased AT stiffness in athletes related to peak force and stress. In summary, maturation improves motor control in adolescent children. Further, we provide novel longitudinal evidence that sport participation interacts with maturation in adolescents to induce adaptive effects on the Achilles tendon morphology and mechanical properties. These findings have the potential to minimize the risk of injuries and maximize athletic development in talented adolescents.
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15
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Panoutsakopoulos V, Kotzamanidou MC, Papaiakovou G, Kollias IA. The Ankle Joint Range of Motion and Its Effect on Squat Jump Performance with and without Arm Swing in Adolescent Female Volleyball Players. J Funct Morphol Kinesiol 2021; 6:jfmk6010014. [PMID: 33546291 PMCID: PMC7931004 DOI: 10.3390/jfmk6010014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2020] [Revised: 01/30/2021] [Accepted: 01/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
A flexible ankle joint is suggested to be a contributing factor for vertical squat jump (SQJ) performance. The purpose of the study was to investigate the effect of the active (ACT) and passive (PAS) ankle joint range of motion (ROM) on SQJ performed by adolescent female volleyball players. ACT and PAS ankle ROM at knee extension angles of 90, 140, and 180 degrees (180 degrees: full extension) were measured with a video analysis method for 35 female post-pubertal volleyball players (16.3 ± 1.1 yrs, 1.80 ± 0.04 m, 68.8 ± 6.8 kg). Additionally, the players fulfilling previously recommended criteria were assigned to the flexible (n = 10) and inflexible (n = 8) groups and executed SQJ with and without an arm swing on a force-plate. Results of the 2 × 2 × 3 MANOVA revealed a significant (p < 0.05) flexibility type and knee angle effect, as ankle ROM was larger in PAS compared to ACT and as the knee joint progressed from 90 to 180 degrees extension. The 2 × 2 ANOVA revealed a significant (p < 0.05) group effect, as flexible players jumped higher in the arm swing SQJ, along with a significant arm swing effect on key SQJ kinetic parameters. In conclusion, a more flexible ankle joint result in improved SQJ performance. Therefore, ankle flexibility training should be implemented in youth volleyball players.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vassilios Panoutsakopoulos
- Biomechanics Laboratory, Department of Physical Education and Sports Sciences at Thessaloniki, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece; (G.P.); (I.A.K.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Mariana C. Kotzamanidou
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Metropolitan College of Thessaloniki, 54624 Thessaloniki, Greece;
| | - Georgios Papaiakovou
- Biomechanics Laboratory, Department of Physical Education and Sports Sciences at Thessaloniki, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece; (G.P.); (I.A.K.)
| | - Iraklis A. Kollias
- Biomechanics Laboratory, Department of Physical Education and Sports Sciences at Thessaloniki, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece; (G.P.); (I.A.K.)
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16
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Hösl M, Kruse A, Tilp M, Svehlik M, Böhm H, Zehentbauer A, Arampatzis A. Impact of Altered Gastrocnemius Morphometrics and Fascicle Behavior on Walking Patterns in Children With Spastic Cerebral Palsy. Front Physiol 2020; 11:518134. [PMID: 33178029 PMCID: PMC7597072 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2020.518134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2019] [Accepted: 08/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Spastic cerebral palsy (SCP) affects neural control, deteriorates muscle morphometrics, and may progressively impair functional walking ability. Upon passive testing, gastrocnemius medialis (GM) muscle bellies or fascicles are typically shorter, thinner, and less extensible. Relationships between muscle and gait parameters might help to understand gait pathology and pathogenesis of spastic muscles. The current aim was to link resting and dynamic GM morphometrics and contractile fascicle behavior (both excursion and velocity) during walking to determinants of gait. We explored the associations between gait variables and ultrasonography of the GM muscle belly captured during rest and during gait in children with SCP [n = 15, gross motor function classification system (GMFCS) levels I and II, age: 7–16 years] and age-matched healthy peers (n = 17). The SCP children’s plantar flexors were 27% weaker. They walked 12% slower with more knee flexion produced 42% less peak ankle push-off power (all p < 0.05) and 7/15 landed on their forefoot. During the stance phase, fascicles in SCP on average operated on 9% shorter length (normalized to rest length) and displayed less and slower fascicle shortening (37 and 30.6%, respectively) during push-off (all p ≤ 0.024). Correlation analyses in SCP patients revealed that (1) longer-resting fascicles and thicker muscle bellies are positively correlated with walking speed and negatively to knee flexion (r = 0.60–0.69, p < 0.0127) but not to better ankle kinematics; (2) reduced muscle strength was associated with the extent of eccentric fascicle excursion (r = −0.57, p = 0.015); and (3) a shorter operating length of the fascicles was correlated with push-off power (r = −0.58, p = 0.013). Only in controls, a correlation (r = 0.61, p = 0.0054) between slower fascicle shortening velocity and push-off power was found. Our results indicate that a thicker gastrocnemius muscle belly and longer gastrocnemius muscle fascicles may be reasonable morphometric properties that should be targeted in interventions for individuals with SCP, since GM muscle atrophy may be related to decreases in walking speed and undesired knee flexion during gait. Furthermore, children with SCP and weaker gastrocnemius muscle may be more susceptible to chronic eccentric muscle overloading. The relationship between shorter operating length of the fascicles and push-off power may further support the idea of a compensation mechanism for the longer sarcomeres found in children with SCP. Nevertheless, more studies are needed to support our explorative findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthias Hösl
- Gait and Motion Analysis Laboratory, Schön Klinik Vogtareuth, Vogtareuth, Germany
| | - Annika Kruse
- Department of Biomechanics, Movement and Training Sciences, Institute of Human Movement Science, Sport and Health, University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Markus Tilp
- Department of Biomechanics, Movement and Training Sciences, Institute of Human Movement Science, Sport and Health, University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Martin Svehlik
- Paediatric Orthopaedics Unit, Department of Orthopaedics and Trauma, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Harald Böhm
- Gait Laboratory, Orthopedic Children's Hospital Aschau, Aschau im Chiemgau, Germany
| | - Antonia Zehentbauer
- Human Movement Science, Faculty of Sports Science, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Adamantios Arampatzis
- Department of Training and Movement Sciences, Humboldt University of Berlin, Berlin, Germany.,Berlin School of Movement Science, Humboldt University of Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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17
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Pentidis N, Mersmann F, Bohm S, Giannakou E, Aggelousis N, Arampatzis A. Effects of long-term athletic training on muscle morphology and tendon stiffness in preadolescence: association with jump performance. Eur J Appl Physiol 2020; 120:2715-2727. [PMID: 32930859 PMCID: PMC7674345 DOI: 10.1007/s00421-020-04490-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2020] [Accepted: 09/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Purpose Evidence on training-induced muscle hypertrophy during preadolescence is limited and inconsistent. Possible associations of muscle strength and tendon stiffness with jumping performance are also not investigated. We investigated the thickness and pennation angle of the gastrocnemius medialis muscle (GM), as indicators for potential muscle hypertrophy in preadolescent athletes. Further, we examined the association of triceps surae muscle–tendon properties with jumping performance. Methods Eleven untrained children (9 years) and 21 similar-aged artistic gymnastic athletes participated in the study. Muscle thickness and pennation angle of the GM were measured at rest and muscle strength of the plantar flexors and Achilles tendon stiffness during maximum isometric contractions. Jumping height in squat (SJ) and countermovement jumps (CMJ) was examined using a force plate. We evaluated the influence of normalised muscle strength and tendon stiffness on jumping performance with a linear regression model. Results Muscle thickness and pennation angle did not differ significantly between athletes and non-athletes. In athletes, muscle strength was greater by 25% and jumping heights by 36% (SJ) and 43% (CMJ), but Achilles tendon stiffness did not differ between the two groups. The significant predictor for both jump heights was tendon stiffness in athletes and normalised muscle strength for the CMJ height in non-athletes. Conclusion Long-term artistic gymnastics training during preadolescence seems to be associated with increased muscle strength and jumping performance but not with training-induced muscle hypertrophy or altered tendon stiffness in the plantar flexors. Athletes benefit more from tendon stiffness and non-athletes more from muscle strength for increased jumping performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikolaos Pentidis
- Department of Training and Movement Sciences, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany.,Berlin School of Movement Science, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Falk Mersmann
- Department of Training and Movement Sciences, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany.,Berlin School of Movement Science, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Sebastian Bohm
- Department of Training and Movement Sciences, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany.,Berlin School of Movement Science, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Erasmia Giannakou
- Department of Physical Education and Sports Science, Democritus University of Thrace, Komotini, Greece
| | - Nickos Aggelousis
- Department of Physical Education and Sports Science, Democritus University of Thrace, Komotini, Greece
| | - Adamantios Arampatzis
- Department of Training and Movement Sciences, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany. .,Berlin School of Movement Science, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany.
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18
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Agres AN, Arampatzis A, Gehlen T, Manegold S, Duda GN. Muscle Fascicles Exhibit Limited Passive Elongation Throughout the Rehabilitation of Achilles Tendon Rupture After Percutaneous Repair. Front Physiol 2020; 11:746. [PMID: 32792966 PMCID: PMC7385380 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2020.00746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2019] [Accepted: 06/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Achilles tendon rupture (ATR) results in long-term functional and structural deficits, characterized by reduced ankle mobility and plantarflexor muscle atrophy. However, it remains unclear how such functional impairments develop after surgical repair. While it is known that this injury negatively affects the tendon’s function, to date, limited work has focused on the short-term effect of ATR on the structure of the muscles in series. The aim of this study was to characterize changes in medial gastrocnemius architecture and its response to passive lengthening during the post-surgical rehabilitative period following ATR. Both injured and contralateral limbs from 10 subjects (1 female, BMI: 27.2 ± 3.9 kg/m2; age: 46 ± 10 years) with acute, unilateral ATR were assessed at 8, 12, and 16 weeks after percutaneous surgical repair. To characterize the component tissues of the muscle-tendon unit, resting medial gastrocnemius muscle thickness, fascicle length, and pennation angle were determined from ultrasound images with the ankle in both maximal plantarflexion and dorsiflexion. The ankle range of motion (ROM) was determined using motion capture; combined ultrasound and motion capture determined the relative displacement of the musculotendinous junction (MTJ) of the AT with the medial gastrocnemius. The ATR-injured gastrocnemius muscle consistently exhibited lower thickness, regardless of time point and ankle angle. Maximal ankle plantarflexion angles and corresponding fascicle lengths were lower on the injured ankle compared to the contralateral throughout rehabilitation. When normalized to the overall ankle ROM, both injured fascicles and MTJ displacement exhibited a comparably lower change in length when the ankle was passively rotated. These results indicate that when both ankles are passively exposed to the same ROM following ATR surgery, both ipsilateral Achilles tendon and gastrocnemius muscle fascicles exhibit limited lengthening compared to the contralateral MTU tissues. This appears to be consistent throughout the rehabilitation of gait, suggesting that current post-operative rehabilitative exercises do not appear to induce muscle adaptations in the affected MTU.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alison N Agres
- Julius Wolff Institute, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Adamantios Arampatzis
- Department of Training and Movement Sciences, Humboldt University of Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Tobias Gehlen
- Center for Musculoskeletal Surgery, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Sebastian Manegold
- Department for Foot and Ankle Surgery, BG Unfallklinik Frankfurt am Main, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Georg N Duda
- Julius Wolff Institute, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
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19
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Karamanidis K, Epro G, König M, Mersmann F, Arampatzis A. Simplified Triceps Surae Muscle Volume Assessment in Older Adults. Front Physiol 2019; 10:1299. [PMID: 31649560 PMCID: PMC6795759 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2019.01299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2019] [Accepted: 09/27/2019] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Triceps surae (TS) muscle volume can be estimated in young adults by only considering the maximal anatomical cross-sectional area (ACSAmax) and the length of the muscle due to the presence of a constant muscle-specific shape factor. This study aimed to investigate if this simplified muscle volume assessment is also applicable in older adults or if muscle-specific shape changes with aging. MRI sequences were taken from the dominant leg of 21 older female adults. The boundaries of all three TS muscles (SOL, soleus; GM, gastrocnemius medialis; GL, gastrocnemius lateralis) were manually outlined in transverse image sequences, and muscle volume for each muscle was calculated as the integral of the obtained cross-sectional areas of the contours along the whole length of the muscle (measured volume) and, in addition, by using the average muscle-specific shape factors of each muscle obtained from the ratio of the measured volume and the product of ACSAmax and the muscle length (estimated volume). There were no differences in the measured and estimated muscle volumes (SOL: 357.7 ± 61.8 vs. 358.8 ± 65.3 cm3; GM: 179.5 ± 32.8 vs. 179.8 ± 33.3 cm3; GL: 90.2 ± 15.9 vs. 90.4 ± 14.8 cm3). However, when using the reported shape factors of younger adults instead, we found a significant (p < 0.05) overestimation of muscle volume for SOL and GM with average RMS differences of 6.1 and 7.6%, respectively. These results indicate that corrections of muscle-specific shape factors are needed when using the previously proposed simplified muscle volume assessment as aging may not only be accompanied with muscle atrophy but also changes in the shape of skeletal muscle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiros Karamanidis
- School of Applied Sciences, Sport and Exercise Science Research Centre, London South Bank University, London, United Kingdom
| | - Gaspar Epro
- School of Applied Sciences, Sport and Exercise Science Research Centre, London South Bank University, London, United Kingdom
| | - Matthias König
- School of Applied Sciences, Sport and Exercise Science Research Centre, London South Bank University, London, United Kingdom
| | - Falk Mersmann
- Department of Training and Movement Sciences, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany.,Berlin School of Movement Science, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Adamantios Arampatzis
- Department of Training and Movement Sciences, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany.,Berlin School of Movement Science, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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20
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Song H, Hori Y. Evaluation of Lower Limb Neuromuscular System Observability and Estimability of Muscle Activity. J Mot Behav 2019; 52:427-443. [PMID: 31389765 DOI: 10.1080/00222895.2019.1645086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
In this work, we describe a method for estimating the muscle activity without drawing any assumptions regarding optimality principles in human motor control strategies; further, the method does not require any neural circuitry modeling which limits the neurophysiological terms and estimability of the method. We introduce the concept of system observability, which can reconstruct states from outputs and their derivatives based on system dynamics. Based on neuromuscular system observability, we estimate the muscle activity from joint torques and kinematics of multiple locomotive gaits, while considering the unknown neural inputs as system disturbances. Moreover, to quantify the robustness of the method, the degree of observability and parameter sensitivity are evaluated. Finally, the neurophysiological implications and generality of the method are addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyungeun Song
- Harvard-MIT Division of Health Sciences and Technology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Yoichi Hori
- Department of Electrical Engineering, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
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21
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Pentidis N, Mersmann F, Bohm S, Giannakou E, Aggelousis N, Arampatzis A. Triceps Surae Muscle-Tendon Unit Properties in Preadolescent Children: A Comparison of Artistic Gymnastic Athletes and Non-athletes. Front Physiol 2019; 10:615. [PMID: 31164838 PMCID: PMC6536691 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2019.00615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2019] [Accepted: 05/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Knowledge regarding the effects of athletic training on the properties of muscle and tendon in preadolescent children is scarce. The current study compared Achilles tendon stiffness, plantar flexor muscle strength and vertical jumping performance of preadolescent athletes and non-athletes to provide insight into the potential effects of systematic athletic training. Twenty-one preadolescent artistic gymnastic athletes (9.2 ± 1.6 years, 15 girls) and 11 similar-aged non-athlete controls (9.0 ± 1.7 years, 6 girls) participated in the study. The training intensity and volume of the athletes was documented for the last 6 months before the measurements. Subsequently, vertical ground reaction forces were measured with a force plate to assess jumping performance during squat (SJ) and countermovement jumps (CMJ) in both groups. Muscle strength of the plantar flexor muscles and Achilles tendon stiffness were examined using ultrasound, electromyography, and dynamometry. The athletes trained 6 days per week with a total of 20 h of training per week. Athletes generated significantly greater plantar flexion moments normalized to body mass compared to non-athletes (1.75 ± 0.32 Nm/kg vs. 1.31 ± 0.33 Nm/kg; p = 0.001) and achieved a significantly greater jump height in both types of jumps (21.2 ± 3.62 cm vs. 14.9 ± 2.32 cm; p < 0.001 in SJ and 23.4 ± 4.1 cm vs. 16.4 ± 4.1 cm; p < 0.001 in CMJ). Achilles tendon stiffness did not show any statistically significant differences (p = 0.413) between athletes (116.3 ± 32.5 N/mm) and non-athletes (106.4 ± 32.8 N/mm). Athletes were more likely to reach strain magnitudes close to or higher than 8.5% strain compared to non-athletes (frequency: 24% vs. 9%) indicating an increased mechanical demand for the tendon. Although normalized muscle strength and jumping performance were greater in athletes, gymnastic-specific training in preadolescence did not cause a significant adaptation of Achilles tendon stiffness. The potential contribution of the high mechanical demand for the tendon to the increasing risk of tendon overuse call for the implementation of specific exercises in the athletic training of preadolescent athletes that increase tendon stiffness and support a balanced adaptation within the muscle-tendon unit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikolaos Pentidis
- Department of Training and Movement Sciences, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany.,Berlin School of Movement Science, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Falk Mersmann
- Department of Training and Movement Sciences, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany.,Berlin School of Movement Science, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Sebastian Bohm
- Department of Training and Movement Sciences, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany.,Berlin School of Movement Science, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Erasmia Giannakou
- Department of Physical Education and Sport Science, Democritus University of Thrace, Komotini, Greece
| | - Nickos Aggelousis
- Department of Physical Education and Sport Science, Democritus University of Thrace, Komotini, Greece
| | - Adamantios Arampatzis
- Department of Training and Movement Sciences, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany.,Berlin School of Movement Science, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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22
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Abstract
This review, the first in a series of minireviews on the passive mechanical properties of skeletal muscles, seeks to summarize what is known about the muscle deformations that allow relaxed muscles to lengthen and shorten. Most obviously, when a muscle lengthens, muscle fascicles elongate, but this is not the only mechanism by which muscles change their length. In pennate muscles, elongation of muscle fascicles is accompanied by changes in pennation and changes in fascicle curvature, both of which may contribute to changes in muscle length. The contributions of these mechanisms to change in muscle length are usually small under passive conditions. In very pennate muscles with long aponeuroses, fascicle shear could contribute substantially to changes in muscle length. Tendons experience moderate axial strains even under passive loads, and, because tendons are often much longer than muscle fibers, even moderate tendon strains may contribute substantially to changes in muscle length. Data obtained with new imaging techniques suggest that muscle fascicle and aponeurosis strains are highly nonuniform, but this is yet to be confirmed. The development, validation, and interpretation of continuum muscle models informed by rigorous measurements of muscle architecture and material properties should provide further insights into the mechanisms that allow relaxed muscles to lengthen and shorten.
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Affiliation(s)
- R. D. Herbert
- Neuroscience Research Australia (NeuRA), Sydney, Australia
- University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - B. Bolsterlee
- Neuroscience Research Australia (NeuRA), Sydney, Australia
- University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - S. C. Gandevia
- Neuroscience Research Australia (NeuRA), Sydney, Australia
- University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
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23
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Donti O, Panidis I, Terzis G, Bogdanis GC. Gastrocnemius Medialis Architectural Properties at Rest and During Stretching in Female Athletes with Different Flexibility Training Background. Sports (Basel) 2019; 7:sports7020039. [PMID: 30781768 PMCID: PMC6410170 DOI: 10.3390/sports7020039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2018] [Revised: 02/01/2019] [Accepted: 02/10/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study examined gastrocnemius medialis (GM) architectural properties and ankle joint range of motion (ROM) between female athletes with different flexibility training background. METHODS Elite rhythmic gymnasts (n = 10) were compared to national level volleyball athletes (n = 10). Fascicle length, pennation angle and muscle thickness at the medial and the distal part of GM, and ankle ROM were measured at rest and during 1 min of static stretching. RESULTS At rest, rhythmic gymnasts displayed longer fascicles compared to volleyball athletes, at the medial (5.93 ± 0.27 vs. 4.74 ± 0.33 mm, respectively, p = 0.001) and the distal part of GM (5.63 ± 0.52 vs. 4.57 ± 0.51 mm, respectively, p = 0.001), smaller pennation angle at the medial part (22.4 ± 2.5 vs. 25.8 ± 2.4°; respectively, p = 0.001) and greater ankle angle (121.7 ± 4.1 vs. 113.2 ± 3.7°, respectively, p = 0.001). During the 1 min of static stretching, gymnasts displayed greater fascicle elongation at the distal part (p = 0.026), greater maximal ankle dorsiflexion (p < 0.001) and muscle tendon junction displacement (p < 0.001) with no difference between groups in pennation angles (p > 0.145), muscle thickness (p > 0.105), and fascicle elongation at mid-belly (p = 0.063). CONCLUSIONS Longer muscle fascicles at rest and greater fascicle elongation at the distal part of GM may contribute to the greater ankle ROM observed in rhythmic gymnasts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olyvia Donti
- Sports Performance Laboratory, School of Physical Education & Sport Science, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens 17237, Greece.
| | - Ioli Panidis
- Sports Performance Laboratory, School of Physical Education & Sport Science, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens 17237, Greece.
| | - Gerasimos Terzis
- Sports Performance Laboratory, School of Physical Education & Sport Science, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens 17237, Greece.
| | - Gregory C Bogdanis
- Sports Performance Laboratory, School of Physical Education & Sport Science, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens 17237, Greece.
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24
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Holzer D, Epro G, McCrum C, Doerner J, Luetkens JA, Scheef L, Kukuk GM, Boecker H, Mierau A, Brüggemann GP, Maganaris CN, Karamanidis K. The role of muscle strength on tendon adaptability in old age. Eur J Appl Physiol 2018; 118:2269-2279. [PMID: 30088133 PMCID: PMC6182320 DOI: 10.1007/s00421-018-3947-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2018] [Accepted: 07/20/2018] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The purpose of the study was to determine: (1) the relationship between ankle plantarflexor muscle strength and Achilles tendon (AT) biomechanical properties in older female adults, and (2) whether muscle strength asymmetries between the individually dominant and non-dominant legs in the above subject group were accompanied by inter-limb AT size differences. METHODS The maximal generated AT force, AT stiffness, AT Young's modulus, and AT cross-sectional area (CSA) along its length were determined for both legs in 30 women (65 ± 7 years) using dynamometry, ultrasonography, and magnetic resonance imaging. RESULTS No between-leg differences in triceps surae muscle strength were identified between dominant (2798 ± 566 N) and non-dominant limb (2667 ± 512 N). The AT CSA increased gradually in the proximo-distal direction, with no differences between the legs. There was a significant correlation (P < 0.05) of maximal AT force with AT stiffness (r = 0.500) and Young's modulus (r = 0.414), but only a tendency with the mean AT CSA. However, region-specific analysis revealed a significant relationship between maximal AT force and the proximal part of the AT, indicating that this region is more likely to display morphological adaptations following an increase in muscle strength in older adults. CONCLUSIONS These findings demonstrate that maximal force-generation capabilities play a more important role in the variation of AT stiffness and material properties than in tendon CSA, suggesting that exercise-induced increases in muscle strength in older adults may lead to changes in tendon stiffness foremost due to alterations in material rather than in its size.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Holzer
- School of Sport and Exercise Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK
| | - G Epro
- Sport and Exercise Science Research Centre, School of Applied Sciences, London South Bank University, 103 Borough Rd, London, SE1 0AA, UK.
| | - C McCrum
- Department of Nutrition and Movement Sciences, NUTRIM School of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism, Maastricht University Medical Centre+, Maastricht, The Netherlands.,Institute of Movement and Sport Gerontology, German Sport University Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - J Doerner
- Department of Radiology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - J A Luetkens
- Department of Radiology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - L Scheef
- Department of Radiology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - G M Kukuk
- Department of Radiology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - H Boecker
- Department of Radiology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - A Mierau
- Department of Exercise and Sport Science, LUNEX International University of Health, Exercise and Sports, Differdange, Luxembourg.,Institute of Movement and Neuroscience, German Sport University Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - G-P Brüggemann
- Institute of Biomechanics and Orthopaedics, German Sport University Cologne, Cologne, Germany.,Cologne Center for Musculoskeletal Biomechanics, Medical Faculty, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - C N Maganaris
- School of Sport and Exercise Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK
| | - K Karamanidis
- Sport and Exercise Science Research Centre, School of Applied Sciences, London South Bank University, 103 Borough Rd, London, SE1 0AA, UK
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25
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Marco G, Alberto B, Taian V. Surface EMG and muscle fatigue: multi-channel approaches to the study of myoelectric manifestations of muscle fatigue. Physiol Meas 2017; 38:R27-R60. [DOI: 10.1088/1361-6579/aa60b9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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26
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Muscle fascicle shortening behaviour of vastus lateralis during a maximal force–velocity test. Eur J Appl Physiol 2017; 117:289-299. [DOI: 10.1007/s00421-016-3518-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2016] [Accepted: 12/19/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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27
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Combined magnetic resonance and diffusion tensor imaging analyses provide a powerful tool for in vivo assessment of deformation along human muscle fibers. J Mech Behav Biomed Mater 2016; 63:207-219. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jmbbm.2016.06.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2016] [Revised: 06/23/2016] [Accepted: 06/29/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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28
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Bohm S, Mersmann F, Schroll A, Mäkitalo N, Arampatzis A. Insufficient accuracy of the ultrasound-based determination of Achilles tendon cross-sectional area. J Biomech 2016; 49:2932-2937. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiomech.2016.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2016] [Revised: 07/04/2016] [Accepted: 07/05/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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29
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Bogaerts S, Desmet H, Slagmolen P, Peers K. Strain mapping in the Achilles tendon – A systematic review. J Biomech 2016; 49:1411-1419. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiomech.2016.02.057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2015] [Revised: 09/16/2015] [Accepted: 02/05/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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30
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Variations in the spatial distribution of the amplitude of surface electromyograms are unlikely explained by changes in the length of medial gastrocnemius fibres with knee joint angle. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0126888. [PMID: 26001107 PMCID: PMC4441502 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0126888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2014] [Accepted: 03/03/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
This study investigates whether knee position affects the amplitude distribution of surface electromyogram (EMG) in the medial gastrocnemius (MG) muscle. Of further concern is understanding whether knee-induced changes in EMG amplitude distribution are associated with regional changes in MG fibre length. Fifteen surface EMGs were acquired proximo-distally from the MG muscle while 22 (13 male) healthy participants (age range: 23–47 years) exerted isometric plantar flexion at 60% of their maximal effort, with knee fully extended and at 90 degrees flexion. The number of channels providing EMGs with greatest amplitude, their relative proximo-distal position and the EMG amplitude averaged over channels were considered to characterise changes in myoelectric activity with knee position. From ultrasound images, collected at rest, fibre length, pennation angle and fat thickness were computed for MG proximo-distal regions. Surface EMGs detected with knee flexed were on average five times smaller than those collected during knee extended. However, during knee flexed, relatively larger EMGs were detected by a dramatically greater number of channels, centred at the MG more proximal regions. Variation in knee position at rest did not affect the proximo-distal values obtained for MG fibre length, pennation angle and fat thickness. Our main findings revealed that, with knee flexion: i) there is a redistribution of activity within the whole MG muscle; ii) EMGs detected locally unlikely suffice to characterise the changes in the neural drive to MG during isometric contractions at knee fully extended and 90 degrees flexed positions; iii) sources other than fibre length may substantially contribute to determining the net, MG activation.
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31
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Obst SJ, Newsham-West R, Barrett RS. Changes in Achilles tendon mechanical properties following eccentric heel drop exercise are specific to the free tendon. Scand J Med Sci Sports 2015; 26:421-31. [DOI: 10.1111/sms.12466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/04/2015] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- S. J. Obst
- School of Allied Health Sciences; Centre for Musculoskeletal Research; Griffith Health Institute; Griffith University; Gold Coast Queensland Australia
| | - R. Newsham-West
- School of Allied Health Sciences; Centre for Musculoskeletal Research; Griffith Health Institute; Griffith University; Gold Coast Queensland Australia
| | - R. S. Barrett
- School of Allied Health Sciences; Centre for Musculoskeletal Research; Griffith Health Institute; Griffith University; Gold Coast Queensland Australia
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32
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Agres AN, Duda GN, Gehlen TJ, Arampatzis A, Taylor WR, Manegold S. Increased unilateral tendon stiffness and its effect on gait 2-6 years after Achilles tendon rupture. Scand J Med Sci Sports 2015; 25:860-7. [DOI: 10.1111/sms.12456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/22/2015] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- A. N. Agres
- Julius Wolff Institute; Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin; Berlin Germany
| | - G. N. Duda
- Julius Wolff Institute; Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin; Berlin Germany
| | - T. J. Gehlen
- Center for Musculoskeletal Surgery; Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin; Berlin Germany
| | - A. Arampatzis
- Department of Training and Movement Science; Humboldt University of Berlin; Berlin Germany
| | - W. R. Taylor
- Institute for Biomechanics; ETH Zurich; Zürich Switzerland
| | - S. Manegold
- Center for Musculoskeletal Surgery; Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin; Berlin Germany
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33
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Hillen BK, Jindrich DL, Abbas JJ, Yamaguchi GT, Jung R. Effects of spinal cord injury-induced changes in muscle activation on foot drag in a computational rat ankle model. J Neurophysiol 2015; 113:2666-75. [PMID: 25673734 DOI: 10.1152/jn.00507.2014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2014] [Accepted: 02/06/2015] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) can lead to changes in muscle activation patterns and atrophy of affected muscles. Moderate levels of SCI are typically associated with foot drag during the swing phase of locomotion. Foot drag is often used to assess locomotor recovery, but the causes remain unclear. We hypothesized that foot drag results from inappropriate muscle coordination preventing flexion at the stance-to-swing transition. To test this hypothesis and to assess the relative contributions of neural and muscular changes on foot drag, we developed a two-dimensional, one degree of freedom ankle musculoskeletal model with gastrocnemius and tibialis anterior muscles. Anatomical data collected from sham-injured and incomplete SCI (iSCI) female Long-Evans rats as well as physiological data from the literature were used to implement an open-loop muscle dynamics model. Muscle insertion point motion was calculated with imposed ankle trajectories from kinematic analysis of treadmill walking in sham-injured and iSCI animals. Relative gastrocnemius deactivation and tibialis anterior activation onset times were varied within physiologically relevant ranges based on simplified locomotor electromyogram profiles. No-atrophy and moderate muscle atrophy as well as normal and injured muscle activation profiles were also simulated. Positive moments coinciding with the transition from stance to swing phase were defined as foot swing and negative moments as foot drag. Whereas decreases in activation delay caused by delayed gastrocnemius deactivation promote foot drag, all other changes associated with iSCI facilitate foot swing. Our results suggest that even small changes in the ability to precisely deactivate the gastrocnemius could result in foot drag after iSCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian K Hillen
- Center for Adaptive Neural Systems, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona; School of Biological and Health Systems Engineering, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona
| | - Devin L Jindrich
- Center for Adaptive Neural Systems, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona; School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona
| | - James J Abbas
- Center for Adaptive Neural Systems, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona; School of Biological and Health Systems Engineering, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona
| | | | - Ranu Jung
- Center for Adaptive Neural Systems, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona; School of Biological and Health Systems Engineering, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Florida International University, Miami, Florida
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34
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Obst SJ, Newsham-West R, Barrett RS. Three-dimensional morphology and strain of the Achilles free tendon immediately following eccentric heel drop exercise. J Exp Biol 2015; 218:3894-900. [DOI: 10.1242/jeb.127175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2015] [Accepted: 10/10/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Our understanding of the immediate effects of exercise on Achilles free tendon transverse morphology is limited to single site measurements acquired at rest using 2D ultrasound. The purpose of this study was to provide a detailed 3D description of changes in Achilles free tendon morphology immediately following a single clinical dose of exercise. Freehand 3D ultrasound was used to measure Achilles free tendon length, and regional cross-sectional area (CSA), medio-lateral (ML) diameter and antero-posterior (AP) diameter in healthy young adults (n=14) at rest and during isometric muscle contraction, immediately before and after 3×15 eccentric heel drops. Post-exercise reductions in transverse strain were limited to CSA and AP diameter in the mid-proximal region of the Achilles free tendon during muscle contraction. The change in CSA strain during muscle contraction was significantly correlated to the change in longitudinal strain (r=−0.72); and the change in AP diameter strain (r=0.64). Overall findings suggest the Achilles free tendon experiences a complex change in 3D morphology following eccentric heel drop exercise that manifests under contractile, but not rest conditions, is most pronounced in the mid-proximal tendon, and primarily driven by changes in AP diameter strain and not ML diameter strain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven J. Obst
- School of Allied Health Sciences and Centre for Musculoskeletal Research, Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Australia
| | - Richard Newsham-West
- School of Allied Health Sciences and Centre for Musculoskeletal Research, Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Australia
| | - Rod S. Barrett
- School of Allied Health Sciences and Centre for Musculoskeletal Research, Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Australia
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35
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Bohm S, Mersmann F, Tettke M, Kraft M, Arampatzis A. Human Achilles tendon plasticity in response to cyclic strain: effect of rate and duration. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2014; 217:4010-7. [PMID: 25267851 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.112268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
High strain magnitude and low strain frequency are important stimuli for tendon adaptation. Increasing the rate and duration of the applied strain may enhance the adaptive responses. Therefore, our purpose was to investigate the effect of strain rate and duration on Achilles tendon adaptation. The study included two experimental groups (N=14 and N=12) and a control group (N=13). The participants of the experimental groups exercised according to a reference protocol (14 weeks, four times a week), featuring a high strain magnitude (~6.5%) and a low strain frequency (0.17 Hz, 3 s loading/3 s relaxation) on one leg and with either a higher strain rate (one-legged jumps) or a longer strain duration (12 s loading) on the other leg. The strain magnitude and loading volume were similar in all protocols. Before and after the interventions, the tendon stiffness, Young's modulus and cross-sectional area were examined using magnetic resonance imaging, ultrasound and dynamometry. The reference and long strain duration protocols induced significantly increased (P<0.05) tendon stiffness (57% and 25%), cross-sectional area (4.2% and 5.3%) and Young's modulus (51% and 17%). The increases in tendon stiffness and Young's modulus were higher in the reference protocol. Although region-specific tendon hypertrophy was also detected after the high strain rate training, there was only a tendency of increased stiffness (P=0.08) and cross-sectional area (P=0.09). The control group did not show any changes (P=0.86). The results provide evidence that a high strain magnitude, an appropriate strain duration and repetitive loading are essential components for an efficient adaptive stimulus for tendons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Bohm
- Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Department of Training and Movement Sciences, 10115 Berlin, Germany
| | - Falk Mersmann
- Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Department of Training and Movement Sciences, 10115 Berlin, Germany
| | - Martin Tettke
- Technische Universität Berlin, Department of Medical Technology, 10587 Berlin, Germany
| | - Marc Kraft
- Technische Universität Berlin, Department of Medical Technology, 10587 Berlin, Germany
| | - Adamantios Arampatzis
- Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Department of Training and Movement Sciences, 10115 Berlin, Germany
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36
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Karamanidis K, Oberländer KD, Niehoff A, Epro G, Brüggemann GP. Effect of exercise-induced enhancement of the leg-extensor muscle-tendon unit capacities on ambulatory mechanics and knee osteoarthritis markers in the elderly. PLoS One 2014; 9:e99330. [PMID: 24905024 PMCID: PMC4048280 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0099330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2013] [Accepted: 05/14/2014] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Leg-extensor muscle weakness could be a key component in knee joint degeneration in the elderly because it may result in altered muscular control during locomotion influencing the mechanical environment within the joint. This work aimed to examine whether an exercise-induced enhancement of the triceps surae (TS) and quadriceps femoris (QF) muscle-tendon unit (MTU) capacities would affect mechanical and biological markers for knee osteoarthritis in the elderly. Methods Twelve older women completed a 14-week TS and QF MTU exercise intervention, which had already been established as increasing muscle strength and tendon stiffness. Locomotion mechanics and serum cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP) levels were examined during incline walking. MTU mechanical properties were assessed using simultaneously ultrasonography and dynamometry. Results Post exercise intervention, the elderly had higher TS and QF contractile strength and tendon-aponeurosis stiffness. Regarding the incline gait task, the subjects demonstrated a lower external knee adduction moment and lower knee adduction angular impulse during the stance phase post-intervention. Furthermore, post-intervention compared to pre-intervention, the elderly showed lower external hip adduction moment, but revealed higher plantarflexion pushoff moment. The changes in the external knee adduction moment were significantly correlated with the improvement in ankle pushoff function. Serum COMP concentration increased in response to the 0.5-h incline walking exercise with no differences in the magnitude of increment between pre- and post-intervention. Conclusions This work emphasizes the important role played by the ankle pushoff function in knee joint mechanical loading during locomotion, and may justify the inclusion of the TS MTU in prevention programs aiming to positively influence specific mechanical markers for knee osteoarthritis in the elderly. However, the study was unable to show that COMP is amenable to change in the elderly following a 14-week exercise intervention and, therefore, the physiological benefit of improved muscle function for knee cartilage requires further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiros Karamanidis
- Institute of Biomechanics and Orthopaedics, German Sport University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Department of Mathematics and Technology, University of Applied Sciences Koblenz, RheinAhrCampus Remagen, Koblenz, Germany
- * E-mail:
| | - Kai Daniel Oberländer
- Institute of Biomechanics and Orthopaedics, German Sport University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Institute of Movement and Sport Gerontology, German Sport University Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Anja Niehoff
- Institute of Biomechanics and Orthopaedics, German Sport University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Cologne Center for Musculoskeletal Biomechanics, Medical Faculty, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Gaspar Epro
- Institute of Biomechanics and Orthopaedics, German Sport University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Gert-Peter Brüggemann
- Institute of Biomechanics and Orthopaedics, German Sport University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Cologne Center for Musculoskeletal Biomechanics, Medical Faculty, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
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37
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Bohm S, Mersmann F, Marzilger R, Schroll A, Arampatzis A. Asymmetry of Achilles tendon mechanical and morphological properties between both legs. Scand J Med Sci Sports 2014; 25:e124-32. [DOI: 10.1111/sms.12242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/31/2014] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- S. Bohm
- Department of Training and Movement Sciences; Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin; Berlin Germany
| | - F. Mersmann
- Department of Training and Movement Sciences; Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin; Berlin Germany
| | - R. Marzilger
- Department of Training and Movement Sciences; Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin; Berlin Germany
| | - A. Schroll
- Department of Training and Movement Sciences; Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin; Berlin Germany
| | - A. Arampatzis
- Department of Training and Movement Sciences; Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin; Berlin Germany
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38
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Jeong S, Lee DY, Choi DS, Lee HD. Acute effect of heel-drop exercise with varying ranges of motion on the gastrocnemius aponeurosis-tendon's mechanical properties. J Electromyogr Kinesiol 2014; 24:375-9. [PMID: 24717405 DOI: 10.1016/j.jelekin.2014.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2013] [Revised: 02/11/2014] [Accepted: 03/10/2014] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The objectives of this study was to investigate the acute effects of various magnitudes of tendon strain on the mechanical properties of the human medial gastrocnemius (MG) in vivo during controlled heel-drop exercises. Seven male and seven female volunteers performed two different exercises executed one month apart: one was a heel-drop exercise on a block (HDB), and the other was a heel-drop exercise on level floor (HDL). In each regimen, the subjects completed a session of 150 heel-drop exercises (15 repetitions×10 sets; with a 30 s rest following each set). Before and immediately after the heel-drop exercise, the ankle plantar flexor torque and elongation of the MG were measured using a combined measurement system of dynamometry and ultrasonography and then the MG tendon strain and stiffness were evaluated in each subject. The tendon stiffness measured prior to the exercises was not significantly different between the two groups 23.7±10.6N/mm and 24.1±10.0N/mm for the HDB and HDL, respectively (p>.05). During the heel-drop exercise, it was found that the tendon strain during the heel-drop exercise on a block (8.4±3.7%) was significantly higher than the strain measured on the level floor (5.4±3.8%) (p<.05). In addition, the tendon stiffness following the heel-drop exercise on a block (32.3±12.2N/mm) was significantly greater than the tendon stiffness measured following the heel-drop exercise on the level floor (25.4±11.4N/mm) (p<.05). The results of this study suggest that tendon stiffness immediately following a heel-drop exercise depends on the magnitude of tendon strain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siwoo Jeong
- Department of Physical Education, College of Sciences in Education, Yonsei University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Dae-Yeon Lee
- Department of Silver Industrial Engineering, College of Future Human Resource Development, Kangnam University, Yongin, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong-Sung Choi
- Department of Physical Education, College of Sciences in Education, Yonsei University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hae-Dong Lee
- Department of Physical Education, College of Sciences in Education, Yonsei University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
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Kellis E, Patsika G, Karagiannidis E. Strain and elongation of the human semitendinosus muscle – Tendon unit. J Electromyogr Kinesiol 2013; 23:1384-90. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jelekin.2013.07.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2013] [Revised: 07/04/2013] [Accepted: 07/15/2013] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
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Hauraix H, Nordez A, Dorel S. Shortening behavior of the different components of muscle-tendon unit during isokinetic plantar flexions. J Appl Physiol (1985) 2013; 115:1015-24. [DOI: 10.1152/japplphysiol.00247.2013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hugo Hauraix
- Laboratory “Motricité, Interactions, Performance” (EA 4334), UFR STAPS, University of Nantes, Nantes, France
| | - Antoine Nordez
- Laboratory “Motricité, Interactions, Performance” (EA 4334), UFR STAPS, University of Nantes, Nantes, France
| | - Sylvain Dorel
- Laboratory “Motricité, Interactions, Performance” (EA 4334), UFR STAPS, University of Nantes, Nantes, France
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Whitting J, Steele J, McGhee D, Munro B. Passive dorsiflexion stiffness is poorly correlated with passive dorsiflexion range of motion. J Sci Med Sport 2013; 16:157-61. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jsams.2012.05.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2011] [Revised: 05/16/2012] [Accepted: 05/30/2012] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Exercise-induced changes in triceps surae tendon stiffness and muscle strength affect running economy in humans. Eur J Appl Physiol 2013; 113:1605-15. [PMID: 23328797 DOI: 10.1007/s00421-012-2585-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2012] [Accepted: 12/30/2012] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of the present study was to investigate whether increased tendon-aponeurosis stiffness and contractile strength of the triceps surae (TS) muscle-tendon units induced by resistance training would affect running economy. Therefore, an exercise group (EG, n = 13) performed a 14-week exercise program, while the control group (CG, n = 13) did not change their training. Maximum isometric voluntary contractile strength and TS tendon-aponeurosis stiffness, running kinematics and fascicle length of the gastrocnemius medialis (GM) muscle during running were analyzed. Furthermore, running economy was determined by measuring the rate of oxygen consumption at two running velocities (3.0, 3.5 ms(-1)). The intervention resulted in a ∼7 % increase in maximum plantarflexion muscle strength and a ∼16 % increase in TS tendon-aponeurosis stiffness. The EG showed a significant ∼4 % reduction in the rate of oxygen consumption and energy cost, indicating a significant increase in running economy, while the CG showed no changes. Neither kinematics nor fascicle length and elongation of the series-elastic element (SEE) during running were affected by the intervention. The unaffected SEE elongation of the GM during the stance phase of running, in spite of a higher tendon-aponeurosis stiffness, is indicative of greater energy storage and return and a redistribution of muscular output within the lower extremities while running after the intervention, which might explain the improved running economy.
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Diong J, Herbert RD, Kwah LK, Clarke JL, Harvey LA. Mechanisms of increased passive compliance of hamstring muscle-tendon units after spinal cord injury. Clin Biomech (Bristol, Avon) 2012; 27:893-8. [PMID: 22854004 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinbiomech.2012.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2011] [Revised: 07/06/2012] [Accepted: 07/09/2012] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND People with spinal cord injury sometimes develop abnormally compliant hamstring muscle-tendon units. This study investigated whether the increased muscle-tendon compliance is due to a change in the passive properties of the muscle fascicles or tendons, or to muscle tears. METHODS Semimembranosus muscle fascicle lengths were measured from ultrasound images obtained from 15 spinal cord injured subjects and 20 control subjects while the hip was passively flexed with the knee extended. Semimembranosus muscles of spinal cord injured subjects were inspected for tears using ultrasound imaging. FINDINGS The mean (SD) hip angle at 30 Nm was 97 (SD 24) degrees in spinal cord injured subjects and 70 (SD 11) degrees in control subjects, indicating that spinal cord injured subjects had very compliant hamstring muscle-tendon units. The ratio of change in fascicle length to change in muscle-tendon length was not statistically different between spinal cord injured subjects and control subjects: muscle fascicles lengthened by 0.30 (SD 0.24) mm/mm in spinal cord injured subjects and 0.42 (SD 0.29) mm/mm in control subjects. These data were used to show that there was evidence of increased tendon compliance of spinal cord injured subjects compared to control subjects, but no evidence of increased muscle fascicle compliance. No tears were observed in semimembranosus muscles of spinal cord injured subjects. INTERPRETATION The increased hamstring muscle-tendon compliance apparent in some spinal cord injured subjects is due, at least in part, to increased tendon compliance. There was no evidence that the increased muscle-tendon compliance was due to muscle tears.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Diong
- The George Institute for Global Health, P.O. Box M201, Missenden Road, NSW 2050, Australia.
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Effects of passive ankle dorsiflexion stiffness on ankle mechanics during drop landings. J Sci Med Sport 2012; 15:468-73. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jsams.2012.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2011] [Revised: 03/11/2012] [Accepted: 03/16/2012] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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Effects of plyometric training on passive stiffness of gastrocnemii muscles and Achilles tendon. Eur J Appl Physiol 2011; 112:2849-57. [DOI: 10.1007/s00421-011-2256-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2011] [Accepted: 11/18/2011] [Indexed: 10/15/2022]
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Gao F, Ren Y, Roth EJ, Harvey R, Zhang LQ. Effects of repeated ankle stretching on calf muscle-tendon and ankle biomechanical properties in stroke survivors. Clin Biomech (Bristol, Avon) 2011; 26:516-22. [PMID: 21211873 PMCID: PMC3085098 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinbiomech.2010.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2010] [Revised: 12/03/2010] [Accepted: 12/07/2010] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The objective of this study was to investigate changes in active and passive biomechanical properties of the calf muscle-tendon unit induced by controlled ankle stretching in stroke survivors. METHODS Ten stroke survivors with ankle spasticity/contracture and ten healthy control subjects received intervention of 60-min ankle stretching. Joint biomechanical properties including resistance torque, stiffness and index of hysteresis were evaluated pre- and post-intervention. Achilles tendon length was measured using ultrasonography. The force output of the triceps surae muscles was characterized via the torque-angle relationship, by stimulating the calf muscles at a controlled intensity across different ankle positions. FINDINGS Compared to healthy controls, the ankle position corresponding to the peak torque of the stroke survivors was shifted towards plantar flexion (P<0.001). Stroke survivors showed significantly higher resistance torques and joint stiffness (P<0.05), and these higher resistances were reduced significantly after the stretching intervention, especially in dorsiflexion (P=0.013). Stretching significantly improved the force output of the impaired calf muscles in stroke survivors under matched stimulations (P<0.05). Ankle range of motion was also increased by stretching (P<0.001). INTERPRETATION At the joint level, repeated stretching loosened the ankle joint with increased passive joint range of motion and decreased joint stiffness. At the muscle-tendon level, repeated stretching improved calf muscle force output, which might be associated with decreased muscle fascicle stiffness, increased fascicle length and shortening of the Achilles tendon. The study provided evidence of improvement in muscle tendon properties through stretching intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fan Gao
- Department of Health Care Sciences, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Yupeng Ren
- Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Elliot J. Roth
- Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60611, USA,Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Richard Harvey
- Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60611, USA,Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Li-Qun Zhang
- Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60611, USA,Department of Biomedical Engineering, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA,Corresponding author: Li-Qun Zhang, Ph.D., Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago, Suite 1406, 345 East Superior Street, Chicago, IL 60611, USA, Phone: (312) 238-4767, Fax: (312) 238-2208,
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Kasuyama T, Sakamoto M, Kato K. Comparing Changes in the Calf Muscle during Weight-bearing and Non-weight-bearing Stretching. J Phys Ther Sci 2011. [DOI: 10.1589/jpts.23.395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Tatsuya Kasuyama
- Graduate School of Medicine, University of Gunma
- Department of Rehabilitation, Asakura Clinic
| | | | - Kazuo Kato
- Department of Rehabilitation, Asakura Clinic
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Arampatzis A, Peper A, Bierbaum S, Albracht K. Plasticity of human Achilles tendon mechanical and morphological properties in response to cyclic strain. J Biomech 2010; 43:3073-9. [PMID: 20863501 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiomech.2010.08.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 143] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2010] [Revised: 07/13/2010] [Accepted: 08/13/2010] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of the current study in combination with our previous published data (Arampatzis et al., 2007) was to examine the effects of a controlled modulation of strain magnitude and strain frequency applied to the Achilles tendon on the plasticity of tendon mechanical and morphological properties. Eleven male adults (23.9 ± 2.2 yr) participated in the study. The participants exercised one leg at low magnitude tendon strain (2.97 ± 0.47%), and the other leg at high tendon strain magnitude (4.72 ± 1.08%) of similar frequency (0.5 Hz, 1s loading, 1s relaxation) and exercise volume (integral of the plantar flexion moment over time) for 14 weeks, 4 days per week, 5 sets per session. The exercise volume was similar to the intervention of our earlier study (0.17 Hz frequency; 3s loading, 3s relaxation) allowing a direct comparison of the results. Before and after the intervention ankle joint moment has been measured by a dynamometer, tendon-aponeurosis elongation by ultrasound and cross-sectional area of the Achilles tendon by magnet resonance images (MRI). We found a decrease in strain at a given tendon force, an increase in tendon-aponeurosis stiffness and tendon elastic modulus of the Achilles tendon only in the leg exercised at high strain magnitude. The cross-sectional area (CSA) of the Achilles tendon did not show any statistically significant (P > 0.05) differences to the pre-exercise values in both legs. The results indicate a superior improvement in tendon properties (stiffness, elastic modulus and CSA) at the low frequency (0.17 Hz) compared to the high strain frequency (0.5 Hz) protocol. These findings provide evidence that the strain magnitude applied to the Achilles tendon should exceed the value, which occurs during habitual activities to trigger adaptational effects and that higher tendon strain duration per contraction leads to superior tendon adaptational responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adamantios Arampatzis
- Humboldt-University Berlin, Department of Training and Movement Sciences, Berlin, Germany.
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Effect of medial arch support on displacement of the myotendinous junction of the gastrocnemius during standing wall stretching. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2009; 39:867-74. [PMID: 20026882 DOI: 10.2519/jospt.2009.3158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
STUDY DESIGN Controlled laboratory study. OBJECTIVES To examine the effects of standing wall stretching with and without medial arch support (WMAS versus WOMAS) on the displacement of the myotendinous junction (DMTJ) of the medial gastrocnemius, rearfoot angle, and navicular height in subjects with neutral foot alignment and pes planus. BACKGROUND Standing wall stretching is often prescribed to increase ankle dorsiflexion range of motion for sports fitness and rehabilitation. However, the effect of standing wall stretching WMAS on DMTJ is unknown. METHODS Fifteen subjects with neutral foot alignment and 15 subjects with pes planus performed standing wall stretching under WMAS and WOMAS conditions. Measurements of DMTJ and rearfoot position were performed using ultrasonography and video imaging. Navicular height was measured using a ruler. Dependent variables were examined with a 2-way mixed-design analysis of variance. The 2 factors were foot type (neutral foot versus pes planus) and stretching condition (WMAS versus WOMAS). RESULTS There were significant interactions of medial arch support by foot type for DMTJ, rearfoot angle, and navicular drop (P<.001). A post hoc paired t test showed that standing wall stretching in the WMAS condition significantly increased the DMTJ, compared to stretching in the WOMAS condition, in subjects with neutral foot (mean +/- SD, 9.6 +/- 1.6 versus 10.5 +/- 1.6 mm; difference, 0.9 mm; 99% CI: 0.4-1.4 mm) and in those with pes planus (10.0 +/- 1.8 versus 12.7 +/- 2.0 mm; difference, 2.7 mm; 99% CI: 1.9-3.5 mm) (P<.001). When comparing WOMAS and WMAS, the difference in DMTJ (1.8 mm; 99% CI: 0.9-2.7 mm) was significantly greater in subjects with pes planus than in those with neutral foot (P<.001). CONCLUSION Standing wall stretching with medial arch support maintained subtalar joint neutral position and increased the length of the gastrocnemius in subjects with pes planus. When prescribing standing wall stretching, clinicians need to emphasize the use of medial arch support to effectively stretch the gastrocnemius in subjects with pes planus.
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50
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Prestress revealed by passive co-tension at the ankle joint. J Biomech 2009; 42:2374-80. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiomech.2009.06.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2008] [Revised: 06/09/2009] [Accepted: 06/10/2009] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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