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Wang IL, Gu CY, Lei TH, Su Y, Yao S, Mündel T, Mo S. Effect of hyperthermia on simulated muscle activation in female when crossing obstacle. Sci Rep 2024; 14:10635. [PMID: 38724575 PMCID: PMC11082249 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-61536-y] [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: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
It is well known that hyperthermia greatly impairs neuromuscular function and dynamic balance. However, whether a greater level of hyperthermia could potentially alter the lower limb simulated muscle activation when crossing an obstacle in female participants remains unknown. Therefore we examined the effect of a systematic increase in oral temperature on lower limb simulated muscle activation when crossing an obstacle in female participants. Eighteen female participants were recruited where they underwent a control trial (Con) and two progressive passive heating trials with Δ 1°C and Δ 2°C increase of oral temperature (Toral) using a 45°C water bath. In each trial, we assessed lower limb simulated muscle activation when crossing an obstacle height of 10%, 20%, and 30% of the participant's leg length and toe-off, toe-above-obstacle and heel-strike events were identified and analyzed. In all events, the lower limb simulated muscle activation were greater in Δ2°C than Δ1°C and Con when both leading and trailing limbs crossed the obstacle height of 20% and 30% leg length (all p < 0.001). However, the lower limb simulated muscle activation were not different between Δ1°C and Con across all obstacle heights (p > 0.05). This study concluded that a greater level of hyperthermia resulted in a greater lower limb simulated muscle activation to ensure safety and stability when females cross an obstacle height of 20% leg length or higher.
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Affiliation(s)
- I-Lin Wang
- Laboratory of Human Kinesiology & Performance, School of Physical Education, Shenzhen University, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Chin-Yi Gu
- Graduate Institute, College of Physical Education, Hubei Normal University, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Tze-Huan Lei
- Graduate Institute, College of Physical Education, Hubei Normal University, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Yu Su
- Beijing Deanwell Technology Co., Ltd, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Shun Yao
- Shanghai Hebin Rehabilitation Hospital, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Toby Mündel
- Department of Kinesiology, Brock University, St. Catharines, Canada
| | - Shiwei Mo
- Laboratory of Human Kinesiology & Performance, School of Physical Education, Shenzhen University, Guangdong, People's Republic of China.
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Pimenta R, Antunes H, Bruno P, Veloso AP. Hamstrings mechanical properties profiling in football players of different competitive levels and positions after a repeated sprint protocol. Front Physiol 2024; 14:1315564. [PMID: 38239882 PMCID: PMC10794661 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1315564] [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: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose: This study compares the average speed, knee flexor peak torque and shear modulus of the hamstrings after a repeated sprint task, in football players of different competitive levels and playing positions. Methods: Fifty-four football field players without hamstring strain injury history participated, 15 being categorized as professional (2nd league) and 39 as semi-professional (17 in 3rd and 22 in 4th league). Muscle shear modulus was assessed using ultrasound-based shear wave elastography at rest and at 20% of maximal voluntary isometric effort before and immediately after the repeated sprint protocol. Results: No significant differences were seen in average sprint speed between competitive levels (p = 0.07; η2p = 0.28) and positions (p = 0.052; η2p = 0.29). Moreover, the sprint fatigue index showed no significant differences between competitive levels (p = 0.14; η2p = 0.08) and playing positions (p = 0.89; η2p = 0.05). No significant differences were observed in hamstring shear modulus changes between competitive levels (p = 0.94; η2p = 0.03) and positions (p = 0.92; η2p = 0.03). Peak torque changes also showed non-significant association with competitive levels (p = 0.46; η2p = 0.03) and positions (p = 0.60; η2p = 0.02). Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that the average sprint speed performance parameter and mechanical parameters are not able to distinguish football players of different competitive levels and positions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ricardo Pimenta
- CIPER, Centro Interdisciplinar de Performance Humana, Faculdade de Motricidade Humana, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
- Research Center of the Polytechnic Institute of Maia (N2i), Maia Polytechnic Institute (IPMAIA), Maia, Portugal
- Futebol Clube Famalicão—Futebol SAD, Department of Rehabilitation and Performance, Famalicão, Portugal
| | - Hugo Antunes
- CIPER, Centro Interdisciplinar de Performance Humana, Faculdade de Motricidade Humana, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Paula Bruno
- CIPER, Centro Interdisciplinar de Performance Humana, Faculdade de Motricidade Humana, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - A. P. Veloso
- CIPER, Centro Interdisciplinar de Performance Humana, Faculdade de Motricidade Humana, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
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Freitas SR, Radaelli R, Oliveira R, Vaz JR. Hamstring Stiffness and Strength Responses to Repeated Sprints in Healthy Nonathletes and Soccer Players With Versus Without Previous Injury. Sports Health 2023; 15:824-834. [PMID: 37254837 PMCID: PMC10606964 DOI: 10.1177/19417381231175474] [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] [Indexed: 06/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The effect of 10 × 30 m repeated sprints on passive and active stiffness of semitendinosus (ST) and biceps femoris long head (BFlh), and knee flexor maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) and rate of force development (RFD), and whether athletes with previous hamstring injury have a different response, is unknown. HYPOTHESIS Repeated sprints would (1) increase BFlh stiffness and decrease ST stiffness and knee flexors MVIC and RFD in healthy participants; and (2) greater magnitude of response would be seen in athletes with previous hamstring injury. STUDY DESIGN Case series (experiment I) and case control (experiment II) study designs. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Level 3. METHODS Healthy nonathletes attended 2 replicated sessions (experiment I, n = 18), while soccer players with (n = 38) and without (n = 67) previous hamstring injury attended 1 testing session (experiment II). RESULTS In both experiments, the knee flexors MVIC and RFD decreased after the sprints (P < 0.05). In experiment I, the ST and BFlh passive stiffness reduced after the sprints (P < 0.02), while a small BFlh active stiffness increase was noted (P = 0.02); however, no correlation was observed between the 2 testing sessions for the postsprint muscle stiffness responses (r = -0.07-0.44; P > 0.07). In experiment II, only an ST passive stiffness reduction was observed after the sprints (P < 0.01). No differences were noted between injured and noninjured lower limbs for any variable (P > 0.10). CONCLUSION Repeated sprints are likely to decrease the knee flexor's maximal and rapid strength, and to alter the hamstring stiffness in the nonathlete population. Previous hamstring injury does not apparently affect the footballer's hamstring functional and mechanical responses to repeated sprints. CLINICAL RELEVANCE The responses of hamstring stiffness and knee flexor strength to repeated sprints are unlikely to be associated with hamstring injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandro R. Freitas
- Laboratório de Função Neuromuscular, Faculdade de Motricidade Humana, Universidade de Lisboa, Cruz-Quebrada, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Régis Radaelli
- Laboratório de Função Neuromuscular, Faculdade de Motricidade Humana, Universidade de Lisboa, Cruz-Quebrada, Lisboa, Portugal
- Egas Moniz Center for Interdisciplinary Research, Egas Moniz School of Health and Science, Monte de Caparica, Setúbal, Portugal
- CIPER, Faculdade de Motricidade Humana, Universidade de Lisboa, Cruz-Quebrada, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Raúl Oliveira
- Laboratório de Função Neuromuscular, Faculdade de Motricidade Humana, Universidade de Lisboa, Cruz-Quebrada, Lisboa, Portugal
- CIPER, Faculdade de Motricidade Humana, Universidade de Lisboa, Cruz-Quebrada, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - João R. Vaz
- Egas Moniz Center for Interdisciplinary Research, Egas Moniz School of Health and Science, Monte de Caparica, Setúbal, Portugal
- CIPER, Faculdade de Motricidade Humana, Universidade de Lisboa, Cruz-Quebrada, Lisboa, Portugal
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Pimenta R, Lopes T, Correia JP, Veloso AP. Effects of repeated sprinting on hamstring shear modulus pattern and knee flexor neuromuscular parameters. Sci Rep 2023; 13:12624. [PMID: 37537276 PMCID: PMC10400546 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-38861-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/16/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The purpose of the present study was to examine the acute effects of a maximum repeated sprint protocol on (1) hamstring shear modulus and (2) knee flexor neuromuscular parameters such as peak torque (PT) and rate of torque development (RTD). Muscle shear modulus was assessed in 18 healthy males using shear wave elastography at rest and during 30° isometric knee flexion at 20% of maximal voluntary isometric contraction, before and after a 10 × 30 m repeated sprint protocol. There was a 9% decrease in average speed between the fastest and slowest sprint (p < 0.001; d = 2.27). A pre-post decrease was observed in PT (p = 0.004; η2p = 0.399) and in the 0-50 ms (p = 0.042; η2p = 0.222), and 50-100 ms (p = 0.028; η2p = 0.254) RTD periods. For the active shear modulus, the only significant change after the sprint task was in the biceps femoris long head (BFlh) with an increase of 10% (Pre: 26.29 ± 8.89 kPa; Post: 28.93 ± 8.31 kPa; p = 0.015; d = 0.31). The present study provides evidence that repeated sprinting leads to significant decreases in average speed, PT, early RTD (0-50 ms; 50-100 ms), and to an increase in BFlh active shear modulus without changing the shear modulus of the other hamstrings muscles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ricardo Pimenta
- CIPER, Faculdade de Motricidade Humana, Universidade de Lisboa, Estrada da Costa, 1499-002, Cruz Quebrada - Dafundo, Lisboa, Portugal.
- Research Center of the Polytechnic Institute of Maia (N2i), Maia Polytechnic Institute (IPMAIA), Castêlo da Maia, 4475-690, Maia, Portugal.
| | - Tomás Lopes
- Department of Biochemistry, King's College London, Strand, London, UK
| | - José Pedro Correia
- CIPER, Faculdade de Motricidade Humana, Universidade de Lisboa, Estrada da Costa, 1499-002, Cruz Quebrada - Dafundo, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - António Prieto Veloso
- CIPER, Faculdade de Motricidade Humana, Universidade de Lisboa, Estrada da Costa, 1499-002, Cruz Quebrada - Dafundo, Lisboa, Portugal
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Raffalt PC, Yentes JM, Freitas SR, Vaz JR. Calculating sample entropy from isometric torque signals: methodological considerations and recommendations. Front Physiol 2023; 14:1173702. [PMID: 37324377 PMCID: PMC10267410 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1173702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023] Open
Abstract
We investigated the effect of different sampling frequencies, input parameters and observation times for sample entropy (SaEn) calculated on torque data recorded from a submaximal isometric contraction. Forty-six participants performed sustained isometric knee flexion at 20% of their maximal contraction level and torque data was sampled at 1,000 Hz for 180 s. Power spectral analysis was used to determine the appropriate sampling frequency. The time series were downsampled to 750, 500, 250, 100, 50, and 25 Hz to investigate the effect of different sampling frequency. Relative parameter consistency was investigated using combinations of vector lengths of two and three and tolerance limits of 0.1, 0.15, 0.2, 0.25, 0.3, 0.35, and 0.4, and data lengths between 500 and 18,000 data points. The effect of different observations times was evaluated using Bland-Altman plot for observations times between 5 and 90 s. SaEn increased at sampling frequencies below 100 Hz and was unaltered above 250 Hz. In agreement with the power spectral analysis, this advocates for a sampling frequency between 100 and 250 Hz. Relative consistency was observed across the tested parameters and at least 30 s of observation time was required for a valid calculation of SaEn from torque data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter C. Raffalt
- Department of Biology, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
- Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jennifer M. Yentes
- Department of Kinesiology & Sport Management, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
| | - Sandro R. Freitas
- Faculdade de Motricidade Humana, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - João R. Vaz
- Egas Moniz Center for Interdisciplinary Research (CiiEM), Egas Moniz School of Health & Science, Caparica, Almada, Portugal
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Evangelidis PE, Shan X, Otsuka S, Yang C, Yamagishi T, Kawakami Y. Fatigue-induced changes in hamstrings' active muscle stiffness: effect of contraction type and implications for strain injuries. Eur J Appl Physiol 2023; 123:833-846. [PMID: 36494585 PMCID: PMC10030419 DOI: 10.1007/s00421-022-05104-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Hamstring strain injuries may occur due to differential fatigue and compromised mechanical properties among the hamstring muscles. We examined (1) the effect of fatigue on hamstrings active muscle stiffness, and (2) whether contraction type affects active muscle stiffness changes during a submaximal fatiguing task. METHODS Nine healthy males completed 99 submaximal knee flexions in isometric (ISO), concentric (CON), and eccentric (ECC) conditions. We measured the knee flexor maximal voluntary torque (MVT) (pre/post), shear wave velocity (SWV) during contraction and transverse relaxation times (T2) (pre/post) in biceps femoris long head (BFlh), semitendinosus (ST), and semimembranosus (SM) muscles. RESULTS MVT decreased substantially after all conditions (- 18.4 to - 33.6%). The average relative torque sustained during the task was lower in CON than ISO and ECC, but absolute torque was similar. SWV interindividual responses were highly variable across muscles and contraction types. On average, BFlh SWV tended to increase in ISO (0.4 m/s, 4.5%, p = 0.064) but decreased in ECC condition (- 0.8 m/s, - 7.7%, p < 0.01). ST SWV decreased in CON (- 1.1 m/s, - 9.0%, p < 0.01), while it remained unchanged in ISO and ECC. SM SWV decreased in CON (- 0.8 m/s, - 8.1%, p < 0.01), but it was unaffected in ISO and variable in ECC. CONCLUSION Fatigue has a differential effect on the mechanical properties of the constituent hamstring muscles, as measured with shear wave elastography, depending upon contraction type. We found preliminary evidence that BFlh is more fatigued than ST or SM during eccentric contractions, which may explain its susceptibility to strain injuries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pavlos E Evangelidis
- Faculty of Sport Sciences, Waseda University, Tokyo, Japan.
- Japan Society for the Promotion of Science, Tokyo, Japan.
| | - Xiyao Shan
- Department of Anatomy, Aichi Medical University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shun Otsuka
- Department of Anatomy, Aichi Medical University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Chi Yang
- Graduate School of Sport Sciences, Waseda University, Tokyo, Japan
| | | | - Yasuo Kawakami
- Faculty of Sport Sciences, Waseda University, Tokyo, Japan
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Suskens JJM, Tol JL, Kerkhoffs GMMJ, Maas H, van Dieën JH, Reurink G. Activity distribution among the hamstring muscles during high-speed running: A descriptive multichannel surface EMG study. Scand J Med Sci Sports 2023; 33:954-965. [PMID: 36752650 DOI: 10.1111/sms.14326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2022] [Revised: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE This study assessed activity distribution among the hamstring muscles during high-speed running. The objective was to compare within and between muscle activity, relative contribution and hip and knee joint angles at peak muscle activity during high-speed running. METHODS Through multichannel electromyography, we measured muscle activity in male basketball players during high-speed running on a treadmill at 15 locations: five for biceps femoris long head, four for semitendinosus, and six for semimembranosus. Muscle activity was calculated for each location within each hamstring muscle individually for each percent of a stride cycle. RESULTS Twenty-nine non-injured basketball players were included (mean age: 17 ± 1 years; mass, 85 ± 9 kg; height, 193 ± 9 cm). Heterogeneous activity was found for all individual hamstring muscles across multiple events of the stride cycle. In the late-swing phase, muscle activity and relative contribution of the semimembranosus was significantly higher than of the semitendinosus. There was no significant difference in hip and knee joint angles at instant of peak muscle activity, assessed locally within individual hamstring muscles, as well as in general over the whole hamstring muscle. CONCLUSION Hamstring muscles were most active in the late-swing phase during high-speed running. In this phase, the semimembranosus was most active and the semitendinosus was least active. Within the biceps femoris long head, the most proximal region was significantly more active in the late-swing phase, compared to other muscle regions. For each muscle and location, peak muscle activity occurred at similar hip and knee joint angles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jozef J M Suskens
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery and Sports Medicine, Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Amsterdam Movement Sciences, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Amsterdam Collaboration on Health and Safety in Sports (ACHSS), AMC/VUmc IOC Research Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Johannes L Tol
- Amsterdam Movement Sciences, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Amsterdam Collaboration on Health and Safety in Sports (ACHSS), AMC/VUmc IOC Research Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Aspetar Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Hospital, Doha, Qatar
| | - Gino M M J Kerkhoffs
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery and Sports Medicine, Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Amsterdam Movement Sciences, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Amsterdam Collaboration on Health and Safety in Sports (ACHSS), AMC/VUmc IOC Research Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Huub Maas
- Amsterdam Movement Sciences, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Human Movement Sciences, Faculty of Behavioural and Movement Sciences, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jaap H van Dieën
- Amsterdam Movement Sciences, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Human Movement Sciences, Faculty of Behavioural and Movement Sciences, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Gustaaf Reurink
- Amsterdam Movement Sciences, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Amsterdam Collaboration on Health and Safety in Sports (ACHSS), AMC/VUmc IOC Research Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Activity Distribution Among the Hamstring Muscles During the Nordic Hamstring Exercise: A Multichannel Surface Electromyography Study. J Appl Biomech 2023; 39:69-79. [PMID: 36791725 DOI: 10.1123/jab.2022-0102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2022] [Revised: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 02/17/2023]
Abstract
This study assessed activity distribution among the hamstring muscles during the Nordic hamstring exercise (NHE). The objective was to compare muscle activity between and within muscles during the NHE to add insights in its underlying protective mechanism. Through multichannel electromyography, we measured muscle activity in male basketball players during the NHE. Electromyography was assessed at 15 locations: 5 for biceps femoris long head, 4 for semitendinosus, and 6 for semimembranosus. For each percent of the eccentric phase of the NHE, muscle activity was calculated for each electrode location within each hamstring muscle individually. To quantify whole muscle head activity, means and variances across electrodes within each muscle were calculated. Thirty-five noninjured participants were included (mean age, 18 [2] y; mass, 87 [12] kg; height, 192 [9] cm). Heterogeneous muscle activity was found between 38% and 62% and over the whole eccentric contraction phase within the semitendinosus and the semimembranosus, respectively. Muscle activity of the semitendinosus was significantly higher than that of the biceps femoris long head. During the NHE, the relative contribution of the semitendinosus is the highest among hamstring muscles. Its strong contribution may compensate for the biceps femoris long head, the most commonly injured hamstring muscle head.
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Vatovec R, Kozinc Ž, Voglar M. The Effects of Isometric Fatigue on Trunk Muscle Stiffness: Implications for Shear-Wave Elastography Measurements. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 22:9476. [PMID: 36502176 PMCID: PMC9735660 DOI: 10.3390/s22239476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2022] [Revised: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Muscle stiffness has been implicated as a possible factor in low back pain risk. There are few studies on the effects of isometric fatigue on the shear modulus of trunk muscles. This study aimed to investigate the effects of trunk isometric fatigue on the passive and active (during low and high-level contractions) shear moduli of the erector spinae (ES) and superficial and deep multifidus (MF) muscles. We assessed passive and active shear modulus using shear-wave elastography in healthy young participants (n = 22; 11 males, 11 females), before and after an isometric trunk extension fatigue protocol. Maximal voluntary force decreased from 771.2 ± 249.8 N before fatigue to 707.3 ± 204.1 N after fatigue (-8.64%; p = 0.003). Passive shear modulus was significantly decreased after fatigue in the MF muscle (p = 0.006-0.022; Cohen's d = 0.40-46), but not the ES muscle (p = 0.867). Active shear modulus during low-level contraction was not affected by fatigue (p = 0.697-0.701), while it was decreased during high-level contraction for both muscles (p = 0.011; d = 0.29-0.34). Sex-specific analysis indicated the decrease in ES shear modulus was significant in males (p = 0.015; d = 0.31), but not in females (p = 0.140). Conversely, the shear modulus in superficial MF had a statistically significant decrease in females (p = 0.002; d = 0.74) but not in males (p = 0.368). These results have important implications for further investigations of the mechanistic interaction between physical workloads, sex, muscle stiffness (and other variables affecting trunk stability and neuromuscular control), and the development/persistence of low back pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rok Vatovec
- Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Primorska Polje 42, SI-6310 Izola, Slovenia
| | - Žiga Kozinc
- Department of Kinesiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Primorska Polje 42, SI-6310 Izola, Slovenia
- Andrej Marušič Institute, University of Primorska, Muzejski trg 2, SI-6000 Koper, Slovenia
| | - Matej Voglar
- Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Primorska Polje 42, SI-6310 Izola, Slovenia
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Widodo AF, Tien CW, Chen CW, Lai SC. Isotonic and Isometric Exercise Interventions Improve the Hamstring Muscles’ Strength and Flexibility: A Narrative Review. Healthcare (Basel) 2022; 10:healthcare10050811. [PMID: 35627948 PMCID: PMC9140507 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare10050811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Revised: 04/23/2022] [Accepted: 04/24/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Hamstring weakness has been associated with an increased risk of hamstring strain, a common sports injury that occurs when athletes perform actions such as quick sprints. The hamstring complex comprises three distinct muscles: the long and short heads of the bicep femoris, the semimembranosus, and the semitendinosus. Methods: The researchers collected the data from different electronic databases: PubMed, Google Scholar, and the Web of Science. Results: Many studies have been conducted on the numerous benefits of hamstring strength, in terms of athletic performance and injury prevention. Isotonic and isometric exercises are commonly used to improve hamstring strength, with each exercise type having a unique effect on the hamstring muscles. Isotonic exercise improves the muscles’ strength, increasing their ability to resist any force, while isometric training increases strength and the muscles’ ability to produce power by changing the muscle length. Conclusions: These exercises, when performed at low intensity, but with high repetition, can be used by the healthy general population to prepare for training and daily exercise. This can improve hamstring muscle strength and flexibility, leading to enhanced performance and reduced injury risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akhmad Fajri Widodo
- International Sport Science Master’s Program, College of Human Development and Health, National Taipei University of Nursing and Health Sciences, Taipei 112303, Taiwan;
| | - Cheng-Wen Tien
- Physical Education Office, General Education Centre, National Taipei University of Nursing and Health Sciences, Taipei 112303, Taiwan;
| | - Chien-Wei Chen
- International Sport Science Master’s Program, College of Human Development and Health, National Taipei University of Nursing and Health Sciences, Taipei 112303, Taiwan;
- Department of Exercise and Health Science, College of Human Development and Health, National Taipei University of Nursing and Health Sciences, Taipei 112303, Taiwan;
- Correspondence:
| | - Shih-Chiung Lai
- Department of Exercise and Health Science, College of Human Development and Health, National Taipei University of Nursing and Health Sciences, Taipei 112303, Taiwan;
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11
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The Effect of Increasing Blood Flow Restriction Pressure When the Contractions Are Already Occlusive. J Sport Rehabil 2021; 31:152-157. [PMID: 34697249 DOI: 10.1123/jsr.2020-0402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2020] [Revised: 01/25/2021] [Accepted: 08/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Blood flow restricted exercise involves the use of external pressure to enhance fatigue and augment exercise adaptations. The mechanisms by which blood flow restricted exercise limits muscular endurance are not well understood. OBJECTIVE To determine how increasing blood flow restriction pressure impacts local muscular endurance, discomfort, and force steadiness when the contractions are already occlusive. DESIGN Within-participant, repeated-measures crossover design. SETTING University laboratory. PATIENTS A total of 22 individuals (13 males and 9 females). INTERVENTION Individuals performed a contraction at 30% of maximal isometric elbow flexion force for as long as possible. One arm completed the contraction with 100% of arterial occlusion pressure applied, while the other arm had 150% of arterial occlusion pressure applied. At the end of the protocol, individuals were asked to rate their perceived discomfort. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Time to task failure, discomfort, and force steadiness. RESULTS Individuals had a longer time to task failure when performing the 100% arterial occlusion condition compared with the 150% arterial occlusion pressure condition (time to task failure = 82.4 vs 70.8 s; Bayes factors = 5.77). There were no differences in discomfort between the 100% and 150% conditions (median discomfort = 5.5 vs 6; Bayes factors = 0.375) nor were there differences in force steadiness (SD of force output 3.16 vs 3.31 N; Bayes factors = 0.282). CONCLUSION The results of the present study suggest that, even when contractions are already occlusive, increasing the restriction pressure reduces local muscle endurance but does not impact discomfort or force steadiness. This provides an indication that mechanisms other than the direct alteration of blood flow are contributing to the increased fatigue with added restrictive pressure. Future studies are needed to examine neural mechanisms that may explain this finding.
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Freitas SR, Mendes B, Firmino T, Correia JP, Witvrouw EE, Raúl Oliveira E, Vaz JR. Semitendinosus and biceps femoris long head active stiffness response until failure in professional footballers with vs. without previous hamstring injury. Eur J Sport Sci 2021; 22:1132-1140. [PMID: 33787449 DOI: 10.1080/17461391.2021.1910347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
This study sought to examine the active stiffness of semitendinosus (ST) and biceps femoris long head (BFlh) during a knee flexor isometric contraction at 20% of maximal voluntary isometric contraction until failure in elite footballers (n=50, age: 22.3±5.3 years; height: 1.82±0.08 m; body mass: 74.7±9.0 kg). Active stiffness was assessed using ultrasound-based shear wave elastography by means of shear modulus quantification. Comparisons were performed between limbs with (n=11) vs. without (n=89) previous hamstring injury. Similar time until failure in the knee flexor fatigue task was observed between groups (p=0.401). At the start of the task, lower limbs with previous hamstring injury showed a lower BFlh active stiffness (31.0.1±10.4 kPa, p=0.023) and BFlh/ST active stiffness ratio (0.50±0.29), and no differences for ST (72.8±26.8 kPa, p=0.221) compared to lower limbs without previous hamstring injuries (BFlh: 38.0±9.6 kPa; ST: 64.0±18.4 kPa; BFlh/ST: 0.65±0.27). During the task, the ST active stiffness in both groups decreased from 80% of task time (p=0.032), in the absence of changes in BFlh active stiffness (p=0.534), resulting in an increase in BFlh/ST active stiffness from 80% of task time (p=0.029). No differences between limbs were observed during the fatigue task for all parameters (p>0.099). Future research is warranted to verify if the differences found represent an increased risk of hamstring injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandro R Freitas
- CIPER, Faculdade de Motricidade Humana, Universidade de Lisboa, Cruz Quebrada Dafundo, Portugal
| | - Bruno Mendes
- CIPER, Faculdade de Motricidade Humana, Universidade de Lisboa, Cruz Quebrada Dafundo, Portugal
| | - Telmo Firmino
- CIPER, Faculdade de Motricidade Humana, Universidade de Lisboa, Cruz Quebrada Dafundo, Portugal.,Sport Lisboa e Benfica, Human Performance Department - Health Performance, Av. Eusébio da Silva Ferreira, 1500-313 Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal.,Escola Superior de Saúde do Alcoitão, Rua Conde Barão, 2649-506 Alcabideche, Cascais, Portugal
| | - José Pedro Correia
- CIPER, Faculdade de Motricidade Humana, Universidade de Lisboa, Cruz Quebrada Dafundo, Portugal
| | | | - E Raúl Oliveira
- CIPER, Faculdade de Motricidade Humana, Universidade de Lisboa, Cruz Quebrada Dafundo, Portugal
| | - João R Vaz
- CIPER, Faculdade de Motricidade Humana, Universidade de Lisboa, Cruz Quebrada Dafundo, Portugal
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Regional Differences in Biceps Femoris Long Head Stiffness during Isometric Knee Flexion. J Funct Morphol Kinesiol 2021; 6:jfmk6010018. [PMID: 33578650 PMCID: PMC7931076 DOI: 10.3390/jfmk6010018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2020] [Revised: 02/04/2021] [Accepted: 02/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
This study sought to investigate whether the stiffness of the biceps femoris long head differs between proximal and distal regions during isometric knee flexion at different contraction intensities and muscle lengths. Twelve healthy individuals performed knee flexion isometric contractions at 20% and 60% of maximum voluntary isometric contraction, with the knee flexed at 15 and 45 degrees. Muscle stiffness assessment was performed using ultrasound-based shear wave elastography. Proximal and distal regions of the biceps femoris long head were assessed. Biceps femoris long head muscle showed a greater stiffness (i) in the distal region, (ii) at higher contraction intensity, and (iii) at longer muscle length. The proximal-to-distal stiffness ratio was significantly lower than 1 (i.e., heterogenous) at lower contraction intensity regardless of the muscle length. However, this was not observed at higher contraction intensity. This study is the first to show heterogeneity in the active stiffness of the biceps femoris long head. Given the greater incidence of injury at the proximal region of biceps femoris long head, this study opens new directions for future research. Additionally, the present study results indicate that studies assessing muscle stiffness at one single muscle region should be interpreted with caution.
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