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Klein M, Patterson C, Karim A, Cuddeford T. Running biomechanical and isokinetic strength differences in masters runners with and without Achilles tendinopathy. Sports Biomech 2024:1-14. [PMID: 38949234 DOI: 10.1080/14763141.2024.2373376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 06/14/2024] [Indexed: 07/02/2024]
Abstract
Masters runners are an increasing proportion of the running community. The most significant musculoskeletal changes in runners occur after the age of 50 in addition to changes in injury rates and types, the most common being Achilles tendinopathy (AT). Previous evidence has suggested similarities between risk factors for AT and age-related changes that are focused at the hip and the ankle during the propulsive stage of running. The purpose of this study was to investigate biomechanical and peak torque association to AT in masters runners. Thirty-two masters runners over age 50 with AT (60.31 ± 8.37, n = 16) and without (59.94 ± 4.95 n = 16) were included. 3D motion capture and force plates were used to assess running biomechanics. A motor-driven dynamometer was used to assess isokinetic peak torque production. No significant differences in running biomechanics were found between masters runners with and without AT. Hip peak isokinetic torque production was found to be significantly less in masters runners with AT, but no significant differences in ankle plantarflexion peak isokinetic torque production were found. Masters runners with AT may be able to adapt their running biomechanics and muscular torque production during submaximal running efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Klein
- Department of Physical Therapy, Azusa Pacific University, Azusa, CA, USA
- Department of Rehabilitation and Movement Science, Azusa Pacific University, Azusa, CA, USA
- Department of Physical Therapy, West Coast University Center for Graduate Studies, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Chris Patterson
- Department of Rehabilitation and Movement Science, Azusa Pacific University, Azusa, CA, USA
- Department of Physical Therapy, West Coast University Center for Graduate Studies, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Annette Karim
- Department of Rehabilitation and Movement Science, Azusa Pacific University, Azusa, CA, USA
- Department of Physical Therapy, West Coast University Center for Graduate Studies, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Tyler Cuddeford
- Department of Physical Therapy, George Fox University, Newberg, OR, USA
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Welte L, Blank JL, Cone SG, Thelen DG. Ultrasound-tensiometry: A new method for measuring differential loading within a tendon during movement. Gait Posture 2024; 113:352-358. [PMID: 39047411 DOI: 10.1016/j.gaitpost.2024.06.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2023] [Revised: 06/07/2024] [Accepted: 06/28/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tendons transmit tensile load from muscles to the skeleton. Differential loading across a tendon can occur, especially when it contains subtendons originating from distinct muscles. Tendon shear wave speed has previously been shown to reflect local tensile stress. Hence, a tool that measures spatial variations in wave speed may reflect differential loading within a tendon during human movement. RESEARCH QUESTION Do wave speeds measured via high-framerate ultrasound-based tensiometry correspond with differential loading across a tendon? METHODS Ultrasound-tensiometry uses an external mechanical actuator to induce waves and high-framerate plane wave ultrasound imaging (20 kHz) to track tissue displacements arising from wave propagation within a tendon. Local tissue displacements are temporally and spatially filtered to remove high-frequency noise and reflected waves. A Radon transform of the spatio-temporal displacement data is used to compute the shear wave speed across the tendon. We evaluated ultrasound-tensiometry's ability to measure differential loading across a tendon using in silico, ex vivo and in vivo approaches. The in silico approach used a finite element model to simulate wave propagation along two adjacent subtendons undergoing differential loading. The ex vivo experiment measured wave speed in adjacent porcine flexor subtendons subjected to differential loading. In vivo, we tracked wave speed across the Achilles tendon while a participant performed calf stretches to differentially load the subtendons, and while walking on a treadmill at 1.5 m/s. RESULTS Wave speeds modulated with local tendon stress under both in silico and ex vivo conditions, with higher wave speeds observed in subtendons subjected to higher loads (6-16 m/s higher at 1.5× load differential). Spatial variations in in vivo Achilles tendon wave speeds were consistent with differential subtendon loading arising from distinct muscle loads (maximum range: 0-137 m/s, resolution: 0.1 mm×0.2 mm, precision: ±0.2 m/s). SIGNIFICANCE High-framerate ultrasound-tensiometry tracks spatial variations in tendon wave speed, which may be useful to investigate local tissue loading and to delineate individual muscle contributions to movement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren Welte
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1513 University Ave, Madison, WI 53706, USA.
| | - Jonathon L Blank
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1513 University Ave, Madison, WI 53706, USA.
| | - Stephanie G Cone
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1513 University Ave, Madison, WI 53706, USA.
| | - Darryl G Thelen
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1513 University Ave, Madison, WI 53706, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1513 University Ave, Madison, WI 53706, USA.
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Zhang C, Deng L, Zhang X, Wu K, Zhan J, Fu W, Jin J. Effects of 12-week gait retraining on plantar flexion torque, architecture, and behavior of the medial gastrocnemius in vivo. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2024; 12:1352334. [PMID: 38572360 PMCID: PMC10987777 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2024.1352334] [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: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective This study aims to explore the effects of 12-week gait retraining (GR) on plantar flexion torque, architecture, and behavior of the medial gastrocnemius (MG) during maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC). Methods Thirty healthy male rearfoot strikers were randomly assigned to the GR group (n = 15) and the control (CON) group (n = 15). The GR group was instructed to wear minimalist shoes and run with a forefoot strike pattern for the 12-week GR (3 times per week), whereas the CON group wore their own running shoes and ran with their original foot strike pattern. Participants were required to share screenshots of running tracks each time to ensure training supervision. The architecture and behavior of MG, as well as ankle torque data, were collected before and after the intervention. The architecture of MG, including fascicle length (FL), pennation angle, and muscle thickness, was obtained by measuring muscle morphology at rest using an ultrasound device. Ankle torque data during plantar flexion MVIC were obtained using a dynamometer, from which peak torque and early rate of torque development (RTD50) were calculated. The fascicle behavior of MG was simultaneously captured using an ultrasound device to calculate fascicle shortening, fascicle rotation, and maximal fascicle shortening velocity (Vmax). Results After 12-week GR, 1) the RTD50 increased significantly in the GR group (p = 0.038), 2) normalized FL increased significantly in the GR group (p = 0.003), and 3) Vmax increased significantly in the GR group (p = 0.018). Conclusion Compared to running training, GR significantly enhanced the rapid strength development capacity and contraction velocity of the MG. This indicates the potential of GR as a strategy to improve muscle function and mechanical efficiency, particularly in enhancing the ability of MG to generate and transmit force as well as the rapid contraction capability. Further research is necessary to explore the effects of GR on MG behavior during running in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuyi Zhang
- School of Exercise and Health, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, China
| | - Liqin Deng
- School of Exercise and Health, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, China
| | - Xini Zhang
- Faculty of Sports Science, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| | - Kaicheng Wu
- School of Exercise and Health, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, China
| | - Jianglong Zhan
- School of Exercise and Health, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, China
| | - Weijie Fu
- School of Exercise and Health, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Exercise and Health Sciences of Ministry of Education, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, China
| | - Jing Jin
- Key Laboratory of Exercise and Health Sciences of Ministry of Education, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, China
- School of Psychology, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, China
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Yu YH, Lee CH, Hsu YH, Chou YC, Hong BK, Huang CT, Liu SJ. Novel CO 2-encapsulated Pluronic F127 hydrogel for the treatment of Achilles tendon injury. Sci Rep 2023; 13:21895. [PMID: 38081952 PMCID: PMC10713641 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-49339-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Nonsurgical treatment and surgical repairment of injured Achilles tendons seldom restore the wounded tendon to its original elasticity and stiffness. Therefore, we hypothesized that the surgically repaired Achilles tendon can achieve satisfactory regeneration by applying multi-drug encapsulated hydrogels. In this study, a novel bupivacaine-eluting carbon dioxide-encapsulated Pluronic F127 hydrogel (BC-hydrogel) was developed for the treatment of Achilles tendon injuries. The rheological properties of BC-hydrogel were measured. A high-performance liquid chromatography assay was used to assess the release characteristics of bupivacaine in both in vitro and in vivo settings. Furthermore, the effectiveness of BC-hydrogel in treating torn tendons was examined in a rat model, and histological analyses were conducted. Evidently, the degradable hydrogels continuously eluted bupivacaine for more than 14 days. The animal study results revealed that the BC-hydrogel improved the post-surgery mobility of the animals compared with pristine hydrogels. Histological assay results demonstrated a significant reaction to high vascular endothelial growth factor in the surrounding tissues and expression of collagen I within the repaired tendon. This demonstrates the potential of this novel BC-hydrogel as an effective treatment method for Achilles tendon injuries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Hsun Yu
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Bone and Joint Research Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou, Tao-Yuan, 33305, Taiwan
| | - Chen-Hung Lee
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital-Linkou, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Tao-Yuan, 33305, Taiwan
| | - Yung-Heng Hsu
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Bone and Joint Research Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou, Tao-Yuan, 33305, Taiwan
| | - Ying-Chao Chou
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Bone and Joint Research Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou, Tao-Yuan, 33305, Taiwan
| | - Bo-Kui Hong
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Chang Gung University, Tao-Yuan, 33302, Taiwan
| | - Chao-Tsai Huang
- Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, Tamkang University, New Taipei City, 251301, Taiwan
| | - Shih-Jung Liu
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Bone and Joint Research Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou, Tao-Yuan, 33305, Taiwan.
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Chang Gung University, Tao-Yuan, 33302, Taiwan.
- Biomaterials Lab, Mechanical Engineering, Chang Gung University, 259, Wen-Hwa 1st Road, Kwei-Shan, Tao-Yuan, 33302, Taiwan.
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Bohm S, Mersmann F, Schroll A, Arampatzis A. Speed-specific optimal contractile conditions of the human soleus muscle from slow to maximum running speed. J Exp Biol 2023; 226:jeb246437. [PMID: 37901934 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.246437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/31/2023]
Abstract
The soleus is the main muscle for propulsion during human running but its operating behavior across the spectrum of physiological running speeds is currently unknown. This study experimentally investigated the soleus muscle activation patterns and contractile conditions for force generation, power production and efficient work production (i.e. force-length potential, force-velocity potential, power-velocity potential and enthalpy efficiency) at seven running speeds (3.0 m s-1 to individual maximum). During submaximal running (3.0-6.0 m s-1), the soleus fascicles shortened close to optimal length and at a velocity close to the efficiency maximum, two contractile conditions for economical work production. At higher running speeds (7.0 m s-1 to maximum), the soleus muscle fascicles still operated near optimum length, yet the fascicle shortening velocity increased and shifted towards the optimum for mechanical power production with a simultaneous increase in muscle activation, providing evidence for three cumulative mechanisms to enhance mechanical power production. Using the experimentally determined force-length-velocity potentials and muscle activation as inputs in a Hill-type muscle model, a reduction in maximum soleus muscle force at speeds ≥7.0 m s-1 and a continuous increase in maximum mechanical power with speed were predicted. The reduction in soleus maximum force was associated with a reduced force-velocity potential. The increase in maximum power was explained by an enhancement of muscle activation and contractile conditions until 7.0 m s-1, but mainly by increased muscle activation at high to maximal running speed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Bohm
- Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Department of Training and Movement Sciences, 10115 Berlin, Germany
- Berlin School of Movement Science, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, 10115 Berlin, Germany
| | - Falk Mersmann
- Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Department of Training and Movement Sciences, 10115 Berlin, Germany
- Berlin School of Movement Science, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, 10115 Berlin, Germany
| | - Arno Schroll
- Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Department of Training and Movement Sciences, 10115 Berlin, Germany
- Berlin School of Movement Science, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, 10115 Berlin, Germany
| | - Adamantios Arampatzis
- Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Department of Training and Movement Sciences, 10115 Berlin, Germany
- Berlin School of Movement Science, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, 10115 Berlin, Germany
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Kovács B, Petridis L, Négyesi J, Sebestyén Ö, Jingyi Y, Zhang J, Gu Y, Tihanyi J. An Acute Transition from Rearfoot to Forefoot Strike does not Induce Major Changes in Plantarflexor Muscles Activation for Habitual Rearfoot Strike Runners. J Sports Sci Med 2023; 22:512-525. [PMID: 37711699 PMCID: PMC10499148 DOI: 10.52082/jssm.2023.512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023]
Abstract
Footstrike pattern has received increased attention within the running community because there is a common belief that forefoot strike running (FFS) is more advantageous (i.e., improve performance and reduce running injuries) than rearfoot strike running (RFS) in distance running. Literature reports suggest greater knee joint flexion magnitude and initial knee angle during stance in FFS compared with RFS running We examined the EMG activation of the triceps surae muscles during an acute transition from RFS to FFS strike. We tested the hypothesis that due to larger knee flexion in FFS the gastrocnemius muscles possibly decrease their EMG activity because muscle fascicles operate under unfavorable conditions. Fourteen competitive healthy middle- and long-distance runners who were habitual RFS runners ran on a treadmill at three speeds: 12, 14, and 16 km·h-1. Each running speed was performed with both FFS and RFS patterns. Lower limb kinematics in the sagittal plane and normalized electromyography (EMG) activity of medial gastrocnemius proximal, middle and distal regions, lateral gastrocnemius and soleus muscles were compared between footstrike patterns and running speeds across the stride cycle. Contrary to our expectations, the knee joint range of motion was similar in FFS and RFS running. However, the sagittal plane ankle joint motion was greater (p < 0.01) while running with FFS, resulting in a significantly greater muscle-tendon unit lengthening (p < 0.01) in FFS compared with RFS running. In addition, medial and lateral gastrocnemius showed higher EMG activity in FFS compared with RFS running in the late swing and early stance but only for a small percentage of the stride cycle. However, strike patterns and running speed failed to induce region-specific activation differences within the medial gastrocnemius muscle. Overall, well-trained RFS runners are able to change to FFS running by altering only the ankle joint kinematics without remarkably changing the EMG activity pattern.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bálint Kovács
- Ningbo University, Faculty of Sport Science, Ningbo, China
- Department of Kinesiology, Hungarian University of Sport Sciences, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Leonidas Petridis
- Research Centre for Sport Physiology, Hungarian University of Sport Sciences, Hungary
| | - János Négyesi
- Division of Biomedical Engineering for Health and Welfare, Tohoku University Graduate School of Biomedical Engineering, Sendai, Japan
| | - Örs Sebestyén
- Department of Kinesiology, Hungarian University of Sport Sciences, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Ye Jingyi
- Ningbo University, Faculty of Sport Science, Ningbo, China
| | - Jingfeng Zhang
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Department of Radiology, HwaMei Hospital, Ningbo, China
| | - Yaodong Gu
- Ningbo University, Faculty of Sport Science, Ningbo, China
| | - József Tihanyi
- Department of Kinesiology, Hungarian University of Sport Sciences, Budapest, Hungary
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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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Swinnen W, Hoogkamer W, De Groote F, Vanwanseele B. Faster triceps surae muscle cyclic contractions alter muscle activity and whole body metabolic rate. J Appl Physiol (1985) 2023; 134:395-404. [PMID: 36603047 DOI: 10.1152/japplphysiol.00575.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hundred years ago, Fenn demonstrated that when a muscle shortens faster, its energy liberation increases. Fenn's results were the first of many that led to the general understanding that isometric muscle contractions are energetically cheaper than concentric contractions. However, this evidence is still primarily based on single fiber or isolated (ex vivo) muscle studies and it remains unknown whether this translates to whole body metabolic rate. In this study, we specifically changed the contraction velocity of the ankle plantar flexors and quantified the effects on triceps surae muscle activity and whole body metabolic rate during cyclic plantar flexion (PF) contractions. Fifteen participants performed submaximal ankle plantar flexions (∼1/3 s activation and ∼2/3 s relaxation) on a dynamometer at three different ankle angular velocities: isometric (10° PF), isokinetic at 30°/s (5-15° PF), and isokinetic at 60°/s (0-20° PF) while target torque (25% MVC) and cycle frequency were kept constant. In addition, to directly determine the effect of ankle angular velocity on muscle kinematics we collected gastrocnemius medialis muscle fascicle ultrasound data. As expected, increasing ankle angular velocity increased gastrocnemius medialis muscle fascicle contraction velocity and positive mechanical work (P < 0.01), increased mean and peak triceps surae muscle activity (P < 0.01), and considerably increased net whole body metabolic rate (P < 0.01). Interestingly, the increase in triceps surae muscle activity with fast ankle angular velocities was most pronounced in the gastrocnemius lateralis (P < 0.05). Overall, our results support the original findings from Fenn in 1923 and we demonstrated that greater triceps surae muscle contraction velocities translate to increased whole body metabolic rate.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Single muscle fiber studies or research on isolated (ex vivo) muscles demonstrated that faster concentric muscle contractions yield increased energy consumption. Here we translated this knowledge to muscle activation and whole body metabolic rate. Increasing ankle angular velocity increased triceps surae contraction velocity and mechanical work, increasing triceps surae muscle activity and substantially elevating whole body metabolic rate. Additionally, we demonstrated that triceps surae muscle activation strategy depends on the mechanical demands of the task.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wannes Swinnen
- Department of Movement Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Wouter Hoogkamer
- Department of Kinesiology, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts
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Malisoux L, Gette P, Backes A, Delattre N, Theisen D. Lower impact forces but greater burden for the musculoskeletal system in running shoes with greater cushioning stiffness. Eur J Sport Sci 2023; 23:210-220. [PMID: 35014593 DOI: 10.1080/17461391.2021.2023655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
In a recent randomised trial investigating running shoe cushioning, injury risk was greater in recreational runners who trained in the shoe version with greater cushioning stiffness (Stiff) compared to those using the Soft version. However, vertical impact peak force (VIPF) was lower in the Stiff version. To investigate further the mechanisms involved in the protective effect of greater cushioning, the present study used an intra-subject design and analysed the differences in running kinematics and kinetics between the Stiff and Soft shoe versions on a subsample of 41 runners from the previous trial. Data were recorded in the two shoe conditions using an instrumented treadmill at 10 km.h-1. VIPF was confirmed to be lower in the Stiff version compared to the Soft version (1.39 ± 0.25 vs. 1.50 ± 0.25 BW, respectively; p = 0.009, d = 0.42), but not difference was observed in vertical loading rate (p = 0.255 and 0.897 for vertical average and instantaneous loading rate, respectively). Ankle eversion maximal velocity was not different (p = 0.099), but the Stiff version induced greater ankle negative work (-0.55 ± 0.09 vs. -0.52 ± 0.10 J.kg-1; p = 0.009, d = 0.32), maximal ankle negative power (-7.21 ± 1.90 vs. -6.96 ± 1.92 W.kg-1; p = 0.037, d = 0.13) and maximal hip extension moment (1.25 ± 0.32 vs.1.18 ± 0.30 N.m.kg-1; p = 0.009, d = 0.22). Our results suggest that the Stiff shoe version is related to increased mechanical burden for the musculoskeletal system, especially around the ankle joint.Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03115437.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurent Malisoux
- Physical Activity, Sport & Health Research Group, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Luxembourg, Grand-Duchy of Luxembourg
| | - Paul Gette
- Human Motion, Orthopaedics, Sports Medicine and Digital Methods, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Luxembourg, Grand-Duchy of Luxembourg
| | - Anne Backes
- Physical Activity, Sport & Health Research Group, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Luxembourg, Grand-Duchy of Luxembourg
| | - Nicolas Delattre
- Movement Sciences Department, Decathlon Sports Lab, Villeneuve d'Ascq, France
| | - Daniel Theisen
- ALAN - Maladies Rares Luxembourg, Bascharage, Grand-Duchy of Luxembourg
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Bennett EC, Machado E, Fletcher JR. How do differences in Achilles' tendon moment arm lengths affect muscle-tendon dynamics and energy cost during running? Front Sports Act Living 2023; 5:1125095. [PMID: 37139299 PMCID: PMC10150092 DOI: 10.3389/fspor.2023.1125095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction The relationship between the Achilles tendon moment arm length (ATMA) and the energy cost of running (Erun) has been disputed. Some studies suggest a short ATMA reduces Erun while others claim a long ATMA reduces Erun. For a given ankle joint moment, a short ATMA permits a higher tendon strain energy storage, whereas a long ATMA reduces muscle fascicle force and muscle energy cost but shortening velocity is increased, elevating the metabolic cost. These are all conflicting mechanisms to reduce Erun, since AT energy storage comes at a metabolic cost. Neither of these proposed mechanisms have been examined together. Methods We measured ATMA using the tendon travel method in 17 males and 3 females (24 ± 3 years, 75 ± 11 kg, 177 ± 7 cm). They ran on a motorized treadmill for 10 min at 2.5 m · s-1 while Erun was measured. AT strain energy storage, muscle lengths, velocities and muscle energy cost were calculated during time-normalized stance from force and ultrasound data. A short (SHORT n = 11, ATMA = 29.5 ± 2.0 mm) and long (LONG, n = 9, ATMA = 36.6 ± 2.5 mm) ATMA group was considered based on a bimodal distribution of measured ATMA. Results Mean Erun was 4.9 ± 0.4 J · kg-1 · m-1. The relationship between ATMA and Erun was not significant (r 2 = 0.13, p = 0.12). Maximum AT force during stance was significantly lower in LONG (5,819 ± 1,202 N) compared to SHORT (6,990 ± 920 N, p = 0.028). Neither AT stretch nor AT strain energy storage was different between groups (mean difference: 0.3 ± 1 J · step-1, p = 0.84). Fascicle force was significantly higher in SHORT (508 ± 93 N) compared to LONG (468 ± 84 N. p = 0.02). Fascicle lengths and velocities were similar between groups (p > 0.72). Muscle energy cost was significantly lower in LONG (0.028 ± 0.08 J · kg · step-1) compared to SHORT (0.045 ± 0.14 J · kg · step-1 p = 0.004). There was a significant negative relationship between ATMA and total muscle energy cost relative to body mass across the stance phase (r = -0.699, p < 0.001). Discussion Together these results suggest that a LONG ATMA serves to potentially reduce Erun by reducing the muscle energy cost of the plantarflexors during stance. The relative importance of AT energy storage and return in reducing Erun should be re-considered.
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11
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Achilles Tendon Mechanical Behavior and Ankle Joint Function at the Walk-to-Run Transition. BIOLOGY 2022; 11:biology11060912. [PMID: 35741433 PMCID: PMC9219818 DOI: 10.3390/biology11060912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2022] [Revised: 06/05/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Walking at speeds higher than transition speed is associated with a decrease in the plantar-flexor muscle fibres’ ability to produce force and, potentially, to an impaired behaviour of the muscle−tendon unit (MTU) elastic components. This study aimed to investigate the ankle joint functional indexes and the Achilles tendon mechanical behaviour (changes in AT force and power) to better elucidate the mechanical determinants of the walk-to-run transition. Kinematics, kinetic and ultrasound data of the gastrocnemius medialis (GM) were investigated during overground walking and running at speeds ranging from 5−9 km·h−1. AT and GM MTU force and power were calculated during the propulsive phase; the ankle joint function indexes (damper, strut, spring and motor) were obtained using a combination of kinetic and kinematic data. AT force was larger in running at speeds > 6.5 km/h. The contribution of AT to the total power provided by the GM MTU was significantly larger in running at speeds > 7.5 km/h. The spring and strut indexes of the ankle were significantly larger in running at speeds > 7.5 km/h. These data suggest that the walk-to-run transition could (at least partially) be explained by the need to preserve AT mechanical behaviour and the ankle spring function.
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12
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Cigoja S, Fletcher JR, Nigg BM. Can changes in midsole bending stiffness of shoes affect the onset of joint work redistribution during a prolonged run? JOURNAL OF SPORT AND HEALTH SCIENCE 2022; 11:293-302. [PMID: 33359799 PMCID: PMC9189708 DOI: 10.1016/j.jshs.2020.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2020] [Revised: 10/23/2020] [Accepted: 11/27/2020] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE This study aimed to investigate if changing the midsole bending stiffness of athletic footwear can affect the onset of lower limb joint work redistribution during a prolonged run. METHODS Fifteen trained male runners (10-km time of <44 min) performed 10-km runs at 90% of their individual speed at lactate threshold (i.e., when change in lactate exceeded 1 mmol/L during an incremental running test) in a control and stiff shoe condition on 2 occasions. Lower limb joint kinematics and kinetics were measured using a motion capture system and a force-instrumented treadmill. Data were acquired every 500 m. RESULTS Prolonged running resulted in a redistribution of positive joint work from distal to proximal joints in both shoe conditions. Compared to the beginning of the run, less positive work was performed at the ankle (approximately 9%; p ≤ 0.001) and more positive work was performed at the knee joint (approximately 17%; p ≤ 0.001) at the end of the run. When running in the stiff shoe condition, the onset of joint work redistribution at the ankle and knee joints occurred at a later point during the run. CONCLUSION A delayed onset of joint work redistribution in the stiff condition may result in less activated muscle volume, because ankle plantar flexor muscles have shorter muscles fascicles and smaller cross-sectional areas compared to knee extensor muscles. Less active muscle volume could be related to previously reported decreases in metabolic cost when running in stiff footwear. These results contribute to the notion that footwear with increased stiffness likely results in reductions in metabolic cost by delaying joint work redistribution from distal to proximal joints.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sasa Cigoja
- Human Performance Laboratory, Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada.
| | - Jared R Fletcher
- Department of Health and Physical Education, Mount Royal University, Calgary, AB T3E 6K6, Canada
| | - Benno M Nigg
- Human Performance Laboratory, Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada
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13
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Esposito M, Wannop JW, Stefanyshyn DJ. Effects of midsole cushioning stiffness on Achilles tendon stretch during running. Sci Rep 2022; 12:4193. [PMID: 35264630 PMCID: PMC8907303 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-07719-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2021] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Footwear midsole material can have a direct influence on running performance. However, the exact mechanism of improved performance remains unknown. The purpose of this study was to determine if Achilles tendon energetics could potentially play a role in the performance improvements, by testing if changes in footwear midsole stiffness elicit changes in Achilles tendon stretch. Fourteen runners ran in two footwear conditions while kinematic, kinetic, metabolic and ultrasound data were recorded. There was a moderate positive correlation between the difference in stretch and the difference in performance, which was statistically significant (r(12) = 0.563, p = 0.036). Twelve participants had greater stretch and better performance in the same footwear condition. Based on stretch estimates, the difference between conditions in energy returned from the Achilles tendon was 3.9% of the mechanical energy required per step. Energy return of this magnitude would be relevant and could cause the improved performance observed. These results suggest that increasing energy returned from the Achilles could be a valid mechanism for improving running performance due to changes in footwear. These findings lead the way for future research to further understand internal mechanisms behind improved running performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Esposito
- Human Performance Laboratory, Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada. .,Biomedical Engineering Graduate Program, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.
| | - John W Wannop
- Human Performance Laboratory, Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Darren J Stefanyshyn
- Human Performance Laboratory, Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,Biomedical Engineering Graduate Program, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
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14
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Machado E, Lanferdini FJ, da Silva ES, Geremia JM, Sonda FC, Fletcher JR, Vaz MA, Peyré-Tartaruga LA. Triceps Surae Muscle-Tendon Properties as Determinants of the Metabolic Cost in Trained Long-Distance Runners. Front Physiol 2022; 12:767445. [PMID: 35058793 PMCID: PMC8764303 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2021.767445] [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: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 11/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose: This study aimed to determine whether triceps surae’s muscle architecture and Achilles tendon parameters are related to running metabolic cost (C) in trained long-distance runners. Methods: Seventeen trained male recreational long-distance runners (mean age = 34 years) participated in this study. C was measured during submaximal steady-state running (5 min) at 12 and 16 km h–1 on a treadmill. Ultrasound was used to determine the gastrocnemius medialis (GM), gastrocnemius lateralis (GL), and soleus (SO) muscle architecture, including fascicle length (FL) and pennation angle (PA), and the Achilles tendon cross-sectional area (CSA), resting length and elongation as a function of plantar flexion torque during maximal voluntary plantar flexion. Achilles tendon mechanical (force, elongation, and stiffness) and material (stress, strain, and Young’s modulus) properties were determined. Stepwise multiple linear regressions were used to determine the relationship between independent variables (tendon resting length, CSA, force, elongation, stiffness, stress, strain, Young’s modulus, and FL and PA of triceps surae muscles) and C (J kg–1m–1) at 12 and 16 km h–1. Results: SO PA and Achilles tendon CSA were negatively associated with C (r2 = 0.69; p < 0.001) at 12 km h–1, whereas SO PA was negatively and Achilles tendon stress was positively associated with C (r2 = 0.63; p = 0.001) at 16 km h–1, respectively. Our results presented a small power, and the multiple linear regression’s cause-effect relation was limited due to the low sample size. Conclusion: For a given muscle length, greater SO PA, probably related to short muscle fibers and to a large physiological cross-sectional area, may be beneficial to C. Larger Achilles tendon CSA may determine a better force distribution per tendon area, thereby reducing tendon stress and C at submaximal speeds (12 and 16 km h–1). Furthermore, Achilles tendon morphological and mechanical properties (CSA, stress, and Young’s modulus) and triceps surae muscle architecture (GM PA, GM FL, SO PA, and SO FL) presented large correlations with C.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esthevan Machado
- Laboratório de Pesquisa do Exercício, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil.,Department of Health and Physical Education, Mount Royal University, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Fábio Juner Lanferdini
- Laboratório de Pesquisa do Exercício, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil.,Laboratório de Biomecânica, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Brazil
| | - Edson Soares da Silva
- Laboratório de Pesquisa do Exercício, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Jeam Marcel Geremia
- Laboratório de Pesquisa do Exercício, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Francesca Chaida Sonda
- Laboratório de Pesquisa do Exercício, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Jared R Fletcher
- Department of Health and Physical Education, Mount Royal University, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Marco Aurélio Vaz
- Laboratório de Pesquisa do Exercício, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
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Chen S, Wang D, Zhang Q, Shi Y, Ding H, Li F. Relationship Between Isokinetic Lower-Limb Joint Strength, Isometric Time Force Characteristics, and Leg-Spring Stiffness in Recreational Runners. Front Physiol 2022; 12:797682. [PMID: 35126180 PMCID: PMC8814442 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2021.797682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2021] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuromuscular characteristics, such as lower-limb joint strength and the ability to rapidly generate force, may play an important role in leg-spring stiffness regulation. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between isokinetic knee and ankle joint peak torque (PT), the force-time characteristics of isometric mid-thigh pull (IMTP), and leg stiffness (Kleg)/vertical stiffness (Kvert) in recreationally trained runners. Thirty-one male runners were recruited and underwent three separate tests. In the first session, the body composition, Kleg, and Kvert at running speeds of 12 and 14 km⋅h–1 were measured. In the second session, isokinetic knee and ankle joint PT at 60°⋅s–1 were tested. The force-time characteristics of the IMTP were evaluated in the final session. Pearson’s product-moment correlations, with the Benjamini–Hochberg correction procedure, showed that the knee flexor concentric and eccentric and extensor concentric PT (r = 0.473–0.654, p < 0.05) were moderate to largely correlated with Kleg and Kvert at 12 and 14 km⋅h–1. The knee extensor eccentric PT (r = 0.440, p = 0.050) was moderately correlated with the 14 km⋅h–1Kvert. The ankle plantar flexor concentric and dorsiflexor eccentric PT (r = 0.506–0.571, p < 0.05) were largely correlated with Kleg at 12 km⋅h–1. The ankle plantar flexor concentric and eccentric and dorsiflexor eccentric PT (r = 0.436–0.561, p < 0.05) were moderate to largely correlated with Kvert at 12 and 14 km⋅h–1. For IMTP testing, high correlation was only found between the IMPT peak force (PF) and Kvert at 14 km⋅h–1 (r = 0.510, p = 0.014). Thus, superior leg-spring stiffness in recreational runners may be related to increased knee and ankle joint strength, eccentric muscular capacity, and maximal force production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiqin Chen
- School of Physical Education and Sport Training, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, China
| | - Dan Wang
- School of Physical Education and Sport Training, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, China
| | - Qin Zhang
- School of Physical Education and Sport Training, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, China
| | - Yue Shi
- School of Kinesiology, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, China
| | - Haiyong Ding
- School of Physical Education and Sport Training, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, China
| | - Fei Li
- School of Physical Education and Sport Training, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Fei Li,
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16
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May S, Locke S, Kingsley M. Gastrocnemius Muscle Architecture in Elite Basketballers and Cyclists: A Cross-Sectional Cohort Study. Front Sports Act Living 2021; 3:768846. [PMID: 34950871 PMCID: PMC8688802 DOI: 10.3389/fspor.2021.768846] [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: 09/01/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Eccentric and concentric actions produce distinct mechanical stimuli and result in different adaptations in skeletal muscle architecture. Cycling predominantly involves concentric activity of the gastrocnemius muscles, while playing basketball requires both concentric and eccentric actions to support running, jumping, and landing. The aim of this study was to examine differences in the architecture of gastrocnemius medialis (GM) and gastrocnemius lateralis (GL) between elite basketballers and cyclists. A trained sonographer obtained three B-mode ultrasound images from GM and GL muscles in 44 athletes (25 basketballers and 19 cyclists; 24 ± 5 years of age). The images were digitized and average fascicle length (FL), pennation angle (θ), and muscle thickness were calculated from three images per muscle. The ratio of FL to tibial length (FL/TL) and muscle thickness to tibial length (MT/TL) was also calculated to account for the potential scaling effect of stature. In males, no significant differences were identified between the athletic groups in all parameters in the GM, but a significant difference existed in muscle thickness in the GL. In basketballers, GL was 2.5 mm thicker (95% CI: 0.7-4.3 mm, p = 0.011) on the left side and 2.6 mm thicker (95% CI: 0.6-5.7 mm, p = 0.012) on the right side; however, these differences were not significant when stature was accounted for (MT/TL). In females, significant differences existed in the GM for all parameters including FL/TL and MT/TL. Female cyclists had longer FL in both limbs (MD: 11.2 and 11.3 mm), narrower θ (MD: 2.1 and 1.8°), and thicker muscles (MD: 2.1 and 2.5 mm). For the GL, female cyclists had significantly longer FL (MD: 5.2 and 5.8 mm) and narrower θ (MD: 1.7 and 2.3°) in both limbs; no differences were observed in absolute muscle thickness or MT/TL ratio. Differences in gastrocnemius muscle architecture were observed between female cyclists and basketballers, but not between males. These findings suggest that participation in sport-specific training might influence gastrocnemius muscle architecture in elite female athletes; however, it remains unclear as to whether gastrocnemius architecture is systematically influenced by the different modes of muscle activation between these respective sports.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha May
- La Trobe Rural Health School, La Trobe University, Bendigo, VIC, Australia
| | - Simon Locke
- La Trobe Rural Health School, La Trobe University, Bendigo, VIC, Australia
| | - Michael Kingsley
- Holsworth Research Initiative, La Trobe University, Bendigo, VIC, Australia.,Department of Exercise Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
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17
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Bohm S, Mersmann F, Santuz A, Schroll A, Arampatzis A. Muscle-specific economy of force generation and efficiency of work production during human running. eLife 2021; 10:e67182. [PMID: 34473056 PMCID: PMC8412947 DOI: 10.7554/elife.67182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2021] [Accepted: 08/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Human running features a spring-like interaction of body and ground, enabled by elastic tendons that store mechanical energy and facilitate muscle operating conditions to minimize the metabolic cost. By experimentally assessing the operating conditions of two important muscles for running, the soleus and vastus lateralis, we investigated physiological mechanisms of muscle work production and muscle force generation. We found that the soleus continuously shortened throughout the stance phase, operating as work generator under conditions that are considered optimal for work production: high force-length potential and high enthalpy efficiency. The vastus lateralis promoted tendon energy storage and contracted nearly isometrically close to optimal length, resulting in a high force-length-velocity potential beneficial for economical force generation. The favorable operating conditions of both muscles were a result of an effective length and velocity-decoupling of fascicles and muscle-tendon unit, mostly due to tendon compliance and, in the soleus, marginally by fascicle rotation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Bohm
- Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Department of Training and Movement SciencesBerlinGermany
- Berlin School of Movement Science, Humboldt-Universität zu BerlinBerlinGermany
| | - Falk Mersmann
- Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Department of Training and Movement SciencesBerlinGermany
- Berlin School of Movement Science, Humboldt-Universität zu BerlinBerlinGermany
| | - Alessandro Santuz
- Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Department of Training and Movement SciencesBerlinGermany
- Berlin School of Movement Science, Humboldt-Universität zu BerlinBerlinGermany
| | - Arno Schroll
- Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Department of Training and Movement SciencesBerlinGermany
- Berlin School of Movement Science, Humboldt-Universität zu BerlinBerlinGermany
| | - Adamantios Arampatzis
- Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Department of Training and Movement SciencesBerlinGermany
- Berlin School of Movement Science, Humboldt-Universität zu BerlinBerlinGermany
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18
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Bramah C, Preece SJ, Gill N, Herrington L. Kinematic Characteristics of Male Runners With a History of Recurrent Calf Muscle Strain Injury. Int J Sports Phys Ther 2021; 16:732-740. [PMID: 34123526 PMCID: PMC8169031 DOI: 10.26603/001c.22971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2020] [Accepted: 01/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Calf muscle strain injuries are a common running injury affecting male runners and are known to have high reoccurrence rates. Currently, limited evidence exists investigating factors associated with this injury with no previous study investigating the running kinematics of male runners with a history of repeat calf muscle strain injuries. PURPOSE To investigate whether male runners with a history of repeat calf muscle strain injury demonstrate differences in stance phase running kinematics when compared to healthy controls. STUDY DESIGN Case-control investigation. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 3b. METHODS Stance phase kinematics were compared between 15 male runners with a history of calf muscle strain injury and 15 male control participants during treadmill running at 3.2m/s. Independent t-tests were used to compare differences in stance phase kinematic parameters between groups and effect sizes were calculated using Cohen's d. RESULTS The group with a history of calf muscle strain injury demonstrated a significant 2.1⁰ and 3.1⁰ increase in contralateral pelvic drop and anterior pelvic tilt during mid stance. In addition, this group exhibited longer stance times and a more anterior tilted pelvis, flexed hip and a greater distance between the heel and centre of mass at initial contact. Large effect sizes, greater than 0.8, were observed for all differences. No significant differences were observed for ankle and knee joint kinematics between the groups. CONCLUSION This is the first study to identify kinematic characteristics associated with recurrent calf muscle strain injury. While it is not possible to determine causality, the observed kinematic differences may contribute to recurrent nature of this injury. Specifically, it is possible that neuromuscular deficits of the hip and calf muscle complex may lead to increased strain on the calf complex. Rehabilitation interventions which focus on addressing pelvis and hip kinematics may reduce the demands placed upon the calf complex and could prove clinically effective.
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SWINNEN WANNES, MYLLE INE, HOOGKAMER WOUTER, DE GROOTE FRIEDL, VANWANSEELE BENEDICTE. Changing Stride Frequency Alters Average Joint Power and Power Distributions during Ground Contact and Leg Swing in Running. Med Sci Sports Exerc 2021; 53:2111-2118. [PMID: 33935233 DOI: 10.1249/mss.0000000000002692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Runners naturally adopt a stride frequency closely corresponding with the stride frequency that minimizes energy consumption. Although the concept of self-optimization is well recognized, we lack mechanistic insight into the association between stride frequency and energy consumption. Altering stride frequency affects lower extremity joint power; however, these alterations are different between joints, possibly with counteracting effects on the energy consumption during ground contact and swing. Here, we investigated the effects of changing stride frequency from a joint-level perspective. METHODS Seventeen experienced runners performed six running trials at five different stride frequencies (preferred stride frequency (PSF) twice, PSF ± 8%, PSF ± 15%) at 12 km·h-1. During each trial, we measured metabolic energy consumption and muscle activation, and collected kinematic and kinetic data, which allowed us to calculate average positive joint power using inverse dynamics. RESULTS With decreasing stride frequency, average positive ankle and knee power during ground contact increased (P < 0.01), whereas average positive hip power during leg swing decreased (P < 0.01). Average soleus muscle activation during ground contact also decreased with increasing stride frequency (P < 0.01). In addition, the relative contribution of positive ankle power to the total positive joint power during ground contact decreased (P = 0.01) with decreasing stride frequency, whereas the relative contribution of the hip during the full stride increased (P < 0.01) with increasing stride frequency. CONCLUSIONS Our results provide evidence for the hypothesis that the optimal stride frequency represents a trade-off between minimizing the energy consumption during ground contact, associated with higher stride frequencies, without excessively increasing the cost of leg swing or reducing the time available to produce the necessary forces.
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Werkhausen A, Willwacher S, Albracht K. Medial gastrocnemius muscle fascicles shorten throughout stance during sprint acceleration. Scand J Med Sci Sports 2021; 31:1471-1480. [PMID: 33749906 DOI: 10.1111/sms.13956] [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] [Received: 10/16/2020] [Revised: 03/03/2021] [Accepted: 03/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
The compliant nature of distal limb muscle-tendon units is traditionally considered suboptimal in explosive movements when positive joint work is required. However, during accelerative running, ankle joint net mechanical work is positive. Therefore, this study aims to investigate how plantar flexor muscle-tendon behavior is modulated during fast accelerations. Eleven female sprinters performed maximum sprint accelerations from starting blocks, while gastrocnemius muscle fascicle lengths were estimated using ultrasonography. We combined motion analysis and ground reaction force measurements to assess lower limb joint kinematics and kinetics, and to estimate gastrocnemius muscle-tendon unit length during the first two acceleration steps. Outcome variables were resampled to the stance phase and averaged across three to five trials. Relevant scalars were extracted and analyzed using one-sample and two-sample t-tests, and vector trajectories were compared using statistical parametric mapping. We found that an uncoupling of muscle fascicle behavior from muscle-tendon unit behavior is effectively used to produce net positive mechanical work at the joint during maximum sprint acceleration. Muscle fascicles shortened throughout the first and second steps, while shortening occurred earlier during the first step, where negative joint work was lower compared with the second step. Elastic strain energy may be stored during dorsiflexion after touchdown since fascicles did not lengthen at the same time to dissipate energy. Thus, net positive work generation is accommodated by the reuse of elastic strain energy along with positive gastrocnemius fascicle work. Our results show a mechanism of how muscles with high in-series compliance can contribute to net positive joint work.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amelie Werkhausen
- Institute for Biomechanics and Orthopaedics, German Sport University Cologne, Cologne, Germany.,Department of Physical Performance, Norwegian School of Sport Sciences, Oslo, Norway
| | - Steffen Willwacher
- Institute for Biomechanics and Orthopaedics, German Sport University Cologne, Cologne, Germany.,Department of Mechanical and Process Engineering, Offenburg University, Offenburg, Germany
| | - Kirsten Albracht
- Institute for Biomechanics and Orthopaedics, German Sport University Cologne, Cologne, Germany.,Department of Medical Engineering and Technomathematics, Aachen University of Applied Sciences, Aachen, Germany
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21
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Energetics and Biomechanics of Running Footwear with Increased Longitudinal Bending Stiffness: A Narrative Review. Sports Med 2021; 51:873-894. [DOI: 10.1007/s40279-020-01406-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/29/2020] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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22
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What are the Benefits and Risks Associated with Changing Foot Strike Pattern During Running? A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Injury, Running Economy, and Biomechanics. Sports Med 2021; 50:885-917. [PMID: 31823338 DOI: 10.1007/s40279-019-01238-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Running participation continues to increase. The ideal strike pattern during running is a controversial topic. Many coaches and therapists promote non-rearfoot strike (NRFS) running with a belief that it can treat and prevent injury, and improve running economy. OBJECTIVE The aims of this review were to synthesise the evidence comparing NRFS with rearfoot strike (RFS) running patterns in relation to injury and running economy (primary aim), and biomechanics (secondary aim). DESIGN Systematic review and meta-analysis. Consideration was given to within participant, between participant, retrospective, and prospective study designs. DATA SOURCES MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, and SPORTDiscus. RESULTS Fifty-three studies were included. Limited evidence indicated that NRFS running is retrospectively associated with lower reported rates of mild (standard mean difference (SMD), 95% CI 3.25, 2.37-4.12), moderate (3.65, 2.71-4.59) and severe (0.93, 0.32-1.55) repetitive stress injury. Studies prospectively comparing injury risk between strike patterns are lacking. Limited evidence indicated that running economy did not differ between habitual RFS and habitual NRFS runners at slow (10.8-11.0 km/h), moderate (12.6-13.5 km/h), and fast (14.0-15.0 km/h) speeds, and was reduced in the immediate term when an NRFS-running pattern was imposed on habitual RFS runners at slow (10.8 km/h; SMD = - 1.67, - 2.82 to - 0.52) and moderate (12.6 km/h; - 1.26, - 2.42 to - 0.10) speeds. Key biomechanical findings, consistently including both comparison between habitual strike patterns and following immediate transition from RFS to NRFS running, indicated that NRFS running was associated with lower average and peak vertical loading rate (limited-moderate evidence; SMDs = 0.72-2.15); lower knee flexion range of motion (moderate-strong evidence; SMDs = 0.76-0.88); reduced patellofemoral joint stress (limited evidence; SMDs = 0.63-0.68); and greater peak internal ankle plantar flexor moment (limited evidence; SMDs = 0.73-1.33). CONCLUSION The relationship between strike pattern and injury risk could not be determined, as current evidence is limited to retrospective findings. Considering the lack of evidence to support any improvements in running economy, combined with the associated shift in loading profile (i.e., greater ankle and plantarflexor loading) found in this review, changing strike pattern cannot be recommended for an uninjured RFS runner. PROSPERO REGISTRATION CRD42015024523.
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23
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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: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [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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Kovács B, Kóbor I, Sebestyén Ö, Tihanyi J. Longer Achilles tendon moment arm results in better running economy. Physiol Int 2021; 107:527-541. [PMID: 33410770 DOI: 10.1556/2060.2020.10000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2020] [Accepted: 08/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Based on the current literature, the link between Achilles tendon moment arm length and running economy is not well understood. Therefore, the aim of this study was to further investigate the connection between Achilles tendon moment arm and running economy and the influence of Achilles tendon moment arm on the function of the plantarflexor muscle-tendon unit during running.Ten male competitive marathon runners volunteered for this study. The participants ran on a treadmill at two running speeds: 3 and 3.5 m s-1. During running the oxygen consumption, lower leg kinematics, electrical activity of plantar flexor muscles, and fascicle behavior of the lateral gastrocnemius were measured simultaneously. On the second occasion, an MRI scan of the right leg was taken and used to estimate the Achilles tendon moment arm length.There was a negative correlation between running economy and the body height normalized moment arm length at both selected speeds (r = -0.68, P = 0.014 and r = -0.70, P = 0.01). In addition, Achilles tendon moment arm length correlated with the amplitude of the ankle flexion at both speeds (r = -0.59, P = 0.03 and r = -0.60, P = 0.03) and with the electrical activity of the medial gastrocnemius muscle at 3 m s-1 speed (r = -0.62, P = 0.02). Our finding supports the concept that a longer moment arm could be beneficial for distance runners.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Kovács
- 1Department of Kinesiology, University of Physical Education, Budapest, Hungary
| | - I Kóbor
- 2Semmelweis University, MR Research Centre, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Ö Sebestyén
- 1Department of Kinesiology, University of Physical Education, Budapest, Hungary
| | - J Tihanyi
- 1Department of Kinesiology, University of Physical Education, Budapest, Hungary
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25
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Increasing the midsole bending stiffness of shoes alters gastrocnemius medialis muscle function during running. Sci Rep 2021; 11:749. [PMID: 33436965 PMCID: PMC7804138 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-80791-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Accepted: 12/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent years, increasing the midsole bending stiffness (MBS) of running shoes by embedding carbon fibre plates in the midsole resulted in many world records set during long-distance running competitions. Although several theories were introduced to unravel the mechanisms behind these performance benefits, no definitive explanation was provided so far. This study aimed to investigate how the function of the gastrocnemius medialis (GM) muscle and Achilles tendon is altered when running in shoes with increased MBS. Here, we provide the first direct evidence that the amount and velocity of GM muscle fascicle shortening is reduced when running with increased MBS. Compared to control, running in the stiffest condition at 90% of speed at lactate threshold resulted in less muscle fascicle shortening (p = 0.006, d = 0.87), slower average shortening velocity (p = 0.002, d = 0.93) and greater estimated Achilles tendon energy return (p ≤ 0.001, d = 0.96), without a significant change in GM fascicle work (p = 0.335, d = 0.40) or GM energy cost (p = 0.569, d = 0.30). The findings of this study suggest that running in stiff shoes allows the ankle plantarflexor muscle-tendon unit to continue to operate on a more favourable position of the muscle's force-length-velocity relationship by lowering muscle shortening velocity and increasing tendon energy return.
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26
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Lower leg muscle-tendon unit characteristics are related to marathon running performance. Sci Rep 2020; 10:17870. [PMID: 33087749 PMCID: PMC7578824 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-73742-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2020] [Accepted: 09/15/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The human ankle joint and plantar flexor muscle–tendon unit play an important role in endurance running. It has been assumed that muscle and tendon interactions and their biomechanical behaviours depend on their morphological and architectural characteristics. We aimed to study how plantar flexor muscle characteristics influence marathon running performance and to determine whether there is any difference in the role of the soleus and gastrocnemii. The right lower leg of ten male distance runners was scanned with magnetic resonance imagining. The cross-sectional areas of the Achilles tendon, soleus, and lateral and medial gastrocnemius were measured, and the muscle volumes were calculated. Additional ultrasound scanning was used to estimate the fascicle length of each muscle to calculate the physiological cross-sectional area. Correlations were found between marathon running performance and soleus volume (r = 0.55, p = 0.048), soleus cross-sectional area (r = 0.57, p = 0.04), soleus physiological cross-sectional area (PCSA-IAAF r = 0.77, p < 0.01, CI± 0.28 to 0.94), Achilles tendon thickness (r = 0.65, p < 0.01), and soleus muscle-to-tendon ratio (r = 0.68, p = 0.03). None of the gastrocnemius characteristics were associated with marathon performance. We concluded that a larger soleus muscle with a thicker Achilles tendon is associated with better marathon performance. Based on these results, it can be concluded the morphological characteristics of the lower leg muscle–tendon unit correlate with running performance.
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27
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Beck ON, Golyski PR, Sawicki GS. Adding carbon fiber to shoe soles may not improve running economy: a muscle-level explanation. Sci Rep 2020; 10:17154. [PMID: 33051532 PMCID: PMC7555508 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-74097-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2019] [Accepted: 09/21/2020] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
In an attempt to improve their distance-running performance, many athletes race with carbon fiber plates embedded in their shoe soles. Accordingly, we sought to establish whether, and if so how, adding carbon fiber plates to shoes soles reduces athlete aerobic energy expenditure during running (improves running economy). We tested 15 athletes as they ran at 3.5 m/s in four footwear conditions that varied in shoe sole bending stiffness, modified by carbon fiber plates. For each condition, we quantified athlete aerobic energy expenditure and performed biomechanical analyses, which included the use of ultrasonography to examine soleus muscle dynamics in vivo. Overall, increased footwear bending stiffness lengthened ground contact time (p = 0.048), but did not affect ankle (p ≥ 0.060), knee (p ≥ 0.128), or hip (p ≥ 0.076) joint angles or moments. Additionally, increased footwear bending stiffness did not affect muscle activity (all seven measured leg muscles (p ≥ 0.146)), soleus active muscle volume (p = 0.538; d = 0.241), or aerobic power (p = 0.458; d = 0.04) during running. Hence, footwear bending stiffness does not appear to alter the volume of aerobic energy consuming muscle in the soleus, or any other leg muscle, during running. Therefore, adding carbon fiber plates to shoe soles slightly alters whole-body and calf muscle biomechanics but may not improve running economy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Owen N Beck
- George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA. .,School of Biological Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA.
| | - Pawel R Golyski
- George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA.,Parker H. Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Gregory S Sawicki
- George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA.,School of Biological Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA.,Parker H. Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA
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28
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Monte A, Maganaris C, Baltzopoulos V, Zamparo P. The influence of Achilles tendon mechanical behaviour on "apparent" efficiency during running at different speeds. Eur J Appl Physiol 2020; 120:2495-2505. [PMID: 32840697 PMCID: PMC7557501 DOI: 10.1007/s00421-020-04472-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2020] [Accepted: 08/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Purpose We investigated the role of elastic strain energy on the “apparent” efficiency of locomotion (AE), a parameter that is known to increase as a function of running speed (up to 0.5–0.7) well above the values of “pure” muscle efficiency (about 0.25–0.30). Methods In vivo ultrasound measurements of the gastrocnemius medialis (GM) muscle–tendon unit (MTU) were combined with kinematic, kinetic and metabolic measurements to investigate the possible influence of the Achilles tendon mechanical behaviour on the mechanics (total mechanical work, WTOT) and energetics (net energy cost, Cnet) of running at different speeds (10, 13 and 16 km h−1); AE was calculated as WTOT/Cnet. Results GM fascicles shortened during the entire stance phase, the more so the higher the speed, but the majority of the MTU displacement was accommodated by the Achilles tendon. Tendon strain and recoil increased as a function of running speed (P < 0.01 and P < 0.001, respectively). The contribution of elastic energy to the positive work generated by the MTU also increased with speed (from 0.09 to 0.16 J kg−1 m−1). Significant negative correlations (P < 0.01) were observed between tendon work and metabolic energy at each running speed (the higher the tendon work the lower the metabolic demand) and significant positive correlations were observed between tendon work and AE (P < 0.001) at each running speed (the higher the tendon work the higher the efficiency). Conclusion These results support the notion that the dynamic function of tendons is integral in reducing energy expenditure and increasing the “apparent” efficiency of running.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Monte
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, via Felice Casorati, 43, 37131, Verona, Italy
- Research Institute for Sport and Exercise Sciences (RISES), Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK
| | - Constantinos Maganaris
- Research Institute for Sport and Exercise Sciences (RISES), Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK
| | - Vasilios Baltzopoulos
- Research Institute for Sport and Exercise Sciences (RISES), Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK
| | - Paola Zamparo
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, via Felice Casorati, 43, 37131, Verona, Italy.
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29
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Jacques T, Bini R, Arndt A. Running after cycling induces inter-limb differences in muscle activation but not in kinetics or kinematics. J Sports Sci 2020; 39:154-160. [PMID: 32814515 DOI: 10.1080/02640414.2020.1809176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Overuse injuries are a common problem to triathletes' population. Overuse injuries may arise from inter-limb biomechanical differences during running, but the literature lacks information regarding inter-limb differences in triathletes. In this study inter-limb differences were investigated in injury-free triathletes during the running portion of a simulated cycle-run transition. Thirteen triathletes performed a 5 km run preceded by a 20 min cycling trial at 70% of maximal power output. During the Start, Mid and End stages of running, kinetic, kinematic and muscle activation variables were compared between the preferred and non-preferred limbs across the stance phase. A statistical parametric mapping analysis showed no differences between limbs when considering kinetic and kinematic variables (p > 0.05, ES<0.60). A lower soleus activation was observed in the preferred limb (p < 0.05, ES>0.60) from 53.40-75.9% of the stance phase at the End stage of running. In conclusion, inter-limb differences in kinetic or kinematic variables may not represent a risk for overloading in triathletes. However, inter-limb differences in triceps surae activation during running after cycling may represent one potential factor leading to overuse injuries in triathletes and should be further investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiago Jacques
- The Swedish School of Sport and Health Sciences , Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Rodrigo Bini
- La Trobe Rural Health School , Bendigo, Australia
| | - Anton Arndt
- The Swedish School of Sport and Health Sciences , Stockholm, Sweden.,Karolinska Institute , Stockholm, Sweden
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30
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Arampatzis A, Mersmann F, Bohm S. Individualized Muscle-Tendon Assessment and Training. Front Physiol 2020; 11:723. [PMID: 32670094 PMCID: PMC7332733 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2020.00723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2020] [Accepted: 06/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The interaction of muscle and tendon is of major importance for movement performance and a balanced development of muscle strength and tendon stiffness could protect athletes from overuse injury. However, muscle and tendon do not necessarily adapt in a uniform manner during a training process. The development of a diagnostic routine to assess both the strength capacity of muscle and the mechanical properties of tendons would enable the detection of muscle-tendon imbalances, indicate if the training should target muscle strength or tendon stiffness development and allow for the precise prescription of training loads to optimize tendon adaptation. This perspective article discusses a framework of individualized muscle-tendon assessment and training and outlines a methodological approach for the patellar tendon.
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Affiliation(s)
- 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
| | - 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
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31
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Monte A, Baltzopoulos V, Maganaris CN, Zamparo P. Gastrocnemius Medialis and Vastus Lateralis in vivo muscle‐tendon behavior during running at increasing speeds. Scand J Med Sci Sports 2020; 30:1163-1176. [DOI: 10.1111/sms.13662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2019] [Revised: 02/20/2020] [Accepted: 03/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Monte
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences University of Verona Verona Italy
- Research Institute for Sport and Exercise Sciences (RISES) Liverpool John Moores University Liverpool UK
| | - Vasilios Baltzopoulos
- Research Institute for Sport and Exercise Sciences (RISES) Liverpool John Moores University Liverpool UK
| | - Constantinos N. Maganaris
- Research Institute for Sport and Exercise Sciences (RISES) Liverpool John Moores University Liverpool UK
| | - Paola Zamparo
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences University of Verona Verona Italy
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32
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Bissas A, Havenetidis K, Walker J, Hanley B, Nicholson G, Metaxas T, Christoulas K, Cronin NJ. Muscle-tendon morphology and function following long-term exposure to repeated and strenuous mechanical loading. Scand J Med Sci Sports 2020; 30:1151-1162. [PMID: 32246562 DOI: 10.1111/sms.13669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2019] [Revised: 02/16/2020] [Accepted: 03/13/2020] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
We mapped structural and functional characteristics of muscle-tendon units in a population exposed to very long-term routine overloading. Twenty-eight military academy cadets (age = 21.00 ± 1.1 years; height = 176.1 ± 4.8 cm; mass = 73.8 ± 7.0 kg) exposed for over 24 months to repetitive overloading were profiled via ultrasonography with a senior subgroup of them (n = 11; age = 21.4 ± 1.0 years; height = 176.5 ± 4.8 cm; mass = 71.4 ± 6.6 kg) also tested while walking and marching on a treadmill. A group of eleven ethnicity- and age-matched civilians (age = 21.6 ± 0.7 years; height = 176.8 ± 4.3 cm; mass = 74.6 ± 5.6 kg) was also profiled and tested. Cadets and civilians exhibited similar morphology (muscle and tendon thickness and cross-sectional area, pennation angle, fascicle length) in 26 out of 29 sites including the Achilles tendon. However, patellar tendon thickness along the entire tendon was greater (P < .05) by a mean of 16% for the senior cadets compared with civilians. Dynamically, cadets showed significantly smaller ranges of fascicle length change and lower shortening velocity in medial gastrocnemius during walking (44.0% and 47.6%, P < .05-.01) and marching (27.5% and 34.3%, P < .05-.01) than civilians. Furthermore, cadets showed lower normalized soleus electrical activity during walking (22.7%, P < .05) and marching (27.0%, P < .05). Therefore, 24-36 months of continuous overloading, primarily occurring under aerobic conditions, leads to more efficient neural and mechanical behavior in the triceps surae complex, without any major macroscopic alterations in key anatomical structures.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Josh Walker
- Carnegie School of Sport, Leeds Beckett University, Leeds, UK
| | - Brian Hanley
- Carnegie School of Sport, Leeds Beckett University, Leeds, UK
| | | | - Thomas Metaxas
- Laboratory of Evaluation of Human Biological Performance, Department of Physical Education and Sport Science, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Kosmas Christoulas
- Laboratory of Evaluation of Human Biological Performance, Department of Physical Education and Sport Science, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Neil J Cronin
- Neuromuscular Research Center, Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland.,Department for Health, University of Bath, Bath, UK
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33
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Yong JR, Dembia CL, Silder A, Jackson RW, Fredericson M, Delp SL. Foot strike pattern during running alters muscle-tendon dynamics of the gastrocnemius and the soleus. Sci Rep 2020; 10:5872. [PMID: 32245985 PMCID: PMC7125118 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-62464-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2019] [Accepted: 03/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Running is thought to be an efficient gait due, in part, to the behavior of the plantar flexor muscles and elastic energy storage in the Achilles tendon. Although plantar flexor muscle mechanics and Achilles tendon energy storage have been explored during rearfoot striking, they have not been fully characterized during forefoot striking. This study examined how plantar flexor muscle-tendon mechanics during running differs between rearfoot and forefoot striking. We used musculoskeletal simulations, driven by joint angles and electromyography recorded from runners using both rearfoot and forefoot striking running patterns, to characterize plantar flexor muscle-tendon mechanics. The simulations revealed that foot strike pattern affected the soleus and gastrocnemius differently. For the soleus, forefoot striking decreased tendon energy storage and fiber work done while the muscle fibers were shortening compared to rearfoot striking. For the gastrocnemius, forefoot striking increased muscle activation and fiber work done while the muscle fibers were lengthening compared to rearfoot striking. These changes in gastrocnemius mechanics suggest that runners planning to convert to forefoot striking might benefit from a progressive eccentric gastrocnemius strengthening program to avoid injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer R Yong
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States.
| | - Christopher L Dembia
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Amy Silder
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Rachel W Jackson
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Michael Fredericson
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Scott L Delp
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States.,Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States.,Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States
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34
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Van Hooren B, Teratsias P, Hodson-Tole EF. Ultrasound imaging to assess skeletal muscle architecture during movements: a systematic review of methods, reliability, and challenges. J Appl Physiol (1985) 2020; 128:978-999. [PMID: 32163334 DOI: 10.1152/japplphysiol.00835.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
B-mode ultrasound is often used to quantify muscle architecture during movements. Our objectives were to 1) systematically review the reliability of fascicle length (FL) and pennation angles (PA) measured using ultrasound during movements involving voluntary contractions; 2) systematically review the methods used in studies reporting reliability, discuss associated challenges, and provide recommendations to improve the reliability and validity of dynamic ultrasound measurements; and 3) provide an overview of computational approaches for quantifying fascicle architecture, their validity, agreement with manual quantification of fascicle architecture, and advantages and drawbacks. Three databases were searched until June 2019. Studies among healthy human individuals aged 17-85 yr that investigated the reliability of FL or PA in lower-extremity muscles during isoinertial movements and that were written in English were included. Thirty studies (n = 340 participants) were included for reliability analyses. Between-session reliability as measured by coefficient of multiple correlations (CMC), and coefficient of variation (CV) was FL CMC: 0.89-0.96; CV: 8.3% and PA CMC: 0.87-0.90; CV: 4.5-9.6%. Within-session reliability was FL CMC: 0.82-0.99; CV: 0.0-6.7% and PA CMC: 0.91; CV: 0.0-15.0%. Manual analysis reliability was FL CMC: 0.89-0.96; CV: 0.0-15.9%; PA CMC: 0.84-0.90; and CV: 2.0-9.8%. Computational analysis FL CMC was 0.82-0.99, and PA CV was 14.0-15.0%. Eighteen computational approaches were identified, and these generally showed high agreement with manual analysis and high validity compared with phantoms or synthetic images. B-mode ultrasound is a reliable method to quantify fascicle architecture during movement. Additionally, computational approaches can provide a reliable and valid estimation of fascicle architecture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bas Van Hooren
- Department of Nutrition and Movement Sciences, NUTRIM School of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism, Maastricht University Medical Centre+, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Panayiotis Teratsias
- Department of Nutrition and Movement Sciences, NUTRIM School of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism, Maastricht University Medical Centre+, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Emma F Hodson-Tole
- Musculoskeletal Sciences and Sports Medicine Research Centre, Department of Life Sciences, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, United Kingdom
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35
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Green B, Lin M, Schache AG, McClelland JA, Semciw AI, Rotstein A, Cook J, Pizzari T. Calf muscle strain injuries in elite Australian Football players: A descriptive epidemiological evaluation. Scand J Med Sci Sports 2020; 30:174-184. [PMID: 31494970 DOI: 10.1111/sms.13552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2019] [Revised: 08/23/2019] [Accepted: 09/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Calf muscle strain injuries (CMSI) show consistent rates of prevalence and re-injury in elite Australian Football players. An epidemiological evaluation is warranted to better understand the clinical presentation and recovery of CMSI. PURPOSE First, to describe the epidemiology of CMSI in elite Australian Football players. Second, to determine if recovery following injury is different according to: (a) injury type (index vs re-injury); (b) muscle injured (soleus vs gastrocnemius); and (c) mechanism of injury (running-related activity vs non running-related activity). STUDY DESIGN Descriptive epidemiological. METHODS Data retrieved from the Soft Tissue injury Registry of the Australian Football League were analyzed. Sixteen clubs submitted data on CMSI from 2014 to 2017. Data included: player characteristics, training and match history at the time of injury, MRI, and the time to reach recovery milestones. RESULTS One hundred and eighty-four CMSI were included (149 index injuries; 35 re-injuries). Soleus injuries were most prevalent (84.6%). Soleus injuries took 25.4 ± 16.2 days to return to play, whereas gastrocnemius injuries took 19.1 ± 14.1 days (P = .097). CMSI sustained during running-related activities took approximately 12 days longer to recover than injuries sustained during non running-related activities (P = .001). Compared to index injuries, re-injuries involved older players (P = .03) and significantly more time was taken to run at >90% of maximum speed, return to full training, and return to play (P ≤ .001). Almost all of the observed re-injuries involved soleus (91.4%). CONCLUSION Soleus injuries are more prevalent than gastrocnemius injuries in elite Australian Football players. Prognosis appears to be influenced by clinical factors, with CMSI sustained during running-related activities and re-injuries needing more time to recover.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brady Green
- La Trobe Sport and Exercise Medicine Research Centre, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Monica Lin
- Victoria House Imaging, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Anthony G Schache
- La Trobe Sport and Exercise Medicine Research Centre, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Jodie A McClelland
- La Trobe Sport and Exercise Medicine Research Centre, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Adam I Semciw
- La Trobe Sport and Exercise Medicine Research Centre, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
| | | | - Jill Cook
- La Trobe Sport and Exercise Medicine Research Centre, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Tania Pizzari
- La Trobe Sport and Exercise Medicine Research Centre, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
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36
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Leitner C, Hager PA, Penasso H, Tilp M, Benini L, Peham C, Baumgartner C. Ultrasound as a Tool to Study Muscle-Tendon Functions during Locomotion: A Systematic Review of Applications. SENSORS 2019; 19:s19194316. [PMID: 31590410 PMCID: PMC6806279 DOI: 10.3390/s19194316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2019] [Revised: 09/17/2019] [Accepted: 10/02/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Movement science investigating muscle and tendon functions during locomotion utilizes commercial ultrasound imagers built for medical applications. These limit biomechanics research due to their form factor, range of view, and spatio-temporal resolution. This review systematically investigates the technical aspects of applying ultrasound as a research tool to investigate human and animal locomotion. It provides an overview on the ultrasound systems used and of their operating parameters. We present measured fascicle velocities and discuss the results with respect to operating frame rates during recording. Furthermore, we derive why muscle and tendon functions should be recorded with a frame rate of at least 150 Hz and a range of view of 250 mm. Moreover, we analyze why and how the development of better ultrasound observation devices at the hierarchical level of muscles and tendons can support biomechanics research. Additionally, we present recent technological advances and their possible application. We provide a list of recommendations for the development of a more advanced ultrasound sensor system class targeting biomechanical applications. Looking to the future, mobile, ultrafast ultrasound hardware technologies create immense opportunities to expand the existing knowledge of human and animal movement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christoph Leitner
- Institute of Health Care Engineering with European Testing Center of Medical Devices, Graz University of Technology, Stremayrgasse 16/II, 8010 Graz, Austria.
- Institute of Sport Science, University of Graz, Mozartgasse 14, 8010 Graz, Austria.
| | - Pascal A Hager
- Integrated Systems Laboratory, ETH Zürich, Gloriastrasse 35, 8092 Zürich, Switzerland.
| | - Harald Penasso
- Institute of Sport Science, University of Graz, Mozartgasse 14, 8010 Graz, Austria.
| | - Markus Tilp
- Institute of Sport Science, University of Graz, Mozartgasse 14, 8010 Graz, Austria.
| | - Luca Benini
- Integrated Systems Laboratory, ETH Zürich, Gloriastrasse 35, 8092 Zürich, Switzerland.
- Electrical, Electronic and Information Engineering - DEI, Università di Bologna, Viale del Risorgimento 2, 40136 Bologna, Italy.
| | - Christian Peham
- Department for Companion Animals and Horses, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210 Wien, Austria.
| | - Christian Baumgartner
- Institute of Health Care Engineering with European Testing Center of Medical Devices, Graz University of Technology, Stremayrgasse 16/II, 8010 Graz, Austria.
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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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Werkhausen A, Cronin NJ, Albracht K, Paulsen G, Larsen AV, Bojsen-Møller J, Seynnes OR. Training-induced increase in Achilles tendon stiffness affects tendon strain pattern during running. PeerJ 2019; 7:e6764. [PMID: 31086731 PMCID: PMC6486809 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.6764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2018] [Accepted: 03/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background During the stance phase of running, the elasticity of the Achilles tendon enables the utilisation of elastic energy and allows beneficial contractile conditions for the triceps surae muscles. However, the effect of changes in tendon mechanical properties induced by chronic loading is still poorly understood. We tested the hypothesis that a training-induced increase in Achilles tendon stiffness would result in reduced tendon strain during the stance phase of running, which would reduce fascicle strains in the triceps surae muscles, particularly in the mono-articular soleus. Methods Eleven subjects were assigned to a training group performing isometric single-leg plantarflexion contractions three times per week for ten weeks, and another ten subjects formed a control group. Before and after the training period, Achilles tendon stiffness was estimated, and muscle-tendon mechanics were assessed during running at preferred speed using ultrasonography, kinematics and kinetics. Results Achilles tendon stiffness increased by 18% (P < 0.01) in the training group, but the associated reduction in strain seen during isometric contractions was not statistically significant. Tendon elongation during the stance phase of running was similar after training, but tendon recoil was reduced by 30% (P < 0.01), while estimated tendon force remained unchanged. Neither gastrocnemius medialis nor soleus fascicle shortening during stance was affected by training. Discussion These results show that a training-induced increase in Achilles tendon stiffness altered tendon behaviour during running. Despite training-induced changes in tendon mechanical properties and recoil behaviour, the data suggest that fascicle shortening patterns were preserved for the running speed that we examined. The asymmetrical changes in tendon strain patterns supports the notion that simple in-series models do not fully explain the mechanical output of the muscle-tendon unit during a complex task like running.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amelie Werkhausen
- Department of Physical Performance, Norwegian School of Sport Sciences, Oslo, Norway
| | - Neil J Cronin
- Neuromuscular Research Centre, Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Kirsten Albracht
- Institute of Biomechanics and Orthopedics, German Sport University Cologne, Cologne, Germany.,Department of Medical Engineering and Technomathematics, Aachen University of Applied Sciences, Aachen, Germany
| | - Gøran Paulsen
- The Norwegian Olympic and Paralympic Committee and Confederation of Sports, Oslo, Norway
| | - Askild V Larsen
- Department of Physical Performance, Norwegian School of Sport Sciences, Oslo, Norway
| | - Jens Bojsen-Møller
- Department of Physical Performance, Norwegian School of Sport Sciences, Oslo, Norway
| | - Olivier R Seynnes
- Department of Physical Performance, Norwegian School of Sport Sciences, Oslo, Norway
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Swinnen W, Hoogkamer W, Delabastita T, Aeles J, De Groote F, Vanwanseele B. Effect of habitual foot-strike pattern on the gastrocnemius medialis muscle-tendon interaction and muscle force production during running. J Appl Physiol (1985) 2019; 126:708-716. [PMID: 30629477 DOI: 10.1152/japplphysiol.00768.2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The interaction between gastrocnemius medialis (GM) muscle and Achilles tendon, i.e., muscle-tendon unit (MTU) interaction, plays an important role in minimizing the metabolic cost of running. Foot-strike pattern (FSP) has been suggested to alter MTU interaction and subsequently the metabolic cost of running. However, metabolic data from experimental studies on FSP are inconsistent, and a comparison of MTU interaction between FSP is still lacking. We, therefore, investigated the effect of habitual rearfoot and mid-/forefoot striking on MTU interaction, ankle joint work, and plantar flexor muscle force production while running at 10 and 14 km/h. GM muscle fascicles of 9 rearfoot and 10 mid-/forefoot strikers were tracked using dynamic ultrasonography during treadmill running. We collected kinetic and kinematic data and used musculoskeletal models to determine joint angles and calculate MTU lengths. In addition, we used dynamic optimization to assess plantar flexor muscle forces. During ground contact, GM fascicle shortening ( P = 0.02) and average contraction velocity ( P = 0.01) were 40-45% greater in rearfoot strikers than mid-/forefoot strikers. Differences in contraction velocity were especially prominent during early ground contact. Moreover, GM ( P = 0.02) muscle force was greater during early ground contact in mid-/forefoot strikers than rearfoot strikers. Interestingly, we did not find differences in stretch or recoil of the series elastic element between FSP. Our results suggest that, for the GM, the reduced muscle energy cost associated with lower fascicle contraction velocity in mid-/forefoot strikers may be counteracted by greater muscle forces during early ground contact. NEW & NOTEWORTHY Kinetic and kinematic differences between foot-strike patterns during running imply (not previously reported) altered muscle-tendon interaction. Here, we studied muscle-tendon interaction using ultrasonography. We found greater fascicle contraction velocities and lower muscle forces in rearfoot compared with mid-/forefoot strikers. Our results suggest that the higher metabolic energy demand due to greater fascicle contraction velocities might offset the lower metabolic energy demand due to lower muscle forces in rearfoot compared with mid-/forefoot strikers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wannes Swinnen
- Human Movement Biomechanics Research Group, Department of Movement Sciences, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven , Leuven , Belgium
| | - Wouter Hoogkamer
- Locomotion Laboratory, Department of Integrative Physiology, University of Colorado Boulder , Boulder, Colorado
| | - Tijs Delabastita
- Human Movement Biomechanics Research Group, Department of Movement Sciences, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven , Leuven , Belgium
| | - Jeroen Aeles
- Centre for Sensorimotor Performance, School of Human Movement and Nutrition Sciences, The University of Queensland , Brisbane , Australia
| | - Friedl De Groote
- Human Movement Biomechanics Research Group, Department of Movement Sciences, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven , Leuven , Belgium
| | - Benedicte Vanwanseele
- Human Movement Biomechanics Research Group, Department of Movement Sciences, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven , Leuven , Belgium
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40
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Ma CZH, Ling YT, Shea QTK, Wang LK, Wang XY, Zheng YP. Towards Wearable Comprehensive Capture and Analysis of Skeletal Muscle Activity during Human Locomotion. SENSORS 2019; 19:s19010195. [PMID: 30621103 PMCID: PMC6339139 DOI: 10.3390/s19010195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2018] [Revised: 12/22/2018] [Accepted: 01/04/2019] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Background: Motion capture and analyzing systems are essential for understanding locomotion. However, the existing devices are too cumbersome and can be used indoors only. A newly-developed wearable motion capture and measurement system with multiple sensors and ultrasound imaging was introduced in this study. Methods: In ten healthy participants, the changes in muscle area and activity of gastrocnemius, plantarflexion and dorsiflexion of right leg during walking were evaluated by the developed system and the Vicon system. The existence of significant changes in a gait cycle, comparison of the ankle kinetic data captured by the developed system and the Vicon system, and test-retest reliability (evaluated by the intraclass correlation coefficient, ICC) in each channel’s data captured by the developed system were examined. Results: Moderate to good test-retest reliability of various channels of the developed system (0.512 ≤ ICC ≤ 0.988, p < 0.05), significantly high correlation between the developed system and Vicon system in ankle joint angles (0.638R ≤ 0.707, p < 0.05), and significant changes in muscle activity of gastrocnemius during a gait cycle (p < 0.05) were found. Conclusion: A newly developed wearable motion capture and measurement system with ultrasound imaging that can accurately capture the motion of one leg was evaluated in this study, which paves the way towards real-time comprehensive evaluation of muscles and joint motions during different activities in both indoor and outdoor environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Zong-Hao Ma
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China.
- Department of Rehabilitation, Jönköping University, 551 11 Jönköping, Sweden.
| | - Yan To Ling
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China.
| | - Queenie Tsung Kwan Shea
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China.
| | - Li-Ke Wang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China.
| | - Xiao-Yun Wang
- Guangdong Work Injury Rehabilitation Center, Guangzhou 510440, China.
| | - Yong-Ping Zheng
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China.
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41
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Lai AKM, Biewener AA, Wakeling JM. Metabolic cost underlies task-dependent variations in motor unit recruitment. J R Soc Interface 2018; 15:rsif.2018.0541. [PMID: 30464057 DOI: 10.1098/rsif.2018.0541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2018] [Accepted: 10/23/2018] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Mammalian skeletal muscles are comprised of many motor units, each containing a group of muscle fibres that have common contractile properties: these can be broadly categorized as slow and fast twitch muscle fibres. Motor units are typically recruited in an orderly fashion following the 'size principle', in which slower motor units would be recruited for low intensity contraction; a metabolically cheap and fatigue-resistant strategy. However, this recruitment strategy poses a mechanical paradox for fast, low intensity contractions, in which the recruitment of slower fibres, as predicted by the size principle, would be metabolically more costly than the recruitment of faster fibres that are more efficient at higher contraction speeds. Hence, it would be mechanically and metabolically more effective for recruitment strategies to vary in response to contraction speed so that the intrinsic efficiencies and contraction speeds of the recruited muscle fibres are matched to the mechanical demands of the task. In this study, we evaluated the effectiveness of a novel, mixed cost function within a musculoskeletal simulation, which includes the metabolic cost of contraction, to predict the recruitment of different muscle fibre types across a range of loads and speeds. Our results show that a metabolically informed cost function predicts favoured recruitment of slower muscle fibres for slower and isometric tasks versus recruitment that favours faster muscles fibres for higher velocity contractions. This cost function predicts a change in recruitment patterns consistent with experimental observations, and also predicts a less expensive metabolic cost for these muscle contractions regardless of speed of the movement. Hence, our findings support the premise that varying motor recruitment strategies to match the mechanical demands of a movement task results in a mechanically and metabolically sensible way to deploy the different types of motor unit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrian K M Lai
- Department of Biomedical Physiology and Kinesiology, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
| | | | - James M Wakeling
- Department of Biomedical Physiology and Kinesiology, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
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