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Willaert J, Desloovere K, Van Campenhout A, Ting LH, De Groote F. Identification of Neural and Non-Neural Origins of Joint Hyper-Resistance Based on a Novel Neuromechanical Model. IEEE Trans Neural Syst Rehabil Eng 2024; 32:1435-1444. [PMID: 38526884 PMCID: PMC11032725 DOI: 10.1109/tnsre.2024.3381739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/27/2024]
Abstract
Joint hyper-resistance is a common symptom in neurological disorders. It has both neural and non-neural origins, but it has been challenging to distinguish different origins based on clinical tests alone. Combining instrumented tests with parameter identification based on a neuromechanical model may allow us to dissociate the different origins of joint hyper-resistance in individual patients. However, this requires that the model captures the underlying mechanisms. Here, we propose a neuromechanical model that, in contrast to previously proposed models, accounts for muscle short-range stiffness (SRS) and its interaction with muscle tone and reflex activity. We collected knee angle trajectories during the pendulum test in 15 children with cerebral palsy (CP) and 5 typically developing children. We did the test in two conditions - hold and pre-movement - that have been shown to alter knee movement. We modeled the lower leg as an inverted pendulum actuated by two antagonistic Hill-type muscles extended with SRS. Reflex activity was modeled as delayed, linear feedback from muscle force. We estimated neural and non-neural parameters by optimizing the fit between simulated and measured knee angle trajectories during the hold condition. The model could fit a wide range of knee angle trajectories in the hold condition. The model with personalized parameters predicted the effect of pre-movement demonstrating that the model captured the underlying mechanism and subject-specific deficits. Our model may help with the identification of neural and non-neural origins of joint hyper-resistance and thereby opens perspectives for improved diagnosis and treatment selection in children with spastic CP, but such applications require further studies to establish the method's reliability.
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Simha SN, Ting LH. Intrafusal cross-bridge dynamics shape history-dependent muscle spindle responses to stretch. Exp Physiol 2024; 109:112-124. [PMID: 37428622 PMCID: PMC10776813 DOI: 10.1113/ep090767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/12/2023]
Abstract
Computational models can be critical to linking complex properties of muscle spindle organs to the sensory information that they encode during behaviours such as postural sway and locomotion where few muscle spindle recordings exist. Here, we augment a biophysical muscle spindle model to predict the muscle spindle sensory signal. Muscle spindles comprise several intrafusal muscle fibres with varied myosin expression and are innervated by sensory neurons that fire during muscle stretch. We demonstrate how cross-bridge dynamics from thick and thin filament interactions affect the sensory receptor potential at the spike initiating region. Equivalent to the Ia afferent's instantaneous firing rate, the receptor potential is modelled as a linear sum of the force and rate change of force (yank) of a dynamic bag1 fibre and the force of a static bag2/chain fibre. We show the importance of inter-filament interactions in (i) generating large changes in force at stretch onset that drive initial bursts and (ii) faster recovery of bag fibre force and receptor potential following a shortening. We show how myosin attachment and detachment rates qualitatively alter the receptor potential. Finally, we show the effect of faster recovery of receptor potential on cyclic stretch-shorten cycles. Specifically, the model predicts history-dependence in muscle spindle receptor potentials as a function of inter-stretch interval (ISI), pre-stretch amplitude and the amplitude of sinusoidal stretches. This model provides a computational platform for predicting muscle spindle response in behaviourally relevant stretches and can link myosin expression seen in healthy and diseased intrafusal muscle fibres to muscle spindle function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Surabhi N. Simha
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical EngineeringEmory University and The Georgia Institute of TechnologyAtlantaGeorgiaUSA
| | - Lena H. Ting
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical EngineeringEmory University and The Georgia Institute of TechnologyAtlantaGeorgiaUSA
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Division of Physical TherapyEmory UniversityAtlantaGeorgiaUSA
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Nagai T, Schilaty ND, Wong H, Keller VC, Stiennon ST, Chang RW, Stuart MJ, Krause DA. Acute effects of an isometric neck warm-up programme on neck performance characteristics and ultrasound-based morphology. Ann Med 2023; 55:2295402. [PMID: 38142049 PMCID: PMC10763903 DOI: 10.1080/07853890.2023.2295402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/25/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Athletic performance can be enhanced immediately after an isometric warm-up, a phenomenon termed post-activation performance enhancement (PAPE). While isometric warm-ups can improve lower extremity sprint and jump performance, neck-specific isometric warm-ups need development and validation for mild traumatic brain disorders and neck pain. This study examined acute effects of isometric warm-ups on neck performance and morphology. METHODS Arm 1: Twenty-six adults (13 M:13F) completed neck performance testing before and after a 10-minute neck isometric warm-up or stationary bike (sham) between two visits. Testing included visual-motor reaction time, peak force, rate of force development, force steadiness, and force replication/proprioception measured by a 6-axis load cell. An inclinometer assessed range-of-motion. Paired t-tests and two-way ANOVA examined effects of neck/bike warm-up and interaction effects, respectively. Arm 2: 24 adults (11 M:13F) completed ultrasound scans of cervical muscles: before 20-minute rest (sham), and before/after a 5-min neck isometric warm-up. Longus colli cross-sectional area and sternocleidomastoid/upper trapezius thickness and stiffness, and cervical extensors thickness was assessed. One-way ANOVA compared morphological values at sham, before, and after warm-up. Significance was set at p < 0.05. RESULTS Isometric neck warm-up increased rate of force development in flexion (p = 0.022), extension (p = 0.001-0.003), right lateral flexion (p = 0.004-0.032), left lateral flexion (p = 0.005-0.014), while peak force improved only in left lateral flexion (p = 0.032). Lateral flexion range-of-motion increased after neck warm-up (p = 0.003-0.026). Similarly, longus colli cross-sectional area (p = 0.016) and sternocleidomastoid thickness (p = 0.004) increased. CONCLUSIONS Increased neck performance characteristics and morphology are likely due to PAPE effects of isometric neck warm-up. For coaches and athletes, simple isometric contractions could be added to existing warm-ups to reduce prevalence, incidence, and severity of mild traumatic brain injuries and neck pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takashi Nagai
- United States Army Research Institute and Environmental Medicine, Natick, MA, USA
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Nathan D. Schilaty
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery and Brain Repair, University of South FL, Tampa, FL, USA
- Department of Medical Engineering, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA
- Center for Neuromusculoskeletal Research, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Hanwen Wong
- Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Valerie C. Keller
- Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Sean T. Stiennon
- Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Ryan W.B Chang
- Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | | | - David A. Krause
- Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
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Willaert J, Ting LH, Van Campenhout A, Desloovere K, De Groote F. Reduced reciprocal inhibition during clinical tests of spasticity is associated with impaired reactive standing balance control in children with cerebral palsy. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2023:2023.11.07.23298160. [PMID: 37986791 PMCID: PMC10659464 DOI: 10.1101/2023.11.07.23298160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
Background Joint hyper-resistance is a common symptom in cerebral palsy (CP). It is assessed by rotating the joint of a relaxed patient. Joint rotations also occur when perturbing functional movements. Therefore, joint hyper-resistance might contribute to reactive balance impairments in CP. Aim To investigate relationships between altered muscle responses to isolated joint rotations and perturbations of standing balance in children with CP. Methods & procedures 20 children with CP participated in the study. During an instrumented spasticity assessment, the ankle was rotated as fast as possible from maximal plantarflexion towards maximal dorsiflexion. Standing balance was perturbed by backward support-surface translations and toe-up support-surface rotations. Gastrocnemius, soleus, and tibialis anterior electromyography was measured. We quantified reduced reciprocal inhibition by plantarflexor-dorsiflexor co-activation and the neural response to stretch by average muscle activity. We evaluated the relation between muscle responses to ankle rotation and balance perturbations using linear mixed models. Outcomes & results Co-activation during isolated joint rotations and perturbations of standing balance was correlated across all levels. The neural response to stretch during isolated joint rotations and balance perturbations was not correlated. Conclusions & implications Reduced reciprocal inhibition during isolated joint rotations might be a predictor of altered reactive balance control strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jente Willaert
- Department of Movement Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Lena H. Ting
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Emory University and Georgia Tech, Atlanta, GA, United States
- Division of Physical Therapy, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Anja Van Campenhout
- Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven – UZ Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Kaat Desloovere
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, KU Leuven – UZ Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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Horslen BC, Milburn GN, Blum KP, Simha SN, Campbell KS, Ting LH. History-dependent muscle resistance to stretch remains high after small, posturally relevant pre-movements. J Exp Biol 2023; 226:jeb245456. [PMID: 37661732 PMCID: PMC10560558 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.245456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023]
Abstract
The contributions of intrinsic muscle fiber resistance during mechanical perturbations to standing and other postural behaviors are unclear. Muscle short-range stiffness is known to vary depending on the current level and history of the muscle's activation, as well as the muscle's recent movement history; this property has been referred to as history dependence or muscle thixotropy. However, we currently lack sufficient data about the degree to which muscle stiffness is modulated across posturally relevant characteristics of muscle stretch and activation. We characterized the history dependence of muscle's resistance to stretch in single, permeabilized, activated, muscle fibers in posturally relevant stretch conditions and activation levels. We used a classic paired muscle stretch paradigm, varying the amplitude of a 'conditioning' triangular stretch-shorten cycle followed by a 'test' ramp-and-hold imposed after a variable inter-stretch interval. We tested low (<15%), intermediate (15-50%) and high (>50%) muscle fiber activation levels, evaluating short-range stiffness and total impulse in the test stretch. Muscle fiber resistance to stretch remained high at conditioning amplitudes of <1% optimal fiber length, L0, and inter-stretch intervals of >1 s, characteristic of healthy standing postural sway. An ∼70% attenuation of muscle resistance to stretch was reached at conditioning amplitudes of >3% L0 and inter-stretch intervals of <0.1 s, characteristic of larger, faster postural sway in balance-impaired individuals. The thixotropic changes cannot be predicted solely on muscle force at the time of stretch. Consistent with the disruption of muscle cross-bridges, muscle resistance to stretch during behavior can be substantially attenuated if the prior motion is large enough and/or frequent enough.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian C. Horslen
- Department of Kinesiology and Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada, N2L 3G1
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Emory University and The Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
| | - Gregory N. Milburn
- Department of Physiology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA
| | - Kyle P. Blum
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Emory University and The Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
- Department of Physiology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Surabhi N. Simha
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Emory University and The Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
| | | | - Lena H. Ting
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Emory University and The Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Division of Physical Therapy, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
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Bittmann FN, Dech S, Schaefer LV. Another Way to Confuse Motor Control: Manual Technique Supposed to Shorten Muscle Spindles Reduces the Muscular Holding Stability in the Sense of Adaptive Force in Male Soccer Players. Brain Sci 2023; 13:1105. [PMID: 37509036 PMCID: PMC10377256 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci13071105] [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] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Revised: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Sensorimotor control can be impaired by slacked muscle spindles. This was shown for reflex responses and, recently, also for muscular stability in the sense of Adaptive Force (AF). The slack in muscle spindles was generated by contracting the lengthened muscle followed by passive shortening. AF was suggested to specifically reflect sensorimotor control since it requires tension-length control in adaptation to an increasing load. This study investigated AF parameters in reaction to another, manually performed slack procedure in a preselected sample (n = 13). The AF of 11 elbow and 12 hip flexors was assessed by an objectified manual muscle test (MMT) using a handheld device. Maximal isometric AF was significantly reduced after manual spindle technique vs. regular MMT. Muscle lengthening started at 64.93 ± 12.46% of maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC). During regular MMT, muscle length could be maintained stable until 92.53 ± 10.12% of MVIC. Hence, muscular stability measured by AF was impaired after spindle manipulation. Force oscillations arose at a significantly lower level for regular vs. spindle. This supports the assumption that they are a prerequisite for stable adaptation. Reduced muscular stability in reaction to slack procedures is considered physiological since sensory information is misled. It is proposed to use slack procedures to test the functionality of the neuromuscular system, which is relevant for clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank N Bittmann
- Regulative Physiology and Prevention, Department Sports and Health Sciences, University of Potsdam, 14476 Potsdam, Germany
| | - Silas Dech
- Regulative Physiology and Prevention, Department Sports and Health Sciences, University of Potsdam, 14476 Potsdam, Germany
- Health Education in Sports, Department Sports and Health Sciences, University of Potsdam, 14476 Potsdam, Germany
| | - Laura V Schaefer
- Regulative Physiology and Prevention, Department Sports and Health Sciences, University of Potsdam, 14476 Potsdam, Germany
- Health Education in Sports, Department Sports and Health Sciences, University of Potsdam, 14476 Potsdam, Germany
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Bittmann FN, Dech S, Schaefer LV. How to Confuse Motor Control: Passive Muscle Shortening after Contraction in Lengthened Position Reduces the Muscular Holding Stability in the Sense of Adaptive Force. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:life13040911. [PMID: 37109439 PMCID: PMC10143964 DOI: 10.3390/life13040911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Adaptation to external forces relies on a well-functioning proprioceptive system including muscle spindle afferents. Muscle length and tension control in reaction to external forces is most important regarding the Adaptive Force (AF). This study investigated the effect of different procedures, which are assumed to influence the function of muscle spindles, on the AF. Elbow flexors of 12 healthy participants (n = 19 limbs) were assessed by an objectified manual muscle test (MMT) with different procedures: regular MMT, MMT after precontraction (self-estimated 20% MVIC) in lengthened position with passive return to test position (CL), and MMT after CL with a second precontraction in test position (CL-CT). During regular MMTs, muscles maintained their length up to 99.7% ± 1.0% of the maximal AF (AFmax). After CL, muscles started to lengthen at 53.0% ± 22.5% of AFmax. For CL-CT, muscles were again able to maintain the static position up to 98.3% ± 5.5% of AFmax. AFisomax differed highly significantly between CL vs. CL-CT and regular MMT. CL was assumed to generate a slack of muscle spindles, which led to a substantial reduction of the holding capacity. This was immediately erased by a precontraction in the test position. The results substantiate that muscle spindle sensitivity seems to play an important role for neuromuscular functioning and musculoskeletal stability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank N. Bittmann
- Regulative Physiology and Prevention, Department Sports and Health Sciences, University of Potsdam, 14476 Potsdam, Germany
| | - Silas Dech
- Regulative Physiology and Prevention, Department Sports and Health Sciences, University of Potsdam, 14476 Potsdam, Germany
- Sports Education, Department Sports and Health Sciences, University of Potsdam, 14476 Potsdam, Germany
| | - Laura V. Schaefer
- Regulative Physiology and Prevention, Department Sports and Health Sciences, University of Potsdam, 14476 Potsdam, Germany
- Sports Education, Department Sports and Health Sciences, University of Potsdam, 14476 Potsdam, Germany
- Correspondence:
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García-Bernal MI, González-García P, Casuso-Holgado MJ, Cortés-Vega MD, Heredia-Rizo AM. Measuring Mechanical Properties of Spastic Muscles After Stroke. Does Muscle Position During Assessment Really Matter? Arch Phys Med Rehabil 2022; 103:2368-2374. [PMID: 35724753 DOI: 10.1016/j.apmr.2022.05.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2022] [Revised: 05/04/2022] [Accepted: 05/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the influence of muscle position (relaxed vs stretched) on muscle mechanical properties and the ability of myotonometry to detect differences between sides, groups, and sites of testing in patients with stroke. We also analyzed the association between myotonometry and clinical measures of spasticity. DESIGN Cross-sectional study. SETTING Outpatient rehabilitation units including private and public centers. PARTICIPANTS Seventy-one participants (20 subacute stroke, 20 chronic stroke, 31 controls) were recruited (N=71). INTERVENTION Muscle mechanical properties were measured bilaterally with a MyotonPRO at muscle belly and musculotendinous sites during 2 protocols (muscle relaxed or in maximal bearable stretched position). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Muscle tone and stiffness of the biceps brachii and gastrocnemius. Poststroke spasticity was evaluated with the Modified Tardieu Scale (MTS). A mixed-model analysis of variance was used to detect differences in the outcome measures. RESULTS The analysis of variance showed a significant effect of muscle position on muscle mechanical properties (higher tone and stiffness with the muscle assessed in stretched position). Measurements with the stretched muscle could help discriminate between spastic and nonspastic sides, but only at the biceps brachii. Overall, there was a significant increase in tone and stiffness in the chronic stroke group and in myotendinous sites compared with muscle belly sites (all, P<.05). No correlations were found between myotonometry and the MTS. CONCLUSIONS Myotonometry assessment of mechanical properties with the muscle stretched improves the ability of myotonometry to discriminate between sides in patients after stroke and between people with and without stroke.
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Affiliation(s)
- María-Isabel García-Bernal
- Departmento de Fisioterapia, Facultad de Enfermería, Fisioterapia y Podología, Universidad de Sevilla, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Paula González-García
- Departmento de Fisioterapia, Facultad de Enfermería, Fisioterapia y Podología, Universidad de Sevilla, Sevilla, Spain.
| | - María Jesús Casuso-Holgado
- Departmento de Fisioterapia, Facultad de Enfermería, Fisioterapia y Podología, Universidad de Sevilla, Sevilla, Spain; UMSS Research Group, Universidad de Sevilla, Sevilla, Spain
| | - María Dolores Cortés-Vega
- Departmento de Fisioterapia, Facultad de Enfermería, Fisioterapia y Podología, Universidad de Sevilla, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Alberto Marcos Heredia-Rizo
- Departmento de Fisioterapia, Facultad de Enfermería, Fisioterapia y Podología, Universidad de Sevilla, Sevilla, Spain; UMSS Research Group, Universidad de Sevilla, Sevilla, Spain
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Abi Chebel NM, Roussillon NA, Bourdin C, Chavet P, Sarlegna FR. Joint Specificity and Lateralization of Upper Limb Proprioceptive Perception. Percept Mot Skills 2022; 129:431-453. [PMID: 35543706 DOI: 10.1177/00315125221089069] [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] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Proprioception is the sense of position and movement of body segments. The widespread distribution of proprioceptors in human anatomy raises questions about proprioceptive uniformity across different body parts. For the upper limbs, previous research, using mostly active and/or contralateral matching tasks, has suggested better proprioception of the non-preferred arm, and at the elbow rather than the wrist. Here we assessed proprioceptive perception through an ipsilateral passive matching task by comparing the elbow and wrist joints of the preferred and non-preferred arms. We hypothesized that upper limb proprioception would be better at the elbow of the non-preferred arm. We found signed errors to be less variable at the non-preferred elbow than at the preferred elbow and both wrists. Signed errors at the elbow were also more stable than at the wrist. Across individuals, signed errors at the preferred and non-preferred elbows were correlated. Also, variable signed errors at the preferred wrist, non-preferred wrist, and preferred elbow were correlated. These correlations suggest that an individual with relatively consistent matching errors at one joint may have relatively consistent matching errors at another joint. Our findings also support the view that proprioceptive perception varies across upper limb joints, meaning that a single joint assessment is insufficient to provide a general assessment of an individual's proprioception.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nadege A Roussillon
- Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS, ISM, Marseille, France
- Institut Supérieur de Rééducation Psychomotrice, Marseille, France
- SAMSAH ARRADV, Marseille / Avignon, France
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Chalchat E, Siracusa J, Bourrilhon C, Charlot K, Martin V, Garcia-Vicencio S. Muscle Shear Elastic Modulus Provides an Indication of the Protection Conferred by the Repeated Bout Effect. Front Physiol 2022; 13:877485. [PMID: 35574495 PMCID: PMC9098813 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.877485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The neuromuscular system is able to quickly adapt to exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD), such that it is less affected by subsequent damaging exercise, a phenomenon known as the repeated bout effect (RBE). The objective was to determine whether the mechanical properties of the quadriceps, as evaluated by shear wave elastography (SWE), were less affected when a second bout of eccentric-biased exercise was performed 2 weeks later. It was hypothesized that the first bout would confer protection against extensive muscle damage through an adaptation of the muscle stiffness before the second bout (i.e., higher muscle stiffness).Methods: Sixteen males performed two identical bouts of downhill walking separated by 2 weeks (45 min at 4.5 km.h−1; gradient: 25%; load: 30% of the body mass). Rectus femoris (RF) and vastus lateralis (VL) resting shear elastic modulus (µ) and EIMD symptoms were measured before and up to 7 days following the exercise bouts. Changes in neuromuscular function was evaluated by maximal voluntary contraction torque, voluntary activation level, evoked mechanical response to single and double (10 and 100 Hz doublets) electrical stimulation. An index of protection (IP) was calculated for EIMD symptoms to assess magnitude the RBE.Results: EIMD symptoms were less affected after the second than the first exercise bout. RF and VL-µ increased (p < 0.001) only after the first exercise. RF µ was elevated up to 2 weeks after the end of the first exercise (p < 0.001) whereas VL µ was only increased up to 24 h. The increase in µ observed 2 weeks after the end of the first exercise was correlated with the IP; i.e., attenuation of alterations in muscle µ, 10 Hz-doublet amplitude and rate of torque development after the second exercise bout (p < 0.05).Conclusion: We showed that muscle µ assessed by SWE was sensitive to the RBE, with a differential effect between VL and RF. The persistent increase in µ was associated with the attenuation of neuromuscular impairments observed after the second bout, suggesting that the increased muscle stiffness could be a “protective” adaptation making muscles more resistant to the mechanical strain associated to eccentric contractions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emeric Chalchat
- Institut de Recherche Biomédicale des Armées, Unité de Physiologie des Exercices et Activités en Conditions Extrêmes, Département Environnements Opérationnels, Bretigny-Sur-Orge, France
- AME2P, Université Clermont Auvergne, Clermont-Ferrand, France
- *Correspondence: Emeric Chalchat,
| | - Julien Siracusa
- Institut de Recherche Biomédicale des Armées, Unité de Physiologie des Exercices et Activités en Conditions Extrêmes, Département Environnements Opérationnels, Bretigny-Sur-Orge, France
- LBEPS, Univ Evry, IRBA, Université Paris Saclay, Evry, France
| | - Cyprien Bourrilhon
- Institut de Recherche Biomédicale des Armées, Unité de Physiologie des Exercices et Activités en Conditions Extrêmes, Département Environnements Opérationnels, Bretigny-Sur-Orge, France
- LBEPS, Univ Evry, IRBA, Université Paris Saclay, Evry, France
| | - Keyne Charlot
- Institut de Recherche Biomédicale des Armées, Unité de Physiologie des Exercices et Activités en Conditions Extrêmes, Département Environnements Opérationnels, Bretigny-Sur-Orge, France
- LBEPS, Univ Evry, IRBA, Université Paris Saclay, Evry, France
| | - Vincent Martin
- AME2P, Université Clermont Auvergne, Clermont-Ferrand, France
- Institut Universitaire de France (IUF), Paris, France
| | - Sebastian Garcia-Vicencio
- Institut de Recherche Biomédicale des Armées, Unité de Physiologie des Exercices et Activités en Conditions Extrêmes, Département Environnements Opérationnels, Bretigny-Sur-Orge, France
- LBEPS, Univ Evry, IRBA, Université Paris Saclay, Evry, France
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Guschlbauer C, Hooper SL, Mantziaris C, Schwarz A, Szczecinski NS, Büschges A. Correlation between ranges of leg walking angles and passive rest angles among leg types in stick insects. Curr Biol 2022; 32:2334-2340.e3. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2022.04.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2021] [Revised: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 04/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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Alcaraz-Clariana S, García-Luque L, Garrido-Castro JL, Carmona-Pérez C, Rodrigues-de-Souza DP, Fernández-de-las-Peñas C, Alburquerque-Sendín F. Influence of Spinal Movements Associated with Physical Evaluation on Muscle Mechanical Properties of the Lumbar Paraspinal in Subjects with Acute Low Back Pain. Diagnostics (Basel) 2022; 12:diagnostics12020302. [PMID: 35204392 PMCID: PMC8870934 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics12020302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Revised: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
This research aimed to identify changes in muscle mechanical properties (MMPs) when a standardized sequence of movements is performed and to determine the influence of acute low back pain (LBP) and age on the MMPs. Socio-demographic, clinical variables and MMPs were collected in 33 patients with LBP and 33 healthy controls. A 2 × 2 × 2 (group × age × time) analysis of variance (ANOVA) mixed model was used to determine the effect of the study factors on the different MMPs. There were no significant triple interactions. After the movements, tone and stiffness increased 0.37 Hz and 22.75 N/m, respectively, in subjects <35 years, independent of their clinical status. Relaxation showed differences by age in healthy subjects and creep in LBP subjects. Furthermore, elasticity was higher in <35 years (p < 0.001) without the influence of any other factor. In conclusion, sequenced movements can modify tone and stiffness as a function of age, while age-associated changes in viscoelastic characteristics depends on pain but not on movements. The MMPs should be assessed, not only at the beginning of the physical examination at rest, but also along the patient’s follow-up, depending on their pain and age, in a clinical setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Alcaraz-Clariana
- Department of Nursing, Pharmacology and Physical Therapy, Faculty of Medicine and Nursing, University of Córdoba, 14004 Córdoba, Spain; (S.A.-C.); (L.G.-L.); (C.C.-P.); (D.P.R.-d.-S.); (F.A.-S.)
| | - Lourdes García-Luque
- Department of Nursing, Pharmacology and Physical Therapy, Faculty of Medicine and Nursing, University of Córdoba, 14004 Córdoba, Spain; (S.A.-C.); (L.G.-L.); (C.C.-P.); (D.P.R.-d.-S.); (F.A.-S.)
| | - Juan Luis Garrido-Castro
- Department of Computer Science and Numerical Analysis, Rabanales Campus, University of Córdoba, 14071 Córdoba, Spain;
- Maimonides Biomedical Research Institute of Cordoba (IMIBIC), 14004 Córdoba, Spain
| | - Cristina Carmona-Pérez
- Department of Nursing, Pharmacology and Physical Therapy, Faculty of Medicine and Nursing, University of Córdoba, 14004 Córdoba, Spain; (S.A.-C.); (L.G.-L.); (C.C.-P.); (D.P.R.-d.-S.); (F.A.-S.)
| | - Daiana Priscila Rodrigues-de-Souza
- Department of Nursing, Pharmacology and Physical Therapy, Faculty of Medicine and Nursing, University of Córdoba, 14004 Córdoba, Spain; (S.A.-C.); (L.G.-L.); (C.C.-P.); (D.P.R.-d.-S.); (F.A.-S.)
| | - César Fernández-de-las-Peñas
- Department of Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Rehabilitation and Physical Medicine, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, Alcorcón, 28922 Madrid, Spain
- Cátedra Institucional en Docencia, Clínica e Investigación en Fisioterapia: Terapia Manual, Punción Seca y Ejercicio Terapéutico, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, Alcorcón, 28922 Madrid, Spain
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-914-888-884; Fax: +34-914-888-957
| | - Francisco Alburquerque-Sendín
- Department of Nursing, Pharmacology and Physical Therapy, Faculty of Medicine and Nursing, University of Córdoba, 14004 Córdoba, Spain; (S.A.-C.); (L.G.-L.); (C.C.-P.); (D.P.R.-d.-S.); (F.A.-S.)
- Maimonides Biomedical Research Institute of Cordoba (IMIBIC), 14004 Córdoba, Spain
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13
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Peper S, Vo T, Ahuja N, Awad K, Mikos AG, Varanasi V. Bioprinted nanocomposite hydrogels: A proposed approach to functional restoration of skeletal muscle and vascular tissue following volumetric muscle loss. Curr Opin Pharmacol 2021; 58:35-43. [PMID: 33853025 PMCID: PMC8718378 DOI: 10.1016/j.coph.2021.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2020] [Revised: 02/27/2021] [Accepted: 03/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Musculoskeletal conditions are the highest contributor to global disability, accounting for 16% of all ages lived with disability. Volumetric muscle loss (VML) is classified as significant damage to skeletal muscle compartments and motor units, leading to significant tissue loss, functional deficits, and long-term disability. In this review, the current tissue engineering approaches in terms of fabrication techniques, materials, cell sources, and growth factors for enhanced angiogenesis and neuromuscular junction (NMJ) in VML repair, are discussed. Review of results recently published in the literature suggested that bioprinted nanocomposite hydrogels (NC gels) seeded with adult muscle progenitor cells that promote secretion of endogenous vascular growth factors have potential applications in promoting skeletal muscle regeneration, revascularization, and NMJ repair (Figure 1). Despite recent advancements, future research is needed on NC gels and the complex processes underlying vascular infiltration and NMJ repair in VML injuries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Peper
- Bone Muscle Research Center, College of Nursing & Health Innovation, The University of Texas at Arlington, 701 South Nedderman Drive, Arlington, TX, 76019, USA; Department of Bioengineering, College of Engineering, The University of Texas at Arlington, 701 South Nedderman Drive, Box 19138, Arlington, TX, 76019, USA
| | - Thy Vo
- Bone Muscle Research Center, College of Nursing & Health Innovation, The University of Texas at Arlington, 701 South Nedderman Drive, Arlington, TX, 76019, USA; Department of Kinesiology, College of Nursing & Health Innovation, The University of Texas at Arlington, 411 South Nedderman Drive, Box 19407, Arlington, TX, 76019, USA
| | - Neelam Ahuja
- Bone Muscle Research Center, College of Nursing & Health Innovation, The University of Texas at Arlington, 701 South Nedderman Drive, Arlington, TX, 76019, USA; Department of Kinesiology, College of Nursing & Health Innovation, The University of Texas at Arlington, 411 South Nedderman Drive, Box 19407, Arlington, TX, 76019, USA
| | - Kamal Awad
- Bone Muscle Research Center, College of Nursing & Health Innovation, The University of Texas at Arlington, 701 South Nedderman Drive, Arlington, TX, 76019, USA; Department of Materials Science & Engineering, College of Engineering, The University of Texas at Arlington, 701 South Nedderman Drive, Box 19138, Arlington, TX, 76019 & National Research Center, 12622, Egypt
| | - Antonios G Mikos
- Center for Engineering Complex Tissues, Center for Excellence in Tissue Engineering, J.W. Cox Laboratory for Biomedical Engineering, Rice University, P.O. Box 1892, Houston, TX, 77251, USA
| | - Venu Varanasi
- Bone Muscle Research Center, College of Nursing & Health Innovation, The University of Texas at Arlington, 701 South Nedderman Drive, Arlington, TX, 76019, USA; Department of Nursing, College of Nursing & Health Innovation, The University of Texas at Arlington, 411 South Nedderman Drive Box 19407, Arlington, TX, 76019, USA.
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14
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Vizirgianakis S, Amiridis IG, Mademli L, Tsiouri C, Hatzitaki V. Posture dependent ankle and foot muscle responses evoked by Achilles' tendon vibration. Neurosci Lett 2021; 759:135995. [PMID: 34058294 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2021.135995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2021] [Revised: 04/29/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
To investigate the link between the triceps surae and the intrinsic muscles of the foot, often underestimated in posture maintenance, we asked how Achilles' tendon vibration modulates the EMG activity of the soleus and flexor digitorum brevis (FDB) muscles during different postural tasks: sitting, standing and forward leaning. Young healthy participants (n = 19, age = 24 ± 7.4 years) stood for 60 s in three visually controlled postures, while vibration (1.5-1.8 mm, 80 Hz) was bilaterally applied over the Achilles' tendon during the middle 20 s. Center of Pressure (CoP) and EMG activity of the soleus and FDB muscle were summarized in 5 s epochs and compared across time (before, during and after vibration) and postural tasks. Achilles' tendon vibration shifted the CoP position forward in sitting and backward in standing and leaning and increased the root mean square of the CoP velocity to a greater extent in standing and leaning compared to sitting. Soleus and FDB EMG amplitude also increased in response to vibration. These responses were posture dependent, being greater in standing (soleus: 57 %, FDB: 67 % relative to pre-vibration) compared to sitting (soleus: 36 %, FDB: 27 % relative to pre-vibration) and leaning (soleus: 26 %, FDB: 8% relative to pre-vibration). After vibration offset, both soleus and FDB showed sustained activation across all three postures. Results highlight the presence of Ia afferent projections from the soleus to the α motor neurons of the FDB muscle triggered by Achilles' tendon vibration. This link is posture dependent serving a functional role in standing and forward leaning in the presence of externally applied perturbations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Spiridon Vizirgianakis
- Laboratory of Motor Behavior and Adapted Physical Activity, School of Physical Education and Sport Science, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Ioannis G Amiridis
- Laboratory of Neuromechanics, School of Physical Education and Sport Science at Serres, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Lida Mademli
- Laboratory of Neuromechanics, School of Physical Education and Sport Science at Serres, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Chrisi Tsiouri
- Laboratory of Neuromechanics, School of Physical Education and Sport Science at Serres, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Vassilia Hatzitaki
- Laboratory of Motor Behavior and Adapted Physical Activity, School of Physical Education and Sport Science, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece.
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15
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Hessel AL, Monroy JA, Nishikawa KC. Non-cross Bridge Viscoelastic Elements Contribute to Muscle Force and Work During Stretch-Shortening Cycles: Evidence From Whole Muscles and Permeabilized Fibers. Front Physiol 2021; 12:648019. [PMID: 33854441 PMCID: PMC8039322 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2021.648019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2020] [Accepted: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The sliding filament-swinging cross bridge theory of skeletal muscle contraction provides a reasonable description of muscle properties during isometric contractions at or near maximum isometric force. However, it fails to predict muscle force during dynamic length changes, implying that the model is not complete. Mounting evidence suggests that, along with cross bridges, a Ca2+-sensitive viscoelastic element, likely the titin protein, contributes to muscle force and work. The purpose of this study was to develop a multi-level approach deploying stretch-shortening cycles (SSCs) to test the hypothesis that, along with cross bridges, Ca2+-sensitive viscoelastic elements in sarcomeres contribute to force and work. Using whole soleus muscles from wild type and mdm mice, which carry a small deletion in the N2A region of titin, we measured the activation- and phase-dependence of enhanced force and work during SSCs with and without doublet stimuli. In wild type muscles, a doublet stimulus led to an increase in peak force and work per cycle, with the largest effects occurring for stimulation during the lengthening phase of SSCs. In contrast, mdm muscles showed neither doublet potentiation features, nor phase-dependence of activation. To further distinguish the contributions of cross bridge and non-cross bridge elements, we performed SSCs on permeabilized psoas fiber bundles activated to different levels using either [Ca2+] or [Ca2+] plus the myosin inhibitor 2,3-butanedione monoxime (BDM). Across activation levels ranging from 15 to 100% of maximum isometric force, peak force, and work per cycle were enhanced for fibers in [Ca2+] plus BDM compared to [Ca2+] alone at a corresponding activation level, suggesting a contribution from Ca2+-sensitive, non-cross bridge, viscoelastic elements. Taken together, our results suggest that a tunable viscoelastic element such as titin contributes to: (1) persistence of force at low [Ca2+] in doublet potentiation; (2) phase- and length-dependence of doublet potentiation observed in wild type muscles and the absence of these effects in mdm muscles; and (3) increased peak force and work per cycle in SSCs. We conclude that non-cross bridge viscoelastic elements, likely titin, contribute substantially to muscle force and work, as well as the phase-dependence of these quantities, during dynamic length changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony L Hessel
- Institute of Physiology II, University of Muenster, Muenster, Germany
| | - Jenna A Monroy
- W.M. Keck Science Department, Claremont Colleges, Claremont, CA, United States
| | - Kiisa C Nishikawa
- Department of Biological Sciences, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ, United States
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16
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Sakanaka TE, Lakie M, Reynolds RF. Individual differences in intrinsic ankle stiffness and their relationship to body sway and ankle torque. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0244993. [PMID: 33481823 PMCID: PMC7822306 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0244993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
When standing, intrinsic ankle stiffness is smaller when measured using large perturbations, when sway size is large, and when background torque is low. However, there is a large variation in individual intrinsic ankle stiffness. Here we determine if individual variation has consequences for postural control. We examined the relationship between ankle stiffness, ankle torque and body sway across different individuals. Ankle stiffness was estimated in 19 standing participants by measuring torque responses to small, brief perturbations. Perturbation sizes of 0.2 & 0.9 degrees (both lasting 140 ms) measured short- and long-range stiffness respectively, while participants either stood quietly on a fixed platform or were imperceptibly tilted to reduce stability (0.1 Hz sinusoid; 0.2 & 0.4 deg). The spontaneous body sway component (natural random relatively rapid postural adjustments) and background ankle torque were averaged from sections immediately before perturbations. The results show that, first, intrinsic ankle stiffness is positively associated with ankle torque, and that this relationship is stronger for long-range stiffness. Second, intrinsic ankle stiffness is negatively associated with body sway, but, in contrast to the relationship with torque, this relationship is stronger for short-range stiffness. We conclude that high short-range intrinsic ankle stiffness is associated with reduced spontaneous sway, although the causal relationship between these two parameters is unknown. These results suggest that, in normal quiet standing where sway is very small, the most important determinant of intrinsic ankle stiffness may be stillness. In less stable conditions, intrinsic ankle stiffness may be more dependent on ankle torque.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tania E. Sakanaka
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, State University of Campinas, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
- School of Sport, Exercise & Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Martin Lakie
- School of Sport, Exercise & Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Raymond F. Reynolds
- School of Sport, Exercise & Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
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17
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Blum KP, Campbell KS, Horslen BC, Nardelli P, Housley SN, Cope TC, Ting LH. Diverse and complex muscle spindle afferent firing properties emerge from multiscale muscle mechanics. eLife 2020; 9:e55177. [PMID: 33370235 PMCID: PMC7769569 DOI: 10.7554/elife.55177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2020] [Accepted: 12/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite decades of research, we lack a mechanistic framework capable of predicting how movement-related signals are transformed into the diversity of muscle spindle afferent firing patterns observed experimentally, particularly in naturalistic behaviors. Here, a biophysical model demonstrates that well-known firing characteristics of mammalian muscle spindle Ia afferents - including movement history dependence, and nonlinear scaling with muscle stretch velocity - emerge from first principles of muscle contractile mechanics. Further, mechanical interactions of the muscle spindle with muscle-tendon dynamics reveal how motor commands to the muscle (alpha drive) versus muscle spindle (gamma drive) can cause highly variable and complex activity during active muscle contraction and muscle stretch that defy simple explanation. Depending on the neuromechanical conditions, the muscle spindle model output appears to 'encode' aspects of muscle force, yank, length, stiffness, velocity, and/or acceleration, providing an extendable, multiscale, biophysical framework for understanding and predicting proprioceptive sensory signals in health and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyle P Blum
- Department of Physiology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern UniversityChicagoUnited States
- Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Emory University and Georgia Institute of TechnologyAtlantaUnited States
| | | | - Brian C Horslen
- Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Emory University and Georgia Institute of TechnologyAtlantaUnited States
| | - Paul Nardelli
- School of Biological Sciences, Georgia Institute of TechnologyAtlantaUnited States
| | - Stephen N Housley
- School of Biological Sciences, Georgia Institute of TechnologyAtlantaUnited States
| | - Timothy C Cope
- Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Emory University and Georgia Institute of TechnologyAtlantaUnited States
- School of Biological Sciences, Georgia Institute of TechnologyAtlantaUnited States
| | - Lena H Ting
- Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Emory University and Georgia Institute of TechnologyAtlantaUnited States
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Emory UniversityAtlantaUnited States
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18
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Héroux ME, Anderman I, Nykvist Vouis S, Diong J, Stubbs PW, Herbert RD. History-dependence of muscle slack length in humans: effects of contraction intensity, stretch amplitude, and time. J Appl Physiol (1985) 2020; 129:957-966. [PMID: 32881621 PMCID: PMC7654693 DOI: 10.1152/japplphysiol.00106.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2020] [Revised: 08/24/2020] [Accepted: 08/31/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The slack length of a relaxed skeletal muscle can be reduced by isometric contraction at short lengths ("contract-short conditioning"). This study explored how the effect of contract-short conditioning on muscle slack length is modified by 1) the intensity of the contraction, 2) the delay between the contraction and measurement of slack length, and 3) the amplitude of a stretch delivered to the relaxed muscle after the contraction. Muscle fascicles in the human vastus lateralis muscle were observed with ultrasound imaging while the relaxed muscle was lengthened by flexing the knee. The knee angle at which muscle fascicle slack was taken up was used as a proxy for muscle slack length. Conditioning the muscle with voluntary isometric (fixed-end) contractions at short muscle lengths reduced vastus lateralis muscle slack length, measured 60 s later, by a mean of 10°. This effect was independent of contraction intensity from 5% to 100% maximal voluntary contraction. The effect was largest when first observed 5 s after the contraction, decayed about one-third by 60 s, and then remained nearly constant until the last observation 5 min after the contraction. A slow stretch given to the relaxed muscle after contract-short conditioning increased slack length (i.e., reduced the effect of contract-short conditioning). Slack length increased nonlinearly with stretch amplitude. Very large stretches (>30°, possibly as large as 90°) were required to abolish the effect of contract-short conditioning. The phenomena described here share some characteristics with, and may involve similar mechanisms to, passive force enhancement and muscle thixotropy.NEW & NOTEWORTHY The slack length of a relaxed human skeletal muscle is not fixed; it can be modified by contraction and stretch. Contraction of the human vastus lateralis muscle at short lengths reduces the muscle's slack length. Even very weak contractions are sufficient to induce this effect. The effect persists for at least 5 min but can be reduced or abolished with a large-amplitude passive stretch.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Eric Héroux
- Neuroscience Research Australia, Randwick, New South Wales, Australia
- University of New South Wales, Randwick, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Ida Anderman
- Linköping University, Linköping, Östergötland, Sweden
| | | | - Joanna Diong
- Neuroscience Research Australia, Randwick, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Peter William Stubbs
- Neuroscience Research Australia, Randwick, New South Wales, Australia
- Graduate School of Health, Discipline of Physiotherapy, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Robert D Herbert
- Neuroscience Research Australia, Randwick, New South Wales, Australia
- University of New South Wales, Randwick, New South Wales, Australia
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19
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Chung CS. Move quickly to detach: Strain rate-dependent myosin detachment and cardiac relaxation. J Gen Physiol 2020; 152:151574. [PMID: 32197272 PMCID: PMC7141589 DOI: 10.1085/jgp.202012588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Charles S Chung
- Department of Physiology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI
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20
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Andringa A, Meskers C, van de Port I, van Wegen E, Kwakkel G. Time Course of Wrist Hyper-Resistance in Relation to Upper Limb Motor Recovery Early Post Stroke. Neurorehabil Neural Repair 2020; 34:690-701. [PMID: 32508291 PMCID: PMC7502985 DOI: 10.1177/1545968320932135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Background. Patients with an upper limb motor impairment are likely to develop wrist hyper-resistance during the first months post stroke. The time course of wrist hyper-resistance in terms of neural and biomechanical components, and their interaction with motor recovery, is poorly understood. Objective. To investigate the time course of neural and biomechanical components of wrist hyper-resistance in relation to upper limb motor recovery in the first 6 months post stroke. Methods. Neural (NC), biomechanical elastic (EC), and viscous (VC) components of wrist hyper-resistance (NeuroFlexor device), and upper limb motor recovery (Fugl-Meyer upper extremity scale [FM-UE]), were assessed in 17 patients within 3 weeks and at 5, 12, and 26 weeks post stroke. Patients were stratified according to the presence of voluntary finger extension (VFE) at baseline. Time course of wrist hyper-resistance components and assumed interaction effects were analyzed using linear mixed models. Results. On average, patients without VFE at baseline (n = 8) showed a significant increase in NC, EC, and VC, and an increase in FM-UE from 13 to 26 points within the first 6 months post stroke. A significant increase in NC within 5 weeks preceded a significant increase in EC between weeks 12 and 26. Patients with VFE at baseline (n = 9) showed, on average, no significant increase in components from baseline to 6 months whereas FM-UE scores improved from 38 to 60 points. Conclusion. Our findings suggest that the development of neural and biomechanical wrist hyper-resistance components in patients with severe baseline motor deficits is determined by lack of spontaneous neurobiological recovery early post stroke.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aukje Andringa
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Carel Meskers
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Physical Therapy and Human Movement Sciences, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | | | - Erwin van Wegen
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Gert Kwakkel
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Physical Therapy and Human Movement Sciences, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA.,Department of Neurorehabilitation, Amsterdam Rehabilitation Research Centre, Reade, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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21
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Djajadikarta ZJ, Gandevia SC, Taylor JL. Age has no effect on ankle proprioception when movement history is controlled. J Appl Physiol (1985) 2020; 128:1365-1372. [DOI: 10.1152/japplphysiol.00741.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
It is generally accepted that proprioceptive ability deteriorates with age, although not all data support this view. We tested proprioception using three reliable tests at the ankle in 80 adults (19–80 yr). For all tests, the effects of muscle thixotropy were controlled. Under these conditions, we found no difference in proprioceptive acuity between young and old people.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Simon C. Gandevia
- Neuroscience Research Australia, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Prince of Wales Hospital Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Janet L. Taylor
- Neuroscience Research Australia, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
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22
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An Acute Bout of Self-Myofascial Release Does Not Affect Drop Jump Performance despite an Increase in Ankle Range of Motion. Sports (Basel) 2020; 8:sports8030037. [PMID: 32204326 PMCID: PMC7183049 DOI: 10.3390/sports8030037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2020] [Revised: 02/28/2020] [Accepted: 03/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
This study examined the acute effects of self-myofascial release plus dynamic warm up versus dynamic warm up alone on ankle range of motion and drop jump performance. Twenty-five recreationally active participants (male: 16, female: 9) were randomly assigned into a foam rolling (FR) or a dynamic warm up group (CON) (age: 22.8 ± 3.9 years, body mass 75.9 ± 13.2 kg, stretch stature: 174.1 ± 10.1 cm). In a randomised crossover design, each participant completed two experimental sessions that were separated by seven days. Ankle range of movement was assessed while using a weight-bearing lunge test and drop jump performance was recorded via bilateral force plates. Following a 5 min cycle, the foam rolling group undertook self-myofascial release to the lower limb and thoracic/lumbar regions, followed by a dynamic warm up. The control group undertook the same initial warm up plus the dynamic exercises. The level of significance was set at p ≤ 0.05. There was a significant increase (p < 0.001) in ankle range of motion immediately after the warm up for both groups (pre CON: 37.5 ± 5.31, post CON: 39.8 ± 5.76; pre FR 38.7 ± 7, post FR: 40.3 ± 7.3 deg). No significant difference was found between the conditions (p > 0.05). There were no significant differences for any indices of jump performance (p > 0.05). Based on these results, foam rolling plus dynamic exercises does not appear to impair or enhance drop jump performance, despite the increases in ankle range of movement.
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23
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Affiliation(s)
- R D Herbert
- Neuroscience Research Australia (NeuRA), Sydney , Australia.,University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - S C Gandevia
- Neuroscience Research Australia (NeuRA), Sydney , Australia.,University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
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