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Létocart AJ, Svensson RB, Mabesoone F, Charleux F, Marin F, Dermigny Q, Magnusson SP, Couppé C, Grosset JF. Structure and function of Achilles and patellar tendons following moderate slow resistance training in young and old men. Eur J Appl Physiol 2024:10.1007/s00421-024-05461-y. [PMID: 38649478 DOI: 10.1007/s00421-024-05461-y] [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: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of aging and resistance training with a moderate load on the size and mechanical properties of the patellar (PT) and Achilles tendon (AT) and their associated aponeuroses; medial gastrocnemius (MG) and vastus lateralis (VL). Young (Y55; 24.8 ± 3.8 yrs, n = 11) and old men (O55; 70.0 ± 4.6 yrs, n = 13) were assigned to undergo a training program (12 weeks; 3 times/week) of moderate slow resistance training [55% of one repetition maximum (RM)] of the triceps surae and quadriceps muscles. Tendon dimensions were assessed using 1.5 T magnetic resonance imaging before and after 12 weeks. AT and PT cross sectional area (CSA) were determined every 10% of tendon length. Mechanical properties of the free AT, MG aponeurosis, PT, and VL aponeurosis were assessed using ultrasonography (deformation) and tendon force measurements. CSA of the AT but not PT was greater in O55 compared with Y55. At baseline, mechanical properties were generally lower in O55 than Y55 for AT, MG aponeurosis and VL aponeurosis (Young's modulus) but not for PT. CSA of the AT and PT increased equally in both groups following training. Further, for a given force, stiffness and Young's modulus also increased equally for VL aponeurosis and AT, for boths groups. The present study highlights that except for the PT, older men have lower tendon (AT, MG aponeurosis, and VL aponeurosis) mechanical properties than young men and 12-weeks of moderate slow resistance training appears sufficient to improve tendon size and mechanical adaptations in both young and older men. New and Noteworthy: These novel findings suggest that short-term moderate slow resistance training induces equal improvements in tendon size and mechanics regardless of age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrien J Létocart
- UMR CNRS 7338 Biomécanique et Bioingénierie, Sorbonne Universités, Université de Technologie de Compiègne, 60205, Compiègne Cedex, France.
| | - René B Svensson
- Department of Physical and Occupational Therapy, Bispebjerg-Frederiksberg Hospitals, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Institute of Sports Medicine Copenhagen, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Copenhagen University Hospital-Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Center for Healthy Aging, Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | | | - Frédéric Marin
- UMR CNRS 7338 Biomécanique et Bioingénierie, Sorbonne Universités, Université de Technologie de Compiègne, 60205, Compiègne Cedex, France
| | - Quentin Dermigny
- UMR CNRS 7338 Biomécanique et Bioingénierie, Sorbonne Universités, Université de Technologie de Compiègne, 60205, Compiègne Cedex, France
| | - S Peter Magnusson
- Department of Physical and Occupational Therapy, Bispebjerg-Frederiksberg Hospitals, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Institute of Sports Medicine Copenhagen, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Copenhagen University Hospital-Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Center for Healthy Aging, Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Christian Couppé
- Department of Physical and Occupational Therapy, Bispebjerg-Frederiksberg Hospitals, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Institute of Sports Medicine Copenhagen, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Copenhagen University Hospital-Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jean-François Grosset
- UMR CNRS 7338 Biomécanique et Bioingénierie, Sorbonne Universités, Université de Technologie de Compiègne, 60205, Compiègne Cedex, France.
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Iida N, Thoreson AR, Reisdorf RL, Tsukamoto I, El Hor H, Zhao C. Relationship Between the Changes of Tendon Elastic Moduli With Ultrasound Shear Wave Elastography and Mechanical Compression Test. ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE & BIOLOGY 2024; 50:586-591. [PMID: 38272742 DOI: 10.1016/j.ultrasmedbio.2024.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2023] [Revised: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/01/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to investigate the consistency of the changes in the elastic modulus measured with ultrasound shear wave elastography (SWE) with changes measured through mechanical testing using tendons that were artificially altered by chemical modifications. METHODS Thirty-six canine flexor digitorum profundus tendons were used for this experiment. To mimic tendon mechanical property changes induced by tendinopathy conditions, tendons were treated with collagenase to soften the tissue by collagen digestion or with 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)carbodiimide hydrochloride (EDC) to stiffen the tissues through chemical crosslinking. Tendons were randomly assigned to one of three groups: immersion in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) as a control group (n = 12), collagenase treatment (n = 12) or EDC treatment (n = 12). Immediately following SWE measurement of each tendon, mechanical compression testing was performed as a gold standard to validate the SWE measurement. Both tests were conducted before and after treatment. RESULTS The compressive modulus and SWE shear modulus significantly decreased after collagenase treatment. Conversely, both moduli significantly increased after EDC treatment. There was no significant difference in either modulus before or after PBS treatment. As a result of a regression analysis with the percentage change of the compressive modulus as the dependent variable and SWE shear modulus as the independent variable, the best-fit regression was found to be an exponential function and the coefficient of determination was 0.687. CONCLUSION The changes in the compressive moduli and SWE shear moduli in tendons induced by chemical treatments were correlated by approximately 70%.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naoya Iida
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Andrew R Thoreson
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | | | - Ichiro Tsukamoto
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Hicham El Hor
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Chunfeng Zhao
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA.
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3
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Hooijmans MT, Veeger TTJ, Mazzoli V, van Assen HC, de Groot JH, Gottwald LM, Nederveen AJ, Strijkers GJ, Kan HE. Muscle fiber strain rates in the lower leg during ankle dorsi-/plantarflexion exercise. NMR IN BIOMEDICINE 2024; 37:e5064. [PMID: 38062865 DOI: 10.1002/nbm.5064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2023] [Revised: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
Static quantitative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) provides readouts of structural changes in diseased muscle, but current approaches lack the ability to fully explain the loss of contractile function. Muscle contractile function can be assessed using various techniques including phase-contrast MRI (PC-MRI), where strain rates are quantified. However, current two-dimensional implementations are limited in capturing the complex motion of contracting muscle in the context of its three-dimensional (3D) fiber architecture. The MR acquisitions (chemical shift-encoded water-fat separation scan, spin echo-echoplanar imaging with diffusion weighting, and two time-resolved 3D PC-MRI) wereperformed at 3 T. PC-MRI acquisitions and performed with and without load at 7.5% of the maximum voluntary dorsiflexion contraction force. Acquisitions (3 T, chemical shift-encoded water-fat separation scan, spin echo-echo planar imaging with diffusion weighting, and two time-resolved 3D PC-MRI) were performed with and without load at 7.5% of the maximum voluntary dorsiflexion contraction force. Strain rates and diffusion tensors were calculated and combined to obtain strain rates along and perpendicular to the muscle fibers in seven lower leg muscles during the dynamic dorsi-/plantarflexion movement cycle. To evaluate strain rates along the proximodistal muscle axis, muscles were divided into five equal segments. t-tests were used to test if cyclic strain rate patterns (amplitude > 0) were present along and perpendicular to the muscle fibers. The effects of proximal-distal location and load were evaluated using repeated measures ANOVAs. Cyclic temporal strain rate patterns along and perpendicular to the fiber were found in all muscles involved in dorsi-/plantarflexion movement (p < 0.0017). Strain rates along and perpendicular to the fiber were heterogeneously distributed over the length of most muscles (p < 0.003). Additional loading reduced strain rates of the extensor digitorum longus and gastrocnemius lateralis muscle (p < 0.001). In conclusion, the lower leg muscles involved in cyclic dorsi-/plantarflexion exercise showed cyclic fiber strain rate patterns with amplitudes that varied between muscles and between the proximodistal segments within the majority of muscles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa T Hooijmans
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Movement Sciences, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Thom T J Veeger
- C. J. Gorter MRI Center, Department of Radiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Valentina Mazzoli
- Department of Radiology, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Hans C van Assen
- Department of Radiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Jurriaan H de Groot
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Lukas M Gottwald
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Movement Sciences, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Aart J Nederveen
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Movement Sciences, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Gustav J Strijkers
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Physics, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Movement Sciences, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Hermien E Kan
- C. J. Gorter MRI Center, Department of Radiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Duchenne Center Netherlands, Leiden, The Netherlands
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4
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Blemker SS. In vivo imaging of skeletal muscle form and function: 50 years of insight. J Biomech 2023; 158:111745. [PMID: 37579605 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiomech.2023.111745] [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: 03/21/2023] [Revised: 07/22/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/16/2023]
Abstract
Skeletal muscle form and function has fascinated scientists for centuries. Our understanding of muscle function has long been driven by advancements in imaging techniques. For example, the sliding filament theory of muscle, which is now widely leveraged in biomechanics research, stemmed from observations made possible by scanning electron microscopy. Over the last 50 years, advancing in medical imaging, combined with ingenuity and creativity of biomechanists, have provide a wealth of new and important insights into in vivo human muscle function. Incorporation of in vivo imaging has also advanced computational modeling and allowed our research to have an impact in many clinical populations. While this review does not provide a comprehensive or meta-analysis of the all the in vivo muscle imaging work over the last five decades, it provides a narrative about the past, present, and future of in vivo muscle imaging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia S Blemker
- Departments of Biomedical Engineering, Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering, Ophthalmology, and Orthopedic Surgery, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States; Springbok Analytics, Charlottesville, VA, United States
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Adam NC, Smith CR, Herzog W, Amis AA, Arampatzis A, Taylor WR. In Vivo Strain Patterns in the Achilles Tendon During Dynamic Activities: A Comprehensive Survey of the Literature. SPORTS MEDICINE - OPEN 2023; 9:60. [PMID: 37466866 DOI: 10.1186/s40798-023-00604-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 07/02/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023]
Abstract
Achilles' tendon (AT) injuries such as ruptures and tendinopathies have experienced a dramatic rise in the mid- to older-aged population. Given that the AT plays a key role at all stages of locomotion, unsuccessful rehabilitation after injury often leads to long-term, deleterious health consequences. Understanding healthy in vivo strains as well as the complex muscle-tendon unit interactions will improve access to the underlying aetiology of injuries and how their functionality can be effectively restored post-injury. The goals of this survey of the literature with a systematic search were to provide a benchmark of healthy AT strains measured in vivo during functional activities and identify the sources of variability observed in the results. Two databases were searched, and all articles that provided measured in vivo peak strains or the change in strain with respect to time were included. In total, 107 articles that reported subjects over the age of 18 years with no prior AT injury and measured while performing functional activities such as voluntary contractions, walking, running, jumping, or jump landing were included in this review. In general, unclear anatomical definitions of the sub-tendon and aponeurosis structures have led to considerable confusion in the literature. MRI, ultrasound, and motion capture were the predominant approaches, sometimes coupled with modelling. The measured peak strains increased from 4% to over 10% from contractions, to walking, running, and jumping, in that order. Importantly, measured AT strains were heavily dependent on measurement location, measurement method, measurement protocol, individual AT geometry, and mechanical properties, as well as instantaneous kinematics and kinetics of the studied activity. Through a comprehensive review of approaches and results, this survey of the literature therefore converges to a united terminology of the structures and their common underlying characteristics and presents the state-of-knowledge on their functional strain patterns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naomi C Adam
- Institute for Biomechanics, ETH Zürich, Leopold-Ruzicka-Weg 4, 8093, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Colin R Smith
- Institute for Biomechanics, ETH Zürich, Leopold-Ruzicka-Weg 4, 8093, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Walter Herzog
- Human Performance Laboratory, Faculty of Kinesiology, The University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
| | - Andrew A Amis
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Adamantios Arampatzis
- Department of Training and Movement Sciences, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin School of Movement Science, Berlin, Germany
| | - William R Taylor
- Institute for Biomechanics, ETH Zürich, Leopold-Ruzicka-Weg 4, 8093, Zurich, Switzerland.
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6
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Finni T, Vanwanseele B. Towards modern understanding of the Achilles tendon properties in human movement research. J Biomech 2023; 152:111583. [PMID: 37086579 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiomech.2023.111583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2022] [Revised: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 04/24/2023]
Abstract
The Achilles tendon (AT) is the strongest tendon in humans, yet it often suffers from injury. The mechanical properties of the AT afford efficient movement, power amplification and power attenuation during locomotor tasks. The properties and the unique structure of the AT as a common tendon for three muscles have been studied frequently in humans using in vivo methods since 1990's. As a part of the celebration of 50 years history of the International Society of Biomechanics, this paper reviews the history of the AT research focusing on its mechanical properties in humans. The questions addressed are: What are the most important mechanical properties of the Achilles tendon, how are they studied, what is their significance to human movement, and how do they adapt? We foresee that the ongoing developments in experimental methods and modeling can provide ways to advance knowledge of the complex three-dimensional structure and properties of the Achilles tendon in vivo, and to enable monitoring of the loading and recovery for optimizing individual adaptations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taija Finni
- Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, Neuromuscular Research Center, University of Jyväskylä, Finland.
| | - Benedicte Vanwanseele
- Faculty of Movement and Rehabilitation Science, Human Movement Biomechanics Research Group, KU Leuven, Belgium
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7
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Mansur H, Durigan JLQ, de Noronha M, Kjaer M, Magnusson SP, de Araújo BAS, de Cássia Marqueti R. Differences in the cross-sectional area along the ankle tendons with both age and sex. J Anat 2023; 242:213-223. [PMID: 36250976 PMCID: PMC9877482 DOI: 10.1111/joa.13774] [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: 01/02/2022] [Revised: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Increasing age appears to influence several morphologic changes in major tendons. However, the effects of aging on the cross-sectional area (CSA) of different ankle tendons are much less understood. Furthermore, potential differences in specific tendon regions along the length of the tendons have not been investigated in detail. Sixty healthy adult participants categorized by age as young (n = 20; mean ± SD age = 22.5 ± 4.5 years), middle-age (n = 20; age = 40.6 ± 8. 0 years), or old (n = 20; age = 69.9 ± 9.1 years), from both sexes, were included. The tendon CSA of tibialis anterior (TA), tibialis posterior (TP), fibularis (FT), and Achilles (AT) was measured from T1-weighted 1.5 T MR images in incremental intervals of 10% along its length (from proximal insertion) and compared between different age groups and sexes. The mean CSA of the AT was greater in the middle-age group than both young and old participants (p < 0.01) and large effect sizes were observed for these differences (Cohen's d > 1). Furthermore, there was a significant difference in CSA in all three groups along the length of the different tendons. Region-specific differences between groups were observed in the distal portion (90% and 100% of the length), in which the FT presented greater CSA comparing middle-age to young and old (p < 0.05). In conclusion, (1) great magnitude of morpho-structural differences was discovered in the AT; (2) there are region-specific differences in the CSA of ankle tendons within the three groups and between them; and (3) there were no differences in tendon CSA between sexes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henrique Mansur
- Department of Physical Education, University of Brasília (UnB), Brasilia, Brazil
| | | | - Marcos de Noronha
- La Trobe University - Rural Health School, Bendigo, Victoria, Australia
| | - Michael Kjaer
- Institute of Sports Medicine Copenhagen, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Bispebjerg Hospital and Center for Healthy Aging, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - S Peter Magnusson
- Institute of Sports Medicine Copenhagen, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Bispebjerg Hospital and Center for Healthy Aging, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation Research Unit, Bispebjerg Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
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8
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Mayfield DL, Cronin NJ, Lichtwark GA. Understanding altered contractile properties in advanced age: insights from a systematic muscle modelling approach. Biomech Model Mechanobiol 2023; 22:309-337. [PMID: 36335506 PMCID: PMC9958200 DOI: 10.1007/s10237-022-01651-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Accepted: 10/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Age-related alterations of skeletal muscle are numerous and present inconsistently, and the effect of their interaction on contractile performance can be nonintuitive. Hill-type muscle models predict muscle force according to well-characterised contractile phenomena. Coupled with simple, yet reasonably realistic activation dynamics, such models consist of parameters that are meaningfully linked to fundamental aspects of muscle excitation and contraction. We aimed to illustrate the utility of a muscle model for elucidating relevant mechanisms and predicting changes in output by simulating the individual and combined effects on isometric force of several known ageing-related adaptations. Simulating literature-informed reductions in free Ca2+ concentration and Ca2+ sensitivity generated predictions at odds qualitatively with the characteristic slowing of contraction speed. Conversely, incorporating slower Ca2+ removal or a fractional increase in type I fibre area emulated expected changes; the former was required to simulate slowing of the twitch measured experimentally. Slower Ca2+ removal more than compensated for force loss arising from a large reduction in Ca2+ sensitivity or moderate reduction in Ca2+ release, producing realistic age-related shifts in the force-frequency relationship. Consistent with empirical data, reductions in free Ca2+ concentration and Ca2+ sensitivity reduced maximum tetanic force only slightly, even when acting in concert, suggesting a modest contribution to lower specific force. Lower tendon stiffness and slower intrinsic shortening speed slowed and prolonged force development in a compliance-dependent manner without affecting force decay. This work demonstrates the advantages of muscle modelling for exploring sources of variation and identifying mechanisms underpinning the altered contractile properties of aged muscle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dean L Mayfield
- Department of Evolution, Ecology, and Organismal Biology, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, USA.
| | - Neil J Cronin
- Neuromuscular Research Centre, Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland
- School of Sport and Exercise, University of Gloucestershire, Cheltenham, UK
| | - Glen A Lichtwark
- School of Human Movement and Nutrition Sciences, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
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9
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Deligianni X, Santini F, Paoletti M, Solazzo F, Bergsland N, Savini G, Faggioli A, Germani G, Monforte M, Ricci E, Tasca G, Pichiecchio A. Dynamic magnetic resonance imaging of muscle contraction in facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy. Sci Rep 2022; 12:7250. [PMID: 35508609 PMCID: PMC9068910 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-11147-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2021] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Quantitative muscle MRI (water-T2 and fat mapping) is being increasingly used to assess disease involvement in muscle disorders, while imaging techniques for assessment of the dynamic and elastic muscle properties have not yet been translated into clinics. In this exploratory study, we quantitatively characterized muscle deformation (strain) in patients affected by facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD), a prevalent muscular dystrophy, by applying dynamic MRI synchronized with neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES). We evaluated the quadriceps muscles in 34 ambulatory patients and 13 healthy controls, at 6-to 12-month time intervals. While a subgroup of patients behaved similarly to controls, for another subgroup the median strain decreased over time (approximately 57% over 1.5 years). Dynamic MRI parameters did not correlate with quantitative MRI. Our results suggest that the evaluation of muscle contraction by NMES-MRI is feasible and could potentially be used to explore the elastic properties and monitor muscle involvement in FSHD and other neuromuscular disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xeni Deligianni
- Radiology, Division of Radiological Physics, University Hospital of Basel, Petersgraben 4, 4031, Basel, Switzerland.,Basel Muscle MRI, Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Basel, Allschwil, Switzerland
| | - Francesco Santini
- Radiology, Division of Radiological Physics, University Hospital of Basel, Petersgraben 4, 4031, Basel, Switzerland. .,Basel Muscle MRI, Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Basel, Allschwil, Switzerland.
| | - Matteo Paoletti
- Neuroradiology Department, Advanced Imaging and Radiomics Center, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - Francesca Solazzo
- School of Specialization in Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology Center of Research in Medical Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
| | - Niels Bergsland
- Department of Neurology, Buffalo Neuroimaging Analysis Center, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Buffalo, NY, USA.,IRCCS Fondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi ONLUS, Milan, Italy
| | - Giovanni Savini
- Neuroradiology Department, Advanced Imaging and Radiomics Center, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - Arianna Faggioli
- Neuroradiology Department, Advanced Imaging and Radiomics Center, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - Giancarlo Germani
- Neuroradiology Department, Advanced Imaging and Radiomics Center, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - Mauro Monforte
- Unità Operativa Complessa di Neurologia, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Enzo Ricci
- Unità Operativa Complessa di Neurologia, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Giorgio Tasca
- Unità Operativa Complessa di Neurologia, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Anna Pichiecchio
- Neuroradiology Department, Advanced Imaging and Radiomics Center, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy.,Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
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10
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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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11
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Krupenevich RL, Beck ON, Sawicki GS, Franz JR. Reduced Achilles Tendon Stiffness Disrupts Calf Muscle Neuromechanics in Elderly Gait. Gerontology 2022; 68:241-251. [PMID: 34274923 PMCID: PMC8761229 DOI: 10.1159/000516910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2020] [Accepted: 04/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Older adults walk slower and with a higher metabolic energy expenditure than younger adults. In this review, we explore the hypothesis that age-related declines in Achilles tendon stiffness increase the metabolic cost of walking due to less economical calf muscle contractions and increased proximal joint work. This viewpoint may motivate interventions to restore ankle muscle-tendon stiffness, improve walking mechanics, and reduce metabolic cost in older adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca L. Krupenevich
- Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and North Carolina State University, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Owen N. Beck
- The George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA,The School of Biological Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Gregory S. Sawicki
- The George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA,The School of Biological Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Jason R. Franz
- Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and North Carolina State University, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
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12
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Smart RR, O'Connor B, Jakobi JM. Resting Tendon Cross-Sectional Area Underestimates Biceps Brachii Tendon Stress: Importance of Measuring During a Contraction. Front Physiol 2021; 12:654231. [PMID: 34646145 PMCID: PMC8502959 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2021.654231] [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: 01/15/2021] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Force produced by the muscle during contraction is applied to the tendon and distributed through the cross-sectional area (CSA) of the tendon. This ratio of force to the tendon CSA is quantified as the tendon mechanical property of stress. Stress is traditionally calculated using the resting tendon CSA; however, this does not take into account the reductions in the CSA resulting from tendon elongation during the contraction. It is unknown if calculating the tendon stress using instantaneous CSA during a contraction significantly increases the values of in vivo distal biceps brachii (BB) tendon stress in humans compared to stress calculated with the resting CSA. Nine young (22 ± 1 years) and nine old (76 ± 4 years) males, and eight young females (21 ± 1 years) performed submaximal isometric elbow flexion tracking tasks at force levels ranging from 2.5 to 80% maximal voluntary contraction (MVC). The distal BB tendon CSA was recorded on ultrasound at rest and during the submaximal tracking tasks (instantaneous). Tendon stress was calculated as the ratio of tendon force during contraction to CSA using the resting and instantaneous measures of CSA, and statistically evaluated with multi-level modeling (MLM) and Johnson–Neyman regions of significance tests to determine the specific force levels above which the differences between calculation methods and groups became statistically significant. The tendon CSA was greatest at rest and decreased as the force level increased (p < 0.001), and was largest in young males (23.0 ± 2.90 mm2) followed by old males (20.87 ± 2.0 mm2) and young females (17.08 ± 1.54 mm2) (p < 0.001) at rest and across the submaximal force levels. Tendon stress was greater in the instantaneous compared with the resting CSA condition, and young males had the greatest difference in the values of tendon stress between the two conditions (20 ± 4%), followed by old males (19 ± 5%), and young females (17 ± 5%). The specific force at which the difference between the instantaneous and resting CSA stress values became statistically significant was 2.6, 6.6, and 10% MVC for old males, young females, and young males, respectively. The influence of using the instantaneous compared to resting CSA for tendon stress is sex-specific in young adults, and age-specific in the context of males. The instantaneous CSA should be used to provide a more accurate measure of in vivo tendon stress in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rowan R Smart
- Healthy Exercise and Aging Laboratory, School of Health and Exercise Sciences, University of British Columbia Okanagan, Kelowna, BC, Canada
| | - Brian O'Connor
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, University of British Columbia Okanagan, Kelowna, BC, Canada
| | - Jennifer M Jakobi
- Healthy Exercise and Aging Laboratory, School of Health and Exercise Sciences, University of British Columbia Okanagan, Kelowna, BC, Canada
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13
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Couppé C, Svensson RB, Skovlund SV, Jensen JK, Eriksen CS, Malmgaard-Clausen NM, Nybing JD, Kjaer M, Magnusson SP. Habitual side-specific loading leads to structural, mechanical and compositional changes in the patellar tendon of young and senior life-long male athletes. J Appl Physiol (1985) 2021; 131:1187-1199. [PMID: 34382838 DOI: 10.1152/japplphysiol.00202.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Effects of life-long physical activity on tendon function have been investigated in cross-sectional studies, but these are at risk of "survivorship" bias. Here, we investigate if life-long side-specific loading is associated with greater cross-sectional area (CSA), mechanical properties, cell density (DNA content) and collagen cross-link composition of the male human patellar tendon (PT), in vivo. Nine seniors and six young male life-long elite badminton players and fencers were included. CSA of the PT obtained by 3-tesla MRI, and ultrasonography-based bilateral PT mechanics were assessed. Collagen fibril characteristics, enzymatic cross-links, non-enzymatic glycation (autofluorescence), collagen and DNA content were measured biochemically in PT biopsies. The elite athletes had a ≥15% side-to-side difference in maximal knee extensor strength, reflecting chronic unilateral sport-specific loading patterns. The PT CSA was greater on the lead extremity compared with the non-lead extremity (17 %, p=0.0001). Furthermore, greater tendon stiffness (18 %, p=0.0404) together with lower tendon stress (22 %, p=0.0005) and tendon strain (18 %, p=0.0433) were observed on the lead extremity. No effects were demonstrated from side-to-side for glycation, enzymatic cross-link, collagen, and DNA content (50%, p=0.1160). Moreover, tendon fibril density was 87±28 fibrils/μm2 on the lead extremity and 68±26 fibrils/μm2 on the non-lead extremity (28%, p=0.0544). Tendon fibril diameter was 86±14 nm on the lead extremity and 94±14 nm on the non-lead extremity (-9%, p=0.1076). These novel data suggest that life-long side-specific loading in males yields greater patellar tendon size and stiffness possibly with concomitant greater fibril density but without changes of collagen cross-link composition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Couppé
- Institute of Sports Medicine Copenhagen, Bispebjerg-Frederiksberg Hospitals, Denmark.,Department of Physical and Occupational Therapy, Bispebjerg-Frederiksberg Hospitals, Denmark
| | - Rene B Svensson
- Institute of Sports Medicine Copenhagen, Bispebjerg-Frederiksberg Hospitals, Denmark
| | - Sebastian V Skovlund
- Institute of Sports Medicine Copenhagen, Bispebjerg-Frederiksberg Hospitals, Denmark.,Department of Physical and Occupational Therapy, Bispebjerg-Frederiksberg Hospitals, Denmark
| | | | | | | | - Janus Damm Nybing
- Department of Radiology, Bispebjerg-Frederiksberg Hospitals, Denmark
| | - Michael Kjaer
- Institute of Sports Medicine Copenhagen, Bispebjerg-Frederiksberg Hospitals, Denmark
| | - S Peter Magnusson
- Institute of Sports Medicine Copenhagen, Bispebjerg-Frederiksberg Hospitals, Denmark.,Department of Physical and Occupational Therapy, Bispebjerg-Frederiksberg Hospitals, Denmark
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14
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Nakamura M, Kiyono R, Sato S, Yahata K, Fukaya T, Nishishita S, Konrad A. The Associations between Rapid Strength Development and Muscle Stiffness in Older Population. Healthcare (Basel) 2021; 9:80. [PMID: 33467735 PMCID: PMC7830458 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare9010080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2020] [Revised: 01/08/2021] [Accepted: 01/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous studies suggest that the capacity for rapid force production of ankle plantar flexors is essential for the prevention of falls in the elderly. In healthy young adults, there were significant associations between rate of force development and muscle stiffness measured by shear wave elastography. However, there has been no study investigating the association of rate of force development with shear elastic modulus in older adults. METHODS The muscle strength and shear elastic modulus of the medial gastrocnemius muscle in both legs were measured in 17 elderly men and 10 elderly women (mean ± SD; 70.7 ± 4.1 years; 160.6 ± 8.0 cm; 58.7 ± 9.5 kg). We investigated the rate of force development of plantar flexors and shear elastic modulus of medial gastrocnemius muscle using by shear wave elastography. RESULTS Our results showed that there were no significant associations between normalized rate of force development and shear elastic modulus of medial gastrocnemius muscle. CONCLUSION This suggests that the capacity of rapid force production could be related not to muscle stiffness of the medial gastrocnemius muscle, but to neuromuscular function in older individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masatoshi Nakamura
- Institute for Human Movement and Medical Sciences, Niigata University of Health and Welfare, Niigata 950-3198, Japan; (M.N.); (R.K.); (S.S.); (K.Y.); (T.F.)
- Department of Physical Therapy, Niigata University of Health and Welfare, Niigata 950-3198, Japan
| | - Ryosuke Kiyono
- Institute for Human Movement and Medical Sciences, Niigata University of Health and Welfare, Niigata 950-3198, Japan; (M.N.); (R.K.); (S.S.); (K.Y.); (T.F.)
| | - Shigeru Sato
- Institute for Human Movement and Medical Sciences, Niigata University of Health and Welfare, Niigata 950-3198, Japan; (M.N.); (R.K.); (S.S.); (K.Y.); (T.F.)
| | - Kaoru Yahata
- Institute for Human Movement and Medical Sciences, Niigata University of Health and Welfare, Niigata 950-3198, Japan; (M.N.); (R.K.); (S.S.); (K.Y.); (T.F.)
| | - Taizan Fukaya
- Institute for Human Movement and Medical Sciences, Niigata University of Health and Welfare, Niigata 950-3198, Japan; (M.N.); (R.K.); (S.S.); (K.Y.); (T.F.)
- Department of Rehabilitation, Kyoto Kujo Hospital, Kyoto 601-8453, Japan
| | - Satoru Nishishita
- Institute of Rehabilitation Science, Tokuyukai Medical Corporation, Osaka 560-0054, Japan;
- Kansai Rehabilitation Hospital, Tokuyukai Medical Corporation, Osaka 560-0054, Japan
| | - Andreas Konrad
- Institute of Human Movement Science, Sport and Health, University of Graz, Graz A-8010, Austria
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15
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Lindemann I, Coombes BK, Tucker K, Hug F, Dick TJ. Age-related differences in gastrocnemii muscles and Achilles tendon mechanical properties in vivo. J Biomech 2020; 112:110067. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiomech.2020.110067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2020] [Revised: 08/30/2020] [Accepted: 09/23/2020] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
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16
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Bilston LE, Bolsterlee B, Nordez A, Sinha S. Contemporary image-based methods for measuring passive mechanical properties of skeletal muscles in vivo. J Appl Physiol (1985) 2019; 126:1454-1464. [PMID: 30236053 DOI: 10.1152/japplphysiol.00672.2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Skeletal muscles' primary function in the body is mechanical: to move and stabilize the skeleton. As such, their mechanical behavior is a key aspect of their physiology. Recent developments in medical imaging technology have enabled quantitative studies of passive muscle mechanics, ranging from measurements of intrinsic muscle mechanical properties, such as elasticity and viscosity, to three-dimensional muscle architecture and dynamic muscle deformation and kinematics. In this review we summarize the principles and applications of contemporary imaging methods that have been used to study the passive mechanical behavior of skeletal muscles. Elastography measurements can provide in vivo maps of passive muscle mechanical parameters, and both MRI and ultrasound methods are available (magnetic resonance elastography and ultrasound shear wave elastography, respectively). Both have been shown to differentiate between healthy muscle and muscles affected by a broad range of clinical conditions. Detailed muscle architecture can now be depicted using diffusion tensor imaging, which not only is particularly useful for computational modeling of muscle but also has potential in assessing architectural changes in muscle disorders. More dynamic information about muscle mechanics can be obtained using a range of dynamic MRI methods, which characterize the detailed internal muscle deformations during motion. There are several MRI techniques available (e.g., phase-contrast MRI, displacement-encoded MRI, and "tagged" MRI), each of which can be collected in synchrony with muscle motion and postprocessed to quantify muscle deformation. Together, these modern imaging techniques can characterize muscle motion, deformation, mechanical properties, and architecture, providing complementary insights into skeletal muscle function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lynne E Bilston
- Neuroscience Research Australia, Randwick, New South Wales , Australia.,Prince of Wales Clinical School, University of New South Wales, Randwick, New South Wales , Australia
| | - Bart Bolsterlee
- Neuroscience Research Australia, Randwick, New South Wales , Australia.,Graduate School of Biomedical Engineering, University of New South Wales , Kensington, New South Wales , Australia
| | - Antoine Nordez
- Health and Rehabilitation Research Institute, Auckland University of Technology , Auckland , New Zealand.,Movement, Interactions, Performance Laboratory (EA 4334), Faculty of Sport Sciences, University of Nantes , Nantes , France
| | - Shantanu Sinha
- Muscle Imaging and Modeling Laboratory, Department of Radiology, University of California , San Diego, California
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17
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Morphometric and dynamic measurements of muscular fascia in healthy individuals using ultrasound imaging: a summary of the discrepancies and gaps in the current literature. Surg Radiol Anat 2018; 40:1329-1341. [DOI: 10.1007/s00276-018-2086-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2018] [Accepted: 05/01/2018] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
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18
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Static and Dynamic Ultrasound Imaging of the Iliotibial Band/Fascia Lata: Brief Review of Current Literature and Gaps in Knowledge. CURRENT RADIOLOGY REPORTS 2018. [DOI: 10.1007/s40134-018-0295-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
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19
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Epro G, McCrum C, Mierau A, Leyendecker M, Brüggemann GP, Karamanidis K. Effects of triceps surae muscle strength and tendon stiffness on the reactive dynamic stability and adaptability of older female adults during perturbed walking. J Appl Physiol (1985) 2018; 124:1541-1549. [DOI: 10.1152/japplphysiol.00545.2017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to examine whether the triceps surae (TS) muscle-tendon unit (MTU) mechanical properties affect gait stability and its reactive adaptation potential to repeated perturbation exposure in older adults. Thirty-four older adults each experienced eight separate unexpected perturbations during treadmill walking, while a motion capture system was used to determine the margin of stability (MoS) and base of support (BoS). Ankle plantar flexor muscle strength and Achilles tendon (AT) stiffness were analyzed using ultrasonography and dynamometry. A median split and separation boundaries classified the subjects into two groups with GroupStrong ( n = 10) showing higher ankle plantar flexor muscle strength (2.26 ± 0.17 vs. 1.47 ± 0.20 N·m/kg, means ± SD; P < 0.001) and AT stiffness (544 ± 75 vs. 429 ± 86 N/mm; P = 0.004) than GroupWeak ( n = 12). The first perturbation caused a negative ΔMoS (MoS in relation to unperturbed baseline walking) at touchdown of perturbed step (PertR), indicating an unstable position. GroupStrong required four recovery steps to return to ΔMoS zero level, whereas GroupWeak was unable to return to baseline within the analyzed steps. However, after repeated perturbations, both groups increased ΔMoS at touchdown of PertR with a similar magnitude. Significant correlations between ΔBoS and ΔMoS at touchdown of the first recovery step and TS MTU capacities (0.41 < r < 0.57; 0.006 < P < 0.048) were found. We conclude that older adults with TS muscle weakness have a diminished ability to control gait stability during unexpected perturbations, increasing their fall risk, but that degeneration in muscle strength and tendon stiffness may not inhibit the ability of the locomotor system to adapt the reactive motor response to repeated perturbations. NEW & NOTEWORTHY Triceps surae muscle weakness and a more compliant Achilles tendon partly limit older adults’ ability to effectively enlarge the base of support and recover dynamic stability after an unexpected perturbation during walking, increasing their fall risk. However, the degeneration in muscle strength and tendon stiffness may not inhibit the ability of the locomotor system to adapt the reactive motor response to repeated perturbations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaspar Epro
- Sport and Exercise Science Research Centre, School of Applied Sciences, London South Bank University, London, United Kingdom
- Institute of Biomechanics and Orthopaedics, German Sport University Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Christopher McCrum
- NUTRIM School of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism, Maastricht University Medical Centre+, Department of Human Movement Sciences, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Institute of Movement and Sport Gerontology, German Sport University Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Andreas Mierau
- Institute of Movement and Neurosciences, German Sport University Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Department of Exercise and Sport Science, LUNEX International University of Health, Exercise and Sports, Differdange, Luxembourg
| | - Michael Leyendecker
- Institute of Movement and Neurosciences, German Sport University Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Gert-Peter Brüggemann
- Institute of Biomechanics and Orthopaedics, German Sport University Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Cologne Center for Musculoskeletal Biomechanics, Medical Faculty, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Kiros Karamanidis
- Sport and Exercise Science Research Centre, School of Applied Sciences, London South Bank University, London, United Kingdom
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20
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Epro G, Mierau A, McCrum C, Leyendecker M, Brüggemann GP, Karamanidis K. Retention of gait stability improvements over 1.5 years in older adults: effects of perturbation exposure and triceps surae neuromuscular exercise. J Neurophysiol 2018. [PMID: 29537914 DOI: 10.1152/jn.00513.2017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
The plantarflexors play a crucial role in recovery from sudden disturbances to gait. The objective of this study was to investigate whether medium (months)- or long(years)-term exercise-induced enhancement of triceps surae (TS) neuromuscular capacities affects older adults' ability to retain improvements in reactive gait stability during perturbed walking acquired from perturbation training sessions. Thirty-four adult women (65 ± 7 yr) were recruited to a perturbation training group ( n = 13) or a group that additionally completed 14 wk of TS neuromuscular exercise ( n = 21), 12 of whom continued with the exercise for 1.5 yr. The margin of stability (MoS) was analyzed at touchdown of the perturbed step and the first recovery step following eight separate unexpected trip perturbations during treadmill walking. TS muscle-tendon unit mechanical properties and motor skill performance were assessed with ultrasonography and dynamometry. Two perturbation training sessions (baseline and after 14 wk) caused an improvement in the reactive gait stability to the perturbations (increased MoS) in both groups. The perturbation training group retained the reactive gait stability improvements acquired over 14 wk and over 1.5 yr, with a minor decay over time. Despite the improvements in TS capacities in the additional exercise group, no benefits for the reactive gait stability following perturbations were identified. Therefore, older adults' neuromotor system shows rapid plasticity to repeated unexpected perturbations and an ability to retain these adaptations in reactive gait stability over a long time period, but an additional exercise-related enhancement of TS capacities seems not to further improve these effects. NEW & NOTEWORTHY Older adults' neuromotor system shows rapid plasticity to repeated exposure to unexpected perturbations to gait and an ability to retain the majority of these adaptations in reactive recovery responses over a prolonged time period of 1.5 yr. However, an additional exercise-related enhancement of TS neuromuscular capacities is not necessarily transferred to the recovery behavior during unexpected perturbations to gait in older adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Epro
- Sport and Exercise Science Research Centre, School of Applied Sciences, London South Bank University , United Kingdom.,Institute of Biomechanics and Orthopaedics, German Sport University Cologne , Cologne , Germany
| | - A Mierau
- Institute of Movement and Neurosciences, German Sport University Cologne , Cologne , Germany.,Department of Exercise and Sport Science, LUNEX International University of Health, Exercise and Sports, Differdange, Luxembourg
| | - C McCrum
- Department of Nutrition and Movement Sciences, NUTRIM School of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism, Maastricht University Medical Centre+ , Maastricht , The Netherlands.,Institute of Movement and Sport Gerontology, German Sport University Cologne , Cologne , Germany
| | - M Leyendecker
- Institute of Movement and Neurosciences, German Sport University Cologne , Cologne , Germany
| | - G-P Brüggemann
- Institute of Biomechanics and Orthopaedics, German Sport University Cologne , Cologne , Germany.,Cologne Center for Musculoskeletal Biomechanics, Medical Faculty, University of Cologne , Cologne , Germany
| | - K Karamanidis
- Sport and Exercise Science Research Centre, School of Applied Sciences, London South Bank University , United Kingdom
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21
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McCrum C, Leow P, Epro G, König M, Meijer K, Karamanidis K. Alterations in Leg Extensor Muscle-Tendon Unit Biomechanical Properties With Ageing and Mechanical Loading. Front Physiol 2018. [PMID: 29541035 PMCID: PMC5835978 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2018.00150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Tendons transfer forces produced by muscle to the skeletal system and can therefore have a large influence on movement effectiveness and safety. Tendons are mechanosensitive, meaning that they adapt their material, morphological and hence their mechanical properties in response to mechanical loading. Therefore, unloading due to immobilization or inactivity could lead to changes in tendon mechanical properties. Additionally, ageing may influence tendon biomechanical properties directly, as a result of biological changes in the tendon, and indirectly, due to reduced muscle strength and physical activity. This review aimed to examine age-related differences in human leg extensor (triceps surae and quadriceps femoris) muscle-tendon unit biomechanical properties. Additionally, this review aimed to assess if, and to what extent mechanical loading interventions could counteract these changes in older adults. There appear to be consistent reductions in human triceps surae and quadriceps femoris muscle strength, accompanied by similar reductions in tendon stiffness and elastic modulus with ageing, whereas the effect on tendon cross sectional area is unclear. Therefore, the observed age-related changes in tendon stiffness are predominantly due to changes in tendon material rather than size with age. However, human tendons appear to retain their mechanosensitivity with age, as intervention studies report alterations in tendon biomechanical properties in older adults of similar magnitudes to younger adults over 12–14 weeks of training. Interventions should implement tendon strains corresponding to high mechanical loads (i.e., 80–90% MVC) with repetitive loading for up to 3–4 months to successfully counteract age-related changes in leg extensor muscle-tendon unit biomechanical properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher McCrum
- Department of Human Movement Science, NUTRIM School of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism, Maastricht University Medical Centre+, Maastricht, Netherlands.,Institute of Movement and Sport Gerontology, German Sport University Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Pamela Leow
- Department of Human Movement Science, NUTRIM School of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism, Maastricht University Medical Centre+, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Gaspar Epro
- Sport and Exercise Science Research Centre, School of Applied Sciences, London South Bank University, London, United Kingdom
| | - Matthias König
- Sport and Exercise Science Research Centre, School of Applied Sciences, London South Bank University, London, United Kingdom
| | - Kenneth Meijer
- Department of Human Movement Science, NUTRIM School of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism, Maastricht University Medical Centre+, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Kiros Karamanidis
- Sport and Exercise Science Research Centre, School of Applied Sciences, London South Bank University, London, United Kingdom
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22
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Abstract
The extracellular matrix (ECM) provides the environment for many cells types within the body and, in addition to the well recognised role as a structural support, influences many important cell process within the body. As a result, age-related changes to the proteins of the ECM have far reaching consequences with the potential to disrupt many different aspects of homeostasis and healthy function. The proteins collagen and elastin are the most abundant in the ECM and their ability to function as a structural support and provide mechanical stability results from the formation of supra-molecular structures. Collagen and elastin have a long half-life, as required by their structural role, which leaves them vulnerable to a range of post-translational modifications. In this chapter the role of the ECM is discussed and the component proteins introduced. Major age-related modifications including glycation, carbamylation and fragmentation and the impact these have on ECM function are reviewed.
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23
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Stenroth L, Sipilä S, Finni T, Cronin NJ. Slower Walking Speed in Older Men Improves Triceps Surae Force Generation Ability. Med Sci Sports Exerc 2017; 49:158-166. [PMID: 27471788 DOI: 10.1249/mss.0000000000001065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Older adults walk slower than young adults, but it is not known why. Previous research suggests that ankle plantarflexors may have a crucial role in the reduction of walking speed. The purpose of this study was to investigate age-related differences in triceps surae muscle-tendon function during walking to further investigate the role of plantarflexors in the age-related reduction of walking speed. METHODS Medial gastrocnemius and soleus muscle fascicle lengths were measured using ultrasound imaging during walking from 13 young (25 ± 4 yr) men at preferred walking speed and from 13 older (73 ± 5 yr) men at preferred speed and at the young men's preferred speed. Muscle-tendon unit lengths were calculated from joint kinematics, and tendinous tissue lengths were calculated by subtracting muscle lengths from muscle-tendon unit lengths. In addition, ground reaction forces and electromyographic activity of medial gastrocnemius and soleus were measured. RESULTS In both medial gastrocnemius and soleus, it was observed that at preferred walking speed, older men used a narrower muscle fascicle operating range and lower shortening velocity at the estimated time of triceps surae peak force generation compared with young men. Fascicles also accounted for a lower proportion of muscle-tendon unit length changes during the stance phase in older compared with young men. Significant differences in triceps surae muscle function were not observed between age groups when compared at matched walking speed. CONCLUSIONS In older men, walking at preferred speed allows triceps surae muscles to generate force with more favorable shortening velocity and to enhance use of tendinous tissue elasticity compared with walking at young men's preferred speed. The results suggest that older men may prefer slower walking speeds to compensate for decreased plantarflexor strength.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauri Stenroth
- 1Department of Biology of Physical Activity, Neuromuscular Research Center, University of Jyvaskyla, Jyvaskyla, FINLAND; 2Department of Health Sciences, Gerontology Research Center, University of Jyvaskyla, Jyvaskyla, FINLAND
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24
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Malis V, Sinha U, Csapo R, Narici M, Sinha S. Relationship of changes in strain rate indices estimated from velocity-encoded MR imaging to loss of muscle force following disuse atrophy. Magn Reson Med 2017; 79:912-922. [PMID: 28560822 DOI: 10.1002/mrm.26759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2017] [Revised: 04/30/2017] [Accepted: 05/01/2017] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE This study explores changes in strain rate (SR) (rate of regional deformation) parameters extracted from velocity-encoded MRI and their relationship to muscle force loss following 4-week unilateral lower limb suspension in healthy humans. METHODS Two-dimensional SR maps were derived from three directional velocity-encoded MR phase-contrast images of the medial gastrocnemius in seven subjects. Atrophy-related and regional differences in the SR eigenvalues, angle between the SR and muscle fiber (SR-fiber angle), and strain rates in the fiber basis were statistically analyzed using analysis of variance and linear regression. RESULTS During isometric contraction, SR in the fiber cross section (SRin-plane ) was significantly lower, and the SR-fiber angle was significantly higher postsuspension (P < 0.05). On multiple variable regression analysis, the volume of medial gastrocnemius, SRin-plane , and SR-fiber angle were significantly associated with force and changes in the, and the SR eigenvalues and shear SR were significantly associated with change in force with disuse. CONCLUSIONS Changes in SR-fiber angle, SRin-plane , and shear SR as well as their ability to predict force and force changes may reflect the role of remodeling of the extracellular matrix in disuse atrophy and its functional consequence in reducing lateral transmission of force. Magn Reson Med 79:912-922, 2018. © 2017 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vadim Malis
- Muscle Imaging and Modeling Lab, Department of Radiology, University of California, San Diego, California, USA.,Physics, University of California, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Usha Sinha
- Physics, San Diego State University, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Robert Csapo
- Muscle Imaging and Modeling Lab, Department of Radiology, University of California, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Marco Narici
- School of Graduate Entry Medicine and Health University of Nottingham, Derby, UK
| | - Shantanu Sinha
- Muscle Imaging and Modeling Lab, Department of Radiology, University of California, San Diego, California, USA
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Wojnicz W, Zagrodny B, Ludwicki M, Awrejcewicz J, Wittbrodt E. A two dimensional approach for modelling of pennate muscle behaviour. Biocybern Biomed Eng 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbe.2016.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Quantitative ultrasound mapping of regional variations in shear wave speeds of the aging Achilles tendon. Eur Radiol 2016; 27:474-482. [PMID: 27236815 DOI: 10.1007/s00330-016-4409-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2015] [Revised: 02/18/2016] [Accepted: 05/13/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Evaluate the effects of aging on healthy Achilles tendon and aponeurosis shear wave speed (SWS), a quantitative metric which reflects tissue elasticity. METHODS Shear wave elastography was used to measure spatial variations in Achilles tendon SWS in healthy young (n = 15, 25 ± 4 years), middle-aged (n = 10, 49 ± 4 years) and older (n = 10, 68 ± 5 years) adults. SWS was separately measured in the free Achilles tendon, soleus aponeurosis and gastrocnemius aponeurosis in resting (R), stretched (dorsiflexed 15° from R) and slack (plantarflexed 15° from R) postures. RESULTS SWS significantly increased with stretch and varied with age in all tendon regions. Slack free tendon SWS was significantly higher in older adults than young adults (p = 0.025). However, stretched soleus aponeurosis SWS was significantly lower in older adults than young adults (p = 0.01). Stretched gastrocnemius aponeurosis SWS was significantly lower in both middle-aged (p = 0.003) and older (p = 0.001) adults, relative to younger adults. CONCLUSION These results suggest that aging alters spatial variations in Achilles tendon elasticity, which could alter deformations within the triceps surae muscle-tendon units, thus affecting injury potential. The observed location- and posture-dependent variations highlight the importance of controlling ankle posture and imaging location when using shear wave approaches clinically to evaluate tendon disorders. KEY POINTS • Shear wave elastography shows promise as a clinical quantitative ultrasound-based technique. • Aging induces location-dependent changes in Achilles tendon shear wave speed. • Spatial and postural dependence necessitates careful integration of this approach clinically.
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Rahemi H, Nigam N, Wakeling JM. The effect of intramuscular fat on skeletal muscle mechanics: implications for the elderly and obese. J R Soc Interface 2016; 12:20150365. [PMID: 26156300 DOI: 10.1098/rsif.2015.0365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 146] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Skeletal muscle accumulates intramuscular fat through age and obesity. Muscle quality, a measure of muscle strength per unit size, decreases in these conditions. It is not clear how fat influences this loss in performance. Changes to structural parameters (e.g. fibre pennation and connective tissue properties) affect the muscle quality. This study investigated the mechanisms that lead to deterioration in muscle performance due to changes in intramuscular fat, pennation and aponeurosis stiffness. A finite-element model of the human gastrocnemius was developed as a fibre-reinforced composite biomaterial containing contractile fibres within the base material. The base-material properties were modified to include intramuscular fat in five different ways. All these models with fat generated lower fibre stress and muscle quality than their lean counterparts. This effect is due to the higher stiffness of the tissue in the fatty models. The fibre deformations influence their interactions with the aponeuroses, and these change with fatty inclusions. Muscles with more compliant aponeuroses generated lower forces. The muscle quality was further reduced for muscles with lower pennation. This study shows that whole-muscle force is dependent on its base-material properties and changes to the base material due to fatty inclusions result in reductions to force and muscle quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hadi Rahemi
- Neuromuscular Mechanics Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Physiology and Kinesiology, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada V5A 1S6
| | - Nilima Nigam
- Department of Mathematics, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada V5A 1S6
| | - James M Wakeling
- Neuromuscular Mechanics Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Physiology and Kinesiology, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada V5A 1S6
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Influence of Ageing on Tendon Homeostasis. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2016; 920:247-60. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-33943-6_24] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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Csapo R, Malis V, Sinha U, Sinha S. Mapping of spatial and temporal heterogeneity of plantar flexor muscle activity during isometric contraction: correlation of velocity-encoded MRI with EMG. J Appl Physiol (1985) 2015; 119:558-68. [PMID: 26112239 PMCID: PMC4556836 DOI: 10.1152/japplphysiol.00275.2015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2015] [Accepted: 06/18/2015] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to assess the correlation between contraction-associated muscle kinematics as measured by velocity-encoded phase-contrast (VE-PC) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and activity recorded via electromyography (EMG), and to construct a detailed three-dimensional (3-D) map of the contractile behavior of the triceps surae complex from the MRI data. Ten axial-plane VE-PC MRI slices of the triceps surae and EMG data were acquired during submaximal isometric contractions in 10 subjects. MRI images were analyzed to yield the degree of contraction-associated muscle displacement on a voxel-by-voxel basis and determine the heterogeneity of muscle movement within and between slices. Correlational analyses were performed to determine the agreement between EMG data and displacements. Pearson's coefficients demonstrated good agreement (0.84 < r < 0.88) between EMG data and displacements. Comparison between different slices in the gastrocnemius muscle revealed significant heterogeneity in displacement values both in-plane and along the cranio-caudal axis, with highest values in the mid-muscle regions. By contrast, no significant differences between muscle regions were found in the soleus muscle. Substantial differences among displacements were also observed within slices, with those in static areas being only 17-39% (maximum) of those in the most mobile muscle regions. The good agreement between EMG data and displacements suggests that VE-PC MRI may be used as a noninvasive, high-resolution technique for quantifying and modeling muscle activity over the entire 3-D volume of muscle groups. Application to the triceps surae complex revealed substantial heterogeneity of contraction-associated muscle motion both within slices and between different cranio-caudal positions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Csapo
- Muscle Imaging and Modeling Laboratory, Department of Radiology, University of California-San Diego, San Diego, California; Institute of Sport Science, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria; and
| | - Vadim Malis
- Muscle Imaging and Modeling Laboratory, Department of Radiology, University of California-San Diego, San Diego, California
| | - Usha Sinha
- Department of Physics, San Diego State University, San Diego, California
| | - Shantanu Sinha
- Muscle Imaging and Modeling Laboratory, Department of Radiology, University of California-San Diego, San Diego, California;
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Slane LC, DeWall R, Martin J, Lee K, Thelen DG. Middle-aged adults exhibit altered spatial variations in Achilles tendon wave speed. Physiol Meas 2015; 36:1485-96. [PMID: 26020294 DOI: 10.1088/0967-3334/36/7/1485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to investigate spatial variations in measured wave speed in the relaxed and stretched Achilles tendons of young and middle-aged adults. Wave speed was measured from the distal Achilles tendon, soleus aponeurosis, medial gastrocnemius aponeurosis and medial gastrocnemius muscle in healthy young (n = 15, aged 25 ± 4 years) and middle-aged (n = 10, aged 49 ± 4 years) adults in resting, dorsiflexed and plantarflexed postures. In both age groups, Achilles tendon wave speed decreased proximally, with the lowest wave speed measured in the gastrocnemius aponeurosis. Measured wave speed increased with passive dorsiflexion, reflecting the strain-stiffening behavior of tendons. There were no significant aging effects on wave speed in the free tendon or soleus aponeurosis. However, a significant, inverse relationship between gastrocnemius aponeurosis wave speed and age was observed in the dorsiflexed posture. We also observed significantly lower wave speeds in the gastrocnemius muscles of middle-aged adults when compared with young adults. These results suggest that Achilles tendon compliance increases in a distal-to-proximal pattern, with middle-aged adults exhibiting greater compliance in the distal gastrocnemius muscle and tendinous structures. An age-related change in the spatial variation in Achilles tendon compliance could affect localized tissue deformation patterns and injury potential within the triceps surae muscle-tendon units.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Chernak Slane
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA. Department of Radiology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
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Sinha U, Malis V, Csapo R, Moghadasi A, Kinugasa R, Sinha S. Age-related differences in strain rate tensor of the medial gastrocnemius muscle during passive plantarflexion and active isometric contraction using velocity encoded MR imaging: potential index of lateral force transmission. Magn Reson Med 2014; 73:1852-63. [PMID: 25046255 DOI: 10.1002/mrm.25312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2014] [Revised: 05/16/2014] [Accepted: 05/18/2014] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The strain rate (SR) tensor measures the principal directions and magnitude of the instantaneous deformation; this study aims to track age-related changes in the 2D SR tensor in the medial gastrocnemius during passive joint rotation and active isometric contraction. METHODS SR tensors were derived from velocity encoded magnetic resonance phase-contrast images in nine young (28 years) and eight senior (78 years) women. Strain rates along and in the cross-section of the fiber were calculated from the SR tensor and used to derive the out-plane SR. Age-related and regional differences in the SR eigenvalues, orientation, and the angle between the SR and muscle fiber (SR-fiber angle) were statistically analyzed. RESULTS SR along the fiber was significantly different between the cohorts during isometric contraction with higher values in the young (P < 0.05). The SR-fiber angle was larger in the young for both motion types but this difference was not statistically significant. Significant regional differences in the SR indices was seen in passive joint rotation (P < 0.05) for both cohorts. CONCLUSION SR mapping reflects age-related and regional differences during active and passive motion respectively; this may arise from differences in contractility (active motion) and elastic properties (active and passive motion).
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Affiliation(s)
- Usha Sinha
- Physics Department, San Diego State University, San Diego, California, USA
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Wood LK, Kayupov E, Gumucio JP, Mendias CL, Claflin DR, Brooks SV. Intrinsic stiffness of extracellular matrix increases with age in skeletal muscles of mice. J Appl Physiol (1985) 2014; 117:363-9. [PMID: 24994884 DOI: 10.1152/japplphysiol.00256.2014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 151] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Advanced age is associated with increases in muscle passive stiffness, but the contributors to the changes remain unclear. Our purpose was to determine the relative contributions of muscle fibers and extracellular matrix (ECM) to muscle passive stiffness in both adult and old animals. Passive mechanical properties were determined for isolated individual muscle fibers and bundles of muscle fibers that included their associated ECM, obtained from tibialis anterior muscles of adult (8-12 mo old) and old (28-30 mo old) mice. Maximum tangent moduli of individual muscle fibers from adult and old muscles were not different at any sarcomere length tested. In contrast, the moduli of bundles of fibers from old mice was more than twofold greater than that of fiber bundles from adult muscles at sarcomere lengths >2.5 μm. Because ECM mechanical behavior is determined by the composition and arrangement of its molecular constituents, we also examined the effect of aging on ECM collagen characteristics. With aging, muscle ECM hydroxyproline content increased twofold and advanced glycation end-product protein adducts increased threefold, whereas collagen fibril orientation and total ECM area were not different between muscles from adult and old mice. Taken together, these findings indicate that the ECM of tibialis anterior muscles from old mice has a higher modulus than the ECM of adult muscles, likely driven by an accumulation of densely packed extensively crosslinked collagen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren K Wood
- Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Erdan Kayupov
- Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Jonathan P Gumucio
- Molecular & Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan; Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan; and
| | - Christopher L Mendias
- Molecular & Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan; Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan; and
| | - Dennis R Claflin
- Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan; Surgery, Section of Plastic Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Susan V Brooks
- Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan; Molecular & Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan;
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