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Toussaint TD, Schepens B. Biomechanical behavior of the lower limbs and of the joints when landing from different heights. J Biomech 2024; 165:112014. [PMID: 38422773 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiomech.2024.112014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2023] [Revised: 02/13/2024] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
Landing from a jump is a challenging task as the energy accumulated during the aerial phase of the jump must be fully dissipated by the lower limbs during landing; the higher the jump height, the greater the amount of energy to be dissipated. In the present study, we aim to understand (1) how the biomechanical behavior is tuned as a function of the mechanical demand, and (2) the relationship between the self-selected landing strategy and the behavior of the joints. Fourteen subjects were asked to drop off a box of 10 to 60 cm height and land on the ground. The ground reaction forces and the kinematics were recorded using force plates and a motion capture system. A model was used to estimate the properties, i.e. stiffness and damping, of the lower limbs and of the joints. Our results show that, whatever the amount of energy to be dissipated (i.e. height of the jump), the lower limbs and the anke and knee joints behave first as a spring, then as a spring-damper system. However each joint plays a specific role: during the spring phase, the behaviour of the lower limb is associated with the stiffness of the ankle and with the landing constraints (i.e. force peak and loading rate), while during the spring-damper phase, it is associated with the stiffness of the knee and with the amount of energy to be dissipated. Our findings suggest that constraints and performance result from a distinct control of biomechanical parameters at the joints.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thibaut D Toussaint
- Laboratoire de Physiologie et Biomécanique de la Locomotion, Insitute of NeuroScience, Université catholique de Louvain, Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
| | - Bénédicte Schepens
- Laboratoire de Physiologie et Biomécanique de la Locomotion, Insitute of NeuroScience, Université catholique de Louvain, Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium.
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Waldvogel J, Freyler K, Helm M, Monti E, Stäudle B, Gollhofer A, Narici MV, Ritzmann R, Albracht K. Changes in gravity affect neuromuscular control, biomechanics, and muscle-tendon mechanics in energy storage and dissipation tasks. J Appl Physiol (1985) 2023; 134:190-202. [PMID: 36476161 DOI: 10.1152/japplphysiol.00279.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
This study evaluates neuromechanical control and muscle-tendon interaction during energy storage and dissipation tasks in hypergravity. During parabolic flights, while 17 subjects performed drop jumps (DJs) and drop landings (DLs), electromyography (EMG) of the lower limb muscles was combined with in vivo fascicle dynamics of the gastrocnemius medialis, two-dimensional (2D) kinematics, and kinetics to measure and analyze changes in energy management. Comparisons were made between movement modalities executed in hypergravity (1.8 G) and gravity on ground (1 G). In 1.8 G, ankle dorsiflexion, knee joint flexion, and vertical center of mass (COM) displacement are lower in DJs than in DLs; within each movement modality, joint flexion amplitudes and COM displacement demonstrate higher values in 1.8 G than in 1 G. Concomitantly, negative peak ankle joint power, vertical ground reaction forces, and leg stiffness are similar between both movement modalities (1.8 G). In DJs, EMG activity in 1.8 G is lower during the COM deceleration phase than in 1 G, thus impairing quasi-isometric fascicle behavior. In DLs, EMG activity before and during the COM deceleration phase is higher, and fascicles are stretched less in 1.8 G than in 1 G. Compared with the situation in 1 G, highly task-specific neuromuscular activity is diminished in 1.8 G, resulting in fascicle lengthening in both movement modalities. Specifically, in DJs, a high magnitude of neuromuscular activity is impaired, resulting in altered energy storage. In contrast, in DLs, linear stiffening of the system due to higher neuromuscular activity combined with lower fascicle stretch enhances the buffering function of the tendon, and thus the capacity to safely dissipate energy.NEW & NOTEWORTHY For the first time, the neuromechanics of distinct movement modalities that fundamentally differ in their energy management function have been investigated during overload systematically induced by hypergravity. Parabolic flight provides a unique experimental setting that allows near-natural movement execution without the confounding effects typically associated with load variation. Our findings show that gravity-adjusted muscle activities are inversely affected within jumps and landings. Specifically, in 1.8 G, typical task-specific differences in neuromuscular activity are reduced during the center of mass deceleration phase, resulting in fascicle lengthening, which is associated with energy dissipation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janice Waldvogel
- Institute of Sport and Sport Science, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Kathrin Freyler
- Institute of Sport and Sport Science, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Michael Helm
- Institute of Sport and Sport Science, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Elena Monti
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padua, Padua, Italy.,Department of Neurosciences, Imaging and Clinical Science, University of Chieti "G. D'annunzio", Chieti, Italy
| | - Benjamin Stäudle
- Department of Medical Engineering and Technomathematics, Aachen University of Applied Sciences, Aachen, Germany
| | - Albert Gollhofer
- Institute of Sport and Sport Science, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Marco V Narici
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Ramona Ritzmann
- Institute of Sport and Sport Science, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Kirsten Albracht
- Department of Medical Engineering and Technomathematics, Aachen University of Applied Sciences, Aachen, Germany.,Institute of Movement and Neurosciences, German Sport University Cologne, Cologne, Germany
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Gambelli CN, Schepens B. Motor control of landing in an unsteady environment. Gait Posture 2022; 95:235-241. [PMID: 33246775 DOI: 10.1016/j.gaitpost.2020.06.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2019] [Revised: 05/06/2020] [Accepted: 06/11/2020] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND When landing from a jump or a drop, muscles contract before touchdown to anticipate imminent collision with the ground, soften ground contact and allow to return to a stable standing position without stepping or rebounding. RESEARCH QUESTION This study assesses the effect of the unsteadiness of the environment on the motor control of landing. The 'unsteady environment' was induced by asking participants to perform drop landings inside an aircraft that underwent trajectories parallel to Earth's surface. The participants also performed the same task in a 'steady environment' in our laboratory. METHODS Ground reaction forces, lower limb joints' movements and the activity of lower limb muscles were recorded. The stability of the landing was assessed by the vertical and anterior-posterior stability indexes, center of pressure measures and by the coefficient of variation of kinetic and kinematic parameters. RESULTS On one hand, participants slowdown their joint movements and reduce the knee joint excursion during landing, probably to avoid excessive movements that may induce imbalance. On the other hand, the stability of the landing is reduced while the variability of the movement is increased, illustrating a less stable and less consistent landing. In addition, whatever the environment, landing parameters associated with increased stiffness (i.e., increased impact forces and decreased joint range of motion) are correlated with decreased landing stability. SIGNIFICANCE Overall, landings in the'unsteady environment' appear to be more cautious but less stable and less finely tuned. Since the stability of the landing is not directly influenced by the steadiness of the environment, this more cautious behavior could be, at least in part, related to the fear/apprehension induced by sudden acceleration variations of the frame of the aircraft.
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Affiliation(s)
- C N Gambelli
- Laboratoire Motricité Humain Expertise Sport Santé (LAMHESS), Faculté des Sciences du Sport, Université Côte d'Azur (UCA), Nice, France; Laboratory of Physiology and Biomechanics of Locomotion, Institute of Neuroscience (IoNS), Université catholique de Louvain (UCL), Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium.
| | - B Schepens
- Laboratory of Physiology and Biomechanics of Locomotion, Institute of Neuroscience (IoNS), Université catholique de Louvain (UCL), Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
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4
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Waldvogel J, Ritzmann R, Freyler K, Helm M, Monti E, Albracht K, Stäudle B, Gollhofer A, Narici M. The Anticipation of Gravity in Human Ballistic Movement. Front Physiol 2021; 12:614060. [PMID: 33815134 PMCID: PMC8010298 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2021.614060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2020] [Accepted: 02/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Stretch-shortening type actions are characterized by lengthening of the pre-activated muscle-tendon unit (MTU) in the eccentric phase immediately followed by muscle shortening. Under 1 g, pre-activity before and muscle activity after ground contact, scale muscle stiffness, which is crucial for the recoil properties of the MTU in the subsequent push-off. This study aimed to examine the neuro-mechanical coupling of the stretch-shortening cycle in response to gravity levels ranging from 0.1 to 2 g. During parabolic flights, 17 subjects performed drop jumps while electromyography (EMG) of the lower limb muscles was combined with ultrasound images of the gastrocnemius medialis, 2D kinematics and kinetics to depict changes in energy management and performance. Neuro-mechanical coupling in 1 g was characterized by high magnitudes of pre-activity and eccentric muscle activity allowing an isometric muscle behavior during ground contact. EMG during pre-activity and the concentric phase systematically increased from 0.1 to 1 g. Below 1 g the EMG in the eccentric phase was diminished, leading to muscle lengthening and reduced MTU stretches. Kinetic energy at take-off and performance were decreased compared to 1 g. Above 1 g, reduced EMG in the eccentric phase was accompanied by large MTU and muscle stretch, increased joint flexion amplitudes, energy loss and reduced performance. The energy outcome function established by linear mixed model reveals that the central nervous system regulates the extensor muscles phase- and load-specifically. In conclusion, neuro-mechanical coupling appears to be optimized in 1 g. Below 1 g, the energy outcome is compromised by reduced muscle stiffness. Above 1 g, loading progressively induces muscle lengthening, thus facilitating energy dissipation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janice Waldvogel
- Department of Sport and Science, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Ramona Ritzmann
- Department of Sport and Science, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Department of Biomechanics, Rennbahnklinik, Muttenz, Switzerland
| | - Kathrin Freyler
- Department of Sport and Science, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Michael Helm
- Department of Sport and Science, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Elena Monti
- Neuromuscular Physiology Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Kirsten Albracht
- Faculty of Medical Engineering and Technomathematics, Aachen University of Applied Sciences, Aachen, Germany.,Institute of Biomechanics and Orthopedics, German Sport University Cologne, Cologne, Germany.,Institute of Movement and Neurosciences, German Sport University Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Benjamin Stäudle
- Faculty of Medical Engineering and Technomathematics, Aachen University of Applied Sciences, Aachen, Germany
| | - Albert Gollhofer
- Department of Sport and Science, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Marco Narici
- Neuromuscular Physiology Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padua, Padua, Italy.,Myology Centre 'CIR-Myo', Neuromuscular Physiology Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
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Jones EJ, Kennett JE, Green DA. Spring-loaded body mass equivalent horizontal reactive countermovement jump ground contact and flight times, but not peak forces, are comparable to vertical jumping. J Biomech 2020; 116:110206. [PMID: 33485147 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiomech.2020.110206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2020] [Revised: 11/21/2020] [Accepted: 12/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Horizontal (cylinder-based) sledge jumping has been shown to ameliorate multi-system deconditioning induced by long-term bed-rest. However, biomechanics differ from 1 g vertical jumping, in particular prolongation of ground contact times (GCT), reduction of peak force, rate of force development (RFD) (and presumably stretch shortening cycle [SSC] efficacy) and stiffness, whilst also requiring relatively complex equipment. Thus, we sought to determine if horizontal spring-loaded countermovement jumps were more analogous to vertical jumping. 9 healthy (5 female) subjects (27 ± 7yrs; 169.0 ± 5.3 cm; 63.6 ± 2.6 kg) performed 10 reactive countermovement jumps vertically, and horizontally (randomized) when lay on a spring-loaded carriage performed against loading (at lift-off) equivalent (±6%) to their body weight. Jump kinetics, kinematics and lower limb/trunk electromyographic activity were compared between conditions (paired t-tests). Mean flight and GCTs did not differ, however, peak jump height (p = 0.003; d = -0.961) was greater when jumping horizontally. In contrast, ground reaction forces (zGRF) during take-off (p < 0.001; d = 1.645) and landing (p = 0.002; d = 1.309), peak acceleration (p = 0.001; d = 1.988), leg stiffness (p = 0.001; d = 2.371) and RFD (p = 0.023; d = 1.255) were lower horizontally. Mean rectus femoris activity was lower during landing (p = 0.033; d = 0.691) when horizontal, but did not differ during either take-off or land-lift. Mean medial gastrocnemius activity was significantly (p = 0.018; d = 0.317) lower during horizontal take-off. Spring-loading (1 g at take-off) maintained short GCTs and flight times presumably maintaining muscle SSC efficacy in a manner that appears intuitive (in young active subjects), simple, robust and potentially compatible with spaceflight. Whether appropriate jump characteristics can be achieved in older subjects and in μg/hypogravity needs to be determined. However, greater jump height, lower peak zGRF, RFD and leg stiffness along with reduced lower limb and trunk muscle activity suggests that 1 g at take-off is insufficient to replicate vertical jump biomechanics. Thus, further investigation is warranted to optimize, and evaluate spring-loaded jumping as a gravity-independent multi-systems countermeasure on Earth, and in Space.
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Affiliation(s)
- E J Jones
- Centre of Human & Applied Physiological Sciences (CHAPS), King's College London, Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine, Guy's Campus, London SE1 1UL, UK; Clinical, Metabolic and Molecular Physiology, MRC-Versus Arthritis Centre for Musculoskeletal Ageing Research, National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Nottingham Biomedical Research Centre, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - J E Kennett
- Physical Mind London, 135 High Street, Teddington, London TW11 8HH, UK
| | - D A Green
- Centre of Human & Applied Physiological Sciences (CHAPS), King's College London, Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine, Guy's Campus, London SE1 1UL, UK; KBR, Wyle Laboratories GmbH, Albin-Koebis Strasse 4, 51174 Cologne, Germany; Space Medicine Team, HRE-OM, European Astronaut Centre, European Space Agency, Linder Höhe, Cologne 51147, Germany.
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Di Giminiani R, Giovannelli A, Capuano L, Izzicupo P, Di Blasio A, Masedu F. Neuromuscular Strategies in Stretch-Shortening Exercises with Increasing Drop Heights: The Role of Muscle Coactivation in Leg Stiffness and Power Propulsion. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17228647. [PMID: 33233323 PMCID: PMC7700220 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17228647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2020] [Revised: 11/11/2020] [Accepted: 11/19/2020] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
When applying drop jump exercises, knowing the magnitude of the stimulus is fundamental to stabilize the leg joints and to generate movements with the highest power. The effects of different drop heights on leg muscles coactivation, leg stiffness and power propulsion were investigated in fifteen sport science students. Drop jumps from heights of 20, 30, 40, 50, and 60 cm in a random order were performed on a force platform. During each drop jump, the ground reaction force, knee angle displacement, and synchronized surface-electromyography root-mean-square (sEMGRMS) activity (vastus lateralis, VL; vastus medialis, VM; rectus femoris, RF; biceps femoris, BF; tibialis anterior, TA and lateral gastrocnemius, LG) were recorded. The coactivation in the pre-contact phase, between VL and BF, VM and BF as well as RF and BF, was dependent on the drop height (p < 0.01; effect size (ES) ranged from 0.45 to 0.90). Leg stiffness was dependent on the drop height (p < 0.001; ES = 0.27-0.28) and was modulated by the coactivation of VM-BF (p = 0.034) and RF-BF (p = 0.046) during the braking phase. Power propulsion was also dependent on the drop height (p < 0.001; ES = 0.34); however, it was primarily modulated by the coactivation of LG-TA during the braking phase (p = 0.002). The coactivation of thigh muscles explains leg stiffness adjustments at different drop heights. On the contrary, the coactivation of shank muscles is mostly responsible for the power propulsion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riccardo Di Giminiani
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (A.G.); (L.C.); (F.M.)
| | - Aldo Giovannelli
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (A.G.); (L.C.); (F.M.)
| | - Lorenzo Capuano
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (A.G.); (L.C.); (F.M.)
| | - Pascal Izzicupo
- Department of Medicine and Aging Sciences, University “G. D’Annunzio” of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (P.I.); (A.D.B.)
| | - Andrea Di Blasio
- Department of Medicine and Aging Sciences, University “G. D’Annunzio” of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (P.I.); (A.D.B.)
| | - Francesco Masedu
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (A.G.); (L.C.); (F.M.)
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7
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Control of landing under conditions of height-induced threat. Eur J Appl Physiol 2020; 120:1827-1839. [DOI: 10.1007/s00421-020-04413-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2019] [Accepted: 06/01/2020] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Harry JR, Freedman Silvernail J, Mercer JA, Dufek JS. Comparison of pre-contact joint kinematics and vertical impulse between vertical jump landings and step-off landings from equal heights. Hum Mov Sci 2017; 56:88-97. [DOI: 10.1016/j.humov.2017.10.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2017] [Revised: 10/13/2017] [Accepted: 10/30/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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9
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Malisoux L, Gette P, Urhausen A, Bomfim J, Theisen D. Influence of sports flooring and shoes on impact forces and performance during jump tasks. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0186297. [PMID: 29020108 PMCID: PMC5636165 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0186297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2017] [Accepted: 09/28/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
We aim to determine the influence of sports floorings and sports shoes on impact mechanics and performance during standardised jump tasks. Twenty-one male volunteers performed ankle jumps (four consecutive maximal bounds with very dynamic ankle movements) and multi-jumps (two consecutive maximal counter-movement jumps) on force plates using minimalist and cushioned shoes under 5 sports flooring (SF) conditions. The shock absorption properties of the SF, defined as the proportion of peak impact force absorbed by the tested flooring when compared with a concrete hard surface, were: SF0 = 0% (no flooring), SF1 = 19%, SF2 = 26%, SF3 = 37% and SF4 = 45%. Shoe and flooring effects were compared using 2x5 repeated-measures ANOVA with post-hoc Bonferroni-corrected comparisons. A significant interaction between SF and shoe conditions was found for VILR only (p = 0.003). In minimalist shoes, SF influenced Vertical Instantaneous Loading Rate (VILR) during ankle jumps (p = 0.006) and multi-jumps (p<0.001), in accordance with shock absorption properties. However, in cushioned shoes, SF influenced VILR during ankle jumps only (p<0.001). Contact Time was the only additional variable affected by SF, but only during multi-jumps in minimalist shoes (p = 0.037). Cushioned shoes induced lower VILR (p<0.001) and lower Contact Time (p≤0.002) during ankle jumps and multi-jumps compared to minimalist shoes. During ankle jumps, cushioned shoes induced greater Peak Vertical Ground Reaction Force (PVGRF, p = 0.002), greater Vertical Average Loading Rate (p<0.001), and lower eccentric (p = 0.008) and concentric (p = 0.004) work. During multi-jumps, PVGRF was lower (p<0.001) and jump height was higher (p<0.001) in cushioned compared to minimalist shoes. In conclusion, cushioning influenced impact forces during standardised jump tasks, whether it was provided by the shoes or the sports flooring. VILR is the variable that was the most affected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurent Malisoux
- Sports Medicine Research Laboratory, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Luxembourg, Grand-Duchy of Luxembourg
- * E-mail:
| | - Paul Gette
- Sports Medicine Research Laboratory, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Luxembourg, Grand-Duchy of Luxembourg
| | - Axel Urhausen
- Sports Medicine Research Laboratory, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Luxembourg, Grand-Duchy of Luxembourg
- Sports Clinic, Centre Hospitalier de Luxembourg, Luxembourg, Grand-Duchy of Luxembourg
| | - Joao Bomfim
- Mondo Luxembourg SA, Foetz, Grand-Duchy of Luxembourg
| | - Daniel Theisen
- Sports Medicine Research Laboratory, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Luxembourg, Grand-Duchy of Luxembourg
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10
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Kamelska AM, Kot B. The effect of motor learning and fatigue on preactivation of the lower extremity muscles during different jumps. J Sports Med Phys Fitness 2017; 58:1592-1601. [PMID: 28944647 DOI: 10.23736/s0022-4707.17.07712-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The first step in identifying risk factors for injuries is to characterize the myoelectric activity of different muscles after ground contact, especially when fatigue is a limiting factor. This study aimed at recording the myoelectric activity of calf muscles after ground contact during different types of jumps and investigating the effect of motor learning and fatigue on muscle preactivation. METHODS Twenty four male students aged 24.3±1.2 years old performed three different motor activities: A) jump from a box with counter landing (JCL) on 30x30 cm plate; B) drop jump with bounce drop jump (BDJ); and C) BDJ followed by a jump on 51-cm step. The surface electromyography was used to examine the following muscles: m. tibialis anterior (TA), m. gastrocnemius medialis, m. gastrocnemius lateralis, and m. soleus (SO). The measurements were taken during different jumps before and after motor learning and fatigue stimulus. RESULTS There were significant differences in preactivation for TA between JCL and BDJ followed by a jump under the influence of fatigue (P<0.05). The differences were observed also during BDJ between non-fatigued and fatigued conditions. There was a statistically significant difference for GL between BDJ pre- and postmovement motor learning and BDJ pre- and postfatigue influence. CONCLUSIONS Current results indicate that myoelectric activity of muscles during motor activities is different, and the effect of motor learning and fatigue was shown. Thus, it could be important in the injury prevention in sport.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna M Kamelska
- Clinic of Rehabilitation, Provincial Specialist Children's Hospital in Olsztyn, Olsztyn, Poland -
| | - Bartosz Kot
- Department of Biomechanics, Jozef Pilsudski University of Physical Education, Warsaw, Poland.,Fizjoterapia Bartosz Kot, Warsaw, Poland
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11
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Gambelli CN, Theisen D, Willems PA, Schepens B. Human motor control of landing from a drop in simulated microgravity. J Appl Physiol (1985) 2016; 121:760-770. [PMID: 27516535 DOI: 10.1152/japplphysiol.00305.2016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2016] [Accepted: 07/18/2016] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Landing on the ground on one's feet implies that the energy gained during the fall be dissipated. The aim of this study is to assess human motor control of landing in different conditions of fall initiation, simulated gravity, and sensory neural input. Six participants performed drop landings using a trapdoor system and landings from self-initiated counter-movement jumps in microgravity conditions simulated in a weightlessness environment by different pull-down forces of 1-, 0.6-, 0.4-, and 0.2 g External forces applied to the body, orientation of the lower limb segments, and muscular activity of 6 lower limb muscles were recorded synchronously. Our results show that 1) subjects are able to land and stabilize in all experimental conditions; 2) prelanding muscular activity is always present, emphasizing the capacity of the central nervous system to approximate the instant of touchdown; 3) the kinetics and muscular activity are adjusted to the amount of energy gained during the fall; 4) the control of landing seems less finely controlled in drop landings as suggested by higher impact forces and loading rates, plus lower mechanical work done during landing for a given amount of energy to be dissipated. In conclusion, humans seem able to adapt the control of landing according to the amount of energy to be dissipated in an environment where sensory information is altered, even under conditions of non-self-initiated falls.
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Affiliation(s)
- C N Gambelli
- Laboratory of Physiology and Biomechanics of Locomotion, Institute of Neuroscience (IoNS), Université catholique de Louvain (UCL), Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium; and
| | - D Theisen
- Sports Medicine Research Laboratory, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Luxembourg
| | - P A Willems
- Laboratory of Physiology and Biomechanics of Locomotion, Institute of Neuroscience (IoNS), Université catholique de Louvain (UCL), Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium; and
| | - B Schepens
- Laboratory of Physiology and Biomechanics of Locomotion, Institute of Neuroscience (IoNS), Université catholique de Louvain (UCL), Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium; and
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12
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Gambelli CN, Theisen D, Willems PA, Schepens B. Motor control of landing from a countermovement jump in simulated microgravity. J Appl Physiol (1985) 2016; 120:1230-40. [DOI: 10.1152/japplphysiol.00993.2015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2015] [Accepted: 02/03/2016] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Landing from a jump implies proper positioning of the lower limb segments and the generation of an adequate muscular force to cope with the imminent collision with the ground. This study assesses how a hypogravitational environment affects the control of landing after a countermovement jump (CMJ). Eight participants performed submaximal CMJs on Earth (1- g condition) and in a weightlessness environment with simulated gravity conditions generated by a pull-down force (1-, 0.6-, 0.4-, and 0.2- g0 conditions). External forces applied to the body, movements of the lower limb segments, and muscular activity of six lower limb muscles were recorded. 1) All subjects were able to jump and stabilize their landing in all experimental conditions, except one subject in 0.2- g0 condition. 2) The mechanical behavior of lower limb muscles switches during landing from a stiff spring to a compliant spring associated with a damper. This is true whatever the environment, on Earth as well as in environments where sensory inputs are altered. 3) The motor control of landing in simulated 1 g0 reveals an increased “safety margin” strategy, illustrated by increased stiffness and damping coefficient compared with landing on Earth. 4) The motor command is adjusted to the task constraints: muscular activity of lower limb extensors and flexors, stiffness and damping coefficient decrease according to the decreased gravity level. Our results show that even if in daily living gravity can be perceived as a constant factor, subjects can cope with altered sensory signals, taking advantage of the remaining information (visual and/or decreased proprioceptive inputs).
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Affiliation(s)
- C. N. Gambelli
- Laboratory of Physiology and Biomechanics of Locomotion, Institute of Neuroscience, Université catholique de Louvain, Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium; and
| | - D. Theisen
- Sports Medicine Research Laboratory, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Luxembourg
| | - P. A. Willems
- Laboratory of Physiology and Biomechanics of Locomotion, Institute of Neuroscience, Université catholique de Louvain, Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium; and
| | - B. Schepens
- Laboratory of Physiology and Biomechanics of Locomotion, Institute of Neuroscience, Université catholique de Louvain, Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium; and
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