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Shams M, Karimi N, Vahedi M, Hakim PK, Zeinalkhani F, Rahnama L. Reliability of muscle stiffness measures in popliteus, medial and lateral gastrocnemius muscles by ultrasound shear wave elastography in participants with knee osteoarthritis accompanied by myofascial trigger points. BMC Musculoskelet Disord 2024; 25:221. [PMID: 38504204 PMCID: PMC10949787 DOI: 10.1186/s12891-024-07351-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The objective of this investigation is to evaluate the consistency of intra-rater and inter-rater assessments utilizing ultrasound elastography to examine the muscle stiffness of the popliteus and gastrocnemius (medial and lateral heads) in patients with knee osteoarthritis accompanied by myofascial trigger points. METHODS Thirty individuals with knee osteoarthritis accompanied by myofascial trigger points were assessed. Two examiners independently measured the muscle stiffness levels of the popliteus and gastrocnemius (medial and lateral heads) three times using ultrasound elastography in the first session. The second session was conducted one week later. RESULTS In the initial test session, the mean shear modulus values for the popliteus and gastrocnemius (medial and lateral heads) muscles were measured as follows for tester 1 (12.75, 13.72, 14.13 kPa) and tester 2 (11.66, 12.81, 13.17 kPa). During the retest session, the previously measured variables by tester 1 and tester 2 yielded the following values: (12.61, 13.43, 14.26 kPa) and (11.62, 12.87, 13.30 kPa) respectively." Good to excellent intra-rater reliability (ICC = 0.912-0.986) and inter-rater reliability (ICC = 0.766-0.956) were reported for the shear moduli of the popliteus, medial and lateral gastrocnemius muscles. CONCLUSIONS The assessment of muscle stiffness in the popliteus and gastrocnemius (medial and lateral heads) using ultrasound elastography is a reliable method in patients with knee osteoarthritis accompanied by myofascial trigger points.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohsen Shams
- Department of Physiotherapy, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Noureddin Karimi
- Department of Physiotherapy, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Mohsen Vahedi
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Substance Abuse and Dependence Research Center, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Peyman Kamali Hakim
- Department of Radiology, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Imam Khomeini Hospital, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fahimeh Zeinalkhani
- Department of Radiology, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Imam Khomeini Hospital, Tehran, Iran
| | - Leila Rahnama
- Rongxiang Xu School of Health and Human Services, California State University, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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2
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Nakamura M, Takeuchi K, Fukaya T, Nakao G, Konrad A, Mizuno T. Acute effects of static stretching on passive stiffness in older adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Arch Gerontol Geriatr 2024; 117:105256. [PMID: 37951029 DOI: 10.1016/j.archger.2023.105256] [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: 09/15/2023] [Revised: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/29/2023] [Indexed: 11/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Static stretching has been demonstrated to improve the health of older adults. One of its goals is to decrease passive stiffness of the muscle-tendon unit (MTU) and/or muscles. Decreased passive stiffness in older adults could increase the range of motion and movement efficiency. Herein, we conducted a meta-analysis of the acute effects of static stretching on passive stiffness in older adults as well as a meta-analysis of differences in these effects between older and young adults. BACKGROUND PubMed, Web of Science, and EBSCO were searched for studies published before June 28, 2023. Manual searches were performed to identify additional studies. All included studies were critically reviewed by five authors. Meta-analyses of muscle and tendon injuries were performed using a random effect model. Of 4643 identified studies, 6 studies were included in the systematic review. RESULTS The main meta-analysis in older adults showed that static stretching could decrease the passive stiffness of the MTU or muscles (effect size, 0.55; 95 % confidence interval, 0.27 to 0.84; p < 0.01; and I2 = 0.0 %). Moreover, for the comparison between young and old adults, three studies were included in the meta-analysis. The results revealed no significant difference in the effects of static stretching interventions on stiffness between older and young adults (effect size, 0.136; 95 % confidence interval, -0.301 to 0.5738; p = 0.541; and I2 = 17.4 %). Static stretching could decrease the passive stiffness of the MTU and/or muscles in older adults to a small magnitude, and the effects were comparable between older and young adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masatoshi Nakamura
- Faculty of Rehabilitation Sciences, Nishi Kyushu University, 4490-9 Ozaki, Kanzaki, Saga 842-8585, Japan.
| | - Kosuke Takeuchi
- Department of Physical Therapy, Kobe International University, Kobe-shi, Hyogo, Japan
| | - Taizan Fukaya
- Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Social Work Studies, Josai International University, Togane, Chiba, Japan
| | - Gakuto Nakao
- Graduate School of Health Sciences, Sapporo Medical University, Sapporo, Japan; Professional Post-Secondary Course (Physical Therapist), Sapporo Medical Technology, Welfare and Dentistry Professional Training College of Nishino Gakuen School Foundation, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Andreas Konrad
- Institute of Human Movement Science, Sport and Health, University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Takamasa Mizuno
- Research Center of Health, Physical Fitness and Sports, Nagoya University, Nagoya-shi, Aichi, Japan
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3
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Delaire L, Courtay A, Humblot J, Aubertin-Leheudre M, Mourey F, Racine AN, Gilbert T, Niasse-Sy Z, Bonnefoy M. Implementation and Core Components of a Multimodal Program including Exercise and Nutrition in Prevention and Treatment of Frailty in Community-Dwelling Older Adults: A Narrative Review. Nutrients 2023; 15:4100. [PMID: 37836384 PMCID: PMC10574358 DOI: 10.3390/nu15194100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Increasing disability-free life expectancy is a crucial issue to optimize active ageing and to reduce the burden of evitable medical costs. One of the main challenges is to develop pragmatic and personalized prevention strategies in order to prevent frailty, counteract adverse outcomes such as falls and mobility disability, and to improve quality of life. Strong evidence reports the effectiveness of exercise interventions to improve various physical parameters and muscle function that are cornerstones of frailty. Other findings also suggest that the interactions between nutrition and physical exercise with or without health behavior promotion prevent the development of frailty. Multimodal programs, including structured exercise, adequate dietary intervention and health behavior promotion, appear increasingly consensual. However, in order for implementation in real-life settings, some pitfalls need to be addressed. In this perspective, structuring and tailoring feasible, acceptable and sustainable interventions to optimize exercise training responses are essential conditions to warrant short, medium and long-term individual benefits. The different components of exercise programs appear to be fairly consensual and effective. However, specific composition of the programs proposed (frequency, intensity, type, time, volume and progressiveness) have to be tailored to individual characteristics and objectives in order to improve exercise responses. The intervention approaches, behavioral strategies and indications for these programs also need to be refined and framed. The main objective of this work is to guide the actions of healthcare professionals and enable them to widely and effectively implement multimodal programs including exercise, nutrition and behavioral strategies in real-life settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leo Delaire
- Service de Médecine du Vieillissement, Hôpital Lyon Sud, Hospices Civils de Lyon, 69495 Pierre-Bénite, France; (A.C.); (J.H.); (T.G.); (Z.N.-S.); (M.B.)
- Programme «Bien sur ses Jambes», Hôpital Lyon Sud, Hospices Civils de Lyon, 69495 Pierre-Bénite, France
| | - Aymeric Courtay
- Service de Médecine du Vieillissement, Hôpital Lyon Sud, Hospices Civils de Lyon, 69495 Pierre-Bénite, France; (A.C.); (J.H.); (T.G.); (Z.N.-S.); (M.B.)
- Programme «Bien sur ses Jambes», Hôpital Lyon Sud, Hospices Civils de Lyon, 69495 Pierre-Bénite, France
| | - Joannès Humblot
- Service de Médecine du Vieillissement, Hôpital Lyon Sud, Hospices Civils de Lyon, 69495 Pierre-Bénite, France; (A.C.); (J.H.); (T.G.); (Z.N.-S.); (M.B.)
- Programme «Bien sur ses Jambes», Hôpital Lyon Sud, Hospices Civils de Lyon, 69495 Pierre-Bénite, France
| | - Mylène Aubertin-Leheudre
- Centre de Recherche de L’Institut Universitaire de Gériatrie de Montréal (CRIUGM), Montréal, QC H3W 1W5, Canada;
- Groupe de Recherche en Activité Physique Adaptée, Département des Sciences de l’Activité Physique, Université du Québec à Montréal (UQÀM), Montréal, QC H2L 2C4, Canada
| | - France Mourey
- Laboratoire CAPS (Cognition, Action, et Plasticité Sensorimotrice), Inserm U1093, UFR STAPS, Université de Bourgogne, Campus Universitaire, BP 27877, 21078 Dijon, France;
| | | | - Thomas Gilbert
- Service de Médecine du Vieillissement, Hôpital Lyon Sud, Hospices Civils de Lyon, 69495 Pierre-Bénite, France; (A.C.); (J.H.); (T.G.); (Z.N.-S.); (M.B.)
- Programme «Bien sur ses Jambes», Hôpital Lyon Sud, Hospices Civils de Lyon, 69495 Pierre-Bénite, France
- RESHAPE Research on Healthcare Professionals and Performance, Inserm U1290, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, 69008 Lyon, France
| | - Zeinabou Niasse-Sy
- Service de Médecine du Vieillissement, Hôpital Lyon Sud, Hospices Civils de Lyon, 69495 Pierre-Bénite, France; (A.C.); (J.H.); (T.G.); (Z.N.-S.); (M.B.)
- Programme «Bien sur ses Jambes», Hôpital Lyon Sud, Hospices Civils de Lyon, 69495 Pierre-Bénite, France
| | - Marc Bonnefoy
- Service de Médecine du Vieillissement, Hôpital Lyon Sud, Hospices Civils de Lyon, 69495 Pierre-Bénite, France; (A.C.); (J.H.); (T.G.); (Z.N.-S.); (M.B.)
- Programme «Bien sur ses Jambes», Hôpital Lyon Sud, Hospices Civils de Lyon, 69495 Pierre-Bénite, France
- Inserm U1060-CarMeN, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, 69100 Villeurbanne, France
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4
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Influence of stress relaxation and load during static stretching on the range of motion and muscle–tendon passive stiffness. SPORT SCIENCES FOR HEALTH 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s11332-021-00759-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Cacopardo L, Guazzelli N, Ahluwalia A. Characterising and engineering biomimetic materials for viscoelastic mechanotransduction studies. TISSUE ENGINEERING PART B-REVIEWS 2021; 28:912-925. [PMID: 34555953 PMCID: PMC9419958 DOI: 10.1089/ten.teb.2021.0151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The mechanical behavior of soft tissue extracellular matrix is time dependent. Moreover, it evolves over time due to physiological processes as well as aging and disease. Measuring and quantifying the time-dependent mechanical behavior of soft tissues and materials pose a challenge, not only because of their labile and hydrated nature but also because of the lack of a common definition of terms and understanding of models for characterizing viscoelasticity. Here, we review the most important measurement techniques and models used to determine the viscoelastic properties of soft hydrated materials—or hydrogels—underlining the difference between viscoelastic behavior and the properties and descriptors used to quantify viscoelasticity. We then discuss the principal factors, which determine tissue viscoelasticity in vivo and summarize what we currently know about cell response to time-dependent materials, outlining fundamental factors that have to be considered when interpreting results. Particular attention is given to the relationship between the different time scales involved (mechanical, cellular and observation time scales), as well as scaling principles, all of which must be considered when designing viscoelastic materials and performing experiments for biomechanics or mechanobiology applications. From this overview, key considerations and directions for furthering insights and applications in the emergent field of cell viscoelastic mechanotransduction are provided.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nicole Guazzelli
- University of Pisa, 9310, Research Center 'E.Piaggio', Pisa, Italy.,University of Pisa, 9310, Information Engineering Department, Pisa, Italy;
| | - Arti Ahluwalia
- University of Pisa, 9310, Pisa, Italy.,University of Pisa, 9310, Information Engineering Department, Pisa, Toscana, Italy.,Centro 3R (Inter-University Center for the Promotion of the 3Rs Principles in Teaching & Research), Pisa, Italy;
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Static Stretching Intensity Does Not Influence Acute Range of Motion, Passive Torque, and Muscle Architecture. J Sport Rehabil 2021; 29:1-6. [PMID: 30300070 DOI: 10.1123/jsr.2018-0178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2018] [Revised: 08/27/2018] [Accepted: 09/23/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Although stretching exercises are commonly used in clinical and athletic practice, there is a lack of evidence regarding the methodological variables that guide the prescription of stretching programs, such as intensity. OBJECTIVE To investigate the acute effects of different stretching intensities on the range of motion (ROM), passive torque, and muscle architecture. DESIGN Two-group pretest-posttest design. SETTING Laboratory. PARTICIPANTS Twenty untrained men were allocated into the low- or high-intensity group. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Subjects were evaluated for initial (ROMinitial) and maximum (ROMmax) discomfort angle, stiffness, viscoelastic stress relaxation, muscle fascicle length, and pennation angle. RESULTS The ROM assessments showed significant changes, in both groups, in the preintervention and postintervention measures both for the ROMinitial (P < .01) and ROMmax angle (P = .02). There were no significant differences for stiffness and viscoelastic stress relaxation variables. The pennation angle and muscle fascicle length were different between the groups, but there was no significant interaction. CONCLUSION Performing stretching exercises at high or low intensity acutely promotes similar gains in flexibility, that is, there are short-term/immediate gains in ROM but does not modify passive torque and muscle architecture.
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7
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Nakamura M, Sato S, Kiyono R, Yahata K, Yoshida R, Fukaya T, Konrad A. Comparison of the Acute Effects of Hold-Relax and Static Stretching among Older Adults. BIOLOGY 2021; 10:biology10020126. [PMID: 33562673 PMCID: PMC7914644 DOI: 10.3390/biology10020126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2021] [Revised: 02/03/2021] [Accepted: 02/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Simple Summary It is well known that stretching interventions are effective in improving age-related changes in range of motion (ROM) and muscle stiffness. We investigated the effects of various stretching interventions, such as static stretching and hold–relax stretching, on ROM and muscle stiffness in older adults to establish the most effective stretching technique. Our results showed that static stretching and hold–relax stretching increased ROM, which could be contributed by not change in muscle stiffness, but stretch tolerance. Conversely, medial gastrocnemius muscle stiffness decreased only after a static stretching intervention and not after hold–relax stretching. Our results indicated that static stretching intervention improved ROM and muscle stiffness in older adults. Abstract Various stretching techniques are generally recommended to counteract age-related declines in range of motion (ROM) and/or increased muscle stiffness. However, to date, an effective stretching technique has not yet been established for older adults. Consequently, we compared the acute effects of hold relax stretching (HRS) and static stretching (SS) on dorsiflexion (DF) ROM and muscle stiffness among older adults. Overall, 15 elderly men and nine elderly women (70.2 ± 3.9 years, 160.8 ± 7.8 cm, 59.6 ± 9.7 kg) were enrolled, and both legs were randomized to either HRS or SS stretching. We measured DF ROM and muscle stiffness using a dynamometer and ultrasonography before and after 120 s of HRS or SS interventions. Our multivariate analysis indicated no significant interaction effects, but a main effect for DF ROM. Post-hoc tests revealed that DF ROM was increased after both HRS and SS interventions. Moreover, multivariate analysis showed a significant interaction effect for muscle stiffness. Post-hoc tests revealed that muscle stiffness was decreased significantly after only SS intervention. Taken together, our results indicated that both HRS and SS interventions are recommended to increase ROM, and SS is recommended to decrease muscle stiffness in older adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masatoshi Nakamura
- Institute for Human Movement and Medical Sciences, Niigata University of Health and Welfare, 1398 Shimami-cho, Kita-ku, Niigata City, Niigata 950-3198, Japan; (M.N.); (S.S.); (R.K.); (K.Y.); (T.F.)
- Department of Physical Therapy, Niigata University of Health and Welfare, 1398 Shimami-cho, Kita-ku, Niigata City, Niigata 950-3198, Japan;
| | - Shigeru Sato
- Institute for Human Movement and Medical Sciences, Niigata University of Health and Welfare, 1398 Shimami-cho, Kita-ku, Niigata City, Niigata 950-3198, Japan; (M.N.); (S.S.); (R.K.); (K.Y.); (T.F.)
| | - Ryosuke Kiyono
- Institute for Human Movement and Medical Sciences, Niigata University of Health and Welfare, 1398 Shimami-cho, Kita-ku, Niigata City, Niigata 950-3198, Japan; (M.N.); (S.S.); (R.K.); (K.Y.); (T.F.)
| | - Kaoru Yahata
- Institute for Human Movement and Medical Sciences, Niigata University of Health and Welfare, 1398 Shimami-cho, Kita-ku, Niigata City, Niigata 950-3198, Japan; (M.N.); (S.S.); (R.K.); (K.Y.); (T.F.)
| | - Riku Yoshida
- Department of Physical Therapy, Niigata University of Health and Welfare, 1398 Shimami-cho, Kita-ku, Niigata City, Niigata 950-3198, Japan;
| | - Taizan Fukaya
- Institute for Human Movement and Medical Sciences, Niigata University of Health and Welfare, 1398 Shimami-cho, Kita-ku, Niigata City, Niigata 950-3198, Japan; (M.N.); (S.S.); (R.K.); (K.Y.); (T.F.)
- Department of Rehabilitation, Kyoto Kujo Hospital, 10 Karahashirajoumoncho, Minami-ku, Kyoto 601-8453, Japan
| | - Andreas Konrad
- Institute of Human Movement Science, Sport and Health, University of Graz, Mozartgasse 14, A-8010 Graz, Austria
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +43-316-380-8336; Fax: +43-316-380-9790
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Marcucci L, Reggiani C. Increase of resting muscle stiffness, a less considered component of age-related skeletal muscle impairment. Eur J Transl Myol 2020. [DOI: 10.4081/ejtm.2020.8982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Elderly people perform more slowly movements of everyday life as rising from a chair, walking, and climbing stairs. This is in the first place due to the loss of muscle contractile force which is even more pronounced than the loss of muscle mass. In addition, a secondary, but not negligible, component is the rigidity or increased stiffness which requires greater effort to produce the same movement and limits the range of motion of the joints. In this short review, we discuss the possible determinants of the limitations of joint mobility in healthy elderly, starting with the age-dependent alterations of the articular structure and focusing on the increased stiffness of the skeletal muscles. Thereafter, the possible mechanisms of the increased stiffness of the muscle-tendon complex are considered, among them changes in the muscle fibers, alterations of the connective components (extracellular matrix or ECM, aponeurosis, fascia and tendon) and remodeling of the neural pattern of muscle activation with increased of antagonist co-activation.
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9
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Marcucci L, Reggiani C. Increase of resting muscle stiffness, a less considered component of age-related skeletal muscle impairment. Eur J Transl Myol 2020; 30:8982. [PMID: 32782762 PMCID: PMC7385684 DOI: 10.4081/ejtm.2019.8982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2020] [Accepted: 04/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Elderly people perform more slowly movements of everyday life as rising from a chair, walking, and climbing stairs. This is in the first place due to the loss of muscle contractile force which is even more pronounced than the loss of muscle mass. In addition, a secondary, but not negligible, component is the rigidity or increased stiffness which requires greater effort to produce the same movement and limits the range of motion of the joints. In this short review, we discuss the possible determinants of the limitations of joint mobility in healthy elderly, starting with the age-dependent alterations of the articular structure and focusing on the increased stiffness of the skeletal muscles. Thereafter, the possible mechanisms of the increased stiffness of the muscle-tendon complex are considered, among them changes in the muscle fibers, alterations of the connective tissue components, i.e., extracellular matrix (ECM), aponeurosis, tendon and fascia, and remodeling of the neural pattern of muscle activation that increases antagonist co-activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenzo Marcucci
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Padova University, Padova, Italy.,Center for Mechanics of Biological Materials, Padova University, Padova, Italy.,Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, RIKEN, Suita, Osaka, 565-0874, Japan
| | - Carlo Reggiani
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Padova University, Padova, Italy.,Center for Mechanics of Biological Materials, Padova University, Padova, Italy.,Science and Research Centre Koper, Institute for Kinesiology Research, Koper, Slovenia
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Alterations of Extracellular Matrix Mechanical Properties Contribute to Age-Related Functional Impairment of Human Skeletal Muscles. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21113992. [PMID: 32498422 PMCID: PMC7312402 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21113992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2020] [Revised: 05/29/2020] [Accepted: 05/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Aging of human skeletal muscles is associated with increased passive stiffness, but it is still debated whether muscle fibers or extracellular matrix (ECM) are the determinants of such change. To answer this question, we compared the passive stress generated by elongation of fibers alone and arranged in small bundles in young healthy (Y: 21 years) and elderly (E: 67 years) subjects. The physiological range of sarcomere length (SL) 2.5-3.3 μm was explored. The area of ECM between muscle fibers was determined on transversal sections with picrosirius red, a staining specific for collagen fibers. The passive tension of fiber bundles was significantly higher in E compared to Y at all SL. However, the resistance to elongation of fibers alone was not different between the two groups, while the ECM contribution was significantly increased in E compared to Y. The proportion of muscle area occupied by ECM increased from 3.3% in Y to 8.2% in E. When the contribution of ECM to bundle tension was normalized to the fraction of area occupied by ECM, the difference disappeared. We conclude that, in human skeletal muscles, the age-related reduced compliance is due to an increased stiffness of ECM, mainly caused by collagen accumulation.
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11
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Effects of a 12-Week Chronic Stretch Training Program at Different Intensities on Joint and Muscle Mechanical Responses: A Randomized Clinical Trial. J Sport Rehabil 2019; 29:904-912. [PMID: 31648203 DOI: 10.1123/jsr.2018-0443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2018] [Revised: 05/27/2019] [Accepted: 08/18/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Stretching intensity is an important variable that can be manipulated with flexibility training. However, there is a lack of evidence regarding this variable and its prescription in stretching programs. OBJECTIVE To investigate the effects of 12 weeks of knee flexor static stretching at different intensities on joint and muscle mechanical properties. DESIGN A randomized clinical trial. SETTING Laboratory. PARTICIPANTS A total of 14 untrained men were allocated into the low- or high-intensity group. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Assessments were performed before, at 6 week, and after intervention (12 wk) for biceps femoris long head architecture (resting fascicle length and angle), knee maximal range of motion (ROM) at the beginning and maximal discomfort angle, knee maximal tolerated passive torque, joint passive stiffness, viscoelastic stress relaxation, knee passive torque at a given angle, and affective responses to training. RESULTS No significant differences were observed between groups for any variable. ROM at the beginning and maximal discomfort angle increased at 6 and 12 weeks, respectively. ROM significantly increased with the initial angle of discomfort (P < .001, effect size = 1.38) over the pretest measures by 13.4% and 14.6% at the 6- and 12-week assessments, respectively, and significantly improved with the maximal discomfort angle (P < .001, effect size = 1.25) by 15.6% and 18.8% from the pretest to the 6- and 12-week assessments, respectively. No significant effects were seen for muscle architecture and affective responses. Initial viscoelastic relaxation for the low-intensity group was lower than ending viscoelastic relaxation. CONCLUSION These results suggest that stretching with either low or high discomfort intensities are effective in increasing joint maximal ROM, and that does not impact on ROM, stiffness, fascicle angle and length, or affective response differences.
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12
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Acute effects of static stretching on the shear elastic moduli of the medial and lateral gastrocnemius muscles in young and elderly women. Musculoskelet Sci Pract 2017; 32:98-103. [PMID: 28988152 DOI: 10.1016/j.msksp.2017.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2017] [Revised: 09/14/2017] [Accepted: 09/24/2017] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Generally, static stretching (SS) is the recommended intervention for a decline in the range of motion among elderly adults. However, no study has investigated the acute effects of SS on the shear elastic modulus in elderly people. The aims of the present study were to investigate the acute effects of SS on the shear elastic moduli of the medial and lateral gastrocnemius muscles and to examine the differences in these acute effects between young and elderly women. METHODS This study included 15 healthy young women (age: 23.1 ± 3.4 years) and 15 healthy elderly women (age: 75.9 ± 2.8 years) with no history of neuromuscular disease or musculoskeletal injury involving the lower limbs. The shear elastic moduli of the medial and lateral gastrocnemius muscles (MG and LG, respectively) were measured using ultrasound shear wave elastography at 30° plantar flexion, 0°, and 20° dorsiflexion before and immediately after 5 min of SS with the knee extended. RESULTS The shear elastic moduli of the MG and LG in all ankle position decreased after SS in both the young and elderly women, and there were no significant differences in the percent changes in the shear elastic moduli of the MG and LG at all ankle positions between the young and elderly women. CONCLUSIONS These results suggested that 5 min of SS might be effective for decreasing shear elastic modulus in both young and elderly women and that the effects on shear elastic modulus are similar between young and elderly women.
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13
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Beltrão NB, Santos CX, de Oliveira VMA, Pirauá ALT, Pitangui ACR, de Araújo RC. Test-retest reliability of the range of motion and stiffness based on discomfort perception. ISOKINET EXERC SCI 2017. [DOI: 10.3233/ies-169162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Natália Barros Beltrão
- Department of Physical Education, Federal Rural University of Pernambuco, Recife, Brazil
- Physical Education Graduate Program, School of Physical Education, University of Pernambuco, Recife, Brazil
| | - Camila Ximenes Santos
- Physical Education Graduate Program, School of Physical Education, University of Pernambuco, Recife, Brazil
| | | | - André Luiz Torres Pirauá
- Physical Education Graduate Program, School of Physical Education, University of Pernambuco, Recife, Brazil
- Department of Physical Education, Asces College, Caruaru, Brazil
| | | | - Rodrigo Cappato de Araújo
- Physical Education Graduate Program, School of Physical Education, University of Pernambuco, Recife, Brazil
- Department of Physical Therapy, University of Pernambuco, Petrolina, Brazil
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14
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Thomson D, Gupta A, Arundell J, Crosbie J. Deep soft-tissue massage applied to healthy calf muscle has no effect on passive mechanical properties: a randomized, single-blind, cross-over study. BMC Sports Sci Med Rehabil 2015; 7:21. [PMID: 26396740 PMCID: PMC4578668 DOI: 10.1186/s13102-015-0015-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2015] [Accepted: 09/14/2015] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Background Massage is often applied with the intention of improving flexibility or reducing stiffness in musculotendinous tissue. There is, however, a lack of supporting evidence that such mechanical effects occur. The purpose of the study was to investigate the effect of massage on the passive mechanical properties of the calf muscle complex. Methods Twenty nine healthy volunteers aged between 18 and 45 years of age had their calf muscle compliance and ankle joint dorsiflexion range of motion (ROM) measured using an instrumented footplate before, immediately and 30 minutes after a ten minute application of deep massage or superficial heating to the calf muscle complex. Repeated measures analysis of variance was used to determine differences between testing sessions and the types of intervention. Reliability testing for the measurement method was conducted using analysis of variance both within and between testing sessions. Results There was no significant change in calf muscle stiffness or ankle dorsiflexion range of motion with or without the application of calf massage. Inter- and intra-session reliability were very high, ICC > 0.88 (p < 0.001). Conclusions Although individuals’ perception of a change in tissue characteristics following massage has been reported, there was no evidence that soft tissue massage led to a change in the passive mechanical properties of the calf muscle complex. The findings of this study suggest that the use of massage to increase tissue flexibility prior to activity is not justified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Thomson
- School of Science and Health, Western Sydney University, Sydney, Australia ; Liverpool Hospital, Liverpool, NSW 2170 Australia
| | - Amitabh Gupta
- School of Science and Health, Western Sydney University, Sydney, Australia
| | | | - Jack Crosbie
- School of Science and Health, Western Sydney University, Sydney, Australia
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15
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Masi AT, Kamat S, Gajdosik R, Ahmad N, Aldag JC. Muscular hypertonicity: a suspected contributor to rheumatological manifestations observed in ambulatory practice. Eur J Rheumatol 2015; 2:66-72. [PMID: 27708929 DOI: 10.5152/eurjrheum.2015.0119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2014] [Accepted: 03/16/2015] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The objective of this retrospective study of non-inflammatory rheumatic disease patients was to investigate if the individuals clinically identified with muscular hypertonicity (MHT) had increased clinical manifestations compared with those of age- and gender-matched patients with the same disorders. MATERIAL AND METHODS The MHT status was clinically identified in the rheumatologist's myofascial protocol examination as relatively increased passive resistance of relaxed muscle on a slow gentle stretch. Clinical and laboratory data were abstracted on a pre-coded form, including symptom and physical examination features, serum assays, and medications. RESULTS The 19 MHT cases complained of greater subjective stiffness (p=0.010) and tiredness (p=0.018) at initial encounters and increased aching pain (p=0.049) and were prescribed more (p=0.003) mild narcotic analgesics than the 19 comparison patients. The cases had higher (p=0.027) serum creatine kinase levels, and patients with diffuse MHT had greater frequency of heavy (30+pack-years) cigarette smoking (p=0.002) than comparison subjects. Narcotic usage was also greater in cases with diffuse involvement. CONCLUSION Non-inflammatory rheumatic disease patients with MHT had an overall similar profile as that of comparison patients but had greater musculoskeletal complaints, and those with diffuse involvement had greater narcotic usage. Further research, including quantitative measurements of muscle stiffness, are required to determine whether MHT is a documented entity associated with increased rheumatological manifestations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alfonse T Masi
- Department of Medicine, Illinois University Faculty of Medicine, Peoria, United States
| | - Sona Kamat
- Department of Medicine, Barnes West Medical Consultants, St. Louis, United States
| | - Richard Gajdosik
- Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation, Montana University Faculty of Health Professions & Biomedical Sciences, Missoula, United States
| | - Naila Ahmad
- Department of Medicine, Washington Minor and James Medical University, Seattle, United States
| | - Jean C Aldag
- Department of Medicine, Illinois University Faculty of Medicine, Peoria, United States
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16
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Peixoto GH, Andrade AG, Menzel HJK, Araújo SRS, Pertence AEM, Chagas MH. Viscoelastic stress relaxation in the hamstrings before and after a 10-week stretching program. Muscle Nerve 2015; 51:761-4. [PMID: 25656830 DOI: 10.1002/mus.24593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2014] [Revised: 12/15/2014] [Accepted: 01/27/2015] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION We investigated the viscoelastic stress relaxation response before and after a 10-week hamstrings static stretch program. METHODS The maximal range of motion (ROMmax ) and maximal torque (Torquemax ) were assessed before and after a 10-week stretching program. Six 30-s static stretches at a predetermined torque were performed, and the relative change in stress relaxation was examined. RESULTS ROMmax and Torquemax increased by 53% and 82%, respectively (P < 0.001). The relative stress relaxation (RSR) decreased significantly for repetition 1 when comparing the pretest (25%) and posttest (21%) values (P = 0.003). A significant decrease was also observed for repetitions 2 and 3 (P < 0.014), with no significant difference in repetitions 4-6 (P > 0.056). CONCLUSIONS Individuals who participated in a 10-week hamstrings passive-static stretch program had a reduced RSR response. A higher stretch intensity or longer duration may be necessary to achieve RSRs similar to those reported before the stretch program.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gustavo H Peixoto
- Laboratory of Biomechanics, Center of Sports Excellence, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Avenida Antônio Carlos, 6627, Campus Pampulha, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, 31270-901, Brazil
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