RESUMEN
This study investigated whether the specific motor control strategy reported for eccentric muscle actions is dependent on muscle mechanical behavior. Motor evoked potentials, Hoffman reflex (H-reflex), fascicle length, pennation angle, and fascicle velocity of soleus muscle were compared between isometric and two eccentric conditions. Ten volunteers performed maximal plantarflexion trials in isometric, slow eccentric (25°/s), and fast eccentric (100°/s) conditions, each in a different randomized testing session. H-reflex normalized by the preceding M wave (H/M) was depressed in both eccentric conditions compared with isometric ( P < 0.001), while no differences in fascicle length and pennation angle were found among conditions. Furthermore, although the fast eccentric condition had greater fascicle velocity than slow eccentric ( P = 0.001), there were no differences in H/M. There were no differences in motor evoked potential size between conditions, and silent period was shorter for both eccentric conditions compared with isometric ( P = 0.009). Taken together, the present results corroborate the hypothesis that the central nervous system has an unique activation strategy during eccentric muscle actions and suggest that sensory feedback does not play an important role in modulating these muscle actions. NEW & NOTEWORTHY The present study provides new insight into the motor control of eccentric muscle actions. It was demonstrated that task-dependent corticospinal excitability modulation does not seem to depend on sensory information processing. These findings support the hypothesis that the central nervous system has a unique activation strategy during eccentric muscle actions.
Asunto(s)
Músculo Esquelético/fisiología , Tractos Piramidales/fisiología , Tendones/fisiología , Adulto , Fenómenos Biomecánicos , Reflejo H , Humanos , Contracción Isométrica , Masculino , Músculo Esquelético/inervación , Tendones/inervaciónRESUMEN
Recent studies suggest region-specific metabolic activity in hamstring muscles during injury prevention exercises, but the neural representation of this phenomenon is unknown. The aim of this study was to examine whether regional differences are evident in the activity of biceps femoris long head (BFlh) and semitendinosus (ST) muscles during two common injury prevention exercises. Twelve male participants without a history of hamstring injury performed the Nordic hamstring exercise (NHE) and stiff-leg deadlift (SDL) while BFlh and ST activities were recorded with high-density electromyography (HD-EMG). Normalized activity was calculated from the distal, middle, and proximal regions in the eccentric phase of each exercise. In NHE, ST overall activity was substantially higher than in BFlh (d = 1.06 ± 0.45), compared to trivial differences between muscles in SDL (d = 0.19 ± 0.34). Regional differences were found in NHE for both muscles, with different proximal-distal patterns: The distal region showed the lowest activity level in ST (regional differences, d range = 0.55-1.41) but the highest activity level in BFlh (regional differences, d range = 0.38-1.25). In SDL, regional differences were smaller in both muscles (d range = 0.29-0.67 and 0.16-0.63 in ST and BFlh, respectively) than in NHE. The use of HD-EMG in hamstrings revealed heterogeneous hamstrings activity during typical injury prevention exercises. High-density EMG might be useful in future studies to provide a comprehensive overview of hamstring muscle activity in other exercises and high-injury risk tasks.
Asunto(s)
Ejercicio Físico , Músculos Isquiosurales/fisiología , Adulto , Traumatismos en Atletas/prevención & control , Electromiografía , Prueba de Esfuerzo , Músculos Isquiosurales/lesiones , Humanos , Masculino , Adulto JovenRESUMEN
Achilles tendon (AT) comprises of 3 subtendons arising from the soleus (SOL) and the lateral (LG) and medial (MG) heads of the gastrocnemius muscle. While recent human studies show differential displacement within AT, these displacements have not been attributed to specific subtendons. We tested the hypothesis that the SOL and LG subtendons show differential displacement and strain during various combinations of SOL, LG, and MG excitations. Movement of knots, sutured onto SOL and LG subtendons of 12 Wistar rats, was videotaped, while the muscles were stimulated intramuscularly and ankle torque was assessed. When SOL only was stimulated, the plantar flexion torque was the smallest among the different conditions (P < .001). In this condition, from passive to active state, the displacement (0.57 vs 0.47 mm, P = .002) and strain (8.4% vs 2.4%, P < .001) in the SOL subtendon were greater than in LG subtendon. When LG only was stimulated, a higher ankle torque was measured as compared to SOL stimulation (P < .001); the displacement was similar in both subtendons (~0.6 mm), while the strain was greater in LG than in SOL (4.7% vs 1.7%, P < .001). When all 3 muscles were stimulated simultaneously, ankle torque was highest and the displacement (0.79 vs 0.74 mm, P = .002) and strain (7.7% vs 4.4%, P = .003) were greater in SOL than in LG. These data show that the different subtendons of AT can experience relative displacement and differential strains. Together with anatomical dissections, the results revealed that such uniformities may be due to a lower stiffness of SOL subtendon compared to LG.
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Tendón Calcáneo/fisiología , Contracción Muscular , Músculo Esquelético/fisiología , Tendón Calcáneo/anatomía & histología , Animales , Articulación del Tobillo/fisiología , Masculino , Ratas , Ratas Wistar , TorqueRESUMEN
Ankle plantar flexor muscles support and propel the body in the stance phase of locomotion. Besides the triceps surae, flexor hallucis longus muscle (FHL) may also contribute to this role, but very few in vivo studies have examined FHL function during walking. Here, we investigated FHL fascicle behavior at different walking speeds. Ten healthy males walked overground at three different speeds while FHL fascicle length changes were recorded with ultrasound and muscle activity was recorded with surface electromyography (EMG). Fascicle length at heel strike at toe off and at peak EMG activity did not change with speed. Range of FHL fascicle length change (3.5-4.5 and 1.9-2.9 mm on average in stance and push-off phase, respectively), as well as minimum (53.5-54.9 and 53.8-55.7 mm) and maximum (58-58.4 and 56.8-57.7 mm) fascicle length did not change with speed in the stance or push-off phase. Mean fascicle velocity did not change in the stance phase, but increased significantly in the push-off phase between slow and fast walking speeds (P=.021). EMG activity increased significantly in both phases from slow to preferred and preferred to fast speed (P<.02 in all cases). FHL muscle fascicles worked near-isometrically during the whole stance phase (at least during slow walking) and operated at approximately the same length at different walking speeds. FHL and medial gastrocnemius (MG) have similar fiber length to muscle belly length ratios and, according to our results, also exhibit similar fascicle behavior at different walking speeds.
Asunto(s)
Músculo Esquelético/fisiología , Velocidad al Caminar , Adulto , Tobillo , Fenómenos Biomecánicos , Electromiografía , Pie , Humanos , Masculino , Adulto JovenRESUMEN
Lateral connections between muscles provide pathways for myofascial force transmission. To elucidate whether these pathways have functional roles in vivo, we examined whether activation could alter the shear between the soleus (SOL) and lateral gastrocnemius (LG) muscles. We hypothesized that selective activation of LG would decrease the stretch-induced shear between LG and SOL. Eleven volunteers underwent a series of knee joint manipulations where plantar flexion force, LG, and SOL muscle fascicle lengths and relative displacement of aponeuroses between the muscles were obtained. Data during a passive full range of motion were recorded, followed by 20° knee extension stretches in both passive conditions and with selective electrical stimulation of LG. During active stretch, plantar flexion force was 22% greater (P < 0.05) and relative displacement of aponeuroses was smaller than during passive stretch (P < 0.05). Soleus fascicle length changes did not differ between passive and active stretches but LG fascicles stretched less in the active than passive condition when the stretch began at angles of 70° and 90° of knee flexion (P < 0.05). The activity-induced decrease in the relative displacement of SOL and LG suggests stronger (stiffer) connectivity between the two muscles, at least at flexed knee joint angles, which may serve to facilitate myofascial force transmission.
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Fuerza Muscular/fisiología , Músculo Esquelético/fisiología , Resistencia al Corte/fisiología , Adulto , Aponeurosis/fisiología , Fenómenos Biomecánicos , Voluntarios Sanos , Humanos , Articulación de la Rodilla/fisiología , Rango del Movimiento Articular/fisiología , Adulto JovenRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Physical activity (PA) decreases during hospitalization. In particular, the amount of PA engaged in by older people who are hospitalized following musculoskeletal injury is likely to be limited for months after discharge home. Given the importance of an active lifestyle for their recovery and the prevention of future adverse outcomes, there is clearly a need for interventions to increase PA. This article describes the protocol of a randomized controlled trial set up to investigate the effects of a physical activity oriented home rehabilitation program (ProPA) on PA and the restoration of mobility in community-dwelling older people. METHODS: Men and women aged 60 years or older hospitalized due to a musculoskeletal injury or disorder in the back or lower limbs are recruited. After discharge from hospital to home, participants are randomized into a six-month ProPA program or a standard care (control) group. The ProPA program consists of a motivational interview, goal attainment process, guidance for safe walking, a progressive home exercise program and physical activity counseling. In addition, frail participants who are not able to go outdoors alone receive support from volunteers. Primary outcomes are PA measured using a 3-dimentional accelerometer, and mobility assessed by the Short Physical Performance Battery and self-reports. Secondary outcomes are life space mobility, participation restriction, fear of falling, pain, mood, and grip strength. Information on barriers to and enablers of PA participation are also collected. Data on mortality and use of health services are collected from the national register. In this 6-month intervention, all participants are assessed in their homes at baseline and after three and six months, and at 12 months after randomization they will receive a follow-up questionnaire. DISCUSSION: This study investigates the effects of a rehabilitation program on PA and mobility among older people at risk for increased sedentary time and mobility problems. If positive effects are observed, the program can be considered for incorporation into the health care system and thereby contribute to the rehabilitation of older people who have recently been discharged from hospital. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ISRCTN13461584 . Registered 27 January 2016.
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Consejo/métodos , Terapia por Ejercicio/métodos , Ejercicio Físico/fisiología , Vida Independiente , Enfermedades Musculoesqueléticas/rehabilitación , Anciano , Anciano de 80 o más Años , Envejecimiento/fisiología , Femenino , Hospitalización , Humanos , Estilo de Vida , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Limitación de la Movilidad , Proyectos de Investigación , Encuestas y CuestionariosRESUMEN
Exposure to ovarian sex steroids during different life phases has long-term effects on women's health and wellbeing. Menopause is characterized by rapid decline in ovarian sex steroids already during mid-life, between the ages of 46 and 52. Due to the menopause-related hormonal changes, women in most western countries live more than one-third of their lives in postmenopausal status. The role of ovarian steroids on neuromuscular function in middle-aged and older women has been investigated since the 1980s with increasing volume of research during the last decades. This review considers how different components of the neuromuscular system may be influenced by estrogens and so affects neuromuscular function in postmenopausal women. The main focus is on muscle strength and power, which are closely associated with mobility and functional capacity among older populations. In the end of the review, we summarize recent findings on the underlying biological mechanisms in skeletal muscle that could explain the association between hormone replacement therapy and neuromuscular function among postmenopausal women.
Asunto(s)
Envejecimiento/fisiología , Estrógenos/metabolismo , Músculo Esquelético/fisiología , Femenino , Humanos , Fuerza Muscular/fisiología , Posmenopausia , Salud de la MujerRESUMEN
The time spent in sedentary behaviors has been shown to be independent of exercise in epidemiological studies. We examined within an individual whether exercise alters the time of muscular inactivity within his/her normal daily life. Quadriceps and hamstring muscle electromyographic activities and heart rate were measured during 1 to 6 days of normal daily living of ordinary people. Of 84 volunteers measured, 27 (15 men, 12 women, 40.7 years ± 16.5 years) fulfilled the criteria of having at least 1 day with and 1 day without exercise for fitness (total of 87 days analyzed, 13.0 h ± 2.5 h/day). Reported exercises varied from Nordic walking to strength training and ball games lasting 30 min-150 min (mean 83 min ± 30 min). Exercise increased the time spent at moderate-to-vigorous muscle activity (6% ± 4% to 9% ± 6%, P < 0.01) and energy expenditure (13% ± 22%, P < 0.05). Muscular inactivity, defined individually below that measured during standing, comprised 72% ± 12% of day without and 68% ± 13% of day with exercise (not significant). Duration of exercise correlated positively to the increase in moderate-to-vigorous muscle activity time (r = 0.312, P < 0.05) but not with inactivity time. In conclusion, exercise for fitness, regardless of its duration, does not decrease the inactivity time during normal daily life. This is possible by slight modifications in daily nonexercise activities.
Asunto(s)
Ejercicio Físico/fisiología , Actividad Motora/fisiología , Músculo Cuádriceps/fisiología , Adulto , Electromiografía , Metabolismo Energético , Femenino , Humanos , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Monitoreo Ambulatorio , Músculo Esquelético/fisiología , Aptitud Física/fisiología , Adulto JovenRESUMEN
Adequate motor skills are essential for children participating in age-related physical activities, and gross motor skills may play an important role for maintaining sufficient level of physical activity (PA) during life course. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between gross motor skills and PA in children when PA was analyzed by both metabolic- and neuromuscular-based methods. Gross motor skills (KTK--Körperkoordinationstest für Kinder and APM inventory--manipulative skill test) of 84 children aged 5-8 years (53 preschoolers, 28 girls; 31 primary schoolers, 18 girls) were measured, and accelerometer-derived PA was analyzed using in parallel metabolic counts and neuromuscular impact methods. The gross motor skills were associated with moderate-to-high neuromuscular impacts, PA of vigorous metabolic intensity, and mean level of PA in primary school girls (0.5 < r < 0.7, P < 0.05), and with high impacts in preschool girls (0.3 < r < 0.5, P < 0.05). In preschool boys, moderate impacts, light-to-vigorous PA, and mean level of PA were associated with gross motor skills (0.4 < r < 0.7, P < 0.05). In conclusion, the result emphasizes an important relationship between gross motor skills and PA stressing both metabolic and neuromuscular systems in children. Furthermore, PA highly stressing neuromuscular system interacts with gross motor proficiency in girls especially.
Asunto(s)
Actividad Motora/fisiología , Destreza Motora/fisiología , Acelerometría , Niño , Preescolar , Interpretación Estadística de Datos , Prueba de Esfuerzo , Femenino , Humanos , MasculinoRESUMEN
Prolonged sedentary behaviour is detrimental to health due to low contractile activity in large lower extremity muscle groups. This muscle inactivity can be measured with electromyography (EMG), but it is unknown how methodological factors affect responsiveness longitudinally. This study ranks 16 different EMG inactivity thresholds based on their responsiveness (absolute and standardized effect size, responsiveness) using data from a randomized controlled trial targeted at reducing and breaking up sedentary time (InPact, ISRCTN28668090). EMG inactivity duration and usual EMG inactivity bout duration (weighted median of bout lengths) were measured from large lower extremity muscle groups (quadriceps, hamstring) with EMG-sensing shorts. The results showed that the EMG inactivity threshold above signal baseline (3 µV) provided overall the best responsiveness indices. At baseline, EMG inactivity duration of 66.8 ± 9.6% was accumulated through 73.9 ± 36.0 s usual EMG inactivity bout duration, both of which were reduced following the intervention (-4.8 percentage points, -34.3 s). The proposed methodology can reduce variability in longitudinal designs and the detailed results can be used for sample size calculations. Reducing EMG inactivity duration and accumulating EMG inactivity in shorter bouts has a potential influence on muscle physiology and health.
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Músculos Isquiosurales , Músculo Esquelético , Electromiografía , Contracción Muscular , Extremidad InferiorRESUMEN
The present study investigated the effects of tendon curvature on measurements of tendon length using 3D-kinematic analysis. Curved and straight tendon models were employed for assessing medial gastrocnemius tendon length and strain during hopping (N = 8). Tendon curvature was identified using small reflective markers placed on the skin surface along the length of the tendon and a sum of vectors between the markers from the calcaneous up to the marker at the origin of tendon was calculated. The straight tendon was defined as a length of vector from the calcaneous to the marker at the origin of tendon. The curved tendon method yielded 5.0 ± 1.3 mm longer tendon (p < 0.001) than the straight tendon model. Tendon elongation was 2.1 ± 1.6 mm and peak strain 1.3 ± 0.7% smaller in curved than in straight tendon model (p < 0.01). The results suggest that the commonly used straight tendon model underestimate slightly but significantly the true tendon length but overestimate the strain and elongation.
Asunto(s)
Músculo Esquelético/fisiología , Tendones/fisiología , Adulto , Fenómenos Biomecánicos/fisiología , Femenino , Humanos , Masculino , Modelos Biológicos , Movimiento/fisiología , Músculo Esquelético/anatomía & histología , Tendones/anatomía & histologíaRESUMEN
Hamstring muscle function during knee flexion has been linked to hamstring injury and performance. However, it is unclear whether knee flexion alone (KF) requires similar hamstring electromyography (EMG) activity pattern to simultaneous hip extension and knee flexion (HE-KF), a combination that occurs in the late swing phase of sprinting. This study examined whether HE-KF maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) evokes higher (EMG) activity in biceps femoris long head (BFlh) and semitendinosus (ST) than KF alone. Effects of shank rotation angles were also tested. Twenty-one males performed the above-mentioned MVICs while EMG activity was measured along ST and BFlh. Conditions were compared using a one-way mixed functional ANOVA model under a fully Bayesian framework. Higher EMG activity was found in HE-KF in all shank rotation positions than in KF in the middle region of BFlh (highest in the 9th channel, by 0.022 mV [95%CrI 0.014 to 0.030] in neutral shank position). For ST, this was only observed in the neutral shank position and in the most proximal channel (by 0.013 mV [95%CrI 0.001 to 0.025]). We observed muscle- and region-specific responses to HE-KF. Future studies should examine whether hamstring activation in this task is related to injury risk and sprint performance.
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Músculos Isquiosurales/fisiología , Cadera/fisiología , Contracción Isométrica , Rodilla/fisiología , Adulto , Teorema de Bayes , Fenómenos Biomecánicos , Humanos , Masculino , Movimiento , RotaciónRESUMEN
Estrogen concentration has been suggested to play a role in tendon abnormalities and injury. In physically active postmenopausal women, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) has been suggested to decrease tendon diameter. We hypothesized that HRT use and physical activity are associated with Achilles tendon size and tissue structure. The study applied cotwin analysis of fourteen 54- to 62-yr-old identical female twin pairs with current discordance for HRT use for an average of 7 yr. Achilles tendon thickness and cross-sectional areas were determined by ultrasonography, and tendon structural organization was analyzed from the images using linear discriminant analysis (LDA). Maximal voluntary and twitch torques from plantar flexor muscles were measured. Serum levels of estradiol, estrone, testosterone, and sex hormone binding globulin were analyzed. Total daily metabolic equivalent score (MET-h/day) was calculated from physical activity questionnaires. Results showed that, in five physically active (MET > 4) pairs, the cotwins receiving HRT had greater estradiol level (P = 0.043) and smaller tendon cross-sectional area than their sisters (63 vs. 71 mm(2), P = 0.043). Among all pairs, Achilles tendon thickness and cross-sectional area did not significantly differ between HRT using and nonusing twin sisters. Intrapair correlation for Achilles tendon thickness was high, despite HRT use discordance (r = 0.84, P < 0.001). LDA distinguished different tendon structure only from two of six examined twin pairs who had a similar level of physical activity. In conclusion, the effect of HRT on Achilles tendon characteristics independent of genetic confounding may be present only in the presence of sufficient physical activity. In physically active twin pairs, the higher level of estrogen seems to be associated with smaller tendon size.
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Tendón Calcáneo/anatomía & histología , Tendón Calcáneo/fisiología , Terapia de Reemplazo de Hormonas , Actividad Motora/fisiología , Tendón Calcáneo/diagnóstico por imagen , Anciano , Colesterol/sangre , Estrógenos/sangre , Estrona/sangre , Femenino , Humanos , Menopausia/fisiología , Persona de Mediana Edad , Contracción Muscular/fisiología , Fuerza Muscular/fisiología , Globulina de Unión a Hormona Sexual/metabolismo , Testosterona/sangre , Gemelos Monocigóticos , UltrasonografíaRESUMEN
This study was designed to assess the effects of strength training on work capacity and parasympathetic heart rate modulation during exercise in physically inactive men. Seventy-four men aged 20-45 were randomly assigned to training (n=52) and control (n=22) groups. Training groups underwent 10-weeks of progressive strength training. Body composition, one-repetition maximum half-squat and maximal oxygen uptake were measured before and after the intervention. Respiratory gases, heart rate and blood lactate were recorded during a VO2max test on a cycle ergometer. Parasympathetic heart rate modulation was analyzed based on the standard deviation of instantaneous beat-to-beat R-R interval variability (SD1) and its normalized unit (SD1n). Muscle strength and lean body mass increased in the training group. Compared to the control group, time to exhaustion increased significantly in the training group (p<0.05). SD1 and SD1n were elevated in the training group at submaximal exercise intensities (100 W, p<0.05). Blood lactate decreased at submaximal intensities when compared to the control group. Strength training increased exercise capacity, and improved vagal modulation of heart rate at submaximal exercise intensities. These changes may have favourable cardiovascular health implications for sedentary men during normal daily activities.
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Prueba de Esfuerzo , Frecuencia Cardíaca/fisiología , Sistema Nervioso Parasimpático/fisiología , Entrenamiento de Fuerza , Adulto , Análisis de Varianza , Composición Corporal , Ergometría , Terapia por Ejercicio , Humanos , Lactatos/sangre , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Consumo de Oxígeno/fisiología , Evaluación de Capacidad de Trabajo , Adulto JovenRESUMEN
Novel textile electrodes that can be embedded into sports clothing to measure averaged rectified electromyography (EMG) have been developed for easy use in field tests and in clinical settings. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the validity, reliability and feasibility of this new product to measure averaged rectified EMG. The validity was tested by comparing the signals from bipolar textile electrodes (42 cm(2)) and traditional bipolar surface electrodes (1.32 cm(2)) during bilateral isometric knee extension exercise with two electrode locations (A: both electrodes located in the same place, B: traditional electrodes placed on the individual muscles according to SENIAM, n=10 persons for each). Within-session repeatability (the coefficient of variation CV%, n=10) was calculated from five repetitions of 60% maximum voluntary contraction (MVC). The day-to-day repeatability (n=8) was assessed by measuring three different isometric force levels on five consecutive days. The feasibility of the textile electrodes in field conditions was assessed during a maximal treadmill test (n=28). Bland-Altman plots showed a good agreement within 2SD between the textile and traditional electrodes, demonstrating that the textile electrodes provide similar information on the EMG signal amplitude to the traditional electrodes. The within-session CV ranged from 13% to 21% in both the textile and traditional electrodes. The day-to-day CV was smaller, ranging from 4% to 11% for the textile electrodes. A similar relationship (r(2)=0.5) was found between muscle strength and the EMG of traditional and textile electrodes. The feasibility study showed that the textile electrode technique can potentially make EMG measurements very easy in field conditions. This study indicates that textile electrodes embedded into shorts is a valid and feasible method for assessing the average rectified value of EMG.
Asunto(s)
Vestuario , Electrodos , Electromiografía/métodos , Monitoreo Ambulatorio/instrumentación , Textiles , Adulto , Análisis de Varianza , Diseño de Equipo , Análisis de Falla de Equipo , Ejercicio Físico/fisiología , Femenino , Humanos , Contracción Isométrica , Articulación de la Rodilla/fisiología , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Monitoreo Ambulatorio/métodos , Reproducibilidad de los Resultados , Sensibilidad y Especificidad , Medicina Deportiva , Torque , Transductores/tendenciasRESUMEN
It is known that the short-latency stretch reflex (SLSR) is modulated by the background muscle activity when it is elicited at matched torque levels. This study was designed to examine the effects of muscle contraction types before a stretch perturbation on SLSR in the human soleus muscle (SOL) when SLSR was elicited at the same levels of effort and at matched electromyographic (EMG) activity levels. A mechanical stretch perturbation was applied to the calf muscles when the ankle joint reached a ninety degree tibio-tarsal joint angle after the muscles performed an isometric (pre-ISO), shortening (pre-SHO) and lengthening contraction (pre-LEN). Subjects were seated on an ankle ergometer chair and developed 0%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60% and 70% ankle joint torque (AJT) of maximum voluntary isometric plantar flexion contraction at 80 degrees in pre-SHO, at 90 degrees in pre-ISO and at 100 degrees in pre-LEN. After that, isometric or dynamic contractions started, and the subjects were asked to maintain effort levels as, needed, to maintain the target torque levels until the end of the stretch. They relaxed their muscles fully after the stretch. This chain of processes was consecutively repeated 10 times. EMG signals obtained from SOL were averaged after they were high-pass filtered and full-wave rectified. Some major findings resulted: (1) there were no differences in SLSR area in the active muscle between pre-ISO and pre-SHO, whereas its waveform was steeper in pre-ISO than in pre-SHO. (2) SLSR p-to-p amplitude and waveform were larger and steeper in the active muscle than in the relaxed one in all conditions, whereas they were independent of the effort levels once the muscle was activated. This led to steady SLSR modulation in response to the background muscle contraction in the active muscle regardless of whether the SLSR was elicited at matched AJT or EMG activity levels. These findings suggest that SLSR is closely related to the muscle spindle sensitivity influenced by the following factors: (1) the background muscle contraction type, and (2) gamma motoneuron activity set by CNS based on the effort level.
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Electromiografía/métodos , Contracción Muscular/fisiología , Músculo Esquelético/fisiología , Esfuerzo Físico/fisiología , Tiempo de Reacción/fisiología , Reflejo de Estiramiento/fisiología , Adaptación Fisiológica/fisiología , Adulto , Humanos , MasculinoRESUMEN
Human leg muscles are often activated inhomogeneously, e.g. in standing. This may also occur in complex tasks like walking. Thus, bipolar surface electromyography (sEMG) may not accurately represent whole muscle activity. This study used 64-electrode high-density sEMG (HD-sEMG) to examine spatial variability of lateral gastrocnemius (LG) muscle activity during the stance phase of walking, maximal voluntary contractions (MVCs) and maximal M-waves, and determined the effects of different normalization approaches on spatial and inter-participant variability. Plantar flexion MVC, maximal electrically elicited M-waves and walking at self-selected speed were recorded in eight healthy males aged 24-34. sEMG signals were assessed in four ways: unnormalized, and normalized to MVC, M-wave or peak sEMG during the stance phase of walking. During walking, LG activity varied spatially, and was largest in the distal and lateral regions. Spatial variability fluctuated throughout the stance phase. Normalizing walking EMG signals to the peak value during stance reduced spatial variability within LG on average by 70%, and inter-participant variability by 67%. Normalizing to MVC reduced spatial variability by 17% but increased inter-participant variability by 230%. Normalizing to M-wave produced the greatest spatial variability (45% greater than unnormalized EMG) and increased inter-participant variability by 70%. Unnormalized bipolar LG sEMG may provide misleading results about representative muscle activity in walking due to spatial variability. For the peak value and MVC approaches, different electrode locations likely have minor effects on normalized results, whereas electrode location should be carefully considered when normalizing walking sEMG data to maximal M-waves.
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Electromiografía/métodos , Pierna/fisiología , Músculo Esquelético/fisiología , Caminata/fisiología , Adulto , Interpretación Estadística de Datos , Estimulación Eléctrica , Electromiografía/instrumentación , Humanos , Masculino , Reproducibilidad de los Resultados , Procesamiento de Señales Asistido por Computador , Adulto JovenRESUMEN
In the past 20 years, the use of ultrasound-based methods has become a standard approach to measure tendon mechanical properties in vivo. Yet the multitude of methodological approaches adopted by various research groups probably contribute to the large variability of reported values. The technique of obtaining and relating tendon deformation to tensile force in vivo has been applied differently, depending on practical constraints or scientific points of view. Divergence can be seen in 1) methodological considerations, such as the choice of anatomical features to scan and to track, force measurements, or signal synchronization; and 2) in physiological considerations related to the viscoelastic behavior or length measurements of tendons. Hence, the purpose of the present review is to assess and discuss the physiological and technical aspects connected to in vivo testing of tendon mechanical properties. In doing so, our aim is to provide the reader with a qualitative analysis of ultrasound-based techniques. Finally, a list of recommendations is proposed for a number of selected issues.
Asunto(s)
Tendones/diagnóstico por imagen , Tendones/fisiología , Fenómenos Biomecánicos , Humanos , UltrasonografíaRESUMEN
The current investigation examined the effect of various types of background muscle contractions on the short-latency stretch reflex (SLR) elicited from the soleus muscle while subjects were in a sitting position. A stretch was applied to the calf muscles while they performed an isometric (pre-ISO), shortening (pre-SHO) and lengthening contraction (pre-LEN) with several pre-contraction levels. The ankle was at a 90 degrees tibio-tarsal joint angle when the perturbation was applied. Subjects developed and maintained a given pre-load level, which was maintained at various percentages of the maximum voluntary isometric plantar flexion torque. This was performed at 80 degrees in pre-SHO, 90 degrees in pre-ISO and 100 degrees in pre-LEN for about 2s before the contractions. The SLRs in trials with 0, 35 and 50% of the maximum voluntary contraction torque level were compared among the three conditions. The main results were as follows. (1) Pre-ISO and pre-SHO showed an equal SLR area and a different SLR waveform in the active muscle. (2) Pre-LEN showed the smallest SLR area of three conditions in the active muscle. (3) Pre-LEN showed shorter SLR latencies than the other conditions. (4) Pre-SHO showed a longer SLR latency in the relaxed muscle than in the active muscle. (5) The SLR area was larger in the active muscle than in the relaxed muscle. These findings demonstrate that the muscle contraction type and the pre-contraction level before a stretch perturbation have a considerable influence on the latency, the area and the waveform of the SLR. In particular, the equal area and the different waveforms of the SLR between pre-ISO and pre-SHO were a unique finding in the present study. They might result from differences in muscle spindle sensitivity and afferent input from various receptors induced by the present motor task.