Observations on force enhancement in submaximal voluntary contractions of human adductor pollicis muscle.

It has been observed consistently and is well accepted that the steady-state isometric force after active muscle stretch is greater than the corresponding isometric force for electrically stimulated muscles and maximal voluntary contractions. However, this so-called force enhancement has not been studied for submaximal voluntary efforts; therefore, it is not known whether this property affects everyday movements. The purpose of this study was to determine whether there was force enhancement during submaximal voluntary contractions. Human adductor pollicis muscles (n = 17) were studied using a custom-built dynamometer, and both force and activation were measured while muscle activation and force were controlled at a level of 30% of maximal voluntary contraction. The steady-state isometric force and activation after active stretch were compared with the corresponding values obtained during isometric reference contractions. There was consistent and reliable force enhancement in 8 of the 17 subjects, whereas there was no force enhancement in the remaining subjects. Subjects with force enhancement had greater postactivation potentiation and a smaller resistance to fatigue in the adductor pollicis. We conclude from these results that force enhancement exists during submaximal voluntary contractions in a subset of the populations and suggest that it may affect everyday voluntary movements in this subset. On the basis of follow-up testing, it appears that force enhancement during voluntary contractions is linked to potentiation and fatigue resistance and therefore possibly to the fiber-type distribution in the adductor pollicis muscle.     

Knee and ankle joint torque-angle relationships of multi-joint leg extension

The force-length-relation (F-l-r) is an important property of skeletal muscle to characterise its function, whereas for in vivo human muscles, torque-angle relationships (T-a-r) represent the maximum muscular capacity as a function of joint angle. However, since in vivo force/torque-length data is only available for rotational single-joint movements the purpose of the present study was to identify torque-angle-relationships for multi-joint leg extension. Therefore, inverse dynamics served for calculation of ankle and knee joint torques of 18 male subjects when performing maximum voluntary isometric contractions in a seated leg press. Measurements in increments of 10° knee angle from 30° to 100° knee flexion resulted in eight discrete angle configurations of hip, knee and ankle joints. For the knee joint we found an ascending-descending T-a-r with a maximum torque of 289.5° ± 43.3 Nm, which closely matches literature data from rotational knee extension. In comparison to literature we observed a shift of optimum knee angle towards knee extension. In contrast, the T-a-r of the ankle joint vastly differed from relationships obtained for isolated plantar flexion. For the ankle T-a-r derived from multi-joint leg extension subjects operated over different sections of the force-length curve, but the ankle T-a-r derived from isolated joint efforts was over the ascending limb for all subjects. Moreover, mean maximum torque of 234.7 ± 56.6 Nm exceeded maximal strength of isolated plantar flexion (185.7 ± 27.8 Nm). From these findings we conclude that muscle function between isolated and more physiological multi-joint tasks differs. This should be considered for ergonomic and sports optimisation as well as for modelling and simulation of human movement.     

Residual force enhancement contributes to increased performance during stretch-shortening cycles of human plantar flexor muscles in vivo

It is well known that muscular force production is history-dependent, which results in enhanced (RFE) and depressed (RFD) steady-state forces after stretching and shortening, respectively. However, it remains unclear if force-enhancing mechanisms can contribute to increased performance during in vivo stretch-shortening cycles (SSCs) of human locomotor muscles. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether RFE-related mechanisms contribute to enhanced force and power output during SSCs of the human plantar flexor muscles. Net ankle torques of fourteen participants were measured during and after pure isometric, pure stretch, pure shortening, and SSC contractions when the triceps surae muscles were electrically stimulated at a submaximal level that resulted in 30% of their maximum isometric torque. Dynamic contractions were performed over an amplitude of 15°, from 5° plantar flexion to 10° dorsiflexion, at a speed of 120° s⁻¹. External ankle work during shortening was 11.6% greater during SSCs compared to pure shortening contractions (p = .003). Additionally, RFD after SSCs (8.6%) was reduced compared to RFD after pure shortening contractions (12.0%; p < .05). It is therefore concluded that RFE-related mechanisms contribute to increased performance following SSCs of human locomotor muscles. Since RFD after SSCs decreased although work during shortening was increased, we speculate that the relevant mechanism lies outside actin-myosin interaction. Finally, our data suggests that RFE might be relevant and beneficial for human locomotion whenever a muscle is stretched, but this needs to be confirmed.     

Residual force enhancement during voluntary contractions of knee extensors and flexors at short and long muscle lengths

Residual force enhancement (RFE) is a term describing the observation that muscle tension during a contraction that includes a stretch and hold remains above that during an isometric contraction at the hold length. RFE has been observed during in vitro and in vivo experiments, but results involving voluntary contractions are mixed, particularly with respect to large muscles. The purpose of this study was to determine if RFE can be observed in large muscles such as knee extensors and flexors at joint configurations corresponding to the ascending and descending limbs of the muscle force-length curve. Two groups of twenty participants (ten males and ten females per group) performed maximum voluntary contractions on a Biodex machine in purely isometric conditions and in isometric conditions immediately following eccentric stretch. Knee extension trials were performed at 40° (short muscles) and 100° (long muscles) flexion from full extension (0°), and knee flexion trials were performed at 70° (short muscles) and 10° (long muscles) flexion. Stretch-isometric trials terminated at these angles following 30° of eccentric motion at 30°/s. Statistically-significant RFE was observed for both tasks at long-muscle joint configurations, but was not observed for either task at short-muscle joint configurations. Passive torque enhancement was also observed following muscle relaxation at long-muscle joint configurations for both tasks, but for only knee flexion at short-muscle joint configurations. These results reinforce for voluntary contractions of large muscles the RFE behavior observed in smaller muscles, and provide further evidence that RFE occurs primarily on the descending limb of the muscle force-length curve.     

Force–velocity,force–power relationships of bilateral and unilateral leg multi-joint movements in young and elderly women

The present study investigated force–velocity and force–power relationships of bilateral and unilateral knee-hip extension movement in young and elderly women. Twelve healthy young (age, 19–31 yr) and 12 healthy elderly (age, 60–82 yr) women performed bilateral and unilateral knee-hip extension movements on the dynamometer against loads controlled by the servo system. Under the isotonic force condition, force–velocity relationships were measured. The maximum isometric force (F_max), unloaded velocity (V_max) and power output (P_max) of the movements were calculated from extrapolating force–velocity and force–power relationships. F_max and P_max of bilateral and unilateral knee-hip extension movements were 20–30% lower in elderly than in young women. On the other hand, there were no significant differences in V_max between young and elderly women and between bilateral and unilateral movements. Bilateral deficit was larger as the generation of force was larger in both young and elderly women. Also, bilateral deficit of F_max and P_max were not different between young and elderly women. The results were that lower maximum power output of bilateral and unilateral leg multi-joint movements in elderly women did not depend on the intrinsic shortening velocity of muscle action, but largely on reduction in force generating capacity. This suggests the importance of preventing a loss of force generating capacity of muscles during leg multi-joint movements in elderly women.     

Analysis of a muscular control system in human movements

In this work, we have studied a muscular control system under experimental conditions for analyzing the dynamic behavior of individual muscles and theoretical considerations for elucidating its control strategy. Movement of human limbs is achieved by joint torques and each torque is specified as the sum of torques generated by muscle forces. The behavior of individual muscles is controlled by the neural input which is estimated by means of an electromyogram (EMG). In this study, the EMGs for a flexor and an extensor are measured in elbow joint movements and the dynamic behavior of individual muscles is analyzed. As a result, it is verified that both a flexor and an extensor are activated throughout the entire movement and that the activation of muscles is controlled above a specific limit independent of the hand-held load. Subsequently, a system model for simulating elbow joint movements is developed which includes the muscle dynamic relationship between the neural input and the isometric force. The minimum limit of muscle activation that has been confirmed in experiments is provided as a constraint of the neural input and the criterion is defined by a derivative of the isometric force of individual muscles. The optimal trajectories formulated under these conditions are quantitatively compared with the experimentally observed trajectories, and the control strategy of a muscular control system is studied. Finally, a muscular control system in multi-joint arm movements is discussed with regard to the comparative analysis between observed and optimal trajectories. Received: 7 April 1999 / Accepted in revised form: 27 July 1999     

Lower extremity extension force and electromyography properties as a function of knee angle and their relation to joint torques: implications for strength diagnostics

The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether and how isometric multijoint leg extension strength can be used to assess athletes' muscular capability within the scope of strength diagnosis. External reaction forces (Fext) and kinematics were measured (n = 18) during maximal isometric contractions in a seated leg press at 8 distinct joint angle configurations ranging from 30 to 100° knee flexion. In addition, muscle activation of rectus femoris, vastus medialis, biceps femoris c.l., gastrocnemius medialis, and tibialis anterior was obtained using surface electromyography (EMG). Joint torques for hip, knee, and ankle joints were computed by inverse dynamics. The results showed that unilateral Fext decreased significantly from 3,369 ± 575 N at 30° knee flexion to 1,015 ± 152 N at 100° knee flexion. Despite maximum voluntary effort, excitation of all muscles as measured by EMG root mean square changed with knee flexion angles. Moreover, correlations showed that above-average Fext at low knee flexion is not necessarily associated with above-average Fext at great knee flexion and vice versa. Similarly, it is not possible to deduce high joint torques from high Fext just as above-average joint torques in 1 joint do not signify above-average torques in another joint. From these findings, it is concluded that an evaluation of muscular capability by means of Fext as measured for multijoint leg extension is strongly limited. As practical recommendation, we suggest analyzing multijoint leg extension strength at 3 distinct knee flexion angles or at discipline-specific joint angles. In addition, a careful evaluation of muscular capacity based on measured Fext can be done for knee flexion angles ≥ 80°. For further and detailed analysis of single muscle groups, the use of inverse dynamic modeling is recommended.     

Activation-induced force enhancement in human adductor pollicis

It has been known for a long time that the steady-state isometric force after muscle stretch is bigger than the corresponding force obtained in a purely isometric contraction for electrically stimulated and maximal voluntary contractions (MVC). Recent studies using sub-maximal voluntary contractions showed that force enhancement only occurred in a sub-group of subjects suggesting that force enhancement for sub-maximal voluntary contractions has properties different from those of electrically-induced and maximal voluntary contractions. Specifically, force enhancement for sub-maximal voluntary contractions may contain an activation-dependent component that is independent of muscle stretching. To address this hypothesis, we tested for force enhancement using (i) sub-maximal electrically-induced contractions and stretch and (ii) using various activation levels preceding an isometric reference contraction at 30% of MVC (no stretch). All tests were performed on human adductor pollicis muscles. Force enhancement following stretching was found for all subjects (n = 10) and all activation levels (10%, 30%, and 60% of MVC) for electrically-induced contractions. In contrast, force enhancement at 30% of MVC, preceded by 6 s of 10%, 60%, and 100% of MVC was only found in a sub-set of the subjects and only for the 60% and 100% conditions. This result suggests that there is an activation-dependent force enhancement for some subjects for sub-maximal voluntary contractions. This activation-dependent force enhancement was always smaller than the stretch-induced force enhancement obtained at the corresponding activation levels. Active muscle stretching increased the force enhancement in all subjects, independent whether they showed activation dependence or not. It appears that post-activation potentiation, and the associated phosphorylation of the myosin light chains, might account for the stretch-independent force enhancement observed here.     

Child-Adult differences in antagonist muscle coactivation: A systematic review

Antagonist coactivation is the simultaneous activation of agonist and antagonist muscles during a motor task. Age-related changes in coactivation may contribute to observed differences in muscle performance between children and adults. Our aim was to systematically summarize age-related differences in antagonist muscle coactivation during multi-joint dynamic and single-joint isometric and isokinetic contractions. Electronic databases were searched for peer-reviewed studies comparing coactivation in upper or lower extremity muscles between healthy children and adolescents/young adults. Of the 1083 studies initially identified, 25 met eligibility criteria. Thirteen studies examined multi-joint dynamic movements, 10 single-joint isometric contractions, and 2 single-joint isokinetic contractions. Of the studies investigating multi-joint dynamic contractions, 83% (11/13 studies) reported at least one significant age-related difference: In 84% (9/11 studies) coactivation was higher in children, whereas 16% (2/11 studies) reported higher coactivation in adults. Among single-joint contractions, only 25% (3/12 studies) reported significantly higher coactivation in children. Fifty six percent of studies examined females, with no clear sex-related differences. Child-adult differences in coactivation appear to be more prevalent during multi-joint dynamic contractions, where generally, coactivation is higher in children. When examining child–adult differences in muscle function, it is important to consider potential age-related differences in coactivation, specifically during multi-joint dynamic contractions.     

Residual force enhancement following eccentric induced muscle damage

During lengthening of an activated skeletal muscle, the force maintained following the stretch is greater than the isometric force at the same muscle length. This is termed residual force enhancement (RFE), but it is unknown how muscle damage following repeated eccentric contractions affects RFE. Using the dorsiflexors, we hypothesised muscle damage will impair the force generating sarcomeric structures leading to a reduction in RFE. Following reference maximal voluntary isometric contractions (MVC) in 8 young men (26.5±2.8y) a stretch was performed at 30°/s over a 30° ankle excursion ending at the same muscle length as the reference MVCs (30° plantar flexion). Surface electromyography (EMG) of the tibialis anterior and soleus muscles was recorded during all tasks. The damage protocol involved 4 sets of 25 isokinetic (30°/s) lengthening contractions. The same measures were collected at baseline and immediately post lengthening contractions, and for up to 10min recovery. Following the lengthening contraction task, there was a 30.3±6.4% decrease in eccentric torque (P<0.05) and 36.2±9.7% decrease in MVC (P<0.05) compared to baseline. Voluntary activation using twitch interpolation and RMS EMG amplitude of the tibialis anterior remained near maximal without increased coactivation for MVC. Contrary to our hypothesis, RFE increased (～100-250%) following muscle damage (P<0.05). It appears stretch provided a mechanical strategy for enhanced muscle function compared to isometric actions succeeding damage. Thus, active force of cross-bridges is decreased because of impaired excitation-contraction coupling but force generated during stretch remains intact because force contribution from stretched sarcomeric structures is less impaired.     

Older adults are less steady during submaximal isometric contractions with the knee extensor muscles.

This study compared the steadiness of submaximal contractions with the knee extensor muscles in young and old adults. Twenty young and twenty old subjects underwent assessment of isometric maximum voluntary contraction (MVC), one-repetition maximum (1-RM) strength, and steadiness during isometric, concentric, and eccentric contractions with the knee extensor muscles. The old adults displayed 33% lower MVC force and a 41% lower 1-RM load. The coefficient of variation for force was significantly greater for the old adults during isometric contractions at 2, 5, and 10% of MVC but not at 50% MVC. The decline in steadiness at low forces experienced by the men was marginally greater than that experienced by the women. The steadiness of concentric and eccentric contractions was similar in young and old adults at 5, 10, and 50% of 1-RM load. Old subjects exhibited greater coactivation of an antagonist muscle compared with young subjects during the submaximal isometric and anisometric contractions. These results indicate that, whereas the ability to exert steady submaximal forces with the knee extensor muscles was reduced in old adults, fluctuations in knee joint angle during slow movements were similar for young and old adults.     

The interaction of muscle moment arm,knee laxity,and torque in a multi-scale musculoskeletal model of the lower limb

IntroductionMusculoskeletal modeling allows insight into the interaction of muscle force and knee joint kinematics that cannot be measured in the laboratory. However, musculoskeletal models of the lower extremity commonly use simplified representations of the knee that may limit analyses of the interaction between muscle forces and joint kinematics. The goal of this research was to demonstrate how muscle forces alter knee kinematics and consequently muscle moment arms and joint torque in a musculoskeletal model of the lower limb that includes a deformable representation of the knee.MethodsTwo musculoskeletal models of the lower limb including specimen-specific articular geometries and ligament deformability at the knee were built in a finite element framework and calibrated to match mean isometric torque data collected from 12 healthy subjects. Muscle moment arms were compared between simulations of passive knee flexion and maximum isometric knee extension and flexion. In addition, isometric torque results were compared with predictions using simplified knee models in which the deformability of the knee was removed and the kinematics at the joint were prescribed for all degrees of freedom.ResultsPeak isometric torque estimated with a deformable knee representation occurred between 45° and 60° in extension, and 45° in flexion. The maximum isometric flexion torques generated by the models with deformable ligaments were 14.6% and 17.9% larger than those generated by the models with prescribed kinematics; by contrast, the maximum isometric extension torques generated by the models were similar. The change in hamstrings moment arms during isometric flexion was greater than that of the quadriceps during isometric extension (a mean RMS difference of 9.8 mm compared to 2.9 mm, respectively).DiscussionThe large changes in the moment arms of the hamstrings, when activated in a model with deformable ligaments, resulted in changes to flexion torque. When simulating human motion, the inclusion of a deformable joint in a multi-scale musculoskeletal finite element model of the lower limb may preserve the realistic interaction of muscle force with knee kinematics and torque.     

The mechanism of generation and transmission of forces in leg extension.

This paper deals with the mechanical and electromyographic evaluation of the mechanism generating and transmitting the resultant leg extension force by maximal isometric contraction in two directions, the knee and hip joint being kept at 90 degrees. The two directions were a) from the center of gravity of the body to the ankle joint and b) from a point near the knee to the ankle. Six male subjects in a supine position exerted a maximal leg extension force of 47-112 kg for a) and 51-73 kg for b). These values were close to the smaller values of two forces estimated at the knee and at the hip from maximal isometric forces at the corresponding joint of the same joint angle. It was thus suggested that the joint limiting the resultant leg extension force was the knee for a) and the hip for b). The single joint muscles exhibited almost maximal activities when they concerned the joint which limited the resultant leg extension force. The double joint muscles were often contracted only moderately during the maximal isometric leg extension, indicating a different role of double joint muscles even at the maximal force production at a particular joint.     

Residual force enhancement after lengthening is present during submaximal plantar flexion and dorsiflexion actions in humans.

Stretch of an activated muscle causes a transient increase in force during the stretch and a sustained, residual force enhancement (RFE) after the stretch. The purpose of this study was to determine whether RFE is present in human muscles under physiologically relevant conditions (i.e., when stretches were applied within the working range of large postural leg muscles and under submaximal voluntary activation). Submaximal voluntary plantar flexion (PF(v)) and dorsiflexion (DF(v)) activation was maintained by providing direct visual feedback of the EMG from soleus or tibialis anterior, respectively. RFE was also examined during electrical stimulation of the plantar flexion muscles (PF(s)). Constant-velocity stretches (15 degrees /s) were applied through a range of motion of 15 degrees using a custom-built ankle torque motor. The muscles remained active throughout the stretch and for at least 10 s after the stretch. In all three activation conditions, the stable joint torque measured 9-10 s after the stretch was greater than the isometric joint torque at the final joint angle. When expressed as a percentage of the isometric torque, RFE values were 7, 13, and 12% for PF(v), PF(s), DF(v), respectively. These findings indicate that RFE is a characteristic of human skeletal muscle and can be observed during submaximal (25%) voluntary activation when stretches are applied on the ascending limb of the force-length curve. Although the underlying mechanisms are unclear, it appears that sarcomere popping and passive force enhancement are insufficient to explain the presence of RFE in these experiments.     

The effects of muscle stretching and shortening on isometric forces on the descending limb of the force-length relationship

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of stretching and shortening on the isometric forces at different lengths on the descending limb of the force-length relationship. Cat soleus (N = 10) was stretched and shortened by various amounts on the descending limb of the force-length relationship, and the steady-state forces following these dynamic contractions were compared to the isometric forces at the corresponding muscle lengths. We found a shift of the force-length relationship to greater force values following muscle stretching, and to smaller force values following muscle shortening. Shifts in both directions critically depended on the magnitude of stretching/shortening and the final muscle length. We confirm recent findings that the steady-state isometric force following some stretch conditions clearly exceeded the maximal isometric forces at optimum muscle length, and that force enhancement was associated with an increase in the passive force, i.e., a passive force enhancement. When the passive force enhancement was subtracted from the total force enhancement, forces following stretch were always equal to or smaller than the isometric force at optimum muscle length. Together, these findings led to the conclusions: (a). that force enhancement is composed of an "active and a "passive" component; (b). that the "passive" component of force enhancement allows for forces greater than the maximal isometric forces at the muscle's optimum length; and (c). that force enhancement and force depression are critically affected by muscle length and stretch/shortening amplitude.     

Force depression following muscle shortening in sub-maximal voluntary contractions of human adductor pollicis

Mechanical properties of skeletal muscles are often studied for controlled, electrically induced, maximal, or supra-maximal contractions. However, many mechanical properties, such as the force-length relationship and force enhancement following active muscle stretching, are quite different for maximal and sub-maximal, or electrically induced and voluntary contractions. Force depression, the loss of force observed following active muscle shortening, has been observed and is well documented for electrically induced and maximal voluntary contractions. Since sub-maximal voluntary contractions are arguably the most important for everyday movement analysis and for biomechanical models of skeletal muscle function, it is important to study force depression properties under these conditions. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine force depression following sub-maximal, voluntary contractions. Sets of isometric reference and isometric-shortening-isometric test contractions at 30% of maximal voluntary effort were performed with the adductor pollicis muscle. All reference and test contractions were executed by controlling force or activation using a feedback system. Test contractions included adductor pollicis shortening over 10 degrees, 20 degrees, and 30 degrees of thumb adduction. Force depression was assessed by comparing the steady-state isometric forces (activation control) or average electromyograms (EMGs) (force control) following active muscle shortening with those obtained in the corresponding isometric reference contractions. Force was decreased by 20% and average EMG was increased by 18% in the shortening test contractions compared to the isometric reference contractions. Furthermore, force depression was increased with increasing shortening amplitudes, and the relative magnitudes of force depression were similar to those found in electrically stimulated and maximal contractions. We conclude from these results that force depression occurs in sub-maximal voluntary contractions, and that force depression may play a role in the mechanics of everyday movements, and therefore may have to be considered in biomechanical models of human movement.     

Force enhancement and relaxation rates after stretch of activated muscle fibres

The residual force enhancement following muscle stretch might be associated with an increase in the proportion of attached cross-bridges, as supported by stiffness measurements. In this case, it could be caused by an increase in the attachment or a decrease in the detachment rate of cross-bridges, or a combination of the two. The purpose of this study was to investigate if the stretch-induced force enhancement is related to cross-bridge attachment/detachment kinetics. Single muscle fibres dissected from the lumbrical muscle of frog were place at a length approximately 20% longer than the plateau of the force-length relationship; they were maximally activated, and after full isometric force was reached, ramp stretches were imposed with amplitudes of 5 and 10% fibre length, at a speed of 40% fibre length s(-1). Experiments were performed in Ringer's solution, and with the addition of 2, 5 and 10 nM of 2,3-butanedione monoxime (BDM), a drug that places cross-bridges in a pre-power-stroke, state, inhibiting force production. The total force following stretch was higher than the corresponding force measured after isometric contraction at the corresponding length. This residual force enhancement was accompanied by an increase relaxation time. BDM, which decreases force production during isometric contractions, considerably increased the relative levels of force enhancement. BDM also increased relaxation times after stretch, beyond the levels observed during reference contractions in Ringer's solution, and beyond isometric control tests at the corresponding BDM concentrations. Together, these results support the idea that force enhancement is caused, at least in part, by a decrease in cross-bridge detachment rates, as manifested by the increased relaxation times following fibre stretch.     

Relationship between force and stiffness in muscle fibers after stretch.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between force and stiffness after stretch of activated fibers, while simultaneously changing contractility by interfering with the cross-bridge kinetics and muscle activation. Single fibers dissected from lumbrical muscles of frogs were placed at a length 20% longer than the plateau of the force-length relationship, activated, and stretched by 5 and 10% of fiber length (speed: 40% fiber length/s). Experiments were conducted with maximal and submaximal stimulation in Ringer solution and with the addition of 2 and 5 mM of the myosin inhibitor 2,3-butanedione monoxime (BDM) to the solution. The steady-state force after stretch of an activated fiber was higher than the isometric force produced at the corresponding length in all conditions investigated. Lowering the frequency of stimulation decreased the force and stiffness during isometric contractions, but it did not change force enhancement and stiffness enhancement after stretch. Administration of BDM decreased the force and stiffness during isometric contractions, but it increased the force enhancement and stiffness enhancement after stretch. The relationship between force enhancement and stiffness suggests that the increase in force after stretch may be caused by an increase in the proportion of cross bridges attached to actin. Because BDM places cross bridges in a weakly bound, pre-powerstroke state, our results further suggest that force enhancement is partially associated with a recruitment of weakly bound cross bridges into a strongly bound state.     

Motor unit firing patterns of lower leg muscles during isometric plantar flexion with flexed knee joint position

The ankle flexor and extensor muscles are essential for pedal movements associated with car driving. Neuromuscular activation of lower leg muscles is influenced by the posture during a given task, such as the flexed knee joint angle during car driving. This study aimed to investigate the influence of flexion of the knee joint on recruitment threshold-dependent motor unit activity in lower leg muscles during isometric contraction. Twenty healthy participants performed plantar flexor and dorsiflexor isometric ramp contractions at 30 % of the maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) with extended (0°) and flexed (130°) knee joint angles. High-density surface electromyograms were recorded from medial gastrocnemius (MG), soleus (SOL), and tibialis anterior (TA) muscles and decomposed to extract individual motor units. The torque-dependent change (Δpps /Δ%MVC) of the motor unit activity of MG (recruited at 15 %MVC) and SOL (recruited at 5 %MVC) muscles was higher with a flexed compared with an extended knee joint (p < 0.05). The torque-dependent change of TA MU did not different between the knee joint angles. The motor units within certain limited recruitment thresholds recruited to exert plantar flexion torque can be excited to compensate for the loss of MG muscle torque output with a flexed knee joint.     

In vivo moment generation and architecture of the human plantar flexors after different shortening–stretch cycles velocities

The purpose of this study was to examine the moment generation of the human plantar flexors and the architecture of the gastrocnemius medialis muscle during and after shortening–stretch cycles in vivo. Fourteen male subjects (30 ± 7 years, 177 ± 7 cm, 80 ± 9 kg) performed a series of electro-stimulated shortening–stretch plantar flexion contractions. The shortening–stretch cycles were performed at three constant angular velocities (25°/s, 50°/s, 100°/s), two amplitudes (15° and 25° ankle angle changes) and at two different stimulation frequencies (30 Hz and 85 Hz). The resultant ankle joint moments were calculated through inverse dynamics. Pennation angle and fascicle length of the m. gastrocnemius medialis at rest and during contractions were measured using ultrasonography. The corresponding ankle moments, kinematics and changes in muscle architecture were analysed at seven time intervals. A three-way analysis of variance (amplitude × velocity × stimulation frequency) and post-hoc test with Bonferroni correction were used to check the amplitude, velocity and stimulation level related effects on moment enhancement (α = 0.05). The results show an ankle joint moment enhancement after shortening–stretch cycles influenced by muscle architectural changes. We found 2–3% isometric ankle joint moment enhancement at steady state, 1.5–2.0 s after the shortening–stretch cycle. However, the observed alteration in muscle architecture after the imposed perturbation, could lead to an underestimation (1–3%) of joint moment enhancement due to the force–length relationship of the triceps surae. Furthermore, the enhancement observed was independent of the shortening–stretch amplitude, velocity and stimulation frequency.