scholarly journals Muscle architecture and morphology as determinants of explosive strength

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
T. M. Maden-Wilkinson ◽  
T. G. Balshaw ◽  
G. J. Massey ◽  
J. P. Folland
Keyword(s):  
Late Phase ◽  
Knee Extension ◽  
Muscle Architecture ◽  
Muscle Size ◽  
Moment Arm ◽  
Neural Drive ◽  
Fascicle Length ◽  
Explosive Strength ◽  
Independent Variable ◽  
Maximum Voluntary Torque

Abstract Purpose Neural drive and contractile properties are well-defined physiological determinants of explosive strength, the influence of muscle architecture and related morphology on explosive strength is poorly understood. The aim of this study was to examine the relationships between Quadriceps muscle architecture (pennation angle [ΘP] and fascicle length [FL]) and size (e.g., volume; QVOL), as well as patellar tendon moment arm (PTMA) with voluntary and evoked explosive knee extension torque in 53 recreationally active young men. Method Following familiarisation, explosive voluntary torque at 50 ms intervals from torque onset (T50, T100, T150), evoked octet at 50 ms (8 pulses at 300-Hz; evoked T50), as well as maximum voluntary torque, were assessed on two occasions with isometric dynamometry. B-mode ultrasound was used to assess ΘP and FL at ten sites throughout the quadriceps (2–3 sites) per constituent muscle. Muscle size (QVOL) and PTMA were quantified using 1.5 T MRI. Result There were no relationships with absolute early phase explosive voluntary torque (≤ 50 ms), but θP (weak), QVOL (moderate to strong) and PTMA (weak) were related to late phase explosive voluntary torque (≥ 100 ms). Regression analysis revealed only QVOL was an independent variable contributing to the variance in T100 (34%) and T150 (54%). Evoked T50 was also related to QVOL and θP. When explosive strength was expressed relative to MVT there were no relationships observed. Conclusion It is likely that the weak associations of θP and PTMA with late phase explosive voluntary torque was via their association with MVT/QVOL rather than as a direct determinant.

Early skeletal muscle hypertrophy and architectural changes in response to high-intensity resistance training

2007 ◽  
Vol 102 (1) ◽  
pp. 368-373 ◽  
Author(s):  
O. R. Seynnes ◽  
M. de Boer ◽  
M. V. Narici
Keyword(s):  
Resistance Training ◽  
High Intensity ◽  
Muscle Hypertrophy ◽  
Muscle Architecture ◽  
Muscle Size ◽  
Training Period ◽  
Emg Activity ◽  
Fascicle Length ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Leg Extension

The onset of whole muscle hypertrophy in response to overloading is poorly documented. The purpose of this study was to assess the early changes in muscle size and architecture during a 35-day high-intensity resistance training (RT) program. Seven young healthy volunteers performed bilateral leg extension three times per week on a gravity-independent flywheel ergometer. Cross-sectional area (CSA) in the central (C) and distal (D) regions of the quadriceps femoris (QF), muscle architecture, maximal voluntary contraction (MVC), and electromyographic (EMG) activity were measured before and after 10, 20, and 35 days of RT. By the end of the training period, MVC and EMG activity increased by 38.9 ± 5.7 and 34.8% ± 4.7%, respectively. Significant increase in QF CSA (3.5 and 5.2% in the C and D regions, respectively) was observed after 20 days of training, along with a 2.4 ± 0.7% increase in fascicle length from the 10th day of training. By the end of the 35-day training period, the total increase in QF CSA for regions C and D was 6.5 ± 1.1 and 7.4 ± 0.8%, respectively, and fascicle length and pennation angle increased by 9.9 ± 1.2 and 7.7 ± 1.3%, respectively. The results show for the first time that changes in muscle size are detectable after only 3 wk of RT and that remodeling of muscle architecture precedes gains in muscle CSA. Muscle hypertrophy seems to contribute to strength gains earlier than previously reported; flywheel training seems particularly effective for inducing these early structural adaptations.

scholarly journals Training-specific functional, neural, and hypertrophic adaptations to explosive- vs. sustained-contraction strength training

2016 ◽  
Vol 120 (11) ◽  
pp. 1364-1373 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomas G. Balshaw ◽  
Garry J. Massey ◽  
Thomas M. Maden-Wilkinson ◽  
Neale A. Tillin ◽  
Jonathan P. Folland
Keyword(s):  
Strength Training ◽  
Late Phase ◽  
Quadriceps Muscle ◽  
Knee Extension ◽  
Neural Drive ◽  
Functional Changes ◽  
Sustained Contraction ◽  
Training Interventions ◽  
Isometric Knee Extension ◽  
Training Specificity

Training specificity is considered important for strength training, although the functional and underpinning physiological adaptations to different types of training, including brief explosive contractions, are poorly understood. This study compared the effects of 12 wk of explosive-contraction (ECT, n = 13) vs. sustained-contraction (SCT, n = 16) strength training vs. control ( n = 14) on the functional, neural, hypertrophic, and intrinsic contractile characteristics of healthy young men. Training involved 40 isometric knee extension repetitions (3 times/wk): contracting as fast and hard as possible for ∼1 s (ECT) or gradually increasing to 75% of maximum voluntary torque (MVT) before holding for 3 s (SCT). Torque and electromyography during maximum and explosive contractions, torque during evoked octet contractions, and total quadriceps muscle volume (QUADSVOL) were quantified pre and post training. MVT increased more after SCT than ECT [23 vs. 17%; effect size (ES) = 0.69], with similar increases in neural drive, but greater QUADSVOL changes after SCT (8.1 vs. 2.6%; ES = 0.74). ECT improved explosive torque at all time points (17–34%; 0.54 ≤ ES ≤ 0.76) because of increased neural drive (17–28%), whereas only late-phase explosive torque (150 ms, 12%; ES = 1.48) and corresponding neural drive (18%) increased after SCT. Changes in evoked torque indicated slowing of the contractile properties of the muscle-tendon unit after both training interventions. These results showed training-specific functional changes that appeared to be due to distinct neural and hypertrophic adaptations. ECT produced a wider range of functional adaptations than SCT, and given the lesser demands of ECT, this type of training provides a highly efficient means of increasing function.

scholarly journals Relationship between upper and lower limbs muscle explosive strength with the vastus lateralis and biceps brachii architecture

2021 ◽  
Vol 43 ◽  
Author(s):  
Conrado Laett ◽  
Ubiratã Gavilão ◽  
Jéssica do Rio ◽  
Victor Cossich ◽  
Carlos Gomes de Oliveira
Keyword(s):  
Biceps Brachii ◽  
Vastus Lateralis ◽  
Muscle Thickness ◽  
Elbow Flexion ◽  
Knee Extension ◽  
Muscle Architecture ◽  
Lower Limbs ◽  
Maximum Torque ◽  
Explosive Strength ◽  
Torque Development

ABSTRACT We aimed to assess upper and lower limbs explosive strength, and its correlation with biceps brachii (BB) and vastus lateralis (VL) architecture. Absolute and maximum torque normalized rate of torque development (RTD) were measured from isometric elbow flexion (EF) and knee extension (KE). BB and VL architectures were assessed by ultrasound. Absolute RTD of KE was higher (129–272%), although normalized RTD was higher in EF (80-21%). The absolute RTD was correlated to muscle thickness only in the BB (r=.39-46). No relationship was found between muscle architecture and normalized RTD. In conclusion, the higher RTD from KE seems to be due to their greater strength. Only the muscle architecture could not explain the differences found in the RTD.

Associations of the Force-velocity Profile with Isometric Strength and Neuromuscular Factors

2018 ◽  
Vol 39 (13) ◽  
pp. 984-994 ◽  
Author(s):  
Antonio Morales-Artacho ◽  
Amador Ramos ◽  
Alejandro Pérez-Castilla ◽  
Paulino Padial ◽  
Javier Argüelles-Cienfuegos ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vastus Lateralis ◽  
Correlation Coefficients ◽  
Knee Extension ◽  
Pennation Angle ◽  
Muscle Architecture ◽  
Isometric Strength ◽  
Knee Extensors ◽  
Fascicle Length ◽  
Force Velocity ◽  
Isometric Torque

AbstractWe aimed to explore relationships between the force-velocity (FV) profile and the isometric muscle torque performance during a knee extension task. The FV profile (force-intercept [F0], velocity-intercept [V0], maximum power [Pmax], and FV slope) during the countermovement jump (CMJ) exercise and isometric maximum voluntary torque (MVIC) and explosive voluntary torque production were assessed in 43 participants. Electromyography (EMG) was recorded during the isometric assessments and resting muscle architecture measurements were also performed (quadriceps thickness, vastus lateralis pennation angle and fascicle length). Pearson’s correlation coefficients were computed to assess bivariate relationships between the FV profile, isometric torque, EMG activation and muscle architecture. F0 predictions from neuromuscular measurements were assessed through multiple linear regression. Associations of F0 and Pmax with isometric torque increased from explosive to MVIC torque (r≥0.47; P<0.05). Significant associations were found between muscle architecture and F0 and Pmax (r≥0.69; P<0.05), while V0 and FV slope were unrelated (r≤0.27; P>0.05). Quadriceps thickness and VL pennation angle explained ~62% of F0 variance. In conclusion, the knee extensors maximal isometric strength and their morphological architecture are strongly related to F0 estimated from a CMJ FV profile test.

scholarly journals EFFECT OF FATIGUE ON EXPLOSIVE STRENGTH AND MUSCLE ARCHITECTURE OF THE VASTUS LATERALIS

2021 ◽  
Vol 27 (6) ◽  
pp. 558-562
Author(s):  
Matheus Martins de Sousa ◽  
Conrado Torres Laett ◽  
Ubiratã Faleiro Gavilão ◽  
Rodrigo Araújo Goes ◽  
Carlos Gomes de Oliveira ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vastus Lateralis ◽  
Peak Torque ◽  
Muscle Architecture ◽  
Ultrasound Images ◽  
Median Frequency ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Fascicle Length ◽  
Explosive Strength ◽  
Fatigue Protocol ◽  
Before And After

ABSTRACT Introduction: There has been little research on changes in rate of torque development (RTD) and muscle architecture. This study evaluated the effect of fatigue on RTD and muscle architecture of the vastus lateralis (VL). Methods: Seventeen volunteers (25.5 ± 6.2 years; 177.2 ± 12.9 cm; 76.4 ± 13.1 kg) underwent isokinetic knee extension assessment at 30°/s to obtain the peak torque (PT-ISK), before and after a set of intermittent maximal voluntary isometric contractions (MVIC) (15 reps – 3 s contraction, 3 s rest) used to promote muscle fatigue, monitored by the median frequency (MDF) of the electromyography from the VL, rectus femoris and vastus medialis muscles. Before and after the fatigue protocol, ultrasound images of the VL were obtained to measure muscle thickness (MT), fascicle length (FL), and fascicle angle (FA). The peak isometric torque (PT-ISM) and the RTDs in 50 ms windows were calculated for each MVIC. The RTDs were reported as absolute values and normalized by the PT-ISM. Results: Fatigue was confirmed due to significant reductions in MDF in all three muscles. After the fatigue protocol, the PT-ISK was reduced from 239.0±47.91 to 177.3±34.96 Nm, and the PT-MVIC was reduced from 269.5±45.63 to 220.49±46.94 Nm. All the RTD absolute values presented significant change after the fatigue protocol. However, the normalized RTD did not demonstrate any significant differences. No significant differences were found in the muscle architecture of the VL. Conclusions: The reduction in explosive strength occurred concomitantly with the reduction in maximum strength, as evidenced by the lack of changes in normalized TDT. Level of Evidence III.

Effects of Muscle Moment Arm Variation on Performance During the Acceleration Phase of Sprinting: A Computer Simulation Study

2009 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephen J. Piazza
Keyword(s):  
Fiber Type ◽  
Reaction Force ◽  
Forward Direction ◽  
Muscle Size ◽  
Moment Arm ◽  
Acceleration Phase ◽  
Computer Simulation Study ◽  
Fascicle Length ◽  
Joint Structure ◽  
Race 1

Elite sprinters are differentiated from merely good sprinters by their performance during the first 20 m of a 100 m race [1]. The impulse of the ground reaction force in the forward direction during the sprint start has been found to correlate negatively with overall race time indicating that the best sprinters are the ones who are able to accelerate rapidly at the start of a race. Many factors have been examined to determine the anatomical and physiological characteristics that contribute to sprinting ability, including muscle fiber type, muscle size, and muscle architecture parameters such as fascicle length and pennation angle. Joint structure has received less attention, although it has the potential to influence sprint performance in complex ways.

scholarly journals Insights into the combination of neuromuscular electrical stimulation and motor imagery in a training-based approach

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amandine Bouguetoch ◽  
Alain Martin ◽  
Sidney Grosprêtre
Keyword(s):  
Electrical Stimulation ◽  
Motor Imagery ◽  
Neural Plasticity ◽  
Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation ◽  
Voluntary Contraction ◽  
Muscle Architecture ◽  
Fascicle Length ◽  
Before And After ◽  
V Wave ◽  
And Control

Abstract Introduction Training stimuli that partially activate the neuromuscular system, such as motor imagery (MI) or neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES), have been previously shown as efficient tools to induce strength gains. Here the efficacy of MI, NMES or NMES + MI trainings has been compared. Methods Thirty-seven participants were enrolled in a training program of ten sessions in 2 weeks targeting plantar flexor muscles, distributed in four groups: MI, NMES, NMES + MI and control. Each group underwent forty contractions in each session, NMES + MI group doing 20 contractions of each modality. Before and after, the neuromuscular function was tested through the recording of maximal voluntary contraction (MVC), but also electrophysiological and mechanical responses associated with electrical nerve stimulation. Muscle architecture was assessed by ultrasonography. Results MVC increased by 11.3 ± 3.5% in NMES group, by 13.8 ± 5.6% in MI, while unchanged for NMES + MI and control. During MVC, a significant increase in V-wave without associated changes in superimposed H-reflex has been observed for NMES and MI, suggesting that neural adaptations occurred at supraspinal level. Rest spinal excitability was increased in the MI group while decreased in the NMES group. No change in muscle architecture (pennation angle, fascicle length) has been found in any group but muscular peak twitch and soleus maximal M-wave increased in the NMES group only. Conclusion Finally, MI and NMES seem to be efficient stimuli to improve strength, although both exhibited different and specific neural plasticity. On its side, NMES + MI combination did not provide the expected gains, suggesting that their effects are not simply cumulative, or even are competitive.

Comparison of single and multiple joint muscle functions and neural drive of trained athletes and untrained individuals

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-11
Author(s):  
Kale Mehmet
Keyword(s):  
Muscle Activation ◽  
Time Windows ◽  
Knee Extension ◽  
Electromechanical Delay ◽  
Neural Drive ◽  
Lower Limb Muscles ◽  
Explosive Force ◽  
Biarticular Muscle ◽  
Voluntary Contractions ◽  
Maximum Voluntary Force

BACKGROUND: There is insufficient knowledge about the rate of force development (RFD) characteristics over both single and multiple joint movements and the electromechanical delay (EMD) values obtained in athletes and untrained individuals. OBJECTIVE: To compare single and multiple joint functions and the neural drive of trained athletes and untrained individuals. METHODS: Eight trained athletes and 10 untrained individuals voluntarily participated to the study. The neuromuscular performance was assessed during explosive and maximum voluntary isometric contractions during leg press and knee extension related to single and multiple joint. Explosive force and surface electromyography of eight superficial lower limb muscles were measured in five 50-ms time windows from their onset, and normalized to peak force and electromyography activity at maximum voluntary force, respectively. The EMD was determined from explosive voluntary contractions (EVC’s). RESULTS: The results showed that there were significant differences in absolute forces during knee extension maximum voluntary force and EVC’s (p< 0.01) while trained athletes achieved greater relative forces than untrained individuals of EVC at all five time points (p< 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The differences in explosive performance between trained athletes and untrained individuals in both movements may be explained by different levels of muscle activation within groups, attributed to variation in biarticular muscle function over both activities.

scholarly journals Nature of the coupling between neural drive and force-generating capacity in the human quadriceps muscle

2015 ◽  
Vol 282 (1819) ◽  
pp. 20151908 ◽  
Author(s):  
François Hug ◽  
Clément Goupille ◽  
Daniel Baum ◽  
Brent J. Raiteri ◽  
Paul W. Hodges ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Muscle Force ◽  
Vastus Lateralis ◽  
Quadriceps Muscle ◽  
Myoelectric Activity ◽  
Neural Drive ◽  
Fascicle Length ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Muscle Fascicle ◽  
Generating Capacity ◽  
The Relationship

The force produced by a muscle depends on both the neural drive it receives and several biomechanical factors. When multiple muscles act on a single joint, the nature of the relationship between the neural drive and force-generating capacity of the synergistic muscles is largely unknown. This study aimed to determine the relationship between the ratio of neural drive and the ratio of muscle force-generating capacity between two synergist muscles (vastus lateralis (VL) and vastus medialis (VM)) in humans. Twenty-one participants performed isometric knee extensions at 20 and 50% of maximal voluntary contractions (MVC). Myoelectric activity (surface electromyography (EMG)) provided an index of neural drive. Physiological cross-sectional area (PCSA) was estimated from measurements of muscle volume (magnetic resonance imaging) and muscle fascicle length (three-dimensional ultrasound imaging) to represent the muscles' force-generating capacities. Neither PCSA nor neural drive was balanced between VL and VM. There was a large ( r = 0.68) and moderate ( r = 0.43) correlation between the ratio of VL/VM EMG amplitude and the ratio of VL/VM PCSA at 20 and 50% of MVC, respectively. This study provides evidence that neural drive is biased by muscle force-generating capacity, the greater the force-generating capacity of VL compared with VM, the stronger bias of drive to the VL.

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