scholarly journals Muscle-specific economy of force generation and efficiency of work production during human running

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sebastian Bohm ◽  
Falk Mersmann ◽  
Alessandro Santuz ◽  
Arno Schroll ◽  
Adamantios Arampatzis
Keyword(s):  
Vastus Lateralis ◽  
Mechanical Energy ◽  
Metabolic Cost ◽  
Operating Conditions ◽  
Force Generation ◽  
Effective Length ◽  
Physiological Mechanisms ◽  
Work Production ◽  
Tendon Compliance ◽  
Human Running

AbstractHuman running features a spring-like interaction of body and ground, enabled by elastic tendons that store mechanical energy and facilitate muscle operating conditions to minimize the metabolic cost. By experimentally assessing the operating conditions of two important muscles for running, the soleus and vastus lateralis, we investigated physiological mechanisms of muscle energy production and muscle force generation. Results showed that the soleus continuously shortened throughout the stance phase, operating as energy generator under conditions that were found to be optimal for work production: high force-length potential and enthalpy efficiency. The vastus lateralis promoted tendon energy storage and contracted nearly isometrically close to optimal length, resulting in a high force-length-velocity potential beneficial for economical force generation. The favorable operating conditions of both muscles were a result of an effective length and velocity-decoupling of fascicles and muscle-tendon unit mostly due to tendon compliance and, in the soleus, marginally by fascicle rotation.

scholarly journals Muscle-specific economy of force generation and efficiency of work production during human running

eLife ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sebastian Bohm ◽  
Falk Mersmann ◽  
Alessandro Santuz ◽  
Arno Schroll ◽  
Adamantios Arampatzis
Keyword(s):  
Vastus Lateralis ◽  
Mechanical Energy ◽  
Metabolic Cost ◽  
Operating Conditions ◽  
Force Generation ◽  
Effective Length ◽  
High Enthalpy ◽  
Muscle Work ◽  
Work Production ◽  
Human Running

Human running features a spring-like interaction of body and ground, enabled by elastic tendons that store mechanical energy and facilitate muscle operating conditions to minimize the metabolic cost. By experimentally assessing the operating conditions of two important muscles for running, the soleus and vastus lateralis, we investigated physiological mechanisms of muscle work production and muscle force generation. We found that the soleus continuously shortened throughout the stance phase, operating as work generator under conditions that are considered optimal for work production: high force-length potential and high enthalpy efficiency. The vastus lateralis promoted tendon energy storage and contracted nearly isometrically close to optimal length, resulting in a high force-length-velocity potential beneficial for economical force generation. The favorable operating conditions of both muscles were a result of an effective length and velocity-decoupling of fascicles and muscle-tendon unit, mostly due to tendon compliance and, in the soleus, marginally by fascicle rotation.

scholarly journals Elastic energy savings and active energy cost in a simple model of running

2021 ◽  
Vol 17 (11) ◽  
pp. e1009608
Author(s):  
Ryan T. Schroeder ◽  
Arthur D. Kuo
Keyword(s):  
Elastic Energy ◽  
Energy Cost ◽  
Energy Savings ◽  
Mechanical Energy ◽  
Metabolic Cost ◽  
The Body ◽  
Metabolic Energy ◽  
Energetic Cost ◽  
Mass Model ◽  
Human Running

The energetic economy of running benefits from tendon and other tissues that store and return elastic energy, thus saving muscles from costly mechanical work. The classic “Spring-mass” computational model successfully explains the forces, displacements and mechanical power of running, as the outcome of dynamical interactions between the body center of mass and a purely elastic spring for the leg. However, the Spring-mass model does not include active muscles and cannot explain the metabolic energy cost of running, whether on level ground or on a slope. Here we add explicit actuation and dissipation to the Spring-mass model, and show how they explain substantial active (and thus costly) work during human running, and much of the associated energetic cost. Dissipation is modeled as modest energy losses (5% of total mechanical energy for running at 3 m s-1) from hysteresis and foot-ground collisions, that must be restored by active work each step. Even with substantial elastic energy return (59% of positive work, comparable to empirical observations), the active work could account for most of the metabolic cost of human running (about 68%, assuming human-like muscle efficiency). We also introduce a previously unappreciated energetic cost for rapid production of force, that helps explain the relatively smooth ground reaction forces of running, and why muscles might also actively perform negative work. With both work and rapid force costs, the model reproduces the energetics of human running at a range of speeds on level ground and on slopes. Although elastic return is key to energy savings, there are still losses that require restorative muscle work, which can cost substantial energy during running.

A point-mass model of gibbon locomotion

1999 ◽  
Vol 202 (19) ◽  
pp. 2609-2617 ◽  
Author(s):  
J.E. Bertram ◽  
A. Ruina ◽  
C.E. Cannon ◽  
Y.H. Chang ◽  
M.J. Coleman
Keyword(s):  
Energy Exchange ◽  
Forest Canopy ◽  
Mechanical Energy ◽  
Single Point ◽  
Metabolic Cost ◽  
Point Mass ◽  
Mass Model ◽  
Natural Behavior ◽  
Continuous Contact ◽  
Mechanical Factors

In brachiation, an animal uses alternating bimanual support to move beneath an overhead support. Past brachiation models have been based on the oscillations of a simple pendulum over half of a full cycle of oscillation. These models have been unsatisfying because the natural behavior of gibbons and siamangs appears to be far less restricted than so predicted. Cursorial mammals use an inverted pendulum-like energy exchange in walking, but switch to a spring-based energy exchange in running as velocity increases. Brachiating apes do not possess the anatomical springs characteristic of the limbs of terrestrial runners and do not appear to be using a spring-based gait. How do these animals move so easily within the branches of the forest canopy? Are there fundamental mechanical factors responsible for the transition from a continuous-contact gait where at least one hand is on a hand hold at a time, to a ricochetal gait where the animal vaults between hand holds? We present a simple model of ricochetal locomotion based on a combination of parabolic free flight and simple circular pendulum motion of a single point mass on a massless arm. In this simple brachiation model, energy losses due to inelastic collisions of the animal with the support are avoided, either because the collisions occur at zero velocity (continuous-contact brachiation) or by a smooth matching of the circular and parabolic trajectories at the point of contact (ricochetal brachiation). This model predicts that brachiation is possible over a large range of speeds, handhold spacings and gait frequencies with (theoretically) no mechanical energy cost. We then add the further assumption that a brachiator minimizes either its total energy or, equivalently, its peak arm tension, or a peak tension-related measure of muscle contraction metabolic cost. However, near the optimum the model is still rather unrestrictive. We present some comparisons with gibbon brachiation showing that the simple dynamic model presented has predictive value. However, natural gibbon motion is even smoother than the smoothest motions predicted by this primitive model.

scholarly journals Walking in simulated reduced gravity: mechanical energy fluctuations and exchange

1999 ◽  
Vol 86 (1) ◽  
pp. 383-390 ◽  
Author(s):  
Timothy M. Griffin ◽  
Neil A. Tolani ◽  
Rodger Kram
Keyword(s):  
Kinetic Energy ◽  
Potential Energy ◽  
Gravitational Potential ◽  
Inverted Pendulum ◽  
Mechanical Energy ◽  
Center Of Mass ◽  
Metabolic Cost ◽  
Metabolic Energy ◽  
Gravitational Potential Energy ◽  
Reduced Gravity

Walking humans conserve mechanical and, presumably, metabolic energy with an inverted pendulum-like exchange of gravitational potential energy and horizontal kinetic energy. Walking in simulated reduced gravity involves a relatively high metabolic cost, suggesting that the inverted-pendulum mechanism is disrupted because of a mismatch of potential and kinetic energy. We tested this hypothesis by measuring the fluctuations and exchange of mechanical energy of the center of mass at different combinations of velocity and simulated reduced gravity. Subjects walked with smaller fluctuations in horizontal velocity in lower gravity, such that the ratio of horizontal kinetic to gravitational potential energy fluctuations remained constant over a fourfold change in gravity. The amount of exchange, or percent recovery, at 1.00 m/s was not significantly different at 1.00, 0.75, and 0.50 G (average 64.4%), although it decreased to 48% at 0.25 G. As a result, the amount of work performed on the center of mass does not explain the relatively high metabolic cost of walking in simulated reduced gravity.

Forces, Fishes, and Fluids: Hydrodynamic Mechanisms of Aquatic Locomotion

Physiology ◽  
2002 ◽  
Vol 17 (6) ◽  
pp. 235-240 ◽  
Author(s):  
George V. Lauder ◽  
Eliot G. Drucker
Keyword(s):  
Fluid Mechanics ◽  
Force Measurement ◽  
Force Generation ◽  
Locomotor Performance ◽  
Physiological Mechanisms ◽  
Fluid Force ◽  
Experimental Fluid Mechanics ◽  
New Methods ◽  
Aquatic Locomotion ◽  
Experimental Fluid

Understanding how fishes generate external fluid force to swim steadily and maneuver has proven to be difficult because water does not provide a stable platform for force measurement. But new methods in experimental fluid mechanics provide insights into the physiological mechanisms of aquatic force generation and limits to locomotor performance.

scholarly journals Metabolic cost of generating horizontal forces during human running

1999 ◽  
Vol 86 (5) ◽  
pp. 1657-1662 ◽  
Author(s):  
Young-Hui Chang ◽  
Rodger Kram
Keyword(s):  
Body Weight ◽  
Oxygen Consumption ◽  
Metabolic Cost ◽  
Ground Reaction Forces ◽  
Vertical Force ◽  
Order Of Magnitude ◽  
Reaction Forces ◽  
The Cost ◽  
Support Body Weight ◽  
Human Running

Previous studies have suggested that generating vertical force on the ground to support body weight (BWt) is the major determinant of the metabolic cost of running. Because horizontal forces exerted on the ground are often an order of magnitude smaller than vertical forces, some have reasoned that they have negligible cost. Using applied horizontal forces (AHF; negative is impeding, positive is aiding) equal to −6, −3, 0, +3, +6, +9, +12, and +15% of BWt, we estimated the cost of generating horizontal forces while subjects were running at 3.3 m/s. We measured rates of oxygen consumption (V˙o 2) for eight subjects. We then used a force-measuring treadmill to measure ground reaction forces from another eight subjects. With an AHF of −6% BWt,V˙o 2 increased 30% compared with normal running, presumably because of the extra work involved. With an AHF of +15% BWt, the subjects exerted ∼70% less propulsive impulse and exhibited a 33% reduction inV˙o 2. Our data suggest that generating horizontal propulsive forces constitutes more than one-third of the total metabolic cost of normal running.

Mechanics of a rapid running insect: two-, four- and six-legged locomotion

1991 ◽  
Vol 156 (1) ◽  
pp. 215-231 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. J. Full ◽  
M. S. Tu
Keyword(s):  
Periplaneta Americana ◽  
Mechanical Energy ◽  
Center Of Mass ◽  
Reaction Force ◽  
Metabolic Cost ◽  
Legged Locomotion ◽  
American Cockroach ◽  
Stride Frequency ◽  
Gravitational Potential Energy ◽  
Vertical Ground Reaction Force

To examine the effects of variation in body form on the mechanics of terrestrial locomotion, we used a miniature force platform to measure the ground reaction forces of the smallest and, relative to its mass, one of the fastest invertebrates ever studied, the American cockroach Periplaneta americana (mass = 0.83 g). From 0.44-1.0 ms-1, P. americana used an alternating tripod stepping pattern. Fluctuations in gravitational potential energy and horizontal kinetic energy of the center of mass were nearly in phase, characteristic of a running or bouncing gait. Aerial phases were observed as vertical ground reaction force approached zero at speeds above 1 ms-1. At the highest speeds (1.0-1.5 ms-1 or 50 body lengths per second), P. americana switched to quadrupedal and bipedal running. Stride frequency approached the wing beat frequencies used during flight (27 Hz). High speeds were attained by increasing stride length, whereas stride frequency showed little increase with speed. The mechanical power used to accelerate the center of mass increased curvilinearly with speed. The mass-specific mechanical energy used to move the center of mass a given distance was similar to that measured for animals five orders of magnitude larger in mass, but was only one-hundredth of the metabolic cost.

scholarly journals The series elastic shock absorber: tendon elasticity modulates energy dissipation by muscle during burst deceleration

2015 ◽  
Vol 282 (1804) ◽  
pp. 20142800 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicolai Konow ◽  
Thomas J. Roberts
Keyword(s):  
Energy Dissipation ◽  
Shock Absorber ◽  
Mechanical Energy ◽  
Reaction Force ◽  
Drop Height ◽  
Fascicle Length ◽  
Tendon Mechanics ◽  
Rapid Adjustment ◽  
Relationship Of ◽  
Tendon Compliance

During downhill running, manoeuvring, negotiation of obstacles and landings from a jump, mechanical energy is dissipated via active lengthening of limb muscles. Tendon compliance provides a ‘shock-absorber’ mechanism that rapidly absorbs mechanical energy and releases it more slowly as the recoil of the tendon does work to stretch muscle fascicles. By lowering the rate of muscular energy dissipation, tendon compliance likely reduces the risk of muscle injury that can result from rapid and forceful muscle lengthening. Here, we examine how muscle–tendon mechanics are modulated in response to changes in demand for energy dissipation. We measured lateral gastrocnemius (LG) muscle activity, force and fascicle length, as well as leg joint kinematics and ground-reaction force, as turkeys performed drop-landings from three heights (0.5–1.5 m centre-of-mass elevation). Negative work by the LG muscle–tendon unit during landing increased with drop height, mainly owing to greater muscle recruitment and force as drop height increased. Although muscle strain did not increase with landing height, ankle flexion increased owing to increased tendon strain at higher muscle forces. Measurements of the length–tension relationship of the muscle indicated that the muscle reached peak force at shorter and likely safer operating lengths as drop height increased. Our results indicate that tendon compliance is important to the modulation of energy dissipation by active muscle with changes in demand and may provide a mechanism for rapid adjustment of function during deceleration tasks of unpredictable intensity.

Numerical Investigations on the Power Generation of Turbo-Expander During the Propane De-Hydrogenation Process

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hwabhin Kwon ◽  
Heesung Park
Keyword(s):  
Power Generation ◽  
Rotational Speed ◽  
Mechanical Energy ◽  
Pressure Ratio ◽  
Electrical Power ◽  
Operating Conditions ◽  
Hydrogenation Process ◽  
Operation Conditions ◽  
Turbo Expander ◽  
Discharge Pressure

Abstract A turboexpander for the propane de-hydrogenation process with blade and splitter has been numerically investigated. Since the turboexpander expands fluid from higher inlet pressure to lower discharge pressure, the kinetic energy of fluid is converted into useful mechanical energy. The efficiency and power generation with the designed turboexpander have been simulated with different operating conditions. The pressure ratio between inlet and outlet and rotational speed are varied to characterize the performance of the turboexpander as an electrical power generator. The numerical simulations have shown the vortex at the trailing edges of blade and splitter which decreases the efficiency. The rotational speed and the pressure ratio are parameterized to obtain operation conditions which achieve high power generation and efficiency. Consequently, the generated power from 614.12 kW to 693.45kW is obtained at the normal rotational speed and the pressure ratio between 1.75 to 2.22.

Stretch-induced enhancement of mechanical work production in frog single fibers and human muscle

1997 ◽  
Vol 83 (5) ◽  
pp. 1741-1748 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yudai Takarada ◽  
Hiroyuki Iwamoto ◽  
Haruo Sugi ◽  
Yuichi Hirano ◽  
Naokata Ishii
Keyword(s):  
Fiber Length ◽  
Mechanical Energy ◽  
Human Muscle ◽  
Mechanical Work ◽  
Shortening Velocity ◽  
Velocity Amplitude ◽  
Single Fibers ◽  
Work Production ◽  
Integrated Electromyogram ◽  
Human Muscles

Takarada, Yudai, Hiroyuki Iwamoto, Haruo Sugi, Yuichi Hirano, and Naokata Ishii. Stretch-induced enhancement of mechanical work production in frog single fibers and human muscle. J. Appl. Physiol. 83(5): 1741–1748, 1997.—The relations between the velocity of prestretch and the mechanical energy liberated during the subsequent isovelocity release were studied in contractions of frog single fibers and human muscles. During isometric contractions of frog single fibers, a ramp stretch of varied velocity (amplitude, 0.02 fiber length; velocity, 0.08–1.0 fiber length/s) followed by a release (amplitude, 0.02 fiber length; velocity, 1.0 fiber length/s) was given, and the amount of work liberated during the release was measured. For human muscles, elbow flexions were performed with a prestretch of varied velocity (range, 40°; velocity, 30–180°/s) followed by an isokinetic shortening (velocity, 90°/s). In both frog single fibers and human muscles, the work production increased with both the velocity of stretch and the peak of force attained before the release up to a certain level; thereafter it declined with the further increases of these variables. In human muscles, the enhancement of work production was not associated with a significant increase in integrated electromyogram. This suggests that changes in intrinsic mechanical properties of muscle fibers play an important role in the stretch-induced enhancement of work production.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document