High-frequency initial pulses do not affect efficiency in rat fast skeletal muscle

2001 ◽  
Vol 204 (8) ◽  
pp. 1503-1508
Author(s):  
F. Abbate ◽  
C.J. de Ruiter ◽  
A. de Haan
Keyword(s):  
Skeletal Muscle ◽  
High Frequency ◽  
High Energy ◽  
Muscle Performance ◽  
Medial Gastrocnemius ◽  
Fast Skeletal Muscle ◽  
Constant Frequency ◽  
Frequency Stimulation ◽  
Gastrocnemius Muscles

This study investigated the effects of high-frequency initial pulses on the efficiency (=total work output/high-energy phosphate consumption) of rat fast skeletal muscle. In situ rat medial gastrocnemius muscles performed 15 repeated shortening contractions (2 s(−1); velocity 50 mm s(−1)) with occluded blood flow while activated with triplets of 400 Hz followed by 60 Hz trains (T400;60) or with constant-frequency trains of either 60 or 91 Hz. All stimulation patterns consisted of six pulses. After the last contraction, the muscles were quickly freeze-clamped and analysed for metabolite levels. The calculated efficiencies were 20.4+/−3.0 mJ micromol(−1)P (N=7), 19.4+/−1.8 mJ micromol(−1)P (N=8) and 19.6+/−2.5 mJ micromol(−1)P (N=7; means +/− s.d.) for T400;60, 60 and 91 Hz stimulation respectively (P>0.05). It is concluded that, although high-frequency initial pulses can enhance muscle performance, the efficiency of rat fast skeletal muscle did not differ from that for submaximal constant-frequency stimulation patterns.

Anaerobic energy provision in aged skeletal muscle during tetanic stimulation

1991 ◽  
Vol 70 (4) ◽  
pp. 1787-1795 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. B. Campbell ◽  
D. R. Marsh ◽  
L. L. Spriet
Keyword(s):  
Skeletal Muscle ◽  
Energy Demand ◽  
Energy Charge ◽  
High Energy ◽  
High Energy Phosphates ◽  
Fischer 344 ◽  
Charge Potential ◽  
Anaerobic Energy ◽  
Gastrocnemius Muscles

The effect of age on skeletal muscle anaerobic energy metabolism was investigated in adult (11 mo) and aged (25 mo) Fischer 344 rats. Hindlimb skeletal muscles innervated by the sciatic nerve were stimulated to contract with trains of supramaximal impulses (100 ms, 80 Hz) at a train rate of 1 Hz for 60 s, with an occluded circulation. Soleus, plantaris, and red and white gastrocnemius (WG) were sampled from control and stimulated limbs. All muscle masses were reduced with age (9-13%). Peak isometric tensions, normalized per gram of wet muscle, were lower throughout the stimulation in the aged animals (28%). The potential for anaerobic ATP provision was unaltered with age in all muscles, because resting high-energy phosphates and glycogen contents were similar to adult values. Anaerobic ATP provision during stimulation was unaltered by aging in soleus, plantaris, and red gastrocnemius muscles. In the WG, containing mainly fast glycolytic (FG) fibers, ATP and phosphocreatine contents were depleted less in aged muscle. In situ glycogenolysis and glycolysis were 90.0 +/- 4.8 and 69.3 +/- 2.6 mumol/g dry muscle (dm) in adult WG and reduced to 62.3 +/- 6.9 and 51.5 +/- 5.5 mumol/g dm, respectively, in aged WG. Consequently, total anaerobic ATP provision was lower in aged WG (224.5 +/- 20.9 mumol/g dm) vs. adult (292.6 +/- 7.6 mumol/g dm) WG muscle. In summary, the decreased tetanic tension production in aged animals was associated with a decreased anaerobic energy production in FG fibers. Reduced high-energy phosphate use and a greater energy charge potential after stimulation suggested that the energy demand was reduced in aged FG fibers.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Effects of activation pattern on nonisometric human skeletal muscle performance

2007 ◽  
Vol 102 (5) ◽  
pp. 1985-1991 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ryan D. Maladen ◽  
Ramu Perumal ◽  
Anthony S. Wexler ◽  
Stuart A. Binder-Macleod
Keyword(s):  
Skeletal Muscle ◽  
Instantaneous Frequency ◽  
Muscle Activation ◽  
Motor Units ◽  
Muscle Performance ◽  
Variable Frequency ◽  
Constant Frequency ◽  
Muscle Activation Patterns ◽  
Activation Rate ◽  
Discharge Patterns

During volitional muscle activation, motor units often fire with varying discharge patterns that include brief, high-frequency bursts of activity. These variations in the activation rate allow the central nervous system to precisely control the forces produced by the muscle. The present study explores how varying the instantaneous frequency of stimulation pulses within a train affects nonisometric muscle performance. The peak excursion produced in response to each stimulation train was considered as the primary measure of muscle performance. The results showed that at each frequency tested between 10 and 50 Hz, variable-frequency trains that took advantage of the catchlike property of skeletal muscle produced greater excursions than constant-frequency trains. In addition, variable-frequency trains that could achieve targeted trajectories with fewer pulses than constant-frequency trains were identified. These findings suggest that similar to voluntary muscle activation patterns, varying the instantaneous frequency within a train of pulses can be used to improve muscle performance during functional electrical stimulation.

Enhanced arteriolar α-adrenergic constriction impairs dilator responses and skeletal muscle perfusion in obese Zucker rats

2004 ◽  
Vol 97 (2) ◽  
pp. 764-772 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jefferson C. Frisbee
Keyword(s):  
Skeletal Muscle ◽  
Blood Flow ◽  
Gastrocnemius Muscle ◽  
Muscle Blood Flow ◽  
Zucker Rats ◽  
Metabolic Demand ◽  
Obese Zucker Rats ◽  
Isometric Twitch ◽  
Gastrocnemius Muscles

The present study tested the hypothesis that enhanced vascular α-adrenergic constriction in obese Zucker rats (OZR) impairs arteriolar dilation and perfusion of skeletal muscle at rest and with increased metabolic demand. In lean Zucker rats (LZR) and OZR, isolated gracilis arterioles were viewed via television microscopy, and the contralateral cremaster muscle or gastrocnemius muscle was prepared for study in situ. Gracilis and cremasteric arterioles were challenged with dilator stimuli under control conditions and after blockade of α-adrenoreceptors with prazosin, phentolamine, or yohimbine. Gastrocnemius muscles performed isometric twitch contractions of increasing frequency, and perfusion was continuously monitored. In OZR, dilator responses of arterioles to hypoxia (gracilis), wall shear rate (cremaster), acetylcholine, and iloprost (both) were impaired vs. LZR. Treatment with prazosin and phentolamine (and in cremasteric arterioles only, yohimbine) improved arteriolar reactivity to these stimuli in OZR, although responses remained impaired vs. LZR. Gastrocnemius muscle blood flow was reduced at rest in OZR; this was corrected with intravenous infusion of phentolamine or prazosin. At all contraction frequencies, blood flow was reduced in OZR vs. LZR; this was improved by infusion of phentolamine or prazosin at low-moderate metabolic demand only (1 and 3 Hz). At 5 Hz, adrenoreceptor blockade did not alter blood flow in OZR from levels in untreated rats. These results suggest that enhanced α-adrenergic constriction of arterioles of OZR contributes to impaired dilator responses and reduced muscle blood flow at rest and with mild-moderate (although not with large) elevations in metabolic demand.

Rescue of motoneuron and muscle afferent function in cats by regeneration into skin. II. Ia-motoneuron synapse

1995 ◽  
Vol 73 (2) ◽  
pp. 662-673 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. M. Mendell ◽  
J. S. Taylor ◽  
R. D. Johnson ◽  
J. B. Munson
Keyword(s):  
High Frequency ◽  
Muscle Afferents ◽  
Medial Gastrocnemius ◽  
High Frequency Stimulation ◽  
Lateral Gastrocnemius ◽  
Essentially Normal ◽  
Muscle Afferent ◽  
Muscle Nerve ◽  
Frequency Stimulation

1. In this study we describe application of high-frequency stimulation to the group Ia afferent-to-motoneuron synapse of cats to determine the extent to which regeneration of axotomized muscle afferents and motoneurons into skin or into muscle rescues their ability to generate excitatory postsynaptic potentials (EPSPs). 2. The medial gastrocnemius (MG) muscle nerve was transected and 1) left chronically axotomized, 2) cross-united to the caudal cutaneous sural (CCS) nerve, or 3) self-united. The ability of the operated MG muscle afferents to generate EPSPs in normal lateral gastrocnemius-soleus (LGS) motoneurons and of normal LGS muscle afferents to generate EPSPs in the operated MG motoneurons was tested 5 wk-30 mo later. 3. EPSPs were generated by bursts of 32 shocks at 167 Hz and averaged in register. In normal cats, EPSP amplitude decreased (negative modulation) during these bursts in type S motoneurons and could increase or decrease in type F motoneurons (positive or negative modulation). 4. After axotomy, EPSPs generated both in axotomized motoneurons and by axotomized afferents showed only negative modulation during the burst, and the negative modulation was much greater than in normal animals. Regeneration of the muscle nerve into skin significantly decreased the negative modulation relative to axotomy. Regeneration of the muscle nerve into muscle restored the EPSP modulation behaviors even more, to essentially normal values. 5. We conclude that the ability of muscle afferents to generate EPSPs in motoneurons in response to high-frequency stimulation, and the ability of motoneurons to express those EPSPs, are both influenced by the target innervated by those neurons. Synaptic efficacy is severely reduced by target deprivation (axotomy), partially rescued by cross-regeneration into skin, and rescued virtually completely by regeneration into the native muscle. We speculate on the role of target-derived neurotrophins in these effects.

Decreases in steady-state muscle performance and vessel density in reduced renal mass hypertensive rats

1996 ◽  
Vol 270 (2) ◽  
pp. H661-H667 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. M. O'Drobinak ◽  
A. S. Greene
Keyword(s):  
Steady State ◽  
Renal Mass ◽  
Force Transducer ◽  
Isometric Tension ◽  
Vessel Density ◽  
Muscle Performance ◽  
Medial Gastrocnemius ◽  
Tetanic Force ◽  
Sciatic Nerve Stimulation

In this study we hypothesized that reduced renal mass (RRM) hypertension, which is associated with a chronic reduction in vessel density, could reduce steady-state muscle performance. Vessel density and isometric tetanic force from the in situ gastrocnemius-plantaris-soleus muscle group were studied in age-matched normotensive sham-operated control (HSS) and hypertensive RRM rats on a high-salt (4.0% NaCl) diet (HSRRM) and a low-salt (0.4% NaCl) diet (LSS and LSRRM, respectively). The Achilles tendon was isolated and connected to a force transducer. Peak isometric tension elicited by sciatic nerve stimulation (1/s for 10 min, 50 impulses/s for 330 ms) was not different between the groups. In the LSS, HSS, and LSRRM groups, tension decreased similarly at 3 min to 375 +/- 22, 447 +/- 26, and 424 +/- 21 g/g, respectively. Tension was significantly reduced in the HSRRM group (203 +/- 45 g/g) relative to the LSS, HSS, and LSRRM groups by 3 min. These differences in steady-state tension persisted throughout the remainder of the experiment. Microvessel density, measured by the lectin fluorescence technique, was reduced significantly only in the soleus, plantaris, and medial gastrocnemius of the HSRRM rats. We conclude that RRM hypertension results in reductions in vessel density (rarefaction) that are associated with decreased steady-state muscle performance.

scholarly journals Feedback-controlled stimulation enhances human paralyzed muscle performance

2006 ◽  
Vol 101 (5) ◽  
pp. 1312-1319 ◽  
Author(s):  
Richard K. Shields ◽  
Shauna Dudley-Javoroski ◽  
Keith R. Cole
Keyword(s):  
Electrical Stimulation ◽  
High Frequency ◽  
Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation ◽  
Peak Torque ◽  
Open Loop ◽  
Muscle Performance ◽  
Constant Frequency ◽  
Extensive Training ◽  
Long Duration ◽  
Repetitive Stress

Chronically paralyzed muscle requires extensive training before it can deliver a therapeutic dose of repetitive stress to the musculoskeletal system. Neuromuscular electrical stimulation, under feedback control, may subvert the effects of fatigue, yielding more rapid and extensive adaptations to training. The purposes of this investigation were to 1) compare the effectiveness of torque feedback-controlled (FDBCK) electrical stimulation with classic open-loop constant-frequency (CONST) stimulation, and 2) ascertain which of three stimulation strategies best maintains soleus torque during repetitive stimulation. When torque declined by 10%, the FDBCK protocol modulated the base stimulation frequency in three ways: by a fixed increase, by a paired pulse (doublet) at the beginning of the stimulation train, and by a fixed decrease. The stimulation strategy that most effectively restored torque continued for successive contractions. This process repeated each time torque declined by 10%. In fresh muscle, FDBCK stimulation offered minimal advantage in maintaining peak torque or mean torque over CONST stimulation. As long-duration fatigue developed in subsequent bouts, FDBCK stimulation became most effective (∼40% higher final normalized torque than CONST). The high-frequency strategy was selected ∼90% of the time, supporting that excitation-contraction coupling compromise and not neuromuscular transmission failure contributed to fatigue of paralyzed muscle. Ideal stimulation strategies may vary according to the site of fatigue; this stimulation approach offered the advantage of online modulation of stimulation strategies in response to fatigue conditions. Based on stress-adaptation principles, FDBCK-controlled stimulation may enhance training effects in chronically paralyzed muscle.

Modulation of synaptic transmission at Ia-afferent connections on motoneurons during high-frequency afferent stimulation: dependence on motor task

1991 ◽  
Vol 65 (6) ◽  
pp. 1313-1320 ◽  
Author(s):  
H. R. Koerber ◽  
L. M. Mendell
Keyword(s):  
High Frequency ◽  
Frequency Control ◽  
Motor Task ◽  
Low Frequency ◽  
Medial Gastrocnemius ◽  
High Frequency Stimulation ◽  
Lateral Gastrocnemius ◽  
Low Frequency Stimulation ◽  
Frequency Stimulation ◽  
Stimulation Of

1. Monosynaptic excitatory postsynaptic potentials (EPSPs) were evoked in medial gastrocnemius motoneurons by maximal group Ia stimulation of the heteronymous lateral gastrocnemius-soleus nerve in anesthetized cats. Three different patterns of high-frequency stimulation were delivered to the nerve, and the EPSPs were averaged in register (1, 2, . . ., n) for each. 2. One pattern ("Burst") consisted of 32 shocks delivered every 2 s at an interstimulus interval of 6 ms (167 Hz). The second pattern ("Stepping") was a frequency-modulated burst of 52 shocks derived from a recording of a spindle during stepping and was delivered every 2 s. The third pattern ("Paw Shake") was from an extensor spindle afferent recorded during rapid paw shake and was delivered in groups of six bursts with an interburst interval of 75 ms and a 3-s pause between groups of six bursts. The EPSPs in each burst were averaged in register (1, 2, . . ., n) so that the relative amplitude of each EPSP in the burst could be ascertained. The EPSP produced by low-frequency stimulation of the nerve (18 Hz) was also recorded for each motoneuron. 3. The initial EPSP in most bursts was larger than the EPSP measured as a result of low-frequency stimulation. This potentiation, defined as the ratio of the amplitude of the initial EPSP of the response to that of the low-frequency control, was found to vary systematically as a function of amplitude of the control EPSP as well as the stimulus paradigm used.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

In situ rat fast skeletal muscle is more efficient at submaximal than at maximal activation levels

2002 ◽  
Vol 92 (5) ◽  
pp. 2089-2096 ◽  
Author(s):  
F. Abbate ◽  
C. J. De Ruiter ◽  
C. Offringa ◽  
A. J. Sargeant ◽  
A. De Haan
Keyword(s):  
Gastrocnemius Muscle ◽  
Chemical Change ◽  
High Energy ◽  
Medial Gastrocnemius ◽  
High Energy Phosphate ◽  
Energy Turnover ◽  
Maximal Activation ◽  
Low Efficiency ◽  
Medial Gastrocnemius Muscle

The influence of stimulation frequency on efficiency (= total work output/high-energy phosphate consumption) was studied using in situ medial gastrocnemius muscle tendon complexes of the rat. The muscles performed 20 repeated concentric contractions (2/s) at 34°C. During these repeated contractions, the muscle was stimulated via the severed sciatic nerve with either 60, 90, or 150 Hz. The muscle was freeze-clamped immediately after these contractions, and high-energy phosphate consumption was determined by measuring intramuscular chemical change relative to control muscles. The average values (±SD) of efficiency calculated for 60, 90, and 150 Hz were 18.5 ± 1.5 ( n = 7), 18.6 ± 1.5 ( n = 9), and 14.7 ± 1.3 mJ/μmol phosphate ( n = 9). The results indicate that the efficiency of the muscles that were submaximally activated (60 or 90 Hz) was higher (+26%, P < 0.05) than that of those maximally activated (150 Hz). Additional experiments showed that the low efficiency at maximal activation levels is unlikely to be the result of a higher energy turnover by the Ca2+-ATPase relative to the total energy turnover. Therefore, alternative explanations are discussed.

scholarly journals Taurine supplementation increases skeletal muscle force production and protects muscle function during and after high-frequency in vitro stimulation

2009 ◽  
Vol 107 (1) ◽  
pp. 144-154 ◽  
Author(s):  
Craig A. Goodman ◽  
Deanna Horvath ◽  
Christos Stathis ◽  
Trevor Mori ◽  
Kevin Croft ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Skeletal Muscle ◽  
High Frequency ◽  
Muscle Function ◽  
Muscle Force ◽  
High Frequency Stimulation ◽  
Specific Force ◽  
Tetanic Force ◽  
Control Muscle ◽  
Frequency Stimulation

Recent studies report that depletion and repletion of muscle taurine (Tau) to endogenous levels affects skeletal muscle contractility in vitro. In this study, muscle Tau content was raised above endogenous levels by supplementing male Sprague-Dawley rats with 2.5% (wt/vol) Tau in drinking water for 2 wk, after which extensor digitorum longus (EDL) muscles were examined for in vitro contractile properties, fatigue resistance, and recovery from fatigue after two different high-frequency stimulation bouts. Tau supplementation increased muscle Tau content by ∼40% and isometric twitch force by 19%, shifted the force-frequency relationship upward and to the left, increased specific force by 4.2%, and increased muscle calsequestrin protein content by 49%. Force at the end of a 10-s (100 Hz) continuous tetanic stimulation was 6% greater than controls, while force at the end of the 3-min intermittent high-frequency stimulation bout was significantly higher than controls, with a 12% greater area under the force curve. For 1 h after the 10-s continuous stimulation, tetanic force in Tau-supplemented muscles remained relatively stable while control muscle force gradually deteriorated. After the 3-min intermittent bout, tetanic force continued to slowly recover over the next 1 h, while control muscle force again began to decline. Tau supplementation attenuated F2-isoprostane production (a sensitive indicator of reactive oxygen species-induced lipid peroxidation) during the 3-min intermittent stimulation bout. Finally, Tau transporter protein expression was not altered by the Tau supplementation. Our results demonstrate that raising Tau content above endogenous levels increases twitch and subtetanic and specific force in rat fast-twitch skeletal muscle. Also, we demonstrate that raising Tau protects muscle function during high-frequency in vitro stimulation and the ensuing recovery period and helps reduce oxidative stress during prolonged stimulation.

Cell water, sodium, and potassium in stimulated red and white mammalian muscles

1963 ◽  
Vol 205 (6) ◽  
pp. 1295-1298 ◽  
Author(s):  
F. A. Sréter
Keyword(s):  
Low Frequency ◽  
Sodium Concentration ◽  
Triceps Surae ◽  
Low Frequency Stimulation ◽  
Cationic Distribution ◽  
Two Samples ◽  
Frequency Stimulation ◽  
Gastrocnemius Muscles ◽  
Indirect Stimulation

Potassium and sodium concentration and inulin space were measured in samples of rat soleus, plantaris, and gastrocnemius muscles after indirect stimulation in situ for 4 min, 30 min, and 6 hr. Two samples were taken from the gastrocnemius muscle: one from its outer layers, containing mostly white fibers, and another from the deep layer containing relatively more dark fibers. The cationic changes which follow low-frequency stimulation are largest in white gastrocnemius fibers, and decrease in this order: plantaris muscle, red gastrocnemius fibers, and soleus. When the stimulation frequency was increased, predominantly red components of the triceps surae also showed a marked cationic "debt." The same occurred with an intermittent tetanus alternating with stimulation at 10/sec. Intermittent tetanus alternating with resting periods or continuous tetanus did not cause any significant change in cationic distribution.

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