Vastus Intermedius And Vastus Lateralis Fascicle Length Changes During Maximal Eccentric Knee Extensor Contractions

Abstract Purpose This study examined whether additional external load during the eccentric phase of lower limb strength training exercises led to greater adaptations in knee extensor strength, muscle architecture, and patellar tendon properties than traditional concentric–eccentric training in already-trained men. Methods Twenty-eight men accustomed to strength training were randomized to undertake 10 weeks of supervised traditional (TRAD) or accentuated eccentric loading (AEL) or continue their habitual unsupervised (CON) strength training. TRAD and AEL trained 2∙week−1 with a six-repetition maximum (RM) session and a ten-RM session. TRAD used the same external load in both concentric and eccentric phases, while AEL used 40% greater load during the eccentric than concentric phase. Tests were performed at pre- and post-training, including: maximum unilateral isokinetic (30°·s−1) concentric, eccentric and isometric torques by isokinetic dynamometry, unilateral isometric ramp contractions with muscle–tendon ultrasound imaging to measure tendon stiffness and hysteresis, and resting vastus lateralis and medialis fascicle angle and length measured by extended-field-of-view ultrasound. Results After training, both TRAD and AEL significantly increased maximum concentric and isometric torque (p < 0.05), but only AEL increased eccentric torque (AEL: + 10 ± 9%, TRAD: + 4 ± 9%) and vastus lateralis (AEL: + 14 ± 14%, TRAD: + 1 ± 10%) and medialis (AEL: + 19 ± 8%, TRAD: + 5 ± 11%) fascicle length. Conclusion Both TRAD and AEL increased maximum knee extensor strength but only AEL increased VL and VM fascicle length. Neither training program promoted changes in fascicle angle or changes in patellar tendon properties in our already-trained men.

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The effect of regional quadriceps anatomical parameters on angle-specific isometric torque expression

Applied Physiology Nutrition and Metabolism ◽

10.1139/apnm-2020-0565 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Dustin J Oranchuk ◽

William G Hopkins ◽

André R Nelson ◽

Adam G Storey ◽

John B Cronin

Keyword(s):

Regression Models ◽

Vastus Lateralis ◽

Anatomical Variations ◽

Knee Extension ◽

Linear Regression Models ◽

Joint Angles ◽

Fascicle Length ◽

Vastus Intermedius ◽

Isometric Torque ◽

Anatomical Parameters

The length-tension relationship affects knee extension performance; however, whether anatomical variations in different quadriceps regions affect this relationship is unknown. Regional (proximal, middle, distal) quadriceps thickness (MT), pennation angle (PA), and fascicle length (FL) of 24 males (48 limbs) were assessed via ultrasonography. Participants also performed maximal voluntary isometric torque (MVIT) assessments at 40º, 70º, and 100º of knee flexion. Measures were recorded on three separate occasions. Linear regression models predicting angle-specific torque from regional anatomy provided adjusted simple and multiple correlations (√adjR2) with bootstrapped compatibility limits to assess magnitude. Middle vastus lateralis MT and MVIT at 100° (√adjR2=0.64) was the largest single correlation, with distal vastus lateralis MT having the greatest mean correlations regardless of angle (√adjR2=0.61±0.05, mean±SD). Lateral distal MT and architecture had larger (Δ√adjR2=0.01-0.43) single and multiple correlations with MVIT than the lateral proximal (√adjR2=0.15-0.69 vs -0.08-0.65). Conversely, middle anterior MT had greater (Δ√adjR2=0.08-0.38) single and multiple correlations than proximal MT (√adjR2=0.09-0.49 vs -0.21-0.14). The length-tension relationship was trivially affected by regional quadriceps architecture. The middle and distal quadriceps were the strongest predictors of MVIT at all joint angles. Therefore, researchers may wish to focus on middle and distal lateral quadriceps anatomy when performing ultrasonographic evaluations. Novelty bullets: • The length-tension relationship is minimally affected by regional quadriceps anatomical parameters. • Middle and distal vastus lateralis and lateral vastus intermedius anatomy were consistently the best predictors of torque. • Practitioners may focus their assessments on the middle and distal regions of the lateral quadriceps’ musculature.

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Validity of fascicle length estimation in the vastus lateralis and vastus intermedius using ultrasonography

Journal of Electromyography and Kinesiology ◽

10.1016/j.jelekin.2014.01.003 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 24 (2) ◽

pp. 214-220 ◽

Cited By ~ 33

Author(s):

Ryosuke Ando ◽

Keigo Taniguchi ◽

Akira Saito ◽

Mineko Fujimiya ◽

Masaki Katayose ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Vastus Lateralis ◽

Fascicle Length ◽

Length Estimation ◽

Vastus Intermedius

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Vastus Lateralis Fascicle Length Changes During Stair Ascent and Descent

Journal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy ◽

10.2519/jospt.2008.2816 ◽

2008 ◽

Vol 38 (10) ◽

pp. 624-631 ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

Gary S. Chleboun ◽

Sarah T. ◽

James Z. Odenthal ◽

Laura A. Shula-Blanchard ◽

Jennifer N. Steed

Keyword(s):

Vastus Lateralis ◽

Fascicle Length ◽

Stair Ascent ◽

Length Changes

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Influence of concentric and eccentric resistance training on architectural adaptation in human quadriceps muscles

Journal of Applied Physiology ◽

10.1152/japplphysiol.00578.2007 ◽

2007 ◽

Vol 103 (5) ◽

pp. 1565-1575 ◽

Cited By ~ 254

Author(s):

Anthony J. Blazevich ◽

Dale Cannavan ◽

David R. Coleman ◽

Sara Horne

Keyword(s):

Resistance Training ◽

Time Course ◽

Close Association ◽

Vastus Lateralis ◽

Knee Extensor ◽

Mechanical Stimuli ◽

Fascicle Length ◽

And Shifts ◽

Fascicle Angle ◽

Training And Detraining

Studies using animal models have been unable to determine the mechanical stimuli that most influence muscle architectural adaptation. We examined the influence of contraction mode on muscle architectural change in humans, while also describing the time course of its adaptation through training and detraining. Twenty-one men and women performed slow-speed (30°/s) concentric-only (Con) or eccentric-only (Ecc) isokinetic knee extensor training for 10 wk before completing a 3-mo detraining period. Fascicle length of the vastus lateralis (VL), measured by ultrasonography, increased similarly in both groups after 5 wk (ΔCon = +6.3 ± 3.0%, ΔEcc = +3.1 ± 1.6%, mean = +4.7 ± 1.7%; P < 0.05). No further increase was found at 10 wk, although a small increase (mean ∼2.5%; not significant) was evident after detraining. Fascicle angle increased in both groups at 5 wk (ΔCon = +11.1 ± 4.0%, ΔEcc = +11.9 ± 5.4%, mean = 11.5 ± 3.2%; P < 0.05) and 10 wk (ΔCon = +13.3 ± 3.0%, ΔEcc = +21.4 ± 6.9%, mean = 17.9 ± 3.7%; P < 0.01) in VL only and remained above baseline after detraining (mean = 13.2%); smaller changes in vastus medialis did not reach significance. The similar increase in fascicle length observed between the training groups mitigates against contraction mode being the predominant stimulus. Our data are also strongly indicative of 1) a close association between VL fascicle length and shifts in the torque-angle relationship through training and detraining and 2) changes in fascicle angle being driven by space constraints in the hypertrophying muscle. Thus muscle architectural adaptations occur rapidly in response to resistance training but are strongly influenced by factors other than contraction mode.

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The effects of knee extensor moment biofeedback on gait biomechanics and quadriceps contractile behavior

PeerJ ◽

10.7717/peerj.9509 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 8 ◽

pp. e9509 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Amanda E. Munsch ◽

Brian Pietrosimone ◽

Jason R. Franz

Keyword(s):

Knee Joint ◽

Real Time ◽

Knee Flexion ◽

Vastus Lateralis ◽

Knee Extensor ◽

Length Change ◽

Fascicle Length ◽

Muscle Strengthening ◽

Peak Knee ◽

Knee Joint Kinematics

Individuals with knee joint pathologies exhibit quadriceps dysfunction that, during walking, manifests as smaller peak knee extensor moment (pKEM) and reduced knee flexion excursion. These changes persist despite muscle strengthening and may alter stance phase knee joint loading considered relevant to osteoarthritis risk. Novel rehabilitation strategies that more directly augment quadriceps mechanical output during functional movements are needed to reduce this risk. As an important first step, we tested the efficacy of real-time biofeedback during walking to prescribe changes of ±20% and ±40% of normal walking pKEM values in 11 uninjured young adults. We simultaneously recorded knee joint kinematics, ground reaction forces, and, via ultrasound, vastus lateralis (VL) fascicle length change behavior. Participants successfully responded to real-time biofeedback and averaged up to 55% larger and 51% smaller than normal pKEM values with concomitant and potentially favorable changes in knee flexion excursion. While the VL muscle-tendon unit (MTU) lengthened, VL fascicles accommodated weight acceptance during walking largely through isometric, or even slight concentric, rather than eccentric action as is commonly presumed. Targeted pKEM biofeedback may be a useful rehabilitative and/or scientific tool to elicit desirable changes in knee joint biomechanics considered relevant to the development of osteoarthritis.

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Two Methods for Estimating Tendinous Tissue Elongation during Human Movement

Journal of Applied Biomechanics ◽

10.1123/jab.18.2.180 ◽

2002 ◽

Vol 18 (2) ◽

pp. 180-188 ◽

Cited By ~ 15

Author(s):

Taija Finni ◽

Paavo V. Komi

Keyword(s):

Force Measurement ◽

Vastus Lateralis ◽

Length Change ◽

Vastus Lateralis Muscle ◽

Fascicle Length ◽

Force Method ◽

Length Relationship ◽

Kinematic Method ◽

Length Changes

During dynamic activities it is difficult to assess in vivo length changes in human tendon and aponeurosis. The present study compared the outcome of two methods during unilateral squat jump and drop jump performances of four volunteers. Tendinous tissue elongation of vastus lateralis muscle was estimated using either (a) direct measurement of in vivo fascicle length change and muscletendon length estimation (kinematic method), or (b) prediction using a quadratic force function in combination with direct tendon force measurement (force method). In the kinematic method the most critical measures contributing to the 10% uncertainty were the fascicle angle and fraction of the estimated fascicle length. The force method was most sensitive to resting length, with 1% error margin. Both methods predicted the same pattern of tendinous elongation because of the monotonic force/length relationship. The magnitude of length change, however, differed considerably between both methods. Based on the force method, the changes were only 20% (absolute values) or 30% (strain values) of those obtained with the kinematic method. On average, the maximum strains were 5% with the force method and 15% with the kinematic method. This difference can be explained by the fact that the kinematic method characterizes not only the changes in tendon length but also includes aponeurosis strain along the muscle belly. In addition, the kinematic method may be affected by non-uniform distribution of fascicle length change along the length of the muscle. When applying either method for estimating the patterns of tendon and tendinous tissue length changes during human locomotion, the given methodological considerations should be acknowledged.

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Prevalence of the additional head of quadriceps femoris in the South Indian population: a cadaveric and radiological study

Scientific Reports ◽

10.1038/s41598-021-95374-z ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Femina Sam ◽

Madhavi Kandagaddala ◽

Ivan James Prithishkumar ◽

Koyeli Mary Mahata ◽

Mahasampath Gowri ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Indian Population ◽

Vastus Lateralis ◽

Femoral Nerve ◽

Quadriceps Femoris ◽

Lower Limbs ◽

South Indian Population ◽

The South ◽

South Indian ◽

Circumflex Femoral Artery ◽

Vastus Intermedius

AbstractQuadriceps femoris is an extensor muscle in the anterior compartment of thigh and is traditionally taught to be composed of four heads. Recently, there is an increased interest in the occurrence of an additional muscle head of quadriceps femoris. But scientific knowledge regarding its incidence is lacking in the South Indian population. This study was done to confirm the presence of the additional head by routine anatomic dissection and radiological imaging techniques. Forty-one formalin fixed human cadaveric lower limbs were dissected and the morphology of the additional head was noted. Retrospective analysis of 88 MRI images of patients was done. The additional muscle head was present in 43.9% of the cadaveric lower limbs and was consistently located between the vastus lateralis and vastus intermedius. It originated from variable portions of the greater trochanter, intertrochanteric line, lateral lip of linea aspera and lateral surface of the shaft of femur and inserted either as a muscle belly or as an aponeurosis into the vastus intermedius (55.6%), vastus lateralis (22.2%) or directly into the base of the patella. It received its vascular supply from branches of the lateral circumflex femoral artery and was innervated by branches from the posterior division of the femoral nerve. In addition, the additional muscle head was identified by MRI and its incidence was reported to be 30.68% for the first time in living subjects. The result of this study provides additional information in understanding the morphology of the quadriceps femoris muscle.

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Electrical activity and relative length changes of dog limb muscles as a function of speed and gait

Journal of Experimental Biology ◽

10.1242/jeb.94.1.15 ◽

1981 ◽

Vol 94 (1) ◽

pp. 15-42 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

G. E. Goslow ◽

H. J. Seeherman ◽

C. R. Taylor ◽

M. N. McCutchin ◽

N. C. Heglund

Keyword(s):

Electrical Activity ◽

Stance Phase ◽

Biceps Brachii ◽

Vastus Lateralis ◽

Activity Patterns ◽

Relative Length ◽

Muscular Activity ◽

Triceps Brachii ◽

Limb Muscles ◽

Length Changes

Electrical activity and length changes of 11 muscles of the fore- and hind- limbs of dogs walking, running, and galloping on a treadmill, were measured as a function of forward speed and gait. Our purpose was to find out whether the activity patterns of the major limb muscles were consistent with the two mechanisms proposed for storage and recovery of energy within a stride: a ‘pendulum-like’ mechanism during a walk, and a ‘spring-like’ mechanism during a run. In the stance phase of the walking dog, we found that the supraspinatus, long head of the triceps brachii, biceps brachii, vastus lateralis, and gastrocnemius underwent only minor length changes during a relatively long portion of their activity, Thus, a major part of their activity during the walk seems consistent with a role in stabilization of the joints as the dog ‘pole-vaulted’ over its limbs (and thereby conserved energy). In the stance phase of trotting and/or galloping dogs, we found that the supraspinatus, lateral head of the triceps, vastus lateralis, and gastrocnemius were active while being stretched prior to shortening (as would be required for elastic storage of energy), and that this type of activity increased with increasing speed. We also found muscular activity in the select limb flexors that was consistent with storage of kinetic energy at the end of the swing phase and recovery during the propulsive stroke. This activity pattern was apparent in the latissimus dorsi during a walk and trot, and in the biceps femoris during a trot and gallop. We conclude that, during locomotion, a significant fraction of the electrical activity of a number of limbs muscles occurs while they undergo little or no length change or are being stretched prior to shortening and that these types of activities occur in a manner that would enable the operation of pendulum-like and spring-like mechanisms for conserving energy within a stride. Therefore these forms of muscular activity, in addition to the more familiar activity associated with muscle shortening, should be considered to be important during locomotion.

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Muscle-specific atrophy of the quadriceps femoris with aging

Journal of Applied Physiology ◽

10.1152/jappl.2001.90.6.2070 ◽

2001 ◽

Vol 90 (6) ◽

pp. 2070-2074 ◽

Cited By ~ 85

Author(s):

T. A. Trappe ◽

D. M. Lindquist ◽

J. A. Carrithers

Keyword(s):

Vastus Lateralis ◽

Rectus Femoris ◽

Quadriceps Femoris ◽

Aging Research ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Men And Women ◽

Younger Women ◽

Vastus Intermedius ◽

Aging Men ◽

Old Men

We examined the size of the four muscles of the quadriceps femoris in young and old men and women to assess whether the vastus lateralis is an appropriate surrogate for the quadriceps femoris in human studies of aging skeletal muscle. Ten young (24 ± 2 yr) and ten old (79 ± 7 yr) sedentary individuals underwent magnetic resonance imaging of the quadriceps femoris after 60 min of supine rest. Volume (cm3) and average cross-sectional area (CSA, cm2) of the rectus femoris (RF), vastus lateralis (VL), vastus intermedius (VI), vastus medialis (VM), and the total quadriceps femoris were decreased ( P < 0.05) in older compared with younger women and men. However, percentage of the total quadriceps femoris taken up by each muscle was similar ( P > 0.05) between young and old (RF: 10 ± 0.3 vs. 11 ± 0.4; VL: 33 ± 1 vs. 33 ± 1; VI: 31 ± 1 vs. 31 ± 0.4; VM: 26 ± 1 vs. 25 ± 1%). These results suggest that each of the four muscles of the quadriceps femoris atrophy similarly in aging men and women. Our data support the use of vastus lateralis tissue to represent the quadriceps femoris muscle in aging research.

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