Force-sharing within the Triceps Surae

This study examined the acute effects of stretch tensions of kinesiology taping (KT) on the soleus (SOL), medial (MG), and lateral (LG) gastrocnemius Hoffmann-reflex (H-reflex) modulation in physically active healthy adults. A cross-over within-subject design was used in this study. Twelve physically active collegiate students voluntarily participated in the study (age = 21.3 ± 1.2 years; height = 175.6 ± 7.1 cm; body weight = 69.9 ± 7.1 kg). A standard Y-shape of KT technique was applied to the calf muscles. The KT was controlled in three tension intensities in a randomised order: paper-off, 50%, and 100% of maximal stretch tension of the tape. The peak-to-peak amplitude of maximal M-wave (Mmax) and H-reflex (Hmax) responses in the SOL, MG, and LG muscles were assessed before taping (pre-taping), taping, and after taping (post-taping) phases in the lying prone position. The results demonstrated significantly larger LG Hmax responses in the pre-taping condition than those in the post-taping condition during paper-off KT (p = 0.002). Moreover, the ΔHmax/Mmax of pre- and post-taping in the SOL muscle was significantly larger during 50%KT tension than that of paper-off (p = 0.046). In conclusion, the stretch tension of KT contributes minor influence on the spinal motoneuron excitability in the triceps surae during rest.

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Bilateral triceps surae muscle focal myositis after a cauda equina syndrome

Neurología (English Edition) ◽

10.1016/j.nrleng.2020.11.007 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

G.R. González Toledo ◽

H. Pérez Pérez ◽

L. Brage Martín ◽

V. Castro López-Tarruella

Keyword(s):

Cauda Equina Syndrome ◽

Cauda Equina ◽

Triceps Surae ◽

Triceps Surae Muscle

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The effects of 12 weeks of static stretch training on the functional, mechanical, and architectural characteristics of the triceps surae muscle–tendon complex

European Journal of Applied Physiology ◽

10.1007/s00421-021-04654-z ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Stefano Longo ◽

Emiliano Cè ◽

Angela Valentina Bisconti ◽

Susanna Rampichini ◽

Christian Doria ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Muscle Activation ◽

Maximum Voluntary Contraction ◽

Muscle Stiffness ◽

Triceps Surae ◽

Maximum Force ◽

Passive Stiffness ◽

Electromechanical Delay ◽

Fascicle Length ◽

Generating Capacity ◽

Plantarflexor Muscles

Abstract Purpose We investigated the effects of 12 weeks of passive static stretching training (PST) on force-generating capacity, passive stiffness, muscle architecture of plantarflexor muscles. Methods Thirty healthy adults participated in the study. Fifteen participants (STR, 6 women, 9 men) underwent 12-week plantarflexor muscles PST [(5 × 45 s-on/15 s-off) × 2exercises] × 5times/week (duration: 2250 s/week), while 15 participants (CTRL, 6 women, 9 men) served as control (no PST). Range of motion (ROM), maximum passive resistive torque (PRTmax), triceps surae architecture [fascicle length, fascicle angle, and thickness], passive stiffness [muscle–tendon complex (MTC) and muscle stiffness], and plantarflexors maximun force-generating capacity variables (maximum voluntary contraction, maximum muscle activation, rate of torque development, electromechanical delay) were calculated Pre, at the 6th (Wk6), and the 12th week (Wk12) of the protocol in both groups. Results Compared to Pre, STR ROM increased (P < 0.05) at Wk6 (8%) and Wk12 (23%). PRTmax increased at Wk12 (30%, P < 0.05), while MTC stiffness decreased (16%, P < 0.05). Muscle stiffness decreased (P < 0.05) at Wk6 (11%) and Wk12 (16%). No changes in triceps surae architecture and plantarflexors maximum force-generating capacity variables were found in STR (P > 0.05). Percentage changes in ROM correlated with percentage changes in PRTmax (ρ = 0.62, P = 0.01) and MTC stiffness (ρ = − 0.78, P = 0.001). In CTRL, no changes (P > 0.05) occurred in any variables at any time point. Conclusion The expected long-term PST-induced changes in ROM were associated with modifications in the whole passive mechanical properties of the ankle joint, while maximum force-generating capacity characteristics were preserved. 12 weeks of PST do not seem a sufficient stimulus to induce triceps surae architectural changes.

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Muscles adaptation to aging and training: architectural changes – a randomised trial

BMC Geriatrics ◽

10.1186/s12877-020-02000-0 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Adrien J. Létocart ◽

Franck Mabesoone ◽

Fabrice Charleux ◽

Christian Couppé ◽

René B. Svensson ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Resistance Training ◽

Young Men ◽

Cross Sectional Area ◽

Muscle Volume ◽

Triceps Surae ◽

Moderate Intensity ◽

Training Volume ◽

Sectional Area ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Repetition Maximum

Abstract Background To investigate how anatomical cross-sectional area and volume of quadriceps and triceps surae muscles were affected by ageing, and by resistance training in older and younger men, in vivo. Methods The old participants were randomly assigned to moderate (O55, n = 13) or high-load (O80, n = 14) resistance training intervention (12 weeks; 3 times/week) corresponding to 55% or 80% of one repetition maximum, respectively. Young men (Y55, n = 11) were assigned to the moderate-intensity strengthening exercise program. Each group received the exact same training volume on triceps surae and quadriceps group (Reps x Sets x Intensity). The fitting polynomial regression equations for each of anatomical cross-sectional area-muscle length curves were used to calculate muscle volume (contractile content) before and after 12 weeks using magnetic resonance imaging scans. Results Only Rectus femoris and medial gastrocnemius muscle showed a higher relative anatomical cross-sectional area in the young than the elderly on the proximal end. The old group displayed a higher absolute volume of non-contractile material than young men in triceps surae (+ 96%). After training, Y55, O55 and O80 showed an increase in total quadriceps (+ 4.3%; + 6.7%; 4.2% respectively) and triceps surae (+ 2.8%; + 7.5%; 4.3% respectively) volume. O55 demonstrated a greater increase on average gains compared to Y55, while no difference between O55 and O80 was observed. Conclusions Muscle loss with aging is region-specific for some muscles and uniform for others. Equivalent strength training volume at moderate or high intensities increased muscle volume with no differences in muscle volume gains for old men. These data suggest that physical exercise at moderate intensity (55 to 60% of one repetition maximum) can reverse the aging related loss of muscle mass. Trial registration NCT03079180 in ClinicalTrials.gov. Registration date: March 14, 2017.

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