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

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.

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Efeitos agudos do alongamento estático passivo sobre a arquitetura muscular do vasto lateral de jovens saudáveis

Brazilian Journal of Kinanthropometry and Human Performance ◽

10.5007/1980-0037.2017v19n5p585 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 19 (5) ◽

pp. 585

Author(s):

Eurico Peixoto César ◽

Letícia De Oliveira Teixeira ◽

Daniel Vieira Braña Côrtes de Souza ◽

Paulo Sergio Chagas Gomes

Keyword(s):

Vastus Lateralis ◽

Muscle Architecture ◽

Vastus Lateralis Muscle ◽

Ultrasound Images ◽

Static Stretching ◽

Fascicle Length ◽

Knee Position ◽

Heel Contact ◽

Lateralis Muscle ◽

Before And After

The aim of the study was to investigate the acute effects of passive static stretching (PSS) on the fascicle length (FL) and fascicle angle (FA) of the vastus lateralis muscle (VL) in two different joint positions. Twelve physically active men (26.9 ± 7.5 years, 178.6 ± 7.0 cm, and 82.5 ± 16.8 kg) were placed in the prone position for the acquisition of ultrasound images (US) of VL, registered with extended and totally flexed knee up to the heel contact with the gluteus, before and after a PSS routine comprised of three 30-s repetitions maintained in the maximal discomfort position as reported by the participant. Results of the paired t-test indicated an increase in FL (16.2%; p = 0.012) and reduction in FA (15.5%; p = 0.003) in pre vs. post stretching comparisons for the extended knee position. There was also a significant increase in FL (34%; p = 0.0001) and reduction in FA (25%; p = 0.0007) when compared the extended knee vs. flexed knee positions. There were no significant differences in muscle architecture variables for the flexed knee position. The results showed high and moderate correlation of FL and FA for the extended (r = -0.89 and r = -0.74) and flexed knee (r = -0.76 and r = -0.78) position, pre and post stretching, respectively. It was concluded that the static stretching acutely affects the vastus lateralis muscle architecture only in the extended knee position, but not in the flexed knee position.

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Effect of an Eight-Week Ballroom Dancing Program on Muscle Architecture in Older Adult Females

Journal of Aging and Physical Activity ◽

10.1123/japa.2014-0101 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 23 (4) ◽

pp. 607-612 ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

Christina C.P. Cepeda ◽

Angélica Lodovico ◽

Neil Fowler ◽

André L.F. Rodacki

Keyword(s):

Older Women ◽

Vastus Lateralis ◽

Biceps Femoris ◽

Pennation Angle ◽

Muscle Architecture ◽

Control Group ◽

Ultrasound Images ◽

Fascicle Length ◽

Ballroom Dancing ◽

Dance Training

Aging is related to a progressive remodeling of the neuromuscular system, which includes muscle mass, strength, and power reductions. This study investigated the effect of an eight-week dance program on fascicle pennation angle, fascicle length, and thickness of the vastus lateralis (VL), tibialis anterior (TA), biceps femoris (BF), and gastrocnemius medialis (GM) muscles using ultrasound images. Thirty-four healthy older women were randomly assigned to either a dancing (DG: n = 19, 69.1 ± 6.5 years, 72.5 ± 11.7 kg) or control group (CG: n = 15, 71.5 ± 7.4 years, 70.9 ± 9.3 kg). After training, the DG showed greater (p < .05) thickness for VL (16%), TA (17%), BF (19%), and GM (15%); pennation angle for VL (21%), TA (23%), BF (21%), and GM (17%); and fascicle length for VL (11%), TA (12%), BF (10%), and GM (10%). These findings suggest that dance training was effective to change the lower limb muscle architecture in older female adults.

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

European Journal of Applied Physiology ◽

10.1007/s00421-020-04582-4 ◽

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.

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Ultrasound Echogenicity is Associated with Achilles Tendon Fatigue Damage in a Cadaveric Loading Model

10.1101/849943 ◽

2019 ◽

Author(s):

Elaine C. Schmidt ◽

Todd J. Hullfish ◽

Kathryn M. O’Connor ◽

Michael W. Hast ◽

Josh R. Baxter

Keyword(s):

Achilles Tendon ◽

Fatigue Damage ◽

Stress Test ◽

Fatigue Loading ◽

Diagnostic Tools ◽

Ultrasound Images ◽

Stress Tests ◽

Level Of Evidence ◽

Fatigue Protocol ◽

Change In Mean

ABSTRACTAchilles tendon disorders are among the most difficult sports-related injuries to predict with current diagnostic tools. The purpose of this study was to identify a clinically useful marker for early tendon damage. We hypothesized that alterations in mean echogenicity are linked with changes in vitro tendon mechanics. To test our hypothesis, we harvested Achilles tendons from 10 fresh-frozen cadaveric feet and cyclically fatigued them using a universal test frame while we continuously acquired ultrasound images. Throughout this fatigue protocol, we applied 2 stress tests every 500 loading cycles to quantify changes in ultrasound imaging echogenicity. We continued this fatigue protocol until each tendon either failed completely or survived 150,000 cycles. Tendons that failed during the fatigue loading (6/10) underwent greater changes in mean echogenicity compared to tendons that did not fail (P = 0.031). These tendons that failed during fatigue loading demonstrated greater changes in mean echogenicity that surpassed 1.0%; whereas survivor tendons exhibited less than 0.5% changes in mean echogenicity. We found that changes in mean echogenicity measured with ultrasound increased proportionally with increased tendon damage. The magnitude of these changes was relatively small (<1.5% change in mean echogenicity) but may be an effective predictor of tendon failure. Mean echogenicity is a promising marker for quantifying fatigue damage in cadaveric Achilles tendons during a stress test. Although these changes cannot be detected with the naked eye, computer-based predictive models may effectively assess risk of tendon damage in physically active adults.Level of evidenceControlled laboratory experiment

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Can Hip Joint Position affect Quadriceps Muscle Responses during Knee Extension Exercise?

International Journal of Sports Medicine ◽

10.1055/a-1179-8374 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 41 (13) ◽

pp. 929-935

Author(s):

Denis César Leite Vieira ◽

Marco Aurélio Araujo Dourado ◽

Lucas Ugliara ◽

Joao Luiz Quagliotti Durigan ◽

Brad J. Schoenfeld ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Vastus Lateralis ◽

Muscle Thickness ◽

Rectus Femoris ◽

Peak Torque ◽

Quadriceps Muscle ◽

Knee Extension ◽

Knee Extensors ◽

Work Output ◽

Before And After ◽

Knee Extension Exercise

AbstractThis study investigated the acute effects of seated and supine knee extension exercise on muscle swelling, torque, and work output. Twelve resistance-trained men performed two isokinetic concentric-only knee-extension training protocols at different hip positions in a counter-balanced order. They completed the knee extension exercise in the seated (hip angle at 85°) and supine (hip angle at 180°) positions. The torque and work output were assessed during each set. Moreover, muscle thickness of the middle and proximal vastus lateralis and rectus femoris were evaluated before and after each protocol and used as an indicator of muscle swelling. Middle rectus femoris and proximal vastus lateralis thickness increased significantly (p=0.01) with no difference between exercise variations. However, the middle vastus lateralis thickness increased (p=0.01) only after the seated knee extension exercise (~7%). Knee extensors’ peak torque and work output were approximately 8% higher (p=0.04) in the seated when compared to the supine hip position. There was a similar decrease in torque and work output throughout both protocols (p=0.98). In conclusion, seated knee extension exercises produced greater torque, work output, and muscle swelling in the vastus lateralis when compared to the supine knee extension exercise.

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Muscle architecture and morphology as determinants of explosive strength

European Journal of Applied Physiology ◽

10.1007/s00421-020-04585-1 ◽

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.

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Skeletal muscle architectural adaptations to marathon run training

Applied Physiology Nutrition and Metabolism ◽

10.1139/apnm-2014-0287 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 40 (1) ◽

pp. 99-102 ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

Kevin Murach ◽

Cory Greever ◽

Nicholas D. Luden

Keyword(s):

Skeletal Muscle ◽

Vastus Lateralis ◽

Pennation Angle ◽

Fascicle Length ◽

Lateral Gastrocnemius ◽

Marathon Training ◽

Architectural Features ◽

Before And After ◽

Recreational Runners ◽

Lactate Levels

We assessed lateral gastrocnemius (LG) and vastus lateralis (VL) architecture in 16 recreational runners before and after 12 weeks of marathon training. LG fascicle length decreased 10% while pennation angle increased 17% (p < 0.05). There was a significant correlation between diminished blood lactate levels and LG pennation angle change (r = 0.90). No changes were observed in VL. This is the first evidence that run training can modify skeletal muscle architectural features.

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Force–Time Characteristics of Dynamic and Isometric Muscle Actions: Association with Muscle Architecture in Female Athletes

Applied Sciences ◽

10.3390/app11115272 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (11) ◽

pp. 5272

Author(s):

Vasiliki Gaspari ◽

Gregory C. Bogdanis ◽

Ioli Panidi ◽

Georgia Giannakopoulou ◽

Gerasimos Terzis ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Female Athletes ◽

Average Rate ◽

Vastus Lateralis ◽

Muscle Thickness ◽

Muscle Architecture ◽

Rate Of Force Development ◽

Fascicle Length ◽

Force Development ◽

Force Time ◽

Muscle Actions

The association between force–time characteristics of isometric leg press (ILP) and countermovement jump (CMJ) with vastus lateralis (VL) muscle architecture, was examined in 19 female athletes (aged 23.2 ± 5.4 years). Peak force (PF), average rate of force development (ARFD) and rate of force development (RFD) at different time epochs were calculated from the force–time curve, as well as CMJ jump height and power. Significant correlations were found between ILP-PF and CMJ power (r = 0.658, p < 0.01), while both variables were correlated with VL thickness and fascicle length (r = 0.471 to 0.648, p < 0.05). Significant correlations were also observed between ILP-RFD epochs and VL fascicle length (r = 0.565 to 0.646, p < 0.05) and between CMJ height with VL thickness (r = 0.523, p < 0.05). Furthermore, positive correlations were found between ILP and CMJ in ARFD (r = 0.625, p < 0.01) and RFD epochs (r = 0.464 to 0.566, p < 0.05). ILP-PF and muscle thickness accounted for 52.8% (p = 0.002) of the variance in CMJ power. These results suggest that isometric force time characteristics are associated with power generation during dynamic muscle actions. Furthermore, VL muscle thickness and fascicle length are associated with rapid force production in female athletes, irrespective of the type of muscle action.

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Changes in Muscle Power and Muscle Morphology with Different Volumes of Fast Eccentric Half-Squats

Sports ◽

10.3390/sports7070164 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 7 (7) ◽

pp. 164 ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

Evangelia Zacharia ◽

Polyxeni Spiliopoulou ◽

Spyridon Methenitis ◽

Angeliki-Nikoletta Stasinaki ◽

Nikolaos Zaras ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Muscle Power ◽

Fiber Type ◽

Vastus Lateralis ◽

Power Performance ◽

Fascicle Length ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Muscle Morphology ◽

Strength Performance ◽

Type Composition ◽

Before And After

The aim of the study was to evaluate power performance and muscle morphology adaptations in response to 5 weeks of fast-eccentric squat training (FEST) performed twice per week, with three different training volumes. Twenty-five moderately trained females were assigned into three groups performing eight repetitions of FEST of either four sets (4 × 8 group; N = 9), 6 sets (6 × 8 group; N = 8) or eight sets (8 × 8 group, N = 8). Before and after the intervention, countermovement jumping height (CMJh) and power (CMJp), half squat maximal strength (1-RM), quadriceps cross-sectional area (QCSA) and vastus lateralis (VL) architecture and fiber type composition were evaluated. Significant increases (p < 0.05) were found for all groups, with no differences among them in 1-RM (4 × 8: 14.8 ± 8.2%, 6 × 8: 13.1 ± 9.2% and 8 × 8: 21.6 ± 7.0%), CMJh (4 × 8: 12.5 ± 8.5%, 6 × 8: 11.3 ± 9.3% and 8 × 8: 7.0 ± 6.2%), CMJp (4 × 8: 9.1 ± 6.0%, 6 × 8: 7.1 ± 5.2% and 8 × 8: 5.0 ± 3.9%) and QCSA (4 × 8: 7.7 ± 4.7%, 6 × 8: 9.0 ± 6.8% and 8 × 8: 8.2 ± 6.5%). Muscle fiber type distribution remained unaltered after training in all groups. VL fascicle length increased and fascicle angle decreased only in 6 × 8 and 8 × 8 groups. In conclusion, four sets of eight fast-eccentric squats/week increase lower body power and strength performance and maintain type IIX muscle fibers after 5 weeks, at least in moderately trained females.

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Passive Stiffness and Maximal and Explosive Strength Responses After an Acute Bout of Constant-Tension Stretching

Journal of Athletic Training ◽

10.4085/1062-6050-62-18 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 54 (5) ◽

pp. 519-526 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Ty B. Palmer ◽

Ryan M. Thiele

Keyword(s):

Time Course ◽

Outcome Measurement ◽

Peak Torque ◽

Passive Stiffness ◽

Explosive Strength ◽

Rate Of Torque Development ◽

Short Bout ◽

Constant Tension ◽

Before And After ◽

Torque Development

Context Constant-tension (CT) stretching has been used to reduce hamstrings passive stiffness; however, the time course of hamstrings stiffness responses during a short bout of this type of stretching and the effects on maximal and explosive strength remain unclear. Objective To examine the time course of hamstrings passive-stiffness responses during a short, practical bout of manual straight-legged–raise (SLR) CT passive stretches and their effects on maximal and explosive strength in healthy young women. Design Descriptive laboratory study. Setting Research laboratory. Patients or Other Participants Eleven healthy women (age = 24 ± 4 years, height = 167 ± 4 cm, mass = 65 ± 8 kg) participated. Intervention(s) Participants underwent four 15-second SLR CT passive stretches of the hamstrings. Main Outcome Measurement(s) Hamstrings passive stiffness was calculated from the slopes of the initial (phase 1) and final (phase 2) portions of the angle-torque curves generated before and after the stretching intervention and at the beginning of each 15-second stretch. Hamstrings peak torque and rate of torque development were derived from maximal voluntary isometric contractions performed before and after the stretching intervention. Results The slope coefficients (collapsed across phase) for the third and fourth stretches and the poststretching assessment were lower than the prestretching assessment (P range = .004–.04), but they were not different from each other (P > .99). In addition, no differences in peak torque (t10 = −0.375, P = .72) or rate of torque development (t10 = −0.423, P = .68) were observed between prestretching and poststretching. Conclusions A short bout of SLR CT passive stretching may effectively reduce hamstrings stiffness without negatively influencing maximal and explosive strength.

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