The Relationship Between Passive Ankle Plantar Flexion Joint Torque and Gastrocnemius Muscle and Achilles Tendon Stiffness: Implications for Flexibility

2008 ◽  
Vol 38 (5) ◽  
pp. 269-276 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yasuo Kawakami ◽  
Hiroaki Kanehisa ◽  
Tetsuo Fukunaga
Keyword(s):  
Achilles Tendon ◽  
Gastrocnemius Muscle ◽  
Plantar Flexion ◽  
Joint Torque ◽  
Tendon Stiffness ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Ankle Plantar Flexion

scholarly journals Biomechanics and Exercise

2015 ◽  
Vol 27 (1) ◽  
pp. 34-38
Author(s):  
Thomas D. O’Brien
Keyword(s):  
Achilles Tendon ◽  
Young’S Modulus ◽  
Young's Modulus ◽  
Plantar Flexion ◽  
Tendon Injury ◽  
Time Curve ◽  
Tendon Stiffness ◽  
Prepubertal Children ◽  
Experimental Group ◽  
Tendon Properties

Children develop lower levels of muscle force, and at slower rates, than adults. While strength training in children is expected to reduce this differential, a synchronous adaptation in the tendon must be achieved to ensure forces continue to be transmitted to the skeleton with efficiency while minimizing the risk of strainrelated tendon injury. We hypothesized that resistance training (RT) would alter tendon mechanical properties in children concomitantly with changes in force production characteristics. Twenty prepubertal children (8.9 ± 0.3 years) were equally divided into control (nontraining) and experimental (training) groups. The training group completed a 10-week RT intervention consisting of 2-3 sets of 8-15 plantar flexion contractions performed twice weekly on a recumbent calf raise machine. Achilles tendon properties (cross-sectional area, elongation, stress, strain, stiffness and Young’s modulus), electromechanical delay (EMD; time between the onset of muscle activity and force), rate of force development (RFD; slope of the force-time curve) and rate of EMG increase (REI; slope of the EMG-time curve) were measured before and after RT. Tendon stiffness and Young’s modulus increased significantly after RT in the experimental group only (~29% and ~25%, respectively); all other tendon properties were not significantly altered, although there were mean decreases in both peak tendon strain and strain at a given force level (14% and 24%, respectively, n.s) which may have implications for tendon injury risk and muscle fiber mechanics. A ~13% decrease in EMD was found after RT for the experimental group which paralleled the increase in tendon stiffness (r = −0.59), however RFD and REI were unchanged. The present data show that the Achilles tendon adapts to RT in prepubertal children and is paralleled by a change in EMD, although the magnitude of this change did not appear to be sufficient to influence RFD. These findings are of potential importance within the context of the efficiency and execution of movement.

scholarly journals Mechanical properties of tendon and aponeurosis of human gastrocnemius muscle in vivo

2001 ◽  
Vol 90 (5) ◽  
pp. 1671-1678 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tadashi Muramatsu ◽  
Tetsuro Muraoka ◽  
Daisuke Takeshita ◽  
Yasuo Kawakami ◽  
Yuichi Hirano ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mechanical Properties ◽  
Achilles Tendon ◽  
Gastrocnemius Muscle ◽  
Plantar Flexion ◽  
Medial Gastrocnemius ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Functional Implications ◽  
Male Subjects ◽  
Maximal Strain

Load-strain characteristics of tendinous tissues (Achilles tendon and aponeurosis) were determined in vivo for human medial gastrocnemius (MG) muscle. Seven male subjects exerted isometric plantar flexion torque while the elongation of tendinous tissues of MG was determined from the tendinous movements by using ultrasonography. The maximal strain of the Achilles tendon and aponeurosis, estimated separately from the elongation data, was 5.1 ± 1.1 and 5.9 ± 1.6%, respectively. There was no significant difference in strain between the Achilles tendon and aponeurosis. In addition, no significant difference in strain was observed between the proximal and distal regions of the aponeurosis. The results indicate that tendinous tissues of the MG are homogenously stretched along their lengths by muscle contraction, which has functional implications for the operation of the human MG muscle-tendon unit in vivo.

Effects of eccentric training on mechanical properties of the plantar flexor muscle-tendon complex

2013 ◽  
Vol 114 (5) ◽  
pp. 523-537 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexandre Fouré ◽  
Antoine Nordez ◽  
Christophe Cornu
Keyword(s):  
Mechanical Properties ◽  
Achilles Tendon ◽  
Plantar Flexion ◽  
Triceps Surae ◽  
Elastic Component ◽  
Plantar Flexor ◽  
Eccentric Training ◽  
Tendon Stiffness ◽  
Series Elastic Component ◽  
Series Elastic

Eccentric training is a mechanical loading classically used in clinical environment to rehabilitate patients with tendinopathies. In this context, eccentric training is supposed to alter tendon mechanical properties but interaction with the other components of the muscle-tendon complex remains unclear. The aim of this study was to determine the specific effects of 14 wk of eccentric training on muscle and tendon mechanical properties assessed in active and passive conditions in vivo. Twenty-four subjects were randomly divided into a trained group ( n = 11) and a control group ( n = 13). Stiffness of the active and passive parts of the series elastic component of plantar flexors were determined using a fast stretch during submaximal isometric contraction, Achilles tendon stiffness and dissipative properties were assessed during isometric plantar flexion, and passive stiffness of gastrocnemii muscles and Achilles tendon were determined using ultrasonography while ankle joint was passively moved. A significant decrease in the active part of the series elastic component stiffness was found ( P < 0.05). In contrast, a significant increase in Achilles tendon stiffness determined under passive conditions was observed ( P < 0.05). No significant change in triceps surae muscles and Achilles tendon geometrical parameters was shown ( P > 0.05). Specific changes in muscle and tendon involved in plantar flexion are mainly due to changes in intrinsic mechanical properties of muscle and tendon tissues. Specific assessment of both Achilles tendon and plantar flexor muscles allowed a better understanding of the functional behavior of the muscle-tendon complex and its adaptation to eccentric training.

scholarly journals Original Algorithm of Rehabilitation Protocol with Use of Ultrasound - Study Based on Achilles Tendon Reconstruction Cases

2014 ◽  
Vol 2 (11_suppl3) ◽  
pp. 2325967114S0016
Author(s):  
Agnieszka Barbara Rosińska ◽  
Beata Ciszkowska-Łysoń ◽  
Robert Śmigielski
Keyword(s):  
Muscle Strength ◽  
Achilles Tendon ◽  
Functional Recovery ◽  
Gastrocnemius Muscle ◽  
Ultrasound Examination ◽  
Fat Body ◽  
Plantar Flexion ◽  
Medical Examination ◽  
Rehabilitation Protocol ◽  
Achilles Tendon Reconstruction

Objectives: The study was conducted in order to indicate the usefulness of an ultrasound examination in physiotherapy of patients who underwent Achilles tendon reconstruction. The aim was to eliminate the risk of the procedure’s common complication, i.e.: the formation of adhesions between surrounding tissues and the tendon. Methods: This study analyses 10 cases of anatomical reconstruction of the Achilles tendon. In all cases the surgeon, the physical therapist and the rehabilitation protocol were the same. The algorithm: 1. The weekly protocol included: • the evaluation of: ROM, gliding, tissues swelling, tendon ripple, bursa and fat body movement, possible gaps, and vascularity; • medical examination including: observation, palpation, and ultrasound examination. 2. Every PT session was preluded by an examination including: observation, palpation, and ultrasound evaluation. 3. The US examination was performed to evaluate the functioning of tissues in regard to the tendon’s healing stage. • 2-3 weeks after the surgery: the assessment of gliding during passive plantar flexion, the examination included the use of modified Thompson’s test; • after 3 weeks: the assessment of tendon tension and the isometric plantar flexion strength of the medial gastrocnemius muscle; • 3rd and 6th week: the assessment of swelling, vascularity (before and after the PT session including the cooling of the tendon), Kager’s triangle fat body assessment, and active gliding evaluation, testing the gastrocnemius muscle strength during active movement, • from 6th week until the end of physiotherapy: the evaluation of tendon gliding and gastrocnemius’ strength (body weight bearing); • the final US examination performed by the radiology specialist in the 12th week after the surgery, the assessment of gliding and muscle strength. Results: During the final medical examination performed by the doctor in 12th week after the surgery, there were no tendon adhesions between the tendon and surrounding tissues that would limit the tendon’s gliding within its sheath. The weekly US examination helped while choosing appropriate physical therapy methods that increased the functional recovery of the Achilles tendon. Conclusion: 1. The use of ultrasound device during each PT session enables the therapist to choose appropriate methods in order to optimise the rehabilitation process depending on the current condition of the patient. This approach creates good conditions for the optimal functional recovery. 2. The ultrasound works like a biofeedback.

The Influence of Fascicle Behavior on the Lack of Velocity Dependence in Eccentric Joint Torque in Humans: In Vivo Observation

2009 ◽  
Vol 25 (2) ◽  
pp. 111-118 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kentaro Chino ◽  
Naotoshi Mitsukawa ◽  
Kai Kobayashi ◽  
Yusuke Miyoshi ◽  
Toshiaki Oda ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Plantar Flexion ◽  
Triceps Surae ◽  
Joint Torque ◽  
Fascicle Length ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Isometric Torque ◽  
The Difference ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Real Time Ultrasonography

To investigate the relationship between fascicle behavior and joint torque, the fascicle behavior of the triceps surae during isometric and eccentric (30 and 60 deg/s) plantar flexion by maximal voluntary and submaximal electrical activation (MVA and SEA) was measured by real-time ultrasonography. Eccentric torque at 30 and 60 deg/s was significantly higher than isometric torque under SEA, but not under MVA. However, fascicle length did not significantly differ between isometric and eccentric trials under either condition. Therefore, the difference in developed torque by MVA and SEA cannot be explained by fascicle behavior. Under both MVA and SEA conditions, eccentric torque at 30 and 60 deg/s was equivalent. Similarly, fascicle lengthening velocities at 30 and 60deg/s did not show any significant difference. Such fascicle behavior can be attributed to the influence of tendinous tissue and pennation angle, and lead to a lack of increase in eccentric torque with increasing angular velocity.

The effect of ankle flexibility on the relationship between knee isokinetic strength and the speed of underwater dolphin kicks in male competitive swimmers

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Yupeng Shen ◽  
Yanqing Fu ◽  
Yu Ge ◽  
Yuhong Wen
Keyword(s):  
Muscle Strength ◽  
Plantar Flexion ◽  
Knee Extensor ◽  
Isokinetic Strength ◽  
Knee Flexor ◽  
Lower Extremity Muscle ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Competitive Swimmers ◽  
Ankle Flexibility ◽  
Ankle Plantar Flexion

BACKGROUND: Lower-extremity muscle strength and ankle flexibility play key roles in underwater swimming movements. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the relationship between knee isokinetic strength and the speed of underwater dolphin kicks (UDK-S) in competitive male swimmers and identify whether ankle flexibility affects the association between knee isokinetic strength and UDK-S. METHODS: Fifty-two highly trained male swimmers participated in this study. The speed at which the participants travelled 15 m performing UDKs was calculated as UDK-S. Knee flexor and extensor concentric isokinetic strength at fast (240∘/s) and slow (60∘/s) velocities and ankle flexibility were evaluated. Bayesian framework analysis was conducted to examine the relationship between these variables and determine whether this relationship is influenced by ankle flexibility. RESULTS: There was strong-to-extremely strong evidence (Bayes factor = 24.4 to 198.3) that knee extensor (60∘/s) and knee flexor (60∘/s and 240∘/s) strength are positively and generally moderately correlated with UDK-S. Ankle plantar flexion flexibility was identified to be a moderator between knee extensor strength (60∘/s) and UDK-S. CONCLUSIONS: Knee extensor and knee flexor strength were significantly correlated with UDK-S, and the relationship between knee muscle strength and UDK-S was influenced by ankle plantar flexion flexibility in male competitive swimmers.

Skeletal muscle phosphocreatine recovery in exercise-trained humans is dependent on O2availability

1999 ◽  
Vol 86 (6) ◽  
pp. 2013-2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luke J. Haseler ◽  
Michael C. Hogan ◽  
Russell S. Richardson
Keyword(s):  
Skeletal Muscle ◽  
Oxidative Metabolism ◽  
Gastrocnemius Muscle ◽  
Plantar Flexion ◽  
Oxidative Capacity ◽  
Submaximal Exercise ◽  
Resonance Spectroscopy ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Male Subjects ◽  
Plantar Flexion Exercise

In skeletal muscle, phosphocreatine (PCr) recovery from submaximal exercise has become a reliable and accepted measure of muscle oxidative capacity. During exercise, O2 availability plays a role in determining maximal oxidative metabolism, but the relationship between O2 availability and oxidative metabolism measured by31P-magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) during recovery from exercise has never been studied. We used 31P-MRS to study exercising human gastrocnemius muscle under conditions of varied fractions of inspired O2 [Formula: see text]) to test the hypothesis that varied O2availability modulates PCr recovery from submaximal exercise. Six male subjects performed three bouts of 5-min steady-state submaximal plantar flexion exercise followed by 5 min of recovery in a 1.5-T magnet while breathing three different[Formula: see text] concentrations (0.10, 0.21, and 1.00). Under each[Formula: see text] treatment, the PCr recovery time constants were significantly different, being longer in hypoxia [33.5 ± 4.1 s (SE)] and shorter in hyperoxia (20.0 ± 1.8 s) than in normoxia (25.0 ± 2.7 s) ( P ≤ 0.05). End-exercise pH was not significantly different among the three treatments (7.08 ± 0.01 for 0.10, 7.04 ± 0.01 for 0.21, and 7.04 ± 0.02 for 1.00). These results demonstrate that PCr recovery is significantly altered by[Formula: see text] and suggest that, after submaximal exercise, PCr recovery, under normoxic conditions, is limited by O2 availability.

scholarly journals Concurrent deficits of soleus and gastrocnemius muscle fascicles and Achilles tendon post stroke

2015 ◽  
Vol 118 (7) ◽  
pp. 863-871 ◽  
Author(s):  
Heng Zhao ◽  
Yupeng Ren ◽  
Elliot J. Roth ◽  
Richard L. Harvey ◽  
Li-Qun Zhang
Keyword(s):  
Achilles Tendon ◽  
Young’S Modulus ◽  
Gastrocnemius Muscle ◽  
Biomechanical Properties ◽  
Calf Muscle ◽  
Fascicle Length ◽  
Tendon Stiffness ◽  
Post Stroke ◽  
Tendon Length ◽  
Muscle Fascicles

Calf muscles and Achilles tendon play important roles in functional activities. However, it is not clear how biomechanical properties of the uniarticular soleus (SOL) and biarticular gastrocnemius muscle and Achilles tendon, including the fascicle length, pennation angle, and stiffness, change concurrently post stroke. Biomechanical properties of the medial gastrocnemius (GM) and soleus muscles were evaluated bilaterally in 10 hemiparetic stroke survivors using combined ultrasonography-biomechanical measurements. Biomechanical properties of the Achilles tendon including the length, cross-sectional area (CSA), stiffness, and Young's modulus were evaluated, together with calf muscle biomechanical properties. Gastrocnemius and SOL contributions were separated using flexed and extended knee positions. The impaired side showed decreased fascicle length (GM: 6%, P = 0.002 and SOL: 9%, P = 0.03, at full knee extension and 0° ankle dorsiflexion) and increased fascicular stiffness (GM: 64%, P = 0.005 and SOL: 19%, P = 0.012, at a common 50 N force level). In contrast, Achilles tendon on the impaired side showed changes in the opposite direction as the muscle fascicles with increased tendon length (5%, P < 0.001), decreased tendon CSA (5%, P = 0.04), decreased tendon stiffness (42%, P < 0.001) and Young's modulus (30%, P < 0.001) compared with the unimpaired side. The fascicle and tendon stiffness changes were correlated negatively to the corresponding fascicle and tendon length changes, and decrease in Achilles tendon stiffness was correlated to the increases of SOL and GM fascicular stiffness ( P < 0.05). Characterizations of calf muscle fascicles and Achilles tendon biomechanical properties help us better understand concurrent changes of fascicles and tendon as part of the calf muscle-tendon unit and facilitate development of more effective treatments.

scholarly journals The Effect of Ankle Taping to Restrict Plantar Flexion on Ball and Foot Velocity During an Instep Kick in Soccer

2015 ◽  
Vol 24 (3) ◽  
pp. 261-267 ◽  
Author(s):  
Junpei Sasadai ◽  
Yukio Urabe ◽  
Noriaki Maeda ◽  
Hiroshi Shinohara ◽  
Eri Fujii
Keyword(s):  
Outcome Measures ◽  
Repeated Measures ◽  
Plantar Flexion ◽  
Soccer Players ◽  
Ankle Impingement ◽  
Ball Velocity ◽  
Posterior Ankle Impingement ◽  
Instep Kick ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Ankle Plantar Flexion

Context:Posterior ankle impingement syndrome is a common disorder in soccer players and ballet dancers. In soccer players, it is caused by the repetitive stress of ankle plantar flexion due to instep kicking. Protective ankle dorsiflexion taping is recommended with the belief that it prevents posterior ankle impingement. However, the relationship between ankle taping and ball-kicking performance remains unclear.Objective:To demonstrate the relationship between the restrictions of ankle taping and performance of an instep kick in soccer.Design:Laboratory-based repeated-measures.Setting:University laboratory.Participants:11 male university soccer players.Intervention:The subjects’ ankle plantar flexion was limited by taping. Four angles of planter flexion (0°, 15°, 30°, and without taping) were formed by gradation limitation. The subjects performed maximal instep kicks at each angle.Main Outcome Measures:The movements of the kicking legs and the ball were captured using 3 high-speed cameras at 200 Hz. The direct linear-transformation method was used to obtain 3-dimensional coordinates using a digitizing system. Passive ankle plantar-flexion angle, maximal plantar-flexion angle at ball impact, ball velocity, and foot velocity were measured. The data were compared among 4 conditions using repeated-measures ANOVA, and the correlations between ball velocity and foot velocity and between ball velocity and toe velocity were calculated.Results:Ankle dorsiflexion taping could gradually limit both passive plantar flexion and plantar flexion at the impact. Furthermore, limitation of 0° and 15° reduced the ball velocity generated by instep kicks.Conclusion:Plantar-flexion-limiting taping at 30° has a potential to prevent posterior ankle impingement without decreasing the ball velocity generated by soccer instep kicks.

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