scholarly journals Gastrocnemius Muscle Architecture in Elite Basketballers and Cyclists: A Cross-Sectional Cohort Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 3 ◽  
Author(s):  
Samantha May ◽  
Simon Locke ◽  
Michael Kingsley
Keyword(s):  
Muscle Activation ◽  
Gastrocnemius Muscle ◽  
Female Athletes ◽  
Muscle Thickness ◽  
Muscle Architecture ◽  
Ultrasound Images ◽  
Mechanical Stimuli ◽  
Fascicle Length ◽  
Tibial Length ◽  
Significant Difference

Eccentric and concentric actions produce distinct mechanical stimuli and result in different adaptations in skeletal muscle architecture. Cycling predominantly involves concentric activity of the gastrocnemius muscles, while playing basketball requires both concentric and eccentric actions to support running, jumping, and landing. The aim of this study was to examine differences in the architecture of gastrocnemius medialis (GM) and gastrocnemius lateralis (GL) between elite basketballers and cyclists. A trained sonographer obtained three B-mode ultrasound images from GM and GL muscles in 44 athletes (25 basketballers and 19 cyclists; 24 ± 5 years of age). The images were digitized and average fascicle length (FL), pennation angle (θ), and muscle thickness were calculated from three images per muscle. The ratio of FL to tibial length (FL/TL) and muscle thickness to tibial length (MT/TL) was also calculated to account for the potential scaling effect of stature. In males, no significant differences were identified between the athletic groups in all parameters in the GM, but a significant difference existed in muscle thickness in the GL. In basketballers, GL was 2.5 mm thicker (95% CI: 0.7–4.3 mm, p = 0.011) on the left side and 2.6 mm thicker (95% CI: 0.6–5.7 mm, p = 0.012) on the right side; however, these differences were not significant when stature was accounted for (MT/TL). In females, significant differences existed in the GM for all parameters including FL/TL and MT/TL. Female cyclists had longer FL in both limbs (MD: 11.2 and 11.3 mm), narrower θ (MD: 2.1 and 1.8°), and thicker muscles (MD: 2.1 and 2.5 mm). For the GL, female cyclists had significantly longer FL (MD: 5.2 and 5.8 mm) and narrower θ (MD: 1.7 and 2.3°) in both limbs; no differences were observed in absolute muscle thickness or MT/TL ratio. Differences in gastrocnemius muscle architecture were observed between female cyclists and basketballers, but not between males. These findings suggest that participation in sport-specific training might influence gastrocnemius muscle architecture in elite female athletes; however, it remains unclear as to whether gastrocnemius architecture is systematically influenced by the different modes of muscle activation between these respective sports.

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

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.

scholarly journals Reliability of ultrasonographic measurement of muscle architecture of the gastrocnemius medialis and gastrocnemius lateralis

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (9) ◽  
pp. e0258014
Author(s):  
Samantha May ◽  
Simon Locke ◽  
Michael Kingsley
Keyword(s):  
Gastrocnemius Muscle ◽  
Intraclass Correlation ◽  
Muscle Thickness ◽  
Muscle Architecture ◽  
Minimal Detectable Change ◽  
Fascicle Length ◽  
Retest Reliability ◽  
Gastrocnemius Medialis ◽  
Test Retest Reliability ◽  
Gastrocnemius Lateralis

Ultrasonography is widely used to measure gastrocnemius muscle architecture; however, it is unclear if values obtained from digitised images are sensitive enough to track architectural responses to clinical interventions. The purpose of this study was to explore the reliability and determine the minimal detectable change (MDC) of gastrocnemius medialis (GM) and gastrocnemius lateralis (GL) muscle architecture using ultrasound in a clinical setting. A trained sonographer obtained three B-mode images from each of the GM and GL muscles in 87 volunteers (44 males, 43 females; 22±9 years of age) on two separate occasions. Three independent investigators received training, then digitised the images to determine intra-rater, inter-rater, and test-retest reliability for fascicle length (FL), pennation angle (θ) and muscle thickness. Median FL, θ, and muscle thickness for GM and GL were 53.6–55.7 mm and 65.8–69.3 mm, 18.7–19.5° and 11.9–12.5°, and 12.8–13.2 mm and 15.9–16.9 mm, respectively. Intra- and inter-rater reliability of manual digitisation was excellent for all parameters. Test-retest reliability was moderate to excellent with intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) values ≥0.80 for FL, ≥0.61 for θ, and ≥0.81 for muscle thickness, in both GM and GL. The respective MDC for GM and GL FL, θ, and muscle thickness was ≤12.1 mm and ≤18.00 mm, ≤6.4° and ≤4.2°, and ≤3.2 mm and ≤3.1 mm. Although reliable, the relatively large MDC suggest that clinically derived ultrasound measurements of muscle architecture in GM and GL are more likely to be useful to detect differences between populations than to detect changes in muscle architecture following interventions.

scholarly journals Correlation between age, muscle architecture, and muscle strength in children with Erb’s palsy

2021 ◽  
Vol 26 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ahmed Saad Awad ◽  
Mostafa Soliman Ali ◽  
Mohamed Ismail Elassal
Keyword(s):  
Muscle Strength ◽  
Muscle Weakness ◽  
Muscle Thickness ◽  
Study Groups ◽  
Pennation Angle ◽  
Muscle Architecture ◽  
Active Movement ◽  
Significant Relation ◽  
Erb’S Palsy ◽  
Significant Difference

Abstract Background Muscle weakness is a widespread problem in children with Erb’s palsy as it can cause changes in muscle architecture parameters, which can be detected by ultrasonography. This study was conducted to determine the relation between age, muscle architecture, and muscle strength in children with Erb’s palsy. A total of 40 children with Erb’s palsy from both sexes aged 1–2.5 years were included in this study. Muscle thickness and pennation angle were measured by ultrasonography, and muscle strength was measured using the active movement scale. Results A significant relation was found between age, muscle thickness, pennation angle, and muscle strength (P < 0.05). Moreover, a significant difference was found in muscle architecture parameters during relaxation and contraction in both study groups and in each study group (P < 0.05). Conclusion Muscle weakness in children with Erb’s palsy has an effect on muscle architecture parameters, and these parameters also increase with age.

scholarly journals Gastrocnemius Medialis Architectural Properties in Flexibility Trained and Not Trained Child Female Athletes: A Pilot Study

Sports ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 29 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ioli Panidi ◽  
Gregory C. Bogdanis ◽  
Vasiliki Gaspari ◽  
Polyxeni Spiliopoulou ◽  
Anastasia Donti ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pilot Study ◽  
Distal Part ◽  
Joint Angle ◽  
Female Athletes ◽  
Muscle Thickness ◽  
Pennation Angle ◽  
Static Stretching ◽  
Fascicle Length ◽  
Gastrocnemius Medialis ◽  
Ankle Angle

Gastrocnemius medialis (GM) architecture and ankle angle were compared between flexibility trained (n = 10) and not trained (n = 6) female athletes, aged 8–10 years. Ankle angle, fascicle length, pennation angle and muscle thickness were measured at the mid-belly and the distal part of GM, at rest and at the end of one min of static stretching. Flexibility trained (FT) and not trained athletes (FNT) had similar fascicle length at the medial (4.19 ± 0.37 vs. 4.24 ± 0.54 cm, respectively, p = 0.841) and the distal part of GM (4.25 ± 0.35 vs. 4.18 ± 0.65 cm, respectively, p = 0.780), similar pennation angles, and muscle thickness (p > 0.216), and larger ankle angle at rest (120.9 ± 4.2 vs. 110.9 ± 5.8°, respectively, p = 0.001). During stretching, FT displayed greater fascicle elongation compared to FNT at the medial (+1.67 ± 0.37 vs. +1.28 ± 0.22 cm, respectively, p = 0.048) and the distal part (+1.84 ± 0.67 vs. +0.97 ± 0.97 cm, respectively, p = 0.013), larger change in joint angle and muscle tendon junction displacement (MTJ) (p < 0.001). Muscle thickness was similar in both groups (p > 0.053). Ankle dorsiflexion angle significantly correlated with fascicle elongation at the distal part of GM (r = −0.638, p < 0.01) and MTJ displacement (r = −0.610, p < 0.05). Collectively, FT had greater fascicle elongation at the medial and distal part of GM and greater MTJ displacement during stretching than FNT of similar age.

Observation of the Effect of Ultrasound-Guided Intrafascial Heat on Ankle Dorsiflexion in Chronic Gastrocnemius Injury Contracture

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (6) ◽  
pp. 5481-5489
Author(s):  
Zheng Anxiang ◽  
Li Fei ◽  
Lin Sunzhi ◽  
Huang Linsheng ◽  
Zhang Bingxian
Keyword(s):  
Muscle Injury ◽  
Gastrocnemius Muscle ◽  
Adverse Reactions ◽  
Therapy Group ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Muscle Thickness ◽  
Ankle Dorsiflexion ◽  
Static Stretching ◽  
Ultrasound Guided ◽  
Fascicle Length

purpose: To observe the effect of ultrasound-guided intrafascial heat on ankle dorsiflexion of chronic gastrocnemius muscle injury contracture. Methods: 90 patients with chronic gastrocnemius muscle injury contracture were selected and these patients were randomized to three random groups (n=30): Static stretching therapy (group C), ultrasound-guided intrafascial hot needle release therapy (group R1), static stretching combined with ultrasound-guided intrafascial hot needle release therapy (group R2). Ankle dorsiflexion Angle (ADA) was measured before treatment, one week one month and three Months after treatment. Quantitative ultrasonography was used to evaluate the fascicle length (FL), pinnate Angle (PA) and muscle thickness (MT) of the medial gastrocnemic muscle, and the adverse reactions were recorded. Results: After treatment, ADA and FL increased, while PA and MT decreased in the 3 groups. In R2 group, ADA and FL increased and PA and MT decreased at one week, one month and three Months after treatment, which were better than those in R1 group and C group (P < 0.05); ADA, FL, PA and MT in group R1 at one week after treatment had no statistical significance compared with group C (P > 0.05), but the ADA, FL and PA and MT were higher than patients in group C (P < 0.05), and no serious complications occurred during the treatment. Conclusion: Ultrasound-guided intrafascial thermal needle release combined with static stretching can significantly improve the ankle dorsiflexion angle and restore muscle function in patients with chronic gastrocnemius muscle injury contracture, with definite efficacy and few adverse reactions, which is worthy of clinical promotion.

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

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.

Short-term effects of neuromuscular electrical stimulation and ultrasound therapies on muscle architecture and functional capacity in knee osteoarthritis: a randomized study

2018 ◽  
Vol 33 (3) ◽  
pp. 418-427 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gul Devrimsel ◽  
Yavuz Metin ◽  
Munevver Serdaroglu Beyazal
Keyword(s):  
Knee Osteoarthritis ◽  
Functional Capacity ◽  
Therapy Group ◽  
Randomized Study ◽  
Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation ◽  
Muscle Thickness ◽  
Muscle Architecture ◽  
Ultrasound Therapy ◽  
Fascicle Length ◽  
Hot Pack

Objective: To determine the effects of ultrasound therapy and neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) application on the muscle architecture and functional capacity in patients with knee osteoarthritis. Design: A randomized study. Subjects: A total of 60 patients with knee osteoarthritis. Interventions: Participants were randomized into one of the following two intervention groups, five days a week, for three weeks: the combination of NMES application, hot pack, and exercise therapy was applied to the NMES group. The combination of therapeutic ultrasound, hot pack and exercise therapy was applied to the ultrasound therapy group. Main measures: Subjects were evaluated for pain and functional capacity with the use of the visual analog pain scale (VAS), Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC), and 15 meter walking test. The muscle architecture (muscle thickness, pennation angle and fascicle length) was assessed from vastus lateralis and quadriceps femoris muscles bilaterally by ultrasonography. Results: Two groups presented significant improvements in all outcome measures before and after treatment ( P < 0.01). There were significant improvements in VAS rest pain ( P < 0.05), VAS activity pain ( P < 0.05), WOMAC pain ( P < 0.05), WOMAC stiffness score ( P < 0.05), and WOMAC physical function ( P < 0.05) for the ultrasound therapy group in comparison to the NMES group. NMES group exhibited more increases in the muscle thickness and fascicle length values when compared to ultrasound therapy group ( P < 0.05). Conclusion: Ultrasound therapy appears to be an effective treatment in reducing pain and improving functional capacity. NMES application has more effects on the muscle architecture.

scholarly journals Differences in Pedaling Technique in Cycling: A Cluster Analysis

2016 ◽  
Vol 11 (7) ◽  
pp. 959-964
Author(s):  
Fábio J. Lanferdini ◽  
Rodrigo R. Bini ◽  
Pedro Figueiredo ◽  
Fernando Diefenthaeler ◽  
Carlos B. Mota ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cluster Analysis ◽  
Power Output ◽  
Muscle Activation ◽  
Vastus Lateralis ◽  
Unit Length ◽  
Muscle Thickness ◽  
Pennation Angle ◽  
Fascicle Length ◽  
Pedal Force ◽  
Cluster 2

Purpose:To employ cluster analysis to assess if cyclists would opt for different strategies in terms of neuromuscular patterns when pedaling at the power output of their second ventilatory threshold (POVT2) compared with cycling at their maximal power output (POMAX).Methods:Twenty athletes performed an incremental cycling test to determine their power output (POMAX and POVT2; first session), and pedal forces, muscle activation, muscle–tendon unit length, and vastus lateralis architecture (fascicle length, pennation angle, and muscle thickness) were recorded (second session) in POMAX and POVT2. Athletes were assigned to 2 clusters based on the behavior of outcome variables at POVT2 and POMAX using cluster analysis.Results:Clusters 1 (n = 14) and 2 (n = 6) showed similar power output and oxygen uptake. Cluster 1 presented larger increases in pedal force and knee power than cluster 2, without differences for the index of effectiveness. Cluster 1 presented less variation in knee angle, muscle–tendon unit length, pennation angle, and tendon length than cluster 2. However, clusters 1 and 2 showed similar muscle thickness, fascicle length, and muscle activation. When cycling at POVT2 vs POMAX, cyclists could opt for keeping a constant knee power and pedal-force production, associated with an increase in tendon excursion and a constant fascicle length.Conclusions:Increases in power output lead to greater variations in knee angle, muscle–tendon unit length, tendon length, and pennation angle of vastus lateralis for a similar knee-extensor activation and smaller pedal-force changes in cyclists from cluster 2 than in cluster 1.

Effects of the Functional Heel Drop Exercise on the Muscle Architecture of the Gastrocnemius

2020 ◽  
Vol 29 (8) ◽  
pp. 1053-1059
Author(s):  
Diego Alonso-Fernandez ◽  
Yaiza Taboada-Iglesias ◽  
Tania García-Remeseiro ◽  
Águeda Gutiérrez-Sánchez
Keyword(s):  
Repeated Measures ◽  
Muscle Thickness ◽  
Pennation Angle ◽  
Muscle Architecture ◽  
Medial Gastrocnemius ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Fascicle Length ◽  
Rehabilitation Programs ◽  
Architectural Characteristics ◽  
Induced Changes

Context: The architectural characteristics of a muscle determine its function. Objective: To determine the architectural adaptations of the lateral gastrocnemius (LG) and medial gastrocnemius (MG) muscles after a functional eccentric strength training protocol consisting of heel drop exercises, followed by a subsequent detraining period. Design: Pretest and posttest. Setting: Training rooms and laboratory. Participants: The participants (N = 45) who were randomly divided into an experimental group (EG, n = 25) and a control group (CG, n = 20). Interventions: The 13-week intervention included participants (N = 45) who were randomly divided into an EG (n = 25) and a CG (n = 20). The EG performed a week of control and training, 8 weeks of eccentric training, and 4 weeks of detraining. The CG did not perform any type of muscular training. The architectural characteristics of the LG and MG muscles were evaluated at rest in both groups using 2-D ultrasound before (pretest–week 1) and after (posttest–week 9) the training, and at the end of the detraining period (retest–week 13). Main Outcome Measures: One-way repeated measures analysis of variance was used to determine training-induced changes in each of the variables of the muscle architecture. Results: After the training period, the members of the EG experienced a significant increase in the fascicle length of LG (t = −9.85, d = 2.78, P < .001) and MG (t = −8.98, d = 2.54, P < .001), muscle thickness (t = −6.71, d = 2.86, P < .001) and (t = −7.85, d = 2.22, P < .001), and the pennation angle (t = −10.21, d = 1.88, P < .05) and (t = −1.87, d = 0.53, P < .05), respectively. After the detraining period, fascicle length, muscle thickness, and pennation angle showed a significant decrease. In the CG, no significant changes were observed in any of the variables. Conclusions: The heel drop exercise seems to generate adaptations in the architectural conditions of LG and MG, which are also reversible after a detraining period. These results may have practical implications for injury prevention and rehabilitation programs.

Architecture of Contracting Human Muscles and Its Functional Significance

2000 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. 88-97 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yasuo Kawakami ◽  
Yoshiho Ichinose ◽  
Keitaro Kubo ◽  
Masamitsu Ito ◽  
Morihiro Imai ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Plantar Flexion ◽  
Muscle Thickness ◽  
Normal Subjects ◽  
Human Muscle ◽  
Muscle Architecture ◽  
Triceps Brachii ◽  
Fascicle Length ◽  
Ultrasonic Images ◽  
Relationship Of

This paper reviews three of our recent studies on human muscle architecture in vivo. 1. Hypertrophic changes: From B-mode ultrasonograms, pennation angles and thickness of triceps brachii were determined for normal subjects and highly-trained bodybuilders. There was a significant correlation between muscle thickness and pennation angles. It was confirmed that hypertrophy was accompanied by an increase in pennation angles. 2. Variation of fascicle architecture: Fascicle lengths and pennation angles were obtained from different positions in the gastrocnemius muscle while the subjects relaxed and performed isometric plantar flexion. The fascicle length was uniform throughout the muscle and shortened by contraction (30-34% at 50% of the maximal force). On the other hand, pennation angles differed among positions and increased by contraction. The muscle thickness did not change by contraction. Pen-nation angles were significantly correlated with muscle thickness within muscle. 3. Joint position-fascicle length relationships: Ultrasonic images of the gastrocnemius and soleus muscles were obtained while the subject performed maximal isometric plantarflexion at various joint positions, from which fascicle lengths and angles were determined. The length-force relationship of each muscle was estimated. It was suggested that human muscle architecture has an ability to make substantial changes to adapt to environmental conditions.

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