scholarly journals The Associations between Rapid Strength Development and Muscle Stiffness in Older Population

Healthcare ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 80
Author(s):  
Masatoshi Nakamura ◽  
Ryosuke Kiyono ◽  
Shigeru Sato ◽  
Kaoru Yahata ◽  
Taizan Fukaya ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Elastic Modulus ◽  
Gastrocnemius Muscle ◽  
Shear Wave Elastography ◽  
Muscle Stiffness ◽  
Rate Of Force Development ◽  
Medial Gastrocnemius ◽  
Plantar Flexors ◽  
Force Development ◽  
Shear Elastic Modulus ◽  
Medial Gastrocnemius Muscle

Background: Previous studies suggest that the capacity for rapid force production of ankle plantar flexors is essential for the prevention of falls in the elderly. In healthy young adults, there were significant associations between rate of force development and muscle stiffness measured by shear wave elastography. However, there has been no study investigating the association of rate of force development with shear elastic modulus in older adults. Methods: The muscle strength and shear elastic modulus of the medial gastrocnemius muscle in both legs were measured in 17 elderly men and 10 elderly women (mean ± SD; 70.7 ± 4.1 years; 160.6 ± 8.0 cm; 58.7 ± 9.5 kg). We investigated the rate of force development of plantar flexors and shear elastic modulus of medial gastrocnemius muscle using by shear wave elastography. Results: Our results showed that there were no significant associations between normalized rate of force development and shear elastic modulus of medial gastrocnemius muscle. Conclusion: This suggests that the capacity of rapid force production could be related not to muscle stiffness of the medial gastrocnemius muscle, but to neuromuscular function in older individuals.

Effect of Rest Duration Between Static Stretching on Passive Stiffness of Medial Gastrocnemius Muscle In Vivo

2020 ◽  
Vol 29 (5) ◽  
pp. 578-582
Author(s):  
Masatoshi Nakamura ◽  
Shigeru Sato ◽  
Ryosuke Kiyono ◽  
Nobushige Takahashi ◽  
Tomoichi Yoshida
Keyword(s):  
Elastic Modulus ◽  
Shear Wave ◽  
Repeated Measures ◽  
Shear Wave Elastography ◽  
Muscle Stiffness ◽  
Medial Gastrocnemius ◽  
Static Stretching ◽  
Shear Elastic Modulus ◽  
Before And After

Context: In clinical and sports settings, static stretching (SS) is usually performed to increase range of motion (ROM) and decrease passive muscle stiffness. Recently, the shear elastic modulus was measured by ultrasonic shear wave elastography as an index of muscle stiffness. Previous studies reported that the shear elastic modulus measured by ultrasound shear wave elastography decreased after SS, and the effects of SS on shear elastic modulus were likely affected by rest duration between sets of SS. Objective: To investigate the acute effects of SS with different rest durations on ROM and shear elastic modulus of gastrocnemius and to clarify whether the rest duration between sets of SS decreases the shear elastic modulus. Design: A randomized, repeated-measures experimental design. Setting: University laboratory. Participants: Sixteen healthy males volunteered to participate in the study (age 21.3 [0.8] y; height 171.8 [5.1] cm; weight 63.1 [4.5] kg). Main Outcome Measures: Each participant underwent 3 different rest interval durations during SS (ie, long rest duration: 90 s; normal rest duration: 30 s; and short rest duration: 10 s). This SS technique was repeated 10 times, thus lasting a total of 300 seconds with different rest durations in each protocol. The dorsiflexion ROM and shear elastic modulus were measured before and after SS. Results: Our results revealed that dorsiflexion ROM and shear elastic modulus were changed after 300-second SS; however, no effects of the rest duration between sets of SS were observed. Conclusions: In terms of decreasing the shear elastic modulus, clinicians and coaches should not focus on the rest duration when SS intervention is performed.

Active muscle stiffness in the human medial gastrocnemius muscle in vivo

2014 ◽  
Vol 117 (9) ◽  
pp. 1020-1026 ◽  
Author(s):  
Keitaro Kubo
Keyword(s):  
Gastrocnemius Muscle ◽  
Muscle Stiffness ◽  
Medial Gastrocnemius ◽  
Plantar Flexors ◽  
Active Muscle ◽  
Tendon Stiffness ◽  
Series Elastic Component ◽  
In Series ◽  
Medial Gastrocnemius Muscle

The aims of this study were to 1) directly assess active muscle stiffness according to actual length changes in muscle fibers (fascicles) during short range stretching; and 2) compare actual measured active muscle and tendon stiffness using ultrasonography with the stiffness of active (i.e., muscle) and passive (i.e., tendon) parts in series elastic component of plantar flexors using the alpha method. Twenty-four healthy men volunteered for this study. Active muscle stiffness in the medial gastrocnemius muscle was calculated according to changes in estimated muscle force and fascicle length during fast stretching after submaximal isometric contractions [10, 30, 50, 70, and 90% maximal voluntary contractions (MVC)]. Using the variables measured during this fast stretch experiment, the stiffness of active (i.e., muscle) and passive (i.e., tendon) parts in plantar flexors was assessed using alpha method. Tendon stiffness was determined during isometric plantar flexion by ultrasonography. Active muscle stiffness increased with the exerted torque levels. At 30, 50, 70, and 90% MVC, there were no significant correlations between muscle stiffness using ultrasonography and stiffness of active part (i.e., muscle) by alpha method, although this relationship at 10% MVC was significant ( r = 0.552, P = 0.005). In addition, no correlation was noted in tendon stiffness between the two different methods ( r = 0.226, P = 0.209). The present study demonstrated that ultrasonography could quantified active muscle stiffness in vivo. Furthermore, active muscle stiffness and tendon stiffness using ultrasonography were not related to active (i.e., muscle) or passive (i.e., tendon) stiffness in series elastic component of plantar flexors by alpha method.

scholarly journals Shear elastic modulus is a reproducible index reflecting the passive mechanical properties of medial gastrocnemius muscle belly

2016 ◽  
Vol 5 (4) ◽  
pp. 205846011560400 ◽  
Author(s):  
Masatoshi Nakamura ◽  
Tome Ikezoe ◽  
Hiroki Umegaki ◽  
Takuya Kobayashi ◽  
Satoru Nishisita ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mechanical Properties ◽  
Elastic Modulus ◽  
Gastrocnemius Muscle ◽  
Medial Gastrocnemius ◽  
Muscle Belly ◽  
Shear Elastic Modulus ◽  
Medial Gastrocnemius Muscle

scholarly journals Effect of Static Stretching with Superficial Cooling on Muscle Stiffness

2018 ◽  
Vol 02 (05) ◽  
pp. E142-E147 ◽  
Author(s):  
Masatoshi Nakamura ◽  
Ryo Hirabayashi ◽  
Shuhei Ohya ◽  
Takafumi Aoki ◽  
Daichi Suzuki ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Elastic Modulus ◽  
Random Order ◽  
Acute Effect ◽  
Muscle Stiffness ◽  
Cooling Condition ◽  
Medial Gastrocnemius ◽  
Static Stretching ◽  
Shear Elastic Modulus ◽  
And Control ◽  
Healthy Males

AbstractThis study aimed to clarify the acute effect of static stretching (SS) with superficial cooling on dorsiflexion range of motion (DF ROM) and muscle stiffness. Sixteen healthy males participated in the cooling condition and a control condition in a random order. The DF ROM and the shear elastic modulus of medial gastrocnemius (MG) in the dominant leg were measured during passive dorsiflexion. All measurements were performed prior to (PRE) and immediately after 20 min of cooling or rested for 20 min (POST), followed by 2 min SS (POST SS). In cooling condition, DF ROM at POST and POST SS were significantly higher than that at PRE and DF ROM at POST SS was significantly higher than that at POST. In addition, the shear elastic modulus at POST was significantly higher than that at PRE and the shear elastic modulus at POST SS was significantly lower than those at PRE and POST. However, there were no significant differences in the percentage changes between PRE and POST SS between the cooling and control conditions. Our results showed that effects of SS with superficial cooling on increases in ROM and decrease in muscle stiffness were no more beneficial than those of SS alone.

scholarly journals Local and Non-local Effects of Foam Rolling on Passive Soft Tissue Properties and Spinal Excitability

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Masatoshi Nakamura ◽  
Andreas Konrad ◽  
Ryosuke Kiyono ◽  
Shigeru Sato ◽  
Kaoru Yahata ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Elastic Modulus ◽  
Soft Tissue ◽  
Medial Gastrocnemius ◽  
Plantar Flexors ◽  
Tissue Properties ◽  
Foam Rolling ◽  
Shear Elastic Modulus ◽  
Body Regions ◽  
Passive Torque ◽  
Spinal Excitability

In sports and clinical settings, roller massage (RM) interventions are used to acutely increase range of motion (ROM); however, the underlying mechanisms are unclear. Apart from changes in soft tissue properties (i.e., reduced passive stiffness), neurophysiological alterations such as decreased spinal excitability have been described. However, to date, no study has investigated both jointly. The purpose of this trial was to examine RM’s effects on neurophysiological markers and passive tissue properties of the plantar flexors in the treated (ROLL) and non-treated (NO-ROLL) leg. Fifteen healthy individuals (23 ± 3 years, eight females) performed three unilateral 60-s bouts of calf RM. This procedure was repeated four times on separate days to allow independent assessments of the following outcomes without reciprocal interactions: dorsiflexion ROM, passive torque during passive dorsiflexion, shear elastic modulus of the medial gastrocnemius muscle, and spinal excitability. Following RM, dorsiflexion ROM increased in both ROLL (+19.7%) and NO-ROLL (+13.9%). Similarly, also passive torque at dorsiflexion ROM increased in ROLL (+15.0%) and NO-ROLL (+15.2%). However, there were no significant changes in shear elastic modulus and spinal excitability (p > 0.05). Moreover, significant correlations were observed between the changes in DF ROM and passive torque at DF ROM in both ROLL and NO-ROLL. Changes in ROM after RM appear to be the result of sensory changes (e.g., passive torque at DF ROM), affecting both rolled and non-rolled body regions. Thus, therapists and exercise professionals may consider applying remote treatments if local loading is contraindicated.

scholarly journals Modulation in Elastic Properties of Upper Trapezius with Varying Neck Angle

2019 ◽  
Vol 2019 ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jun Zhang ◽  
Jiafeng Yu ◽  
Chunlong Liu ◽  
Chunzhi Tang ◽  
Zhijie Zhang
Keyword(s):  
Elastic Modulus ◽  
Intraclass Correlation ◽  
Trapezius Muscle ◽  
Shear Wave Elastography ◽  
Muscle Stiffness ◽  
Minimal Detectable Change ◽  
Shear Elastic Modulus ◽  
Upper Trapezius ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Upper Trapezius Muscle

Background. Neck and shoulder complaints caused by poor posture may influence upper trapezius stiffness. The relationship between the shear elastic modulus of the upper trapezius and cervical flexion angles is unknown. Therefore, it is essential to assess upper trapezius stiffness during cervical flexion. The objectives of this study were to (1) determine the intra- and interoperator reliabilities of evaluating upper trapezius stiffness and calculate the minimal detectable change (MDC); (2) examine the elastic modulus alterations of the upper trapezius during cervical flexion; and (3) explore the difference of upper trapezius stiffness between the dominant and nondominant sides. Methods. Twenty healthy male participants were recruited in this study. The shear modulus of the upper trapezius was evaluated by two independent investigators using shear wave elastography (SWE) during cervical flexion at 0° and 50°. Findings. The intraoperator (intraclass correlation coefficient ICC=0.85–0.86) and interoperator (ICC=0.94–0.98) reliabilities for measuring the shear elastic modulus of the upper trapezius during the cervical flexion ranged from good to excellent. An increase of 35.58% in upper trapezius stiffness was found at 0° to 50° of cervical flexion, and the MDC was 7.04 kPa. In addition, a significant difference was obtained in the elastic modulus of the upper trapezius muscle between the dominant and nondominant sides (P<0.05). Conclusions. Our findings revealed that SWE could quantify the elastic modulus of the upper trapezius and monitor its changes. Therefore, further studies are required to delineate the modulation in upper trapezius muscle stiffness among subjects with neck and shoulder pain.

scholarly journals The Comparison of Different Stretching Intensities on the Range of Motion and Muscle Stiffness of the Quadriceps Muscles

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Masatoshi Nakamura ◽  
Shigeru Sato ◽  
Yuta Murakami ◽  
Ryosuke Kiyono ◽  
Kaoru Yahata ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Elastic Modulus ◽  
Range Of Motion ◽  
Knee Flexion ◽  
Shear Wave Elastography ◽  
Rectus Femoris ◽  
Quadriceps Muscle ◽  
Muscle Stiffness ◽  
Static Stretching ◽  
Muscle Strain ◽  
Shear Elastic Modulus

Muscle strain is one of the most frequent sports injuries, having the rectus femoris (RF) muscle as the reported preferred site of quadriceps muscle strain. The decrease muscle stiffness could be an effective RF muscle strain prevention. In recent studies, a high-intensity static stretching intervention decreased passive stiffness, though no study has investigated on the effect of the different static stretching intervention intensities on quadriceps muscle stiffness. The purpose of this study was to investigate the three different quadriceps muscle stiffness intensities (120 vs. 100 vs. 80%). Eighteen healthy, sedentary male volunteers participated in the study and randomly performed three intensities. The static stretching intervention was performed in knee flexion with 30° hip extension. Three 60-second stretching intervention with a 30-second interval were performed at each stretching intensity. We measured knee flexion range of motion and shear elastic modulus of the RF muscle used by ultrasonic shear-wave elastography before and after the static stretching intervention. Our results showed that the knee flexion range of motion was increased after 100% (p &lt; 0.01) and 120% intensities (p &lt; 0.01) static stretching intervention, not in 80% intensity (p = 0.853). In addition, our results showed that the shear elastic modulus of the RF muscle was decreased only after 100% intensity static stretching intervention (p &lt; 0.01), not after 80% (p = 0.365), and 120% intensities (p = 0.743). To prevent the quadriceps muscle strain, especially the RF muscle, 100%, not 120% (high) and 80% (low), intensity stretching could be beneficial in sports setting application.

scholarly journals The Acute and Prolonged Effects of Different Durations of Foam Rolling on Range of Motion, Muscle Stiffness, and Muscle Strength

2021 ◽  
pp. 62-68
Author(s):  
Masatoshi Nakamura ◽  
Remi Onuma ◽  
Ryosuke Kiyono ◽  
Koki Yasaka ◽  
Shigeru Sato ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Elastic Modulus ◽  
Muscle Strength ◽  
Range Of Motion ◽  
Athletic Performance ◽  
Muscle Stiffness ◽  
Medial Gastrocnemius ◽  
Foam Rolling ◽  
Shear Elastic Modulus ◽  
Prolonged Effect ◽  
Acute And Prolonged Effects

“Foam Rolling” has been used in sports settings to increase range of motion and decrease muscle stiffness without decreasing muscle strength and athletic performance. However, there has been no study investigating the acute and prolonged effect of different durations of foam rolling intervention on muscle stiffness, and the minimum foam rolling intervention duration required to decrease muscle stiffness is unclear. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the acute and prolonged effect of different durations of foam rolling intervention on ROM, muscle stiffness, and muscle strength. The 45 participants were randomly allocated to 1 of 3 groups (30 s × 1 times group vs 30 s × 3 times group vs 30 s× 10 times group). The outcome measures were dorsiflexion range of motion, shear elastic modulus of medial gastrocnemius, and muscle strength before, 2 min and 30 min after foam rolling intervention. There were no significant differences before and 2 min after foam rolling intervention in 30 s×1 time group, whereas dorsiflexion range of motion was increased in both 30 s×3 times group (p = 0.042, d = 0.26) and 30 s× 10 times group (p < 0.01, d = 0.33). However, the increase in dorsiflexion range of motion was returned to baseline value after 30 minutes in both 30 s × 3 times group and 30 s × 10 times group. In addition, there were no significant changes in shear elastic modulus and muscle strength in all groups. This study suggested that foam rolling for more than 90 s or more of foam rolling was effective in order to increase the range of motion immediately without changing muscle stiffness and muscle strength.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document