scholarly journals Altered muscle activation in agility dogs performing warm-up exercises: an acoustic myography study

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-12
Author(s):  
L.H. Fuglsang-Damgaard ◽  
A.P. Harrison ◽  
A.D. Vitger

Agility is physically demanding and dogs encounter a considerable risk of injury during training and competition. Pre-performance warm-up is used routinely among human athletes to prepare the tissues for these physical demands, but in canine sports evidence for effects of warm-up is lacking. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of warm-up in dogs on two major muscles involved in locomotion. It was hypothesised that, after warm-up, the muscles would be used more efficiently (more fibre resting time/total time), recruit fewer fibres (reduced spatial summation) and/or activated with a lower firing frequency (reduced temporal summation). The following factors ‘sex, age, weight, height, training level and agility experience’ were evaluated for their potential impact on muscle function parameters. Fourteen large (≥46 cm at the withers) agility dogs of different breeds and training levels performed a 5 min warm-up program three times, with a 2 min break between the programs for recording purposes. Acoustic myography sensors were attached on the skin over the muscles m. triceps brachii (TB) and m. gluteus superficialis (GS). Recordings of muscle activity were made, while the dogs trotted before warm-up and after each 5 min warm-up program. The dogs used TB more efficiently after 5 min (P<0.05), 10 min (P<0.05) and 15 min (P<0.001) of exercise compared to pre-warm-up values. No changes were found in the activity of GS. For well-trained dogs, TB recruited fewer muscle fibres after 10 and 15 min of warm-up compared to dogs that trained less than 1 h weekly (P<0.03). For dogs with more than 2 years of experience, GS had a lower firing frequency before and after 10 min warm-up compared to dogs with less experience. The results indicate that warm-up alters muscle activation by an increased muscular efficiency. Training level and experience have an influence on muscle function parameters.

2008 ◽  
Vol 105 (4) ◽  
pp. 1262-1273 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrew M. Carroll ◽  
David V. Lee ◽  
Andrew A. Biewener

We investigate how the biarticular long head and monoarticular lateral head of the triceps brachii function in goats ( Capra hircus) during jumping and landing. Elbow moment and work were measured from high-speed video and ground reaction force (GRF) recordings. Muscle activation and strain were measured via electromyography and sonomicrometry, and muscle stress was estimated from elbow moment and by partitioning stress based on its relative strain rate. Elbow joint and muscle function were compared among three types of limb usage: jump take-off (lead limb), the step prior to jump take-off (lag limb), and landing. We predicted that the strain and work patterns in the monoarticular lateral head would follow the kinematics and work of the elbow more closely than would those of the biarticular long head. In general this prediction was supported. For instance, the lateral head stretched (5 ± 2%; mean ± SE) in the lead and lag limbs to absorb work during elbow flexion and joint work absorption, while the long head shortened (−7 ± 1%) to produce work. During elbow extension, both muscles shortened by similar amounts (−10 ± 2% long; −13 ± 4% lateral) in the lead limb to produce work. Both triceps heads functioned similarly in landing, stretching (13 ± 3% in the long head and 19 ± 5% in the lateral) to absorb energy. In general, the long head functioned to produce power at the shoulder and elbow, while the lateral head functioned to resist elbow flexion and absorb work, demonstrating that functional diversification can arise between mono- and biarticular muscle agonists operating at the same joint.


1993 ◽  
Vol 182 (1) ◽  
pp. 191-206 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. D. Altringham ◽  
C. S. Wardle ◽  
C. I. Smith

We describe experiments on isolated, live muscle fibres which simulate their in vivo activity in a swimming saithe (Pollachius virens). Superficial fast muscle fibres isolated from points 0.35, 0.5 and 0.65 body lengths (BL) from the anterior tip had different contractile properties. Twitch contraction time increased from rostral to caudal myotomes and power output (measured by the work loop technique) decreased. Power versus cycle frequency curves of rostral fibres were shifted to higher frequencies relative to those of caudal fibres. In the fish, phase differences between caudally travelling waves of muscle activation and fish bending suggest a change in muscle function along the body. In vitro experiments indicate that in vivo superficial fast fibres of rostral myotomes are operating under conditions that yield maximum power output. Caudal myotomes are active as they are lengthened in vivo and initially operate under conditions which maximise their stiffness, before entering a positive power-generating phase. A description is presented for the generation of thrust at the tail blade by the superficial, fast, lateral muscle. Power generated rostrally is transmitted to the tail by stiffened muscle placed more caudally. A transition zone between power generation and stiffening travels caudally, and all but the most caudal myotomes generate power at some phase of the tailbeat. Rostral power output, caudal force, bending moment and force at the tail blade are all maximal at essentially the same moment in the tailbeat cycle, as the tail blade crosses the swimming track.


Author(s):  
Theodore Dassios ◽  
Aggeliki Vervenioti ◽  
Gabriel Dimitriou

Abstract Our aim was to summarise the current evidence and methods used to assess respiratory muscle function in the newborn, focusing on current and future potential clinical applications. The respiratory muscles undertake the work of breathing and consist mainly of the diaphragm, which in the newborn is prone to dysfunction due to lower muscle mass, flattened shape and decreased content of fatigue-resistant muscle fibres. Premature infants are prone to diaphragmatic dysfunction due to limited reserves and limited capacity to generate force and avoid fatigue. Methods to assess the respiratory muscles in the newborn include electromyography, maximal respiratory pressures, assessment for thoraco-abdominal asynchrony and composite indices, such as the pressure–time product and the tension time index. Recently, there has been significant interest and a growing body of research in assessing respiratory muscle function using bedside ultrasonography. Neurally adjusted ventilator assist is a novel ventilation mode, where the level of the respiratory support is determined by the diaphragmatic electrical activity. Prolonged mechanical ventilation, hypercapnia and hypoxia, congenital anomalies and systemic or respiratory infection can negatively impact respiratory muscle function in the newborn, while caffeine and synchronised or volume-targeted ventilation have a positive effect on respiratory muscle function compared to conventional, non-triggered or pressure-limited ventilation, respectively. Impact Respiratory muscle function is impaired in prematurely born neonates and infants with congenital anomalies, such as congenital diaphragmatic hernia. Respiratory muscle function is negatively affected by prolonged ventilation and infection and positively affected by caffeine and synchronised compared to non-synchronised ventilation modes. Point-of-care diaphragmatic ultrasound and neurally adjusted ventilator assist are recent diagnostic and therapeutic technological developments with significant clinical applicability.


2006 ◽  
Vol 16 (3) ◽  
pp. 270-280 ◽  
Author(s):  
S.C. Bryer ◽  
A.H. Goldfarb

This study investigated if vitamin C supplementation before and after eccentric exercise could reduce muscle soreness (MS), oxidative stress, and muscle function. Eighteen healthy men randomly assigned to either a placebo (P) or vitamin C (VC) (3 g/d) treatment group took pills for 2 wk prior and 4 d after performing 70 eccentric elbow extensions with their non-dominant arm. MS increased in both groups with significantly reduced MS for the first 24 h with VC. Range of motion was reduced equally in both groups after the exercise (P ≥ 0.05). Muscle force declined equally and was unaffected by treatment. VC attenuated the creatine kinase (CK) increase at 48 h after exercise with similar CK after this time. Gluta-thione ratio (oxidized glutathione/total glutathione) was significantly increased at 4 and 24 h with P but VC prevented this change. These data suggest that vitamin C pretreatment can reduce MS, delay CK increase, and prevent blood glutathione oxidation with little influence on muscle function loss.


2008 ◽  
Vol 7 (4) ◽  
pp. 307-313 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Bäck ◽  
Bertil Wennerblom ◽  
Susanna Wittboldt ◽  
Åsa Cider

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of high frequency exercise for patients before and after an elective percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), with special reference to maximal aerobic capacity, muscle function, health related quality of life (HRQoL), waist–hip ratio (WHR) and restenosis. Methods: A randomised, controlled study was performed in Sweden between 2004 and 2006 in thirty-seven patients (five women) with stable coronary artery disease (CAD), age 63.6 ± 6.9 years, randomised to either high frequency exercise or control group. The patients in the training group performed three endurance resistance exercises and trained on a cycle ergometer 30 min, 5 times a week for 8 months at 70% of VO2max. Results: Patients in the training group significantly improved their maximal aerobic capacity (15 (9–46) vs. 8 (0–18)% p ≤ 0.05), shoulder flexion ( p ≤ 0.01), shoulder abduction ( p ≤ 0.01) and heel-lift ( p ≤ 0.05) compared to the control group. There were no significant differences between the groups in HRQoL, WHR and restenosis. Conclusion: High frequency exercise in patients treated with PCI seems to improve maximal aerobic capacity and muscle function, which may reduce the risks of further progression of atherosclerosis. However, further larger studies are needed to fully investigate the effects of exercise in patients with PCI.


1984 ◽  
Vol 57 (6) ◽  
pp. 1742-1748 ◽  
Author(s):  
T. R. Bai ◽  
B. J. Rabinovitch ◽  
R. L. Pardy

Because of its potential relevance to heavy exercise we studied the ventilatory muscle function of five normal subjects before, during, and after shortterm near-maximal voluntary normocapnic hyperpnea. Measurements of pleural and abdominal pressures and diaphragm electromyogram (EMG) during hyperpnea and of maximum respiratory pressures before and after hyperpnea were made at four levels of ventilation: 76, 79, and 86% maximal voluntary ventilation (MVV) and at MVV. Measurements of pleural and abdominal pressures and diaphragm electromyogram (EMG) during hyperpnea and of maximum respiratory pressures before and after hyperpnea were made. The pressure-stimulation frequency relationship of the diaphragm obtained by unilateral transcutaneous phrenic nerve stimulation was studied in two subjects before and after hyperpnea. Decreases in maximal inspiratory (PImax) and transdiaphragmatic (Pdimax) strength were recorded posthyperpnea at 76 and 79% MVV. Decreases in the pressure-frequency curves of the diaphragm and the ratio of high-to-low frequency power of the diaphragm EMG occurred in association with decreases in Pdimax. Analysis of the pressure-time product (P X dt) for the inspiratory and expiratory muscles individually indicated the increasing contribution of expiratory muscle force to the attainment of higher levels of ventilation. Demonstrable ventilatory muscle fatigue may limit endurance at high levels of ventilation.


2008 ◽  
Vol 24 (1-2) ◽  
pp. 117-126
Author(s):  
Vladimir Zimmermann ◽  
V. Kulísek ◽  
A. Copík ◽  
M. Odstrcil ◽  
Ondrej Debrecéni ◽  
...  

The results of histochemical analysis of three muscles m. triceps brachii (MTB), m. longissimus thoracicus (MLT) and m. rectus femoris (MRF) of two groups of pigs created according to the genotypes MYF 4 are presented. Determination of MYF 4 genotypes was made by PCR method and for histochemical analysis was used 5 animals detected as homozygote MYF 4- AA type and 5 animals of heterozygote genotype myogenin-AB out of the total of 25 individual animals tested. The histochemical analysis proved that homozygotes AA have had bigger fat cells than heterozygotes AB in three studied muscles in average. The size of fat cells in MLT - 41.10?m or 38.50 ?m respectively dominated in both groups of animals. Percentage surface representation of interstitial tissues was higher in the studied muscles of heterozygote MYF 4-AB. The volume of ligaments was the highest in MRF (3.80% or 3.90% respectively) in both groups (myogenin - AA and AB). The average thickness was of three studied muscles muscle fibres higher at homozygote genotype myogenin-AA than in heterozygote myogenin-AB. The thickest fibres in both genotypes were in MRF (88.60 ?m, and 84.72 ?m respectively) and the lowest in MTB (73.30 and 69.40 ?m respectively). The highest values of muscle fibres thickness were detected in ?-White fibres. Their percentage surface representation corresponded to this in all three types of muscles of both studied genotype myogenin groups.


Non-motile cilia of the (9 + 2) pattern, having a specialized onion-like root structure, act as sensitive receptors of water displacement and thereby detect vibrations of small objects in the water nearby. These receptors are situated on sensory nerve cells on finger-like processes up to 1 cm long, on the surface of the ctenophore Leucothea ( = Eucharis) multicornis . In response to vibration a single finger can shoot outwards as an independent effector by an extension of its mesogloeal hydrostatic skeleton, acted on by circular and transverse muscle fibres which run mainly through the mesogloea. A copepod which may be hit is immobilized, presumably by a poisonous secretion. Retraction is brought about by longitudinal ectodermal fibres. The neuromuscular junctions have presynaptic vesicles of 30 to 50 nm diameter, a cleft of 15 to 20 nm wide, and occur at discrete points far from each other on the muscle cells, suggesting that excitation is propagated along the muscle fibres. No direct connexion has been traced between a sensory ciliated cell and a muscle fibre, but sensory cells connect with nerve net neurons and these form synapses with each other and with muscle cells. There are numerous nerve fibres in the epithelium and synapses with vesicles on one side of a cleft 12 to 15 nm wide occur between them sufficiently closely for spatial summation to be possible. The separate co-ordination of movements of extension, retraction and bending requires that certain types of sensory cells be connected specifically, if in directly, with muscle fibres of a particular directionality. This provides a primitive example of specificity of connexions which must imply two overlapping nerve nets.


2021 ◽  
pp. 1-7
Author(s):  
Lucas Ettinger ◽  
Matthew Shaprio ◽  
Andrew Karduna

Context: Shoulder muscle activation in patients with subacromial impingement is highly cited and variable in the literature. Differences between studies could be due to artifacts introduced by normalization practices in the presence of pain. Ultimately, this lack of knowledge pertaining to pathogenesis limits the clinical treatment and restoration of muscular function. Design: A total of 21 patients with stage 2 subacromial impingement and 21 matched controls were recruited for EMG testing of their affected shoulder during an arm elevation task. The patients were tested before and after receiving an injection to their subacromial bursa. Methods: The EMG from 7 shoulder muscles were measured before and after treatment during humeral motion in the scapular plane. Results: Our findings indicate an increase in anterior deltoid, middle deltoid, and upper trapezius activity following the injection; further, this trend extended to the controls. The control subjects had a greater activation of the latissimus dorsi at peak arm elevation when compared with the patient group postinjection. Conclusions: Our results indicate that a reduction in subacromial pain is associated with changes in shoulder muscle recruitment, primarily of the deltoid. This change in deltoid activity may lend evidence to rotator cuff function in patients without rotator cuff tears.


Author(s):  
Eunjee Kim ◽  
Donghyun Song ◽  
Dasom Park ◽  
Hyorim Kim ◽  
Gwanseob Shin

Prolonged smartphone use induces passive stretch of neck tissues and muscle fatigue, affecting spinal stability and pain. It is necessary to evaluate the effect of smartphone use on the reflexive response to detect the changes in neck tissues and head stability. A laboratory experiment (n=10) was conducted to investigate the reflexive response of neck muscle to perturbation after 30 minutes of smartphone use. Neck extensor muscle activation and its activation timing to perturbation were investigated before and after smartphone use. Head angle and muscle activation level were collected during smartphone use. During smartphone use, muscle activation gradually increased. After smartphone use, neck muscles showed a higher activation level and significantly delayed onset to perturbation. Smartphone use changed the reflexive response of the neck muscle. Further study is needed to investigate the association between smartphone use and neuromuscular changes to the tissues of the cervical spine.


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