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Cogliati M, Cudicio A, Benedini M, Cabral HV, Negro F, Reggiani C, Orizio C. Influence of age on force and re-lengthening dynamics after tetanic stimulation withdrawal in the tibialis anterior muscle. Eur J Appl Physiol 2023; 123:1825-1836. [PMID: 37071199 PMCID: PMC10363076 DOI: 10.1007/s00421-023-05198-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 04/19/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE During alternate movements across a joint, the changeover from one direction of rotation to the opposite may be influenced by the delay and rate of tension reduction and the compliance to re-lengthening of the previously active muscle group. Given the aging process may affect the above-mentioned factors, this work aimed to compare the dynamics of both the ankle torque decline and muscle re-lengthening, mirrored by mechanomyogram (MMG), in the tibialis anterior because of its important role in gait. METHODS During the relaxation phase, after a supramaximal 35 Hz stimulation applied at the superficial motor point, in 20 young (Y) and 20 old (O) subjects, the torque (T) and MMG dynamics characteristics were measured. RESULTS The T and MMG analysis provided: (I) the beginning of the decay after cessation of stimulation (T: 22.51 ± 5.92 ms [Y] and 51.35 ± 15.21 ms [O]; MMG: 27.38 ± 6.93 ms [Y] and 61.41 ± 18.42 ms [O]); (II) the maximum rate of reduction (T: - 110.4 ± 45.56 Nm/s [Y] and - 52.72 ± 32.12 Nm/s [O]; MMG: - 24.47 ± 10.95 mm/s [Y] and - 13.76 ± 6.54 mm/s [O]); (III) the muscle compliance, measuring the MMG reduction of every 10% reduction of torque (bin 20-10%: 15.69 ± 7.5[Y] and 10.8 ± 3.3 [O]; bin 10-0%: 22.12 ± 10.3 [Y] and 17.58 ± 5.6 [O]). CONCLUSION Muscle relaxation results are different in Y and O and can be monitored by a non-invasive method measuring physiological variables of torque and re-lengthening dynamics at the end of the electromechanical coupling previously induced by the neuromuscular stimulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- M. Cogliati
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia Viale Europa, 11, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - A. Cudicio
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia Viale Europa, 11, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - M. Benedini
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia Viale Europa, 11, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - H. V. Cabral
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia Viale Europa, 11, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - F. Negro
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia Viale Europa, 11, 25123 Brescia, Italy
- Centre of Research on the Neuromuscular Function and the Adapted Motor Activity, University of Brescia Viale Europa, 11, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - C. Reggiani
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
- Science and Research Center, ZRS, Koper, Slovenia
| | - C. Orizio
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia Viale Europa, 11, 25123 Brescia, Italy
- Centre of Research on the Neuromuscular Function and the Adapted Motor Activity, University of Brescia Viale Europa, 11, 25123 Brescia, Italy
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Lulic-Kuryllo T, Benedini M, Cogliati M, Cudicio A, Guarneri B, Gazzina S, Piva S, Latronico N, Orizio C, Negro F. Sex-differences in the longitudinal recovery of neuromuscular function in COVID-19 associated acute respiratory distress syndrome survivors. Front Med (Lausanne) 2023; 10:1185479. [PMID: 37435534 PMCID: PMC10330713 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2023.1185479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) following severe acute respiratory syndrome 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection may have muscle weakness up to 1 year or more following ICU discharge. However, females show greater muscle weakness than males, indicating greater neuromuscular impairment. The objective of this work was to assess sex differences in longitudinal physical functioning following ICU discharge for SARS-CoV-2 infection. Methods We performed longitudinal assessment of physical functioning in two groups: 14 participants (7 males, 7 females) in the 3-to-6 month and 28 participants (14 males, 14 females) in the 6-to-12 month group following ICU discharge and assessed differences between the sexes. We examined self-reported fatigue, physical functioning, compound muscle action potential (CMAP) amplitude, maximal strength, and the neural drive to the tibialis anterior muscle. Results We found no sex differences in the assessed parameters in the 3-to-6-month follow-up, indicating significant weakness in both sexes.Sex differences emerged in the 6-to-12-month follow-up. Specifically, females exhibited greater impairments in physical functioning, including lower strength, walking lower distances, and high neural input even 1 year following ICU-discharge. Discussion Females infected by SARS-CoV-2 display significant impairments in functional recovery up to 1 year following ICU discharge. The effects of sex should be considered in post-COVID neurorehabilitation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tea Lulic-Kuryllo
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Marco Benedini
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Marta Cogliati
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Alessandro Cudicio
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Bruno Guarneri
- Department of Medical and Surgical Specialities, Radiological Sciences and Public Health, University of Brescia, Brescia, Lombardia, Italy
| | - Stefano Gazzina
- Neurophysiology Unit, ASST Spedali Civili University Hospital, Brescia, Lombardia, Italy
| | - Simone Piva
- Department of Medical and Surgical Specialities, Radiological Sciences and Public Health, University of Brescia, Brescia, Lombardia, Italy
- Department of Anesthesia, Critical Care and Emergency, ASST Spedali Civili University Hospital, Brescia, Italy
| | - Nicola Latronico
- Department of Medical and Surgical Specialities, Radiological Sciences and Public Health, University of Brescia, Brescia, Lombardia, Italy
- Department of Anesthesia, Critical Care and Emergency, ASST Spedali Civili University Hospital, Brescia, Italy
- ‘Alessandra Bono’ University Research Center on Long-Term Outcome (LOTO) in Critical Illness Survivors, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Claudio Orizio
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Francesco Negro
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
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Marcolin G, Cogliati M, Cudicio A, Negro F, Tonin R, Orizio C, Paoli A. Neuromuscular Fatigue Affects Calf Muscle Activation Strategies, but Not Dynamic Postural Balance Control in Healthy Young Adults. Front Physiol 2022; 13:799565. [PMID: 35153831 PMCID: PMC8829451 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.799565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2021] [Accepted: 01/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuromuscular fatigue could negatively affect postural balance, but its effects on dynamic postural regulation are still debated. This study aimed to investigate whether a fatigue protocol on calf muscle could affect muscle activation strategies and dynamic balance performance. Seventeen male adults (age 24.1 ± 4.6 years; height 183.9 ± 7.2 cm; weight 80.2 ± 7.2 kg) volunteered in the study. They performed a dynamic test on an instrumented platform, which provided anterior-posterior oscillations on the sagittal plane, before and after a localized fatigue protocol. High-density surface electromyographical (EMG) signals were recorded bilaterally from the soleus and the medial gastrocnemius muscles. The fatigue protocol, consisting of two quasi-isometric tiptoe standing exercise to failure with a fixed load, did not affect the global dynamic balance performance. Conversely, the frequency value corresponding to 95% of the total power spectrum density of the angular displacement signal increased after fatigue (from 1.03 ± 0.42 to 1.31 ± 0.42 Hz; p < 0.05). The EMG analysis showed a significant difference in the PRE/POST fatigue ratio of the root-mean-square (RMS) between the soleus and the gastrocnemius medialis muscles. No differences were detected for the coefficient of variation and the barycenter coordinates of the RMS EMG values between muscles and sides. The variations in the frequency content of the angular displacement and EMG activity across muscles may be related to an increase in the calf muscles stiffness after fatigue. The role of neuromechanical calf muscle properties seems to be relevant in maintaining the dynamic postural performance after a quasi-isometric fatigue protocol until failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Marcolin
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
- *Correspondence: Giuseppe Marcolin, , orcid.org/0000-0002-2768-3257
| | - Marta Cogliati
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Alessandro Cudicio
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Francesco Negro
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Riccardo Tonin
- School of Human Movement Sciences, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Claudio Orizio
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Antonio Paoli
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
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Basic characteristics between mechanomyogram and muscle force during twitch and tetanic contractions in rat skeletal muscles. J Electromyogr Kinesiol 2022; 62:102627. [PMID: 34999536 DOI: 10.1016/j.jelekin.2021.102627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2021] [Revised: 11/18/2021] [Accepted: 12/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The mechanomyogram (MMG) is a signal measured by various vibration sensors for slight vibrations induced by muscle contraction, and it reflects the muscle force during electrically induced-contraction or until 60%-70% maximum voluntary contraction, so the MMG is considered an alternative and novel measurement tool for muscle strength. We simultaneously measured the MMG and muscle force in the gastrocnemius (GC), vastus intermedius (VI), and soleus (SOL) muscles of rats. The muscle force was measured by attaching a hook to the tendon using a load cell, and the MMG was measured using a charged-coupled device-type displacement sensor at the middle of the target muscle. The MMG-twitch waveform was very similar to that of the muscle force; however, the half relaxation time and relaxation time (10%), which are relaxation parameters, were prolonged compared to those of the muscle force. The MMG amplitude correlated with the muscle force. Since stimulation frequencies that are necessary to evoke tetanic progression have a significant correlation with the twitch parameter, there is a close relationship between twitch and tetanus in the MMG signal. Therefore, we suggest that the MMG, which is electrically induced and detected by a laser displacement sensor, may be an alternative tool for measuring muscle strength.
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Weight Loss and Exercise Effects on Rate of Torque Development and Physical Function in Overweight Older Women. J Aging Phys Act 2022; 31:458-464. [DOI: 10.1123/japa.2022-0032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Revised: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Exercise training (EX) and weight loss (WL) improve lower extremity physical function (LEPF) in older overweight women; however, effects on rate of torque development (RTD) are unknown. This study aimed to determine the effects of WL + EX or WL alone on RTD, and relatedly LEPF, in overweight older women. Leg strength was assessed using isokinetic dynamometry, and RTD was calculated (RTD200 = RTD at 200 ms, RTDPeak = peak RTD, T2P = time to 1st peak). LEPF was determined via clinical functional tasks. Women (n = 44, 69.1 ± 3.6 years, 30.6 ± 4.3 kg/m2) completed a 6-month trial in EX + WL or WL groups with similar weight loss (−9.8 ± 4.2%, p > .95). EX + WL had greater improvements in (a) most LEPF tasks (p < .001) and (b) RTD200, compared with WL (36% vs. −16%, p = .031); no other RTD parameters differed. Changes in RTD parameters and LEPF were not related (all p > .05). RTD is responsive to EX but is not associated with LEPF in older women.
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The force-generation capacity of the tibialis anterior muscle at different muscle-tendon lengths depends on its motor unit contractile properties. Eur J Appl Physiol 2021; 122:317-330. [PMID: 34677625 PMCID: PMC8783895 DOI: 10.1007/s00421-021-04829-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2021] [Accepted: 10/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Purpose Muscle–tendon length can influence central and peripheral motor unit (MU) characteristics, but their interplay is unknown. This study aims to explain the effect of muscle length on MU firing and contractile properties by applying deconvolution of high-density surface EMG (HDEMG), and torque signals on the same MUs followed at different lengths during voluntary contractions. Methods Fourteen participants performed isometric ankle dorsiflexion at 10% and 20% of the maximal voluntary torque (MVC) at short, optimal, and long muscle lengths (90°, 110°, and 130° ankle angles, respectively). HDEMG signals were recorded from the tibialis anterior, and MUs were tracked by cross-correlation of MU action potentials across ankle angles and torques. Torque twitch profiles were estimated using model-based deconvolution of the torque signal based on composite MU spike trains. Results Mean discharge rate of matched motor units was similar across all muscle lengths (P = 0.975). Interestingly, the increase in mean discharge rate of MUs matched from 10 to 20% MVC force levels at the same ankle angle was smaller at 110° compared with the other two ankle positions (P = 0.003), and the phenomenon was explained by a greater increase in twitch torque at 110° compared to the shortened and lengthened positions (P = 0.002). This result was confirmed by the deconvolution of electrically evoked contractions at different stimulation frequencies and muscle–tendon lengths. Conclusion Higher variations in MU twitch torque at optimal muscle lengths likely explain the greater force-generation capacity of muscles in this position.
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Martignon C, Ruzzante F, Giuriato G, Laginestra FG, Pedrinolla A, Di Vico IA, Saggin P, Stefanelli D, Tinazzi M, Schena F, Venturelli M. The key role of physical activity against the neuromuscular deterioration in patients with Parkinson's disease. Acta Physiol (Oxf) 2021; 231:e13630. [PMID: 33595917 DOI: 10.1111/apha.13630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2021] [Revised: 02/12/2021] [Accepted: 02/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
AIM Decreased muscle strength has been frequently observed in individuals with Parkinson's disease (PD). However, this condition is still poorly examined in physically active patients. This study compared quadriceps (Q) maximal force and the contribution of central and peripheral components of force production during a maximal isometric task between physically active PD and healthy individuals. In addition, the correlation between force determinants and energy expenditure indices were investigated. METHODS Maximal voluntary contraction (MVC), resting twitch (RT) force, pennation angle (θp), physiological cross-sectional area (PCSA) and Q volume were assessed in 10 physically active PD and 10 healthy control (CTRL) individuals matched for age, sex and daily energy expenditure (DEE) profile. RESULTS No significant differences were observed between PD and CTRL in MVC (142 ± 85; 142 ± 47 N m), Q volume (1469 ± 379; 1466 ± 522 cm3 ), PCSA (206 ± 54; 205 ± 71 cm2 ), θp (14 ± 7; 13 ± 3 rad) and voluntary muscle-specific torque (MVC/PCSA [67 ± 35; 66 ± 19 N m cm-2 ]). Daily calories and MVC correlated (r = 0.56, P = .0099). However, PD displayed lower maximal voluntary activation (MVA) (85 ± 7; 95 ± 5%), rate of torque development (RTD) in the 0-0.05 (110 ± 70; 447 ± 461 N m s-1 ) and the 0.05-0.1 s (156 ± 135; 437 ± 371 N m s-1 ) epochs of MVCs, whereas RT normalized for PCSA was higher (35 ± 14; 20 ± 6 N m cm-2 ). CONCLUSION Physically active PDs show a preserved strength of the lower limb. This resulted by increasing skeletal muscle contractility, which counterbalances neuromuscular deterioration, likely due to their moderate level of physical activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camilla Martignon
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine, and Movement University of Verona Verona Italy
| | - Federico Ruzzante
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine, and Movement University of Verona Verona Italy
| | - Gaia Giuriato
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine, and Movement University of Verona Verona Italy
| | - Fabio G. Laginestra
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine, and Movement University of Verona Verona Italy
| | - Anna Pedrinolla
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine, and Movement University of Verona Verona Italy
| | - Ilaria A. Di Vico
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine, and Movement University of Verona Verona Italy
| | - Paolo Saggin
- Division of Radiology and Imaging San Francesco Clinical Diagnostic Center Verona Italy
| | - Donato Stefanelli
- Division of Radiology and Imaging San Francesco Clinical Diagnostic Center Verona Italy
| | - Michele Tinazzi
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine, and Movement University of Verona Verona Italy
| | - Federico Schena
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine, and Movement University of Verona Verona Italy
| | - Massimo Venturelli
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine, and Movement University of Verona Verona Italy
- Department of Internal Medicine University of Utah Salt Lake City UT USA
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Monte A. In vivo
manipulation of muscle shape and tendinous stiffness affects the human ability to generate torque rapidly. Exp Physiol 2020; 106:486-495. [DOI: 10.1113/ep089012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2020] [Accepted: 11/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Monte
- Department of Neurosciences Biomedicine and Movement Sciences University of Verona Verona Italy
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