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Iida N, Thoreson AR, Reisdorf RL, Tsukamoto I, El Hor H, Zhao C. Relationship Between the Changes of Tendon Elastic Moduli With Ultrasound Shear Wave Elastography and Mechanical Compression Test. ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE & BIOLOGY 2024; 50:586-591. [PMID: 38272742 DOI: 10.1016/j.ultrasmedbio.2024.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2023] [Revised: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/01/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to investigate the consistency of the changes in the elastic modulus measured with ultrasound shear wave elastography (SWE) with changes measured through mechanical testing using tendons that were artificially altered by chemical modifications. METHODS Thirty-six canine flexor digitorum profundus tendons were used for this experiment. To mimic tendon mechanical property changes induced by tendinopathy conditions, tendons were treated with collagenase to soften the tissue by collagen digestion or with 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)carbodiimide hydrochloride (EDC) to stiffen the tissues through chemical crosslinking. Tendons were randomly assigned to one of three groups: immersion in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) as a control group (n = 12), collagenase treatment (n = 12) or EDC treatment (n = 12). Immediately following SWE measurement of each tendon, mechanical compression testing was performed as a gold standard to validate the SWE measurement. Both tests were conducted before and after treatment. RESULTS The compressive modulus and SWE shear modulus significantly decreased after collagenase treatment. Conversely, both moduli significantly increased after EDC treatment. There was no significant difference in either modulus before or after PBS treatment. As a result of a regression analysis with the percentage change of the compressive modulus as the dependent variable and SWE shear modulus as the independent variable, the best-fit regression was found to be an exponential function and the coefficient of determination was 0.687. CONCLUSION The changes in the compressive moduli and SWE shear moduli in tendons induced by chemical treatments were correlated by approximately 70%.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naoya Iida
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Andrew R Thoreson
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | | | - Ichiro Tsukamoto
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Hicham El Hor
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Chunfeng Zhao
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA.
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Coombes BK, Hanna M, Thompson KA, Coppieters MW, Dick TJM, Andrade RJ, Barber L. Mild untreated hypercholesterolaemia affects mechanical properties of the Achilles tendon but not gastrocnemius muscle. J Biomech 2024; 166:112048. [PMID: 38493577 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiomech.2024.112048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2023] [Revised: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
Tendon xanthoma and altered mechanical properties have been demonstrated in people with familial hypercholesterolaemia. However, it is unclear whether mild, untreated hypercholesterolaemia alters musculotendinous mechanical properties and muscle architecture. We conducted a case-control study of adults aged 50 years and over, without lower limb injury or history of statin medication. Based on fasting low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels, 6 participants had borderline high LDL (>3.33 mmol/L) and 6 had optimal LDL cholesterol (<2.56 mmol/L). Using shear wave elastography, shear wave velocity (SWV) of the Achilles tendon and gastrocnemius medialis muscle (a proxy for stiffness), along with muscle fascicle length and pennation angle were measured under four passive tensile loads (0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 kg) applied via a pulley system. Differences between groups were found for tendon SWV but not muscle SWV, fascicle length or pennation angle. Participants with hypercholesterolaemia showed greater SWV (mean difference, 95 % CI: 2.4 m/s, 0.9 to 4.0, P = 0.024) compared to the control group across all loads. These findings suggest that adults with mild hypercholesterolaemia have increased tendon stiffness under low passive loads, while muscle was not affected. Future research is needed to confirm findings in a larger cohort and explore the impact of hypercholesterolaemia on tendon fatigue injury and tendinopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brooke K Coombes
- School of Health Sciences and Social Work, Griffith University, 170 Kessels Road, Brisbane, Australia 4111; Menzies Health Institute Queensland, 170 Kessels Road, Brisbane, Australia 4111.
| | - Monica Hanna
- School of Health Sciences and Social Work, Griffith University, 170 Kessels Road, Brisbane, Australia 4111
| | - Kaelah A Thompson
- School of Health Sciences and Social Work, Griffith University, 170 Kessels Road, Brisbane, Australia 4111.
| | - Michel W Coppieters
- School of Health Sciences and Social Work, Griffith University, 170 Kessels Road, Brisbane, Australia 4111; Menzies Health Institute Queensland, 170 Kessels Road, Brisbane, Australia 4111; Adjunct, Faculty of Behavioural and Movement Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam Movement Sciences, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Taylor J M Dick
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, Chancellors Place, St Lucia, Brisbane 4067, Australia.
| | - Ricardo J Andrade
- School of Health Sciences and Social Work, Griffith University, 170 Kessels Road, Brisbane, Australia 4111; Menzies Health Institute Queensland, 170 Kessels Road, Brisbane, Australia 4111; Nantes Université, Movement - Interactions - Performance, MIP, UR 4334, Nantes F 44000, France.
| | - Lee Barber
- School of Health Sciences and Social Work, Griffith University, 170 Kessels Road, Brisbane, Australia 4111; Menzies Health Institute Queensland, 170 Kessels Road, Brisbane, Australia 4111.
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Abbott EM, Stephens JD, Simha SN, Wood L, Nardelli P, Cope TC, Sawicki GS, Ting LH. Attenuation of muscle spindle firing with artificially increased series compliance during stretch of relaxed muscle. Exp Physiol 2024; 109:148-158. [PMID: 37856330 PMCID: PMC10841431 DOI: 10.1113/ep090872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2022] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
Muscle spindles relay vital mechanosensory information for movement and posture, but muscle spindle feedback is coupled to skeletal motion by a compliant tendon. Little is known about the effects of tendon compliance on muscle spindle feedback during movement, and the complex firing of muscle spindles makes these effects difficult to predict. Our goal was to investigate changes in muscle spindle firing using added series elastic elements (SEEs) to mimic a more compliant tendon, and to characterize the accompanying changes in firing with respect to muscle-tendon unit (MTU) and muscle fascicle displacements (recorded via sonomicrometry). Sinusoidal, ramp-and-hold and triangular stretches were analysed to examine potential changes in muscle spindle instantaneous firing rates (IFRs) in locomotor- and perturbation-like stretches as well as serial history dependence. Added SEEs effectively reduced overall MTU stiffness and generally reduced muscle spindle firing rates, but the effect differed across stretch types. During sinusoidal stretches, peak and mean firing rates were not reduced and IFR was best-correlated with fascicle velocity. During ramp stretches, SEEs reduced the initial burst, dynamic and static responses of the spindle. Notably, IFR was negatively related to fascicle displacement during the hold phase. During triangular stretches, SEEs reduced the mean IFR during the first and second stretches, affecting the serial history dependence of mean IFR. Overall, these results demonstrate that tendon compliance may attenuate muscle spindle feedback during movement, but these changes cannot be fully explained by reduced muscle fascicle length or velocity, or MTU force.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily M. Abbott
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringDuke UniversityDurhamNorth CarolinaUSA
| | - Jacob D. Stephens
- Coulter Department of Biomedical EngineeringEmory University and Georgia Institute of TechnologyAtlantaGeorgiaUSA
| | - Surabhi N. Simha
- Coulter Department of Biomedical EngineeringEmory University and Georgia Institute of TechnologyAtlantaGeorgiaUSA
| | - Leo Wood
- School of PhysicsGeorgia Institute of TechnologyAtlantaGeorgiaUSA
| | - Paul Nardelli
- School of Biological SciencesGeorgia Institute of TechnologyAtlantaGeorgiaUSA
| | - Timothy C. Cope
- Coulter Department of Biomedical EngineeringEmory University and Georgia Institute of TechnologyAtlantaGeorgiaUSA
- School of Biological SciencesGeorgia Institute of TechnologyAtlantaGeorgiaUSA
| | - Gregory S. Sawicki
- School of Biological SciencesGeorgia Institute of TechnologyAtlantaGeorgiaUSA
- Woodruff School of Mechanical EngineeringGeorgia Institute of TechnologyAtlantaGeorgiaUSA
| | - Lena H. Ting
- Coulter Department of Biomedical EngineeringEmory University and Georgia Institute of TechnologyAtlantaGeorgiaUSA
- Department of Rehabilitation MedicineEmory UniversityAtlantaGeorgiaUSA
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Jakubowski KL, Ludvig D, Lee SSM, Perreault EJ. At matched loads, aging does not alter ankle, muscle, or tendon stiffness. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.11.25.568676. [PMID: 38045313 PMCID: PMC10690239 DOI: 10.1101/2023.11.25.568676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/05/2023]
Abstract
Older adults have difficulty maintaining balance when faced with postural disturbances, a task that is influenced by the stiffness of the triceps surae and Achilles tendon. Age-related changes in Achilles tendon stiffness have been reported at matched levels of effort, but measures typically have not been made at matched loads, which is important due to age-dependent changes in strength. Moreover, age-dependent changes in muscle stiffness have yet to be tested. Here, we investigate how age alters muscle and tendon stiffness and their influence on ankle stiffness. We hypothesized that age-related changes in muscle and tendon contribute to reduced ankle stiffness in older adults and evaluated this hypothesis when either load or effort were matched. We used B-mode ultrasound with joint-level perturbations to quantify ankle, muscle, and tendon stiffness across a range of loads and efforts in seventeen healthy younger and older adults. At matched loads, there was no significant difference in ankle, muscle, or tendon stiffness between groups (all p>0.13). However, at matched effort, older adults exhibited a significant decrease in ankle (27%; p=0.008), muscle (37%; p=0.02), and tendon stiffness (22%; p=0.03) at 30% of maximum effort. This is consistent with our finding that older adults were 36% weaker than younger adults in plantarflexion (p=0.004). Together these results indicate that, at the loads tested in this study, there are no age-dependent changes in the mechanical properties of muscle or tendon, only differences in strength that result in altered ankle, muscle, and tendon stiffness at matched levels of effort. N ew and N oteworthy We provide the first simultaneous estimates of ankle, muscle, and tendon stiffness in younger and older adults. In contrast to earlier conclusions, we found that muscle and tendon mechanical properties are unaffected by age when compared at matched loads. However, due to age-related decreases in strength, mechanical properties do differ at matched efforts. As such, it is important to assess the relevance of the comparisons being made relative to the functional tasks under consideration.
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Ateş F, Marquetand J, Zimmer M. Detecting age-related changes in skeletal muscle mechanics using ultrasound shear wave elastography. Sci Rep 2023; 13:20062. [PMID: 37974024 PMCID: PMC10654699 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-47468-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Aging leads to a decline in muscle mass and force-generating capacity. Ultrasound shear wave elastography (SWE) is a non-invasive method to capture age-related muscular adaptation. This study assessed biceps brachii muscle (BB) mechanics, hypothesizing that shear elastic modulus reflects (i) passive muscle force increase imposed by length change, (ii) activation-dependent mechanical changes, and (iii) differences between older and younger individuals. Fourteen healthy volunteers aged 60-80 participated. Shear elastic modulus, surface electromyography, and elbow torque were measured at five elbow positions in passive and active states. Data collected from young adults aged 20-40 were compared. The BB passive shear elastic modulus increased from flexion to extension, with the older group exhibiting up to 52.58% higher values. Maximum elbow flexion torque decreased in extended positions, with the older group 23.67% weaker. Significant effects of elbow angle, activity level, and age on total and active shear elastic modulus were found during submaximal contractions. The older group had 20.25% lower active shear elastic modulus at 25% maximum voluntary contraction. SWE effectively quantified passive and activation-dependent BB mechanics, detecting age-related alterations at rest and during low-level activities. These findings suggest shear elastic modulus as a promising biomarker for identifying altered muscle mechanics in aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filiz Ateş
- Institute of Structural Mechanics and Dynamics in Aerospace Engineering, University of Stuttgart, Stuttgart, Germany.
| | - Justus Marquetand
- Department of Epileptology, Hertie-Institute for Clinical Brain Research, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- Department of Neural Dynamics and Magnetoencephalography, Hertie-Institute for Clinical Brain Research, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- MEG-Center, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Manuela Zimmer
- Institute of Structural Mechanics and Dynamics in Aerospace Engineering, University of Stuttgart, Stuttgart, Germany
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Darrieutort-Laffite C, Beach ZM, Weiss SN, Eekhoff JE, Soslowsky LJ. Knockdown of biglycan reveals an important role in maintenance of structural and mechanical properties during tendon aging. J Orthop Res 2023; 41:2287-2294. [PMID: 36822659 PMCID: PMC10444902 DOI: 10.1002/jor.25536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2022] [Revised: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023]
Abstract
Biglycan, a small leucine-rich proteoglycan (SLRP), is involved in collagen fibrillogenesis and also acts as a signaling molecule. Although decorin has been considered as the primary SLRP in developing and maintaining tendon structure and mechanics, more recent work using inducible knockdown models suggests that biglycan is involved in tendon homeostasis. The purpose of the study was to determine the role of biglycan in tendon homeostasis to maintain mechanical and structural integrity in aged mice. Aged (485 days old) female Bgn+/+ control (wild type [WT], n = 16) and 16 bitransgenic conditional Bgnflox/flox mice (I-Bgn-/- , n = 16) with a tamoxifen-inducible Cre (driven by ROSA) were utilized. After biglycan knockdown, the transgenic model demonstrated effective knockdown of the target gene without any compensation from other SLRPs or type I collagen. Patellar tendon cellularity was not modified after biglycan knockdown. However, biglycan knockdown had an impact on collagen fibrillogenesis with a higher percentage of small diameter fibrils (25-45 nm) and a lower percentage of medium size fibrils (150-165 nm) in I-Bgn-/- tendons. Biglycan knockdown also induced a reduction in the midsubstance modulus and maximum stress compared to WT. Stress relaxation was reduced at 4% strain in I-Bgn-/- tendons but no changes were observed in dynamic modulus and tan delta. As in mature tendons (120 days old), this study showed significant effects of biglycan knockdown on mechanical and structural properties of aged tendons only 30 days after knockdown. These data suggest that biglycan has a major role in maintaining homeostasis in aged tendon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christelle Darrieutort-Laffite
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, McKay Orthopaedic Research Laboratory, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Service de Rhumatologie, CHU Nantes, 1 place Alexis Ricordeau, 44000 Nantes, France
| | - Zakary M. Beach
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, McKay Orthopaedic Research Laboratory, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Stephanie N. Weiss
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, McKay Orthopaedic Research Laboratory, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Jeremy E. Eekhoff
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, McKay Orthopaedic Research Laboratory, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Louis J. Soslowsky
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, McKay Orthopaedic Research Laboratory, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
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Huang X, Chen X, Chen X, Chi P, Wang P, Zhan X, Zou C, Wang L, Dong Y. Sound touch elastography of Achilles tendons in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus versus healthy adults. Diabetol Metab Syndr 2023; 15:174. [PMID: 37599363 PMCID: PMC10440868 DOI: 10.1186/s13098-023-01148-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/05/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The studies of the effect of diabetes on the stiffness of Achilles tendon (AT) tissue remain inconclusive, we believe it is necessary to find a reliable method which can be used to detect the stiffness changes of the AT in the diabetic state. The objective of the present study was to investigate the effectiveness of sound touch elastography (STE) as a tool for detecting diabetic Achilles tendinopathy. METHODS We conducted a retrospective review of 180 participants, consisting of 82 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and 98 healthy adults, who had undergone AT ultrasonography. Young 's modulus (E) values of the distal, middle, and proximal segments of bilateral ATs of all participants were measured using STE technique. The E values of each AT segment between the case and control group were compared. RESULTS The E values of the three segments of ATs in T2DM patients were lower than the healthy controls (P < 0.05). In both groups, the E values of the distal segments were lower than those of the middle segments, and the latter were lower than those of the proximal segments (P < 0.05). The E value of each segment of AT was inversely related to FPG, HbA1c, and diabetes duration (P < 0.05). The best cut-off points for the E values of the three segments of the AT for detecting diabetic tendinopathy were 347.44 kPa (AUC, 0.779), 441.57 kPa (AUC, 0.692), and 484.35 kPa (AUC, 0.676), respectively. CONCLUSION STE can be used as a complementary diagnostic tool for the diagnosis of diabetic Achilles tendinopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinxin Huang
- Department of Ultrasonic Diagnosis, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, 1111 Wenzhou Avenue, Longwan District, Wenzhou, 325000, China
| | - Xingyu Chen
- Department of Ultrasonic Diagnosis, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, 1111 Wenzhou Avenue, Longwan District, Wenzhou, 325000, China
| | - Xiu Chen
- Department of Ultrasonic Diagnosis, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, 1111 Wenzhou Avenue, Longwan District, Wenzhou, 325000, China
| | - Ping Chi
- Department of Ultrasonic Diagnosis, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, 1111 Wenzhou Avenue, Longwan District, Wenzhou, 325000, China
| | - Pengfei Wang
- Department of Ultrasonic Diagnosis, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, 1111 Wenzhou Avenue, Longwan District, Wenzhou, 325000, China
| | - Xiaomei Zhan
- Department of Ultrasonic Diagnosis, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, 1111 Wenzhou Avenue, Longwan District, Wenzhou, 325000, China
| | - Chunpeng Zou
- Department of Ultrasonic Diagnosis, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, 1111 Wenzhou Avenue, Longwan District, Wenzhou, 325000, China.
| | - Liang Wang
- Department of Ultrasonic Diagnosis, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, 1111 Wenzhou Avenue, Longwan District, Wenzhou, 325000, China.
| | - Yanyan Dong
- Department of Ultrasonic Diagnosis, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, 1111 Wenzhou Avenue, Longwan District, Wenzhou, 325000, China.
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Römer C, Zessin E, Czupajllo J, Fischer T, Wolfarth B, Lerchbaumer MH. Effect of Physical Parameters and Training Load on Patellar Tendon Stiffness in Professional Athletes. Diagnostics (Basel) 2023; 13:2541. [PMID: 37568903 PMCID: PMC10417388 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics13152541] [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: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Injuries of the patellar tendon commonly occur as a result of mechanical loading of the tendon during physical activity. Shear wave elastography (SWE) is an established technique for assessing tendon stiffness, and has good interindividual reliability. The aim of this study was to investigate the impacts of physical parameters and different sports on patellar tendon stiffness in professional athletes using SWE. METHODS Standardized patellar tendon SWE was performed in a relaxed supine position with a small roll under the knee (20° flexion) in 60 healthy professional athletes (30 female, 30 male). Multiple linear regression was performed for patellar tendon stiffness including gender, age, body mass index (BMI), and type of sport. RESULTS Patellar tendon stiffness showed no significant difference between female (3.320 m/s) and male (3.416 m/s) professional athletes. Mean age (female: 20.53 years; male: 19.80 years) and BMI (female: 23.24 kg/m2; male: 23.52 kg/m2) were comparable. Female professional athletes with oral contraceptive (OC) intake showed higher patellar tendon stiffness than athletes without OC intake (3.723 versus 3.017; p = 0.053), but not significantly. CONCLUSION In professional athletes, there are no significant differences in patellar tendon stiffness according to gender, age, BMI and type of sport (handball, volleyball, soccer, sprint, hammer throw). Oral contraceptives may not have an impact on patellar tendon stiffness in female athletes. Further studies are necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Römer
- Department of Sports Medicine, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 10115 Berlin, Germany
| | - Enrico Zessin
- Department of Sports Medicine, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 10115 Berlin, Germany
| | - Julia Czupajllo
- Department of Sports Medicine, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 10115 Berlin, Germany
| | - Thomas Fischer
- Department of Radiology, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Bernd Wolfarth
- Department of Sports Medicine, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 10115 Berlin, Germany
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Abbott EM, Stephens JD, Simha SN, Wood L, Nardelli P, Cope TC, Sawicki GS, Ting LH. Attenuation of muscle spindle firing with artificially increased series compliance during stretch of relaxed muscle. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.05.08.539853. [PMID: 37215007 PMCID: PMC10197546 DOI: 10.1101/2023.05.08.539853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Muscle spindles relay vital mechanosensory information for movement and posture, but muscle spindle feedback is coupled to skeletal motion by a compliant tendon. Little is known about the effects of tendon compliance on muscle spindle feedback during movement, and the complex firing of muscle spindles make these effects difficult to predict. Our goal was to investigate changes in muscle spindle firing using added series elastic elements (SEEs) to mimic a more compliant tendon, and to characterize the accompanying changes in firing with respect to muscle-tendon unit (MTU) and muscle fascicle displacements (recorded via sonomicrometry). Sinusoidal, ramp-hold-release, and triangular stretches were analyzed to examine potential changes in muscle spindle instantaneous firing rates (IFRs) in locomotor- and perturbation-like stretches as well as history dependence. Added SEEs effectively reduced overall MTU stiffness and generally reduced muscle spindle firing rates, but the effect differed across stretch types. During sinusoidal stretches, peak firing rates were reduced and IFR was strongly correlated with fascicle velocity. During ramp stretches, SEEs reduced the dynamic and static responses of the spindle during lengthening but had no effect on initial bursts at the onset of stretch. Notably, IFR was negatively related to fascicle displacement during the hold phase. During triangular stretches, SEEs reduced the mean IFR during the first and second stretches, affecting the history dependence of mean IFR. Overall, these results demonstrate that tendon compliance may attenuate muscle spindle feedback during movement, but these changes cannot be fully explained by reduced muscle fascicle length and velocity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jacob D Stephens
- Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Emory University and Georgia Institute of Technology
| | - Surabhi N Simha
- Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Emory University and Georgia Institute of Technology
| | - Leo Wood
- School of Physics, Georgia Institute of Technology
| | - Paul Nardelli
- School of Biological Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology
| | - Timothy C Cope
- Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Emory University and Georgia Institute of Technology
- School of Biological Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology
| | - Gregory S Sawicki
- Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Emory University and Georgia Institute of Technology
- Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology
| | - Lena H Ting
- Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Emory University and Georgia Institute of Technology
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Emory University
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10
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Römer C, Zessin E, Czupajllo J, Fischer T, Wolfarth B, Lerchbaumer MH. Effect of Anthropometric Parameters on Achilles Tendon Stiffness of Professional Athletes Measured by Shear Wave Elastography. J Clin Med 2023; 12:jcm12082963. [PMID: 37109299 PMCID: PMC10145458 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12082963] [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: 03/06/2023] [Revised: 04/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/09/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Shear wave elastography (SWE) is currently used to detect tissue pathologies and, in the setting of preventive medicine, may have the potential to reveal structural changes before they lead to functional impairment. Hence, it would be desirable to determine the sensitivity of SWE and to investigate how Achilles tendon stiffness is affected by anthropometric variables and sport-specific locomotion. METHODS To investigate the influence of anthropometric parameters on Achilles tendon stiffness using SWE and examine different types of sports to develop approaches in preventive medicine for professional athletes, standardized SWE of Achilles tendon stiffness was performed in 65 healthy professional athletes (33 female, 32 male) in the longitudinal plane and relaxed tendon position. Descriptive analysis and linear regression were performed. Furthermore, subgroup analysis was performed for different sports (soccer, handball, sprint, volleyball, hammer throw). RESULTS In the total study population (n = 65), Achilles tendon stiffness was significantly higher in male professional athletes (p < 0.001) than in female professional athletes (10.98 m/s (10.15-11.65) vs. 12.19 m/s (11.25-14.74)). Multiple linear regression for AT stiffness did not reveal a significant impact of age or body mass index (BMI) (p > 0.05). Subgroup analysis for type of sport showed the highest AT stiffness values in sprinters (14.02 m/s (13.50-14.63)). CONCLUSION There are significant gender differences in AT stiffness across different types of professional athletes. The highest AT stiffness values were found in sprinters, which needs to be considered when diagnosing tendon pathologies. Future studies are needed to investigate the benefit of pre- and post-season musculoskeletal SWE examinations of professional athletes and a possible benefit of rehabilitation or preventive medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Römer
- Department of Sports Medicine, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 10115 Berlin, Germany
| | - Enrico Zessin
- Department of Sports Medicine, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 10115 Berlin, Germany
| | - Julia Czupajllo
- Department of Sports Medicine, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 10115 Berlin, Germany
| | - Thomas Fischer
- Department of Radiology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Bernd Wolfarth
- Department of Sports Medicine, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 10115 Berlin, Germany
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11
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Finni T, Vanwanseele B. Towards modern understanding of the Achilles tendon properties in human movement research. J Biomech 2023; 152:111583. [PMID: 37086579 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiomech.2023.111583] [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: 12/14/2022] [Revised: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 04/24/2023]
Abstract
The Achilles tendon (AT) is the strongest tendon in humans, yet it often suffers from injury. The mechanical properties of the AT afford efficient movement, power amplification and power attenuation during locomotor tasks. The properties and the unique structure of the AT as a common tendon for three muscles have been studied frequently in humans using in vivo methods since 1990's. As a part of the celebration of 50 years history of the International Society of Biomechanics, this paper reviews the history of the AT research focusing on its mechanical properties in humans. The questions addressed are: What are the most important mechanical properties of the Achilles tendon, how are they studied, what is their significance to human movement, and how do they adapt? We foresee that the ongoing developments in experimental methods and modeling can provide ways to advance knowledge of the complex three-dimensional structure and properties of the Achilles tendon in vivo, and to enable monitoring of the loading and recovery for optimizing individual adaptations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taija Finni
- Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, Neuromuscular Research Center, University of Jyväskylä, Finland.
| | - Benedicte Vanwanseele
- Faculty of Movement and Rehabilitation Science, Human Movement Biomechanics Research Group, KU Leuven, Belgium
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12
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Kobayashi K, Yagi M, Tateuchi H, Ota M, Umehara J, Sakata H, Okada S, Ichihashi N. Effect of age on shear modulus, muscle thickness, echo intensity of the upper limb, lower limb, and trunk muscles in healthy women. Eur J Appl Physiol 2023; 123:797-807. [PMID: 36462033 DOI: 10.1007/s00421-022-05099-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE This study aimed to examine the effect of age on the mechanical properties, muscle size, and muscle quality in the upper and lower limb and trunk muscles. METHODS We evaluated the shear modulus (G), muscle thickness (MT), and echo intensity (EI) of the upper and lower limb and trunk muscles of 83 healthy women (21-83-year-old). The G values of some limb muscles were measured in relaxed and stretched positions. RESULTS Regarding the effect of age on G at the distinct positions, the G of the upper limb muscles were not significantly correlated with age in the relaxed and stretched positions. In contrast, the G of the iliacus showed a significant negative correlation in both positions. Additionally, the G of the rectus femoris had a significant negative correlation only in the relaxed position. Regarding differences among body parts, the G of the lower limb and oblique abdominal muscles showed a significant negative correlation, but no correlation in the upper limb, rectus abdominis, and back muscles. Moreover, MT showed a significant negative correlation with age in the lower limb, abdominal, and erector spinae muscles, but no correlation was detected in the upper limb and lumbar multifidus muscles. EI had a significant positive correlation in all the muscles. CONCLUSION The effect of age on G depended on body parts, and the G of the lower limb and oblique abdominal muscles negatively associated with age. Additionally, G in the relaxed position may be more susceptible to aging than G in the stretched position.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kotono Kobayashi
- Human Health Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, 53 Kawahara-cho, Shogoin, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-8507, Japan.
| | - Masahide Yagi
- Human Health Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, 53 Kawahara-cho, Shogoin, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-8507, Japan
| | - Hiroshige Tateuchi
- Human Health Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, 53 Kawahara-cho, Shogoin, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-8507, Japan
| | - Megumi Ota
- Human Health Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, 53 Kawahara-cho, Shogoin, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-8507, Japan
| | - Jun Umehara
- Human Health Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, 53 Kawahara-cho, Shogoin, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-8507, Japan
- Faculty of Rehabilitation, Kansai Medical University, 18-89 Uyama Higashimachi, Hirakata, Osaka, 573-1136, Japan
| | - Haruka Sakata
- Human Health Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, 53 Kawahara-cho, Shogoin, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-8507, Japan
| | - Sayaka Okada
- Human Health Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, 53 Kawahara-cho, Shogoin, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-8507, Japan
| | - Noriaki Ichihashi
- Human Health Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, 53 Kawahara-cho, Shogoin, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-8507, Japan
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13
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Boyer KA, Hayes KL, Umberger BR, Adamczyk PG, Bean JF, Brach JS, Clark BC, Clark DJ, Ferrucci L, Finley J, Franz JR, Golightly YM, Hortobágyi T, Hunter S, Narici M, Nicklas B, Roberts T, Sawicki G, Simonsick E, Kent JA. Age-related changes in gait biomechanics and their impact on the metabolic cost of walking: Report from a National Institute on Aging workshop. Exp Gerontol 2023; 173:112102. [PMID: 36693530 PMCID: PMC10008437 DOI: 10.1016/j.exger.2023.112102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Revised: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Changes in old age that contribute to the complex issue of an increased metabolic cost of walking (mass-specific energy cost per unit distance traveled) in older adults appear to center at least in part on changes in gait biomechanics. However, age-related changes in energy metabolism, neuromuscular function and connective tissue properties also likely contribute to this problem, of which the consequences are poor mobility and increased risk of inactivity-related disease and disability. The U.S. National Institute on Aging convened a workshop in September 2021 with an interdisciplinary group of scientists to address the gaps in research related to the mechanisms and consequences of changes in mobility in old age. The goal of the workshop was to identify promising ways to move the field forward toward improving gait performance, decreasing energy cost, and enhancing mobility for older adults. This report summarizes the workshop and brings multidisciplinary insight into the known and potential causes and consequences of age-related changes in gait biomechanics. We highlight how gait mechanics and energy cost change with aging, the potential neuromuscular mechanisms and role of connective tissue in these changes, and cutting-edge interventions and technologies that may be used to measure and improve gait and mobility in older adults. Key gaps in the literature that warrant targeted research in the future are identified and discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine A Boyer
- Department of Kinesiology, University of Massachusetts Amherst, MA, USA; Department of Orthopedics and Physical Rehabilitation, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA.
| | - Kate L Hayes
- Department of Kinesiology, University of Massachusetts Amherst, MA, USA
| | | | | | - Jonathan F Bean
- New England GRECC, VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, MA, USA; Department of PM&R, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jennifer S Brach
- Department of Physical Therapy, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Brian C Clark
- Ohio Musculoskeletal and Neurological Institute and the Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ohio University, Athens, OH, USA
| | - David J Clark
- Brain Rehabilitation Research Center, Malcom Randall VA Medical Center, Gainesville, FL, USA; Department of Physiology and Aging, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Luigi Ferrucci
- Intramural Research Program of the National Institute on Aging, NIH, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - James Finley
- Division of Biokinesiology and Physical Therapy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Jason R Franz
- Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and North Carolina State University, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Yvonne M Golightly
- College of Allied Health Professions, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA; Thurston Arthritis Research Center, Division of Rheumatology, Allergy, and Immunology, Department of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Tibor Hortobágyi
- Hungarian University of Sports Science, Department of Kinesiology, Budapest, Hungary; Institute of Sport Sciences and Physical Education, University of Pécs, Hungary; Somogy County Kaposi Mór Teaching Hospital, Kaposvár, Hungary; Center for Human Movement Sciences, University of Groningen Medical Center, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Sandra Hunter
- Department of Physical Therapy, Marquette University, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Marco Narici
- Neuromuscular Physiology Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Barbara Nicklas
- Section on Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, USA
| | - Thomas Roberts
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Brown University, USA
| | - Gregory Sawicki
- George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, USA
| | - Eleanor Simonsick
- Intramural Research Program of the National Institute on Aging, NIH, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jane A Kent
- Department of Kinesiology, University of Massachusetts Amherst, MA, USA
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14
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Mansur H, Durigan JLQ, de Noronha M, Kjaer M, Magnusson SP, de Araújo BAS, de Cássia Marqueti R. Differences in the cross-sectional area along the ankle tendons with both age and sex. J Anat 2023; 242:213-223. [PMID: 36250976 PMCID: PMC9877482 DOI: 10.1111/joa.13774] [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: 01/02/2022] [Revised: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Increasing age appears to influence several morphologic changes in major tendons. However, the effects of aging on the cross-sectional area (CSA) of different ankle tendons are much less understood. Furthermore, potential differences in specific tendon regions along the length of the tendons have not been investigated in detail. Sixty healthy adult participants categorized by age as young (n = 20; mean ± SD age = 22.5 ± 4.5 years), middle-age (n = 20; age = 40.6 ± 8. 0 years), or old (n = 20; age = 69.9 ± 9.1 years), from both sexes, were included. The tendon CSA of tibialis anterior (TA), tibialis posterior (TP), fibularis (FT), and Achilles (AT) was measured from T1-weighted 1.5 T MR images in incremental intervals of 10% along its length (from proximal insertion) and compared between different age groups and sexes. The mean CSA of the AT was greater in the middle-age group than both young and old participants (p < 0.01) and large effect sizes were observed for these differences (Cohen's d > 1). Furthermore, there was a significant difference in CSA in all three groups along the length of the different tendons. Region-specific differences between groups were observed in the distal portion (90% and 100% of the length), in which the FT presented greater CSA comparing middle-age to young and old (p < 0.05). In conclusion, (1) great magnitude of morpho-structural differences was discovered in the AT; (2) there are region-specific differences in the CSA of ankle tendons within the three groups and between them; and (3) there were no differences in tendon CSA between sexes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henrique Mansur
- Department of Physical Education, University of Brasília (UnB), Brasilia, Brazil
| | | | - Marcos de Noronha
- La Trobe University - Rural Health School, Bendigo, Victoria, Australia
| | - Michael Kjaer
- Institute of Sports Medicine Copenhagen, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Bispebjerg Hospital and Center for Healthy Aging, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - S Peter Magnusson
- Institute of Sports Medicine Copenhagen, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Bispebjerg Hospital and Center for Healthy Aging, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation Research Unit, Bispebjerg Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
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15
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Romer C, Czupajllo J, Zessin E, Fischer T, Wolfarth B, Lerchbaumer MH. Stiffness of Muscles and Tendons of the Lower Limb of Professional and Semiprofessional Athletes Using Shear Wave Elastography. JOURNAL OF ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE : OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE 2022; 41:3061-3068. [PMID: 35900250 DOI: 10.1002/jum.16062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2022] [Revised: 06/28/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Shear wave elastography (SWE) allows assessment of muscle and tendon stiffness and can be used to diagnose soft tissue pathologies such as tendinopathies. In sports medicine, SWE may have the potential to uncover structural changes early on before they lead to functional impairment. To systematically analyze possible differences in tendon and muscle stiffness of the lower limb between professional (PG) and semiprofessional female athletes (SG) using SWE and to compile reference values for developing preventive medicine approaches for professional athletes. METHODS Standardized SWE of both lower limb tendons and muscles (Achilles tendon [AT], soleus muscle insertion [SM], patellar tendon [PT], quadriceps tendon [QT], vastus medialis muscle [VM]) in the longitudinal plane was performed with the tendons in relaxed position in 24 healthy professional female athletes (PG) in comparison with 24 healthy semiprofessional female athletes (SG). RESULTS Median tendon and muscle stiffness was significantly higher in professional athletes (AT:PG, 11.12 m/s vs SG, 7.33 m/s, P < .001; SM: 1.77 m/s vs 1.14 m/s, P < .001; VM: 1.63 m/s vs 0.87 m/s, P < .001; QT: 3.31 m/s vs 2.61 m/s, P < .05). There was no significant difference in patellar tendon stiffness between PG and SG (PT: 2.57 m/s vs 3.21, P = .25). CONCLUSION Professional female athletes have higher stiffness values than semiprofessional female athletes in lower limb muscles and tendons, except for the patellar tendon. Knowledge of such differences is necessary for diagnosing tendinopathy and injuries. Musculoskeletal SWE could offer great benefits in sports medicine as well as in rehabilitation and preventive medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Romer
- Department of Sports Medicine, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Julia Czupajllo
- Department of Sports Medicine, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Enrico Zessin
- Department of Sports Medicine, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Thomas Fischer
- Department of Radiology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Bernd Wolfarth
- Department of Radiology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Markus H Lerchbaumer
- Department of Radiology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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16
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Beach ZM, Dekhne MS, Rodriguez AB, Weiss SN, Adams TH, Adams SM, Sun M, Birk DE, Soslowsky LJ. Decorin knockdown is beneficial for aged tendons in the presence of biglycan expression. Matrix Biol Plus 2022; 15:100114. [PMID: 35818471 PMCID: PMC9270257 DOI: 10.1016/j.mbplus.2022.100114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Revised: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Decorin and biglycan are two major small leucine-rich proteoglycans (SLRPs) present in the tendon extracellular matrix that facilitate collagen fibrillogenesis, tissue turnover, and cell signal transduction. Previously, we demonstrated that knockout of decorin prevented the decline of tendon mechanical properties that are associated with aging. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of decorin and biglycan knockdown on tendon structure and mechanics in aged tendons using tamoxifen-inducible knockdown models. We hypothesized that the knockdown of decorin and compound knockdown of decorin and biglycan would prevent age-related declines in tendon mechanics and structure compared to biglycan knockdown and wild-type controls, and that these changes would be exacerbated as the tendons progress towards geriatric ages. To achieve this objective, we created tamoxifen-inducible mouse knockdown models to target decorin and biglycan gene inactivation without the abnormal tendon development associated with traditional knockout models. Knockdown of decorin led to increased midsubstance modulus and decreased stress relaxation in aged tendons. However, these changes were not sustained in the geriatric tendons. Knockdown in biglycan led to no changes in mechanics in the aged or geriatric tendons. Contrary to our hypothesis, the compound decorin/biglycan knockdown tendons did not resemble the decorin knockdown tendons, but resulted in increased viscoelastic properties in the aged and geriatric tendons. Structurally, knockdown of SLRPs, except for the 570d I-Dcn-/-/Bgn-/- group, resulted in alterations to the collagen fibril diameter relative to wild-type controls. Overall, this study identified the differential roles of decorin and biglycan throughout tendon aging in the maintenance of tendon structural and mechanical properties and revealed that the compound decorin and biglycan knockdown phenotype did not resemble the single gene decorin or biglycan models and was detrimental to tendon properties throughout aging.
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17
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Castile RM, Cannon PC, Smith MV, Brophy RH, Lake SP. Donor age and sex have limited effects on the mechanical and microstructural properties of human connective tissues. J Orthop Res 2022; 40:1844-1852. [PMID: 34676910 DOI: 10.1002/jor.25200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Revised: 09/15/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Connective tissues, such as tendons, ligaments, and capsules, play a large role in locomotion and joint stability and are often subjected to traumatic injuries and degeneration. The purpose of this study was to evaluate if the mechanical and microstructural properties of connective tissues correlate with the age and sex of the human donor. Dissected samples were prepared for mechanical testing, consisting of 10 cycles of preconditioning, a stress-relaxation ramp and hold, and a quasi-static ramp to failure. During the testing protocol, the microstructural organization of tissues was analyzed using quantitative polarized light imaging. A linear mixed model was used to assess whether tissue type, donor age, or donor sex were significantly associated with mechanical and microstructural tissue properties. Tissue type had a significant effect on all parameters, while donor age and sex did not. Groupings by tissue type (i.e., tendon vs. ligament vs. capsule) were evident for microstructural data, with tendons having a tighter grouping and ligaments having a larger spread of values. The interaction of tissue type and age yielded a significant effect for linear modulus only (p = 0.007), with the palmaris tendon appearing to have the largest contribution to this effect. There were no significant interaction effects between sex and tissue type or donor age. Donor age appears to affect linear modulus in some, but not all, tissue types. Otherwise, age and sex do not have significant effects on the mechanical and microstructural properties of the range of connective tissues that were analyzed in this study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan M Castile
- Department of Mechanical Engineering & Materials Science, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Paul C Cannon
- Statistics and Data Science, Bringham Young University - Idaho, Rexburg, Idaho, USA
| | - Matthew V Smith
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Robert H Brophy
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Spencer P Lake
- Department of Mechanical Engineering & Materials Science, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA.,Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
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Contreras-Hernandez I, Falla D, Martinez-Valdes E. Neuromuscular and structural tendon adaptations after 6 weeks of either concentric or eccentric exercise in individuals with non-insertional Achilles tendinopathy: protocol for a randomised controlled trial. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e058683. [PMID: 35906051 PMCID: PMC9345075 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-058683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION There is limited evidence on the neural strategies employed by the central nervous system to control muscle force in the presence of non-insertional Achilles tendinopathy (NIAT). Additionally, the neuromuscular mechanisms by which exercise may help to resolve tendon pain remain unclear. OBJECTIVE This study aims to first establish changes in the gastrocnemius-soleus motor unit firing properties after applying a training protocol of 6 weeks based on either controlled eccentric or concentric contractions in individuals with NIAT. Second, we want to determine changes in the level of pain and function and mechanical and structural properties of the Achilles tendon after applying the same training protocol. Additionally, we want to compare these variables at baseline between individuals with NIAT and asymptomatic controls. METHODS AND ANALYSIS A total of 26 individuals with chronic (>3 months) NIAT and 13 healthy controls will participate in the study. Individuals with NIAT will be randomised to perform eccentric or concentric training for 6 weeks. Motor unit firing properties of the medial gastrocnemius, lateral gastrocnemius and soleus muscles will be assessed using high-density surface electromyography, as well as Achilles tendon length, cross-sectional area, thickness and stiffness using B-mode ultrasonography and shear wave elastography. Moreover, participants will complete a battery of questionnaires to document their level of pain and function. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION Ethical approval (ERN-20-0604A) for the study was obtained from the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Ethical Review Committee of the University of Birmingham. The results of the study will be published in peer-review journals. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER ISRCTN46462385.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ignacio Contreras-Hernandez
- Centre of Precision Rehabilitation for Spinal Pain (CPR Spine), School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Deborah Falla
- Centre of Precision Rehabilitation for Spinal Pain (CPR Spine), School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Eduardo Martinez-Valdes
- Centre of Precision Rehabilitation for Spinal Pain (CPR Spine), School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
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19
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External rotation of the foot position during plantarflexion increases non-uniform motions of the Achilles tendon. J Biomech 2022; 141:111232. [PMID: 35905508 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiomech.2022.111232] [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: 04/05/2022] [Revised: 06/23/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The medial (GM) and lateral gastrocnemius (GL) muscles enroll to different subparts of the Achilles tendon to form their respective subtendons. The relative gastrocnemii activations during submaximal plantarflexion contraction depend on the position of the foot in the horizontal plane: with toes-in, GL activation increases and GM activation decreases, compared to toes-out. The aim of the current study was to investigate whether horizontal foot position during submaximal isometric plantarflexion contraction differently affects the subtendons within the Achilles tendon in terms of their (i) length at rest, and (ii) elongations and distal motions. Twenty healthy subjects (12 females/8 males) participated in the study. Three-dimensional ultrasound images were taken to capture subtendon lengths at rest and during isometric contraction. Ultrasound images were recorded at the distal end of Achilles tendon (sagittal plane) during ramped contractions and analyzed using a speckle tracking algorithm. All tasks were conducted twice, ones with toes-in and ones with toes-out. At rest, subtendons were shorter with toes-out compared to toes-in. During contraction, the GM subtendon lengthened more in toes-out, compared to the GL, and vice versa (all p <.01). The relative motions within the Achilles tendon (middle minus top layers displacements) were smaller in toes-in compared to toes-out (p =.05) for higher contraction intensity. Our results demonstrated that the horizontal foot position during plantarflexion contraction impacts Achilles tendon motions. Such findings may be relevant in a clinical context, for example in pathologies affecting Achilles tendon motions such as Achilles tendinopathy.
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Papavasileiou A, Mademli L, Hatzitaki V, Patikas DA. Electromyographic responses to unexpected Achilles tendon vibration-induced perturbations during standing in young and older people. Exp Brain Res 2022; 240:1017-1027. [PMID: 35171309 DOI: 10.1007/s00221-022-06309-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Accepted: 01/16/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate age-related differences in electromyographic (EMG) responses to unexpected Achilles tendon vibration (ATV) perturbations while standing blindfold. ATV with variable and random duration (12-15 s) and rest periods (20-24 s) was applied on 18 young and 16 older volunteers. The anterior/posterior center of pressure (CoP) and the soleus (SOL) and tibialis anterior (TA) EMG were analyzed for 1 s before and 8 s after the ATV onset and offset. ATV induced a posterior shift of CoP in both groups, with more pronounced shift in the older group. During ATV onset, the older group demonstrated less SOL and more TA EMG increase compared to the young group. During the first 0.5 s of ATV offset, SOL EMG was decreased in both age groups, while TA showed a burst of EMG activity that was greater in the older group. No difference in the latencies of EMG peaks or valleys was observed between the groups. It is concluded that ATV induces greater posterior CoP shift in older adults, and they adopt a recovery strategy, characterized by a decreased SOL activation and an increased TA activation. These differences are possibly attributed to the increased fear of falling, decreased limits of stability and reduced capacity of older people to reweight their sensory inflow when proprioception is distorted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anastasia Papavasileiou
- School of Physical Education and Sport Science at Serres, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 62110, Ag. Ioannis, Serres, Greece
| | - Lida Mademli
- School of Physical Education and Sport Science at Serres, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 62110, Ag. Ioannis, Serres, Greece
| | - Vassilia Hatzitaki
- School of Physical Education and Sport Science, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Dimitrios A Patikas
- School of Physical Education and Sport Science at Serres, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 62110, Ag. Ioannis, Serres, Greece.
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Alcaraz-Clariana S, García-Luque L, Garrido-Castro JL, Carmona-Pérez C, Rodrigues-de-Souza DP, Fernández-de-las-Peñas C, Alburquerque-Sendín F. Influence of Spinal Movements Associated with Physical Evaluation on Muscle Mechanical Properties of the Lumbar Paraspinal in Subjects with Acute Low Back Pain. Diagnostics (Basel) 2022; 12:diagnostics12020302. [PMID: 35204392 PMCID: PMC8870934 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics12020302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Revised: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
This research aimed to identify changes in muscle mechanical properties (MMPs) when a standardized sequence of movements is performed and to determine the influence of acute low back pain (LBP) and age on the MMPs. Socio-demographic, clinical variables and MMPs were collected in 33 patients with LBP and 33 healthy controls. A 2 × 2 × 2 (group × age × time) analysis of variance (ANOVA) mixed model was used to determine the effect of the study factors on the different MMPs. There were no significant triple interactions. After the movements, tone and stiffness increased 0.37 Hz and 22.75 N/m, respectively, in subjects <35 years, independent of their clinical status. Relaxation showed differences by age in healthy subjects and creep in LBP subjects. Furthermore, elasticity was higher in <35 years (p < 0.001) without the influence of any other factor. In conclusion, sequenced movements can modify tone and stiffness as a function of age, while age-associated changes in viscoelastic characteristics depends on pain but not on movements. The MMPs should be assessed, not only at the beginning of the physical examination at rest, but also along the patient’s follow-up, depending on their pain and age, in a clinical setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Alcaraz-Clariana
- Department of Nursing, Pharmacology and Physical Therapy, Faculty of Medicine and Nursing, University of Córdoba, 14004 Córdoba, Spain; (S.A.-C.); (L.G.-L.); (C.C.-P.); (D.P.R.-d.-S.); (F.A.-S.)
| | - Lourdes García-Luque
- Department of Nursing, Pharmacology and Physical Therapy, Faculty of Medicine and Nursing, University of Córdoba, 14004 Córdoba, Spain; (S.A.-C.); (L.G.-L.); (C.C.-P.); (D.P.R.-d.-S.); (F.A.-S.)
| | - Juan Luis Garrido-Castro
- Department of Computer Science and Numerical Analysis, Rabanales Campus, University of Córdoba, 14071 Córdoba, Spain;
- Maimonides Biomedical Research Institute of Cordoba (IMIBIC), 14004 Córdoba, Spain
| | - Cristina Carmona-Pérez
- Department of Nursing, Pharmacology and Physical Therapy, Faculty of Medicine and Nursing, University of Córdoba, 14004 Córdoba, Spain; (S.A.-C.); (L.G.-L.); (C.C.-P.); (D.P.R.-d.-S.); (F.A.-S.)
| | - Daiana Priscila Rodrigues-de-Souza
- Department of Nursing, Pharmacology and Physical Therapy, Faculty of Medicine and Nursing, University of Córdoba, 14004 Córdoba, Spain; (S.A.-C.); (L.G.-L.); (C.C.-P.); (D.P.R.-d.-S.); (F.A.-S.)
| | - César Fernández-de-las-Peñas
- Department of Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Rehabilitation and Physical Medicine, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, Alcorcón, 28922 Madrid, Spain
- Cátedra Institucional en Docencia, Clínica e Investigación en Fisioterapia: Terapia Manual, Punción Seca y Ejercicio Terapéutico, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, Alcorcón, 28922 Madrid, Spain
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-914-888-884; Fax: +34-914-888-957
| | - Francisco Alburquerque-Sendín
- Department of Nursing, Pharmacology and Physical Therapy, Faculty of Medicine and Nursing, University of Córdoba, 14004 Córdoba, Spain; (S.A.-C.); (L.G.-L.); (C.C.-P.); (D.P.R.-d.-S.); (F.A.-S.)
- Maimonides Biomedical Research Institute of Cordoba (IMIBIC), 14004 Córdoba, Spain
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22
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Do Y, Lall PS, Lee H. Assessing the Effects of Aging on Muscle Stiffness Using Shear Wave Elastography and Myotonometer. Healthcare (Basel) 2021; 9:healthcare9121733. [PMID: 34946459 PMCID: PMC8700831 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare9121733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Revised: 12/10/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
The current study investigated the differences in muscle stiffness between older and young adults at rest and during contraction. We also evaluated the differences in muscle stiffness assessments using a myotonometer (MyotonPRO) and shear wave elastography (SWE). Twenty-two older adults (mean age, 66.6 ± 1.6 years) and 23 young adults (mean age, 66.6 ± 1.6 years) participated in this study. Muscle stiffness of the tibialis anterior (TA) and medial gastrocnemius (MG) muscles at rest and during contraction were measured using SWE and the MyotonPRO. The stiffness increase rate (SIR) was also calculated to determine the absolute stiffness difference. The mean muscle stiffness of the TA and MG muscles was significantly lower in older adults than in young adults at rest and during contraction (p < 0.05). Similarly, the SIR values of the TA and MG were significantly lower in older adults than in young adults (p < 0.05). Our results indicate that both instruments could be used to quantify muscle stiffness changes and serve as a cornerstone for assessing aging-related losses in muscle function. Stiffness measures may help exercise professionals to develop an in-depth understanding of muscle impairment at the tissue level.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Haneul Lee
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +(82)-32-820-4335; Fax: +(82)-32-820-4420
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23
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Liew BXW, Rugamer D, Duffy K, Taylor M, Jackson J. The mechanical energetics of walking across the adult lifespan. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0259817. [PMID: 34767611 PMCID: PMC8589218 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0259817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Understanding what constitutes normal walking mechanics across the adult lifespan is crucial to the identification and intervention of early decline in walking function. Existing research has assumed a simple linear alteration in peak joint powers between young and older adults. The aim of the present study was to quantify the potential (non)linear relationship between age and the joint power waveforms of the lower limb during walking. Methods This was a pooled secondary analysis of the authors’ (MT, KD, JJ) and three publicly available datasets, resulting in a dataset of 278 adults between the ages of 19 to 86 years old. Three-dimensional motion capture with synchronised force plate assessment was performed during self-paced walking. Inverse dynamics were used to quantity joint power of the ankle, knee, and hip, which were time-normalized to 100 stride cycle points. Generalized Additive Models for location, scale and shape (GAMLSS) was used to model the effect of cycle points, age, walking speed, stride length, height, and their interaction on the outcome of each joint’s power. Results At both 1m/s and 1.5 m/s, A2 peaked at the age of 60 years old with a value of 3.09 (95% confidence interval [CI] 2.95 to 3.23) W/kg and 3.05 (95%CI 2.94 to 3.16), respectively. For H1, joint power peaked with a value of 0.40 (95%CI 0.31 to 0.49) W/kg at 1m/s, and with a value of 0.78 (95%CI 0.72 to 0.84) W/kg at 1.5m/s, at the age of 20 years old. For H3, joint power peaked with a value of 0.69 (95%CI 0.62 to 0.76) W/kg at 1m/s, and with a value of 1.38 (95%CI 1.32 to 1.44) W/kg at 1.5m/s, at the age of 70 years old. Conclusions Findings from this study do not support a simple linear relationship between joint power and ageing. A more in-depth understanding of walking mechanics across the lifespan may provide more opportunities to develop early clinical diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for impaired walking function. We anticipate that the present methodology of pooling data across multiple studies, is a novel and useful research method to understand motor development across the lifespan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernard X. W. Liew
- School of Sport, Rehabilitation and Exercise Sciences, University of Essex, Colchester, Essex, United Kingdom
- * E-mail: ,
| | - David Rugamer
- Department of Statistics, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Kim Duffy
- School of Sport, Rehabilitation and Exercise Sciences, University of Essex, Colchester, Essex, United Kingdom
| | - Matthew Taylor
- School of Sport, Rehabilitation and Exercise Sciences, University of Essex, Colchester, Essex, United Kingdom
| | - Jo Jackson
- School of Sport, Rehabilitation and Exercise Sciences, University of Essex, Colchester, Essex, United Kingdom
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24
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Pinel S, Kelp NY, Bugeja JM, Bolsterlee B, Hug F, Dick TJM. Quantity versus quality: Age-related differences in muscle volume, intramuscular fat, and mechanical properties in the triceps surae. Exp Gerontol 2021; 156:111594. [PMID: 34673171 DOI: 10.1016/j.exger.2021.111594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2021] [Revised: 10/10/2021] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
With aging comes reductions in the quality and size of skeletal muscle. These changes influence the force-generating capacity of skeletal muscle and contribute to movement deficits that accompany aging. Although declines in strength remain a significant barrier to mobility in older adults, the association between age-related changes in muscle structure and function remain unresolved. In this study, we compared age-related differences in (i) muscle volume and architecture, (ii) the quantity and distribution of intramuscular fat, and (iii) muscle shear modulus (an index of stiffness) in the triceps surae in 21 younger (24.6 ± 4.3 years) and 15 older (70.4 ± 2.4 years) healthy adults. Additionally, we explored the relationship between muscle volume, architecture, intramuscular fat and ankle plantar flexion strength in young and older adults. Magnetic resonance imaging was used to determine muscle volume and intramuscular fat content. B-mode ultrasound was used to quantify muscle architecture, shear-wave elastography was used to measure shear modulus, and ankle strength was measured during maximal isometric plantar flexion contractions. We found that older adults displayed higher levels of intramuscular fat yet similar muscle volumes in the medial (MG) and lateral gastrocnemius (LG) and soleus, compared to younger adults. These age-related higher levels of intramuscular fat were associated with lower muscle shear modulus in the LG and MG. We also found that muscle physiological cross-sectional area (PCSA) that accounted for age-associated differences in intramuscular fat showed a modest increase in its association with ankle strength compared to PCSA that did not account for fat content. This highlights that skeletal muscle fat infiltration plays a role in age-related strength deficits, but does not fully explain the age-related loss in muscle strength, suggesting that other factors play a more significant role.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina Pinel
- The University of Queensland, School of Biomedical Sciences, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia; The University of Groningen, Faculty of Medicine, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Nicole Y Kelp
- The University of Queensland, School of Biomedical Sciences, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Jessica M Bugeja
- The University of Queensland, School of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia; Australian e-Health Research Centre, CSIRO Health and Biosecurity, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Bart Bolsterlee
- Neuroscience Research Australia (NeuRA), Randwick, New South Wales, Australia; University of New South Wales, Randwick, New South Wales, Australia; Queensland University of Technology, School of Mechanical, Medical and Process Engineering, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - François Hug
- The University of Queensland, School of Biomedical Sciences, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia; University of New South Wales, Graduate School of Biomedical Engineering, Randwick, New South Wales, Australia; Institut Universitaire de France (IUF), Paris, France; Université Côte d'Azur, LAMHESS, Nice, France
| | - Taylor J M Dick
- The University of Queensland, School of Biomedical Sciences, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
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25
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Xu J, Fu SN, Hug F. Age-related increase in muscle stiffness is muscle length dependent and associated with muscle force in senior females. BMC Musculoskelet Disord 2021; 22:829. [PMID: 34579696 PMCID: PMC8477537 DOI: 10.1186/s12891-021-04519-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2021] [Accepted: 07/10/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background In aging, muscle stiffness is considered as one of the factors associated with the reduction of force generation capability. There have been inconsistent findings on age-related alteration in the passive stiffness of quadriceps muscle in the female adults. Thus, the aim of this study was to determine the effect of aging on the shear moduli of the superficial muscle heads of the quadriceps and to explore its relationship with knee extension force. Methods Passive shear moduli of the rectus femoris (RF), vastus lateralis (VL), and vastus medialis (VM) were measured at rest using shear wave elastography in 20 young and 20 senior female adults. Measurements were repeated at four knee joint positions, that is, 30°, 60°, 90°, and 105° of knee flexion. Maximal isometric voluntary knee extension force was assessed at 30°, 60°, and 90° of knee flexion. Results As per our findings, senior adults were determined to have significantly higher passive muscle shear moduli in the RF (by 34% – 68%; all p < 0.05) and the VL muscle heads (by 13%–16%, all p < 0.05) at and beyond 60° of knee flexion. Age-related increase in the VM was evident at 105° knee flexion (by11%, p = 0.020). The RF shear modulus was negatively correlated to the maximal isometric voluntary contraction force measured at 60° (r = − 0.485, p = 0.030) in senior adults. Conclusions Senior female adults had greater passive stiffness at the superficial muscle heads of the quadriceps muscles when measured at long muscle length. Among the senior female adults, the passive stiffness of RF has been determined to have a negative association with the knee extensor force only at 60° knee flexion. No significant association was noted for other angles and muscles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingfei Xu
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, PR China.,Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Yuk Choi Road, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China.,Institute for Disaster Management and Reconstruction, Sichuan University, Chengdu, PR China
| | - Siu Ngor Fu
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Yuk Choi Road, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China.
| | - François Hug
- University of Nantes, Faculty of Sport Sciences, Laboratory "Movement, Interactions, Performance" (EA 4334), Nantes, France.,InstitutUniversitaire de France (IUF), Paris, France
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26
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Hamard R, Aeles J, Kelp NY, Feigean R, Hug F, Dick TJM. Does different activation between the medial and the lateral gastrocnemius during walking translate into different fascicle behavior? J Exp Biol 2021; 224:269039. [PMID: 34096594 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.242626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2021] [Accepted: 05/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
The functional difference between the medial gastrocnemius (MG) and lateral gastrocnemius (LG) during walking in humans has not yet been fully established. Although evidence highlights that the MG is activated more than the LG, the link with potential differences in mechanical behavior between these muscles remains unknown. In this study, we aimed to determine whether differences in activation between the MG and LG translate into different fascicle behavior during walking. Fifteen participants walked at their preferred speed under two conditions: 0% and 10% incline treadmill grade. We used surface electromyography and B-mode ultrasound to estimate muscle activation and fascicle dynamics in the MG and LG. We observed a higher normalized activation in the MG than in the LG during stance, which did not translate into greater MG normalized fascicle shortening. However, we observed significantly less normalized fascicle lengthening in the MG than in the LG during early stance, which matched with the timing of differences in activation between muscles. This resulted in more isometric behavior of the MG, which likely influences the muscle-tendon interaction and enhances the catapult-like mechanism in the MG compared with the LG. Nevertheless, this interplay between muscle activation and fascicle behavior, evident at the group level, was not observed at the individual level, as revealed by the lack of correlation between the MG-LG differences in activation and MG-LG differences in fascicle behavior. The MG and LG are often considered as equivalent muscles but the neuromechanical differences between them suggest that they may have distinct functional roles during locomotion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raphaël Hamard
- Nantes University, Laboratory 'Movement, Interactions, Performance' (EA 4334), 44000 Nantes, France
| | - Jeroen Aeles
- Nantes University, Laboratory 'Movement, Interactions, Performance' (EA 4334), 44000 Nantes, France
| | - Nicole Y Kelp
- The University of Queensland, School of Biomedical Sciences, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Romain Feigean
- Nantes University, Laboratory 'Movement, Interactions, Performance' (EA 4334), 44000 Nantes, France.,Laboratoire de Physiologie et Evaluation Neuromusculaire, Institut de Myologie, 75013 Paris, France
| | - François Hug
- Nantes University, Laboratory 'Movement, Interactions, Performance' (EA 4334), 44000 Nantes, France.,The University of Queensland, School of Biomedical Sciences, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia.,Institut Universitaire de France (IUF), 75231 Paris, France
| | - Taylor J M Dick
- The University of Queensland, School of Biomedical Sciences, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
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27
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Ganse B, Degens H. Current Insights in the Age-related Decline in Sports Performance of the Older Athlete. Int J Sports Med 2021; 42:879-888. [PMID: 34000751 DOI: 10.1055/a-1480-7730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The higher performance level of master athletes compared to non-athletes is often associated with better health throughout life. However, even the physical performance of master athletes declines with age, and this decline accelerates from about the age of 70 years onwards. A progressive loss of muscle mass, declines in force- and power-generating capacity, decreased flexibility, and the concomitant decline in specific tension characterize the muscular changes underlying performance declines. In the cardiovascular system, declines in stroke volume and cardiac output, and cardiac and vascular stiffness contribute to decreasing performance. Recent studies have shown that long-term endurance exercise in master athletes does not only have positive effects, but is associated with an increased incidence of atrial fibrillation, atherosclerotic plaques, and aortic dilation, and even more so in men than in women. Recently, larger longitudinal datasets were analysed and showed that the age-related decline in performance was similar in longitudinal and cross-sectional data. In conclusion, regular physical activity enhances the exercise capacity, and hence quality of life in old age, but it is not without risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bergita Ganse
- Research Centre for Musculoskeletal Science & Sports Medicine, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.,Innovative Implant Development, Clinics and Institutes of Surgery, Universität des Saarlandes, Homburg, Germany
| | - Hans Degens
- Research Centre for Musculoskeletal Science & Sports Medicine, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.,Institute of Sport Science and Innovations, Lithuanian Sports University, Kaunas, Lithuania
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28
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Siadat SM, Zamboulis DE, Thorpe CT, Ruberti JW, Connizzo BK. Tendon Extracellular Matrix Assembly, Maintenance and Dysregulation Throughout Life. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2021; 1348:45-103. [PMID: 34807415 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-80614-9_3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
In his Lissner Award medal lecture in 2000, Stephen Cowin asked the question: "How is a tissue built?" It is not a new question, but it remains as relevant today as it did when it was asked 20 years ago. In fact, research on the organization and development of tissue structure has been a primary focus of tendon and ligament research for over two centuries. The tendon extracellular matrix (ECM) is critical to overall tissue function; it gives the tissue its unique mechanical properties, exhibiting complex non-linear responses, viscoelasticity and flow mechanisms, excellent energy storage and fatigue resistance. This matrix also creates a unique microenvironment for resident cells, allowing cells to maintain their phenotype and translate mechanical and chemical signals into biological responses. Importantly, this architecture is constantly remodeled by local cell populations in response to changing biochemical (systemic and local disease or injury) and mechanical (exercise, disuse, and overuse) stimuli. Here, we review the current understanding of matrix remodeling throughout life, focusing on formation and assembly during the postnatal period, maintenance and homeostasis during adulthood, and changes to homeostasis in natural aging. We also discuss advances in model systems and novel tools for studying collagen and non-collagenous matrix remodeling throughout life, and finally conclude by identifying key questions that have yet to be answered.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Danae E Zamboulis
- Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Chavaunne T Thorpe
- Comparative Biomedical Sciences, The Royal Veterinary College, University of London, London, UK
| | - Jeffrey W Ruberti
- Department of Bioengineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Brianne K Connizzo
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA.
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