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Monte A, Magris R, Nardello F, Bombieri F, Zamparo P. Muscle shape changes in Parkinson's disease impair function during rapid contractions. Acta Physiol (Oxf) 2023; 238:e13957. [PMID: 36876976 DOI: 10.1111/apha.13957] [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: 12/05/2022] [Revised: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/07/2023]
Abstract
AIM Parkinson's disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized, among the others, by muscle weakness. PD patients reach lower values of peak torque during maximal voluntary contractions but also slower rates of torque development (RTD) during explosive contractions. The aim of this study was to better understand how an impairment in structural/mechanical (peripheral) factors could explain the difficulty of PD patients to raise torque rapidly. METHODS Participants (PD patients and healthy matched controls) performed maximum voluntary explosive fixed-end contraction of the knee extensor muscles during which dynamic muscle shape changes (in muscle thickness, pennation angle, and belly gearing: the ratio between muscle belly velocity and fascicle velocity), muscle-tendon unit (MTU) stiffness and EMG activity of the vastus lateralis (VL) were investigated. Both the affected (PDA) and less affected limb (PDNA) were investigated in patients. RESULTS Control participants reached higher values of peak torque and showed a better capacity to express force rapidly compared to patients (PDA and PDNA). EMG activity was observed to differ between patients (PDA) and controls, but not between controls and PDNA. This suggests a specific neural/nervous effect on the most affected side. On the contrary, MTU stiffness and dynamic muscle shape changes were found to differ between controls and patients, but not between PDA and PDNA. Both sides are thus similarly affected by the pathology. CONCLUSION The higher MTU stiffness in PD patients is likely responsible for the impaired muscle capability to change in shape which, in turn, negatively affects the torque rise.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Monte
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Riccardo Magris
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Francesca Nardello
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Federica Bombieri
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Paola Zamparo
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
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D'Emanuele S, Tarperi C, Rainoldi A, Schena F, Boccia G. Neural and contractile determinants of burst-like explosive isometric contractions of the knee extensors. Scand J Med Sci Sports 2023; 33:127-135. [PMID: 36229231 PMCID: PMC10099358 DOI: 10.1111/sms.14244] [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: 06/24/2022] [Revised: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Walking and running are based on rapid burst-like muscle contractions. Burst-like contractions generate a Gaussian-shaped force profile, in which neuromuscular determinants have never been assessed. We investigated the neural and contractile determinants of the rate of force development (RFD) in burst-like isometric knee extensions. Together with maximal voluntary force (MVF), voluntary and electrically evoked (8 stimuli at 300 Hz, octets) forces were measured in the first 50, 100, and 150 ms of burst-like quadriceps contractions in 24 adults. High-density surface electromyography (HDsEMG) was adopted to measure the root mean square (RMS) and muscle fiber conduction velocity (MFCV) from the vastus lateralis and medialis. The determinants of voluntary force at 50, 100, and 150 ms were assessed by stepwise multiple regression analysis. Force at 50 ms was explained by RMS (R2 = 0.361); force at 100 ms was explained by octet (R2 = 0.646); force at 150 ms was explained by MVF (R2 = 0.711) and octet (R2 = 0.061). Peak RFD (which occurred at 60 ± 10 ms from contraction onset) was explained by MVF (R2 = 0.518) and by RMS50 (R2 = 0.074). MFCV did not emerge as a determinant of RFD. Muscle excitation was the sole determinant of early RFD (50 ms), while contractile characteristics were more relevant for late RFD (≥100 ms). As peak RFD is mostly determined by MVF, it may not be more informative than MVF itself. Therefore, a time-locked analysis of RFD provides more insights into the neuromuscular characteristics of explosive contractions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel D'Emanuele
- School of Sport and Exercise Sciences, Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Cantor Tarperi
- School of Sport and Exercise Sciences, Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy.,Neuromuscular Function Research Group, Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Alberto Rainoldi
- Neuromuscular Function Research Group, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Federico Schena
- School of Sport and Exercise Sciences, Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Gennaro Boccia
- Neuromuscular Function Research Group, Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
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Differences in Knee Extensors’ Muscle–Tendon Unit Passive Stiffness, Architecture, and Force Production in Competitive Cyclists Versus Runners. J Appl Biomech 2022; 38:412-423. [DOI: 10.1123/jab.2022-0072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Revised: 09/01/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
To describe the possible effects of chronic specific exercise training, the present study compared the anthropometric variables, muscle–tendon unit (MTU) architecture, passive stiffness, and force production capacity between a group of competitive cyclists and runners. Twenty-seven competitive male cyclists (n = 16) and runners (n = 11) participated. B-mode ultrasound evaluation of the vastus lateralis muscle and patellar tendon as well as passive stiffness of the knee extensors MTU were assessed. The athletes then performed a test of knee extensor maximal voluntary isometric contractions. Cyclists displayed greater thigh girths, vastus lateralis pennation angle and muscle thickness, patellar tendon cross-sectional area, and MTU passive stiffness than runners (P < .05). Knee extensor force production capacity also differed significantly, with cyclists showing greater values compared with runners (P < .05). Overall, the direct comparison of these 2 populations revealed specific differences in the MTU, conceivably related to the chronic requirements imposed through the training for the different disciplines.
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Mechanisms of Achilles Tendon Rupture in National Basketball Association Players. J Appl Biomech 2022; 38:398-403. [DOI: 10.1123/jab.2022-0088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Revised: 08/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
A systematic search was performed of online databases for any Achilles tendon (AT) injuries occurring within the National Basketball Association (NBA). Video was obtained of injuries occurring during competition and downloaded for analysis in Dartfish. NBA athletes (n = 27) were identified with AT rupture over a 30-year period (1991–2021). Of the 27 NBA athletes found to have AT ruptures (mean age: 29.3 [3.3] y; average time in the NBA: 8.5 [3.8] y), 15 in-game videos were obtained for analysis. Noncontact rupture was presumed to have occurred in 12/13 cases. Eight of the 13 athletes had possession of the ball during time of injury. The ankle joint of the injured limb for all 13 athletes was in a dorsiflexed position during the time of injury (47.9° [6.5°]). All 13 athletes performed a false-step mechanism at time of injury where they initiated the movement by taking a rearward step posterior to their center of mass with the injured limb before translating forward. NBA basketball players that suffered AT ruptures appeared to present with a distinct sequence of events, including initiating a false step with ankle dorsiflexion of the injured limb at the time of injury.
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Monte A, Bertucco M, Magris R, Zamparo P. Muscle Belly Gearing Positively Affects the Force-Velocity and Power-Velocity Relationships During Explosive Dynamic Contractions. Front Physiol 2021; 12:683931. [PMID: 34456744 PMCID: PMC8387943 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2021.683931] [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: 03/22/2021] [Accepted: 07/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Changes in muscle shape could play an important role during contraction allowing to circumvent some limits imposed by the fascicle force–velocity (F–V) and power–velocity (P–V) relationships. Indeed, during low-force high-velocity contractions, muscle belly shortening velocity could exceed muscle fascicles shortening velocity, allowing the muscles to operate at higher F–V and P–V potentials (i.e., at a higher fraction of maximal force/power in accordance to the F–V and P–V relationships). By using an ultrafast ultrasound, we investigated the role of muscle shape changes (vastus lateralis) in determining belly gearing (muscle belly velocity/fascicle velocity) and the explosive torque during explosive dynamic contractions (EDC) at angular accelerations ranging from 1000 to 4000°.s–2. By means of ultrasound and dynamometric data, the F–V and P–V relationships both for fascicles and for the muscle belly were assessed. During EDC, fascicle velocity, belly velocity, belly gearing, and knee extensors torque data were analysed from 0 to 150 ms after torque onset; the fascicles and belly F–V and P–V potentials were thus calculated for each EDC. Absolute torque decreased as a function of angular acceleration (from 80 to 71 Nm, for EDC at 1000 and 4000°.s–1, respectively), whereas fascicle velocity and belly velocity increased with angular acceleration (P < 0.001). Belly gearing increased from 1.11 to 1.23 (or EDC at 1000 and 4000°.s–1, respectively) and was positively corelated with the changes in muscle thickness and pennation angle (the changes in latter two equally contributing to belly gearing changes). For the same amount of muscle’s mechanical output (force or power), the fascicles operated at higher F–V and P–V potential than the muscle belly (e.g., P–V potential from 0.70 to 0.56 for fascicles and from 0.65 to 0.41 for the muscle belly, respectively). The present results experimentally demonstrate that belly gearing could play an important role during explosive contractions, accommodating the largest part of changes in contraction velocity and allowing the fascicle to operate at higher F–V and P–V potentials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Monte
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Matteo Bertucco
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Riccardo Magris
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Paola Zamparo
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
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Muscle architecture and morphology as determinants of explosive strength. Eur J Appl Physiol 2021; 121:1099-1110. [PMID: 33458800 PMCID: PMC7966212 DOI: 10.1007/s00421-020-04585-1] [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: 02/21/2020] [Accepted: 12/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Neural drive and contractile properties are well-defined physiological determinants of explosive strength, the influence of muscle architecture and related morphology on explosive strength is poorly understood. The aim of this study was to examine the relationships between Quadriceps muscle architecture (pennation angle [ΘP] and fascicle length [FL]) and size (e.g., volume; QVOL), as well as patellar tendon moment arm (PTMA) with voluntary and evoked explosive knee extension torque in 53 recreationally active young men. METHOD Following familiarisation, explosive voluntary torque at 50 ms intervals from torque onset (T50, T100, T150), evoked octet at 50 ms (8 pulses at 300-Hz; evoked T50), as well as maximum voluntary torque, were assessed on two occasions with isometric dynamometry. B-mode ultrasound was used to assess ΘP and FL at ten sites throughout the quadriceps (2-3 sites) per constituent muscle. Muscle size (QVOL) and PTMA were quantified using 1.5 T MRI. RESULT There were no relationships with absolute early phase explosive voluntary torque (≤ 50 ms), but θP (weak), QVOL (moderate to strong) and PTMA (weak) were related to late phase explosive voluntary torque (≥ 100 ms). Regression analysis revealed only QVOL was an independent variable contributing to the variance in T100 (34%) and T150 (54%). Evoked T50 was also related to QVOL and θP. When explosive strength was expressed relative to MVT there were no relationships observed. CONCLUSION It is likely that the weak associations of θP and PTMA with late phase explosive voluntary torque was via their association with MVT/QVOL rather than as a direct determinant.
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Monte A, Zignoli A. Muscle and tendon stiffness and belly gearing positively correlate with rate of torque development during explosive fixed end contractions. J Biomech 2020; 114:110110. [PMID: 33302182 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiomech.2020.110110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2020] [Revised: 10/07/2020] [Accepted: 10/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
We combined ultrafast-ultrasound with dynamometric measurements to assess the associations between muscle structural properties and the rate of torque development (RTD) during isometric explosive fixed-end plantar flexor contractions. The torque-time signal was recorded for the plantaflexor muscles in fifteen men and the peak value of RTD was obtained. Tendon stiffness (kT) and muscle stiffness (kM) of the Gastrocnemius Medialis (GM) were assessed during maximal isometric voluntary contractions (MVC) and quick release using ultrafast ultrasound (1000 Hz). During the explosive contraction, the GM geometrical changes were recorded and the belly gearing (belly velocity/fascicle velocity) was calculated. Pearson's correlation coefficient was used to assess the correlation between variables, whereas equality of correlation coefficients between RTD and kT and kM was tested by means of the Hotelling's statistics. During explosive contraction, kT was higher than kM (~55 and ~30 N⋅mm-1, respectively). RTD positively correlated with kM (r = 0.75, p < 0.001), kT (r = 0.58, p = 0.044) and belly gearing (r = 0.78, p < 0.001). However, Hotelling's test showed no significant differences between the correlation coefficients between RTD and muscle and tendon stiffness. Further, belly gearing was significantly positively correlated with kM only (r = 0.79, p < 0.001). Our data suggest that muscle and tendon stiffness are similarly associated with RTD. Given the association with belly gearing, muscle stiffness seems to play an important role in determining the muscle length changes, thereby affecting the muscle force transmission capacity during the transient phases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Monte
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy; Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Trento, Trento, Italy.
| | - Andrea Zignoli
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy; Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Trento, Trento, Italy
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Hager R, Poulard T, Nordez A, Dorel S, Guilhem G. Influence of joint angle on muscle fascicle dynamics and rate of torque development during isometric explosive contractions. J Appl Physiol (1985) 2020; 129:569-579. [DOI: 10.1152/japplphysiol.00143.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Ankle angle influences the operating muscle fascicle lengths of gastrocnemius medialis and the rate of torque development during explosive isometric plantar flexions. The rate of torque development peaks in neutral angles where muscle fascicles shorten over the plateau of the force-length relationship. When fascicles operate over the plateau of the force-length relationship (neutral ankle positions), the force-velocity properties represent a limiting factor for the rapid force-generating capacity from 100 ms after the onset of explosive contractions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robin Hager
- Laboratory Sport, Expertise, and Performance (EA 7370), French Institute of Sport (INSEP), Paris, France
| | - Thomas Poulard
- Laboratory “Movement, Interactions, Performance” (EA 4334), Faculty of Sport Sciences, University of Nantes, Nantes, France
| | - Antoine Nordez
- Laboratory “Movement, Interactions, Performance” (EA 4334), Faculty of Sport Sciences, University of Nantes, Nantes, France
- Health and Rehabilitation Research Institute, Faculty of Health and Environmental Sciences, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Sylvain Dorel
- Laboratory “Movement, Interactions, Performance” (EA 4334), Faculty of Sport Sciences, University of Nantes, Nantes, France
| | - Gaël Guilhem
- Laboratory Sport, Expertise, and Performance (EA 7370), French Institute of Sport (INSEP), Paris, France
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Eriksen CS, Henkel C, Svensson RB, Agergaard AS, Couppé C, Kjaer M, Magnusson SP. Lower tendon stiffness in very old compared with old individuals is unaffected by short-term resistance training of skeletal muscle. J Appl Physiol (1985) 2018; 125:205-214. [PMID: 29596014 DOI: 10.1152/japplphysiol.00028.2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Aging negatively affects collagen-rich tissue, like tendons, but in vivo tendon mechanical properties and the influence of physical activity after the 8th decade of life remain to be determined. This study aimed to compare in vivo patellar tendon mechanical properties in moderately old (old) and very old adults and the effect of short-term resistance training. Twenty old (9 women, 11 men, >65 yr) and 30 very old (11 women, 19 men, >83 yr) adults were randomly allocated to heavy resistance training (HRT) or no training (CON) and underwent testing of in vivo patellar tendon (PT) mechanical properties and PT dimensions before and after a 3-mo intervention. Previous measurements of muscle properties, blood parameters, and physical activity level were included in the analysis. Data from 9 old HRT, 10 old CON, 14 very old CON, and 12 old HRT adults were analyzed. In addition to lower quadriceps muscle strength and cross-sectional area (CSA), we found lower PT stiffness and Young's modulus ( P < 0.001) and a trend toward the lower mid-portion PT-CSA ( P = 0.09) in very old compared with old subjects. Daily step count was also lower in very old subjects ( P < 0.001). Resistance training improved muscle strength and cross-sectional area equally in old and very old subjects ( P < 0.05) but did not affect PT mechanical properties or dimension. We conclude that PT material properties are reduced in very old age, and this may likely be explained by reduced physical activity. Three months of resistance training however, could not alter PT mechanical properties in very old individuals. NEW & NOTEWORTHY This research is the first to quantify in vivo tendon mechanical properties in a group of very old adults in their eighties. Patellar tendon stiffness was lower in very old (87 yr on average) compared with moderately old (68 yr on average) individuals. Reduced physical activity with aging may explain some of the loss in tendon stiffness, but regular heavy resistance training for 3 mo was not sufficient to change tendon mechanical properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Skou Eriksen
- Institute of Sports Medicine Copenhagen, Bispebjerg Hospital , Copenhagen , Denmark.,Center for Healthy Aging, Department of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen , Copenhagen , Denmark
| | - Cecilie Henkel
- Institute of Sports Medicine Copenhagen, Bispebjerg Hospital , Copenhagen , Denmark
| | - Rene B Svensson
- Institute of Sports Medicine Copenhagen, Bispebjerg Hospital , Copenhagen , Denmark.,Center for Healthy Aging, Department of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen , Copenhagen , Denmark
| | - Anne-Sofie Agergaard
- Institute of Sports Medicine Copenhagen, Bispebjerg Hospital , Copenhagen , Denmark.,Department of Physical and Occupational Therapy, Bispebjerg Hospital , Copenhagen , Denmark
| | - Christian Couppé
- Institute of Sports Medicine Copenhagen, Bispebjerg Hospital , Copenhagen , Denmark.,Department of Physical and Occupational Therapy, Bispebjerg Hospital , Copenhagen , Denmark
| | - Michael Kjaer
- Institute of Sports Medicine Copenhagen, Bispebjerg Hospital , Copenhagen , Denmark.,Center for Healthy Aging, Department of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen , Copenhagen , Denmark
| | - S Peter Magnusson
- Institute of Sports Medicine Copenhagen, Bispebjerg Hospital , Copenhagen , Denmark.,Center for Healthy Aging, Department of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen , Copenhagen , Denmark.,Department of Physical and Occupational Therapy, Bispebjerg Hospital , Copenhagen , Denmark
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