Elevations in rat soleus muscle [Ca2+] with passive stretch

Mechanical and signaling responses of unloaded rat soleus muscle to chronically elevated β-myosin activity

It has been reported that muscle functional unloading is accompanied by an increase in motoneuronal excitability despite the elimination of afferent input. Thus, we hypothesized that pharmacological potentiation of spontaneous contractile soleus muscle activity during hindlimb unloading could activate anabolic signaling pathways and prevent the loss of muscle mass and strength. To investigate these aspects and underlying molecular mechanisms, we used β-myosin allosteric effector Omecamtiv Mekarbil (OM). We found that OM partially prevented the loss of isometric strength and intrinsic stiffness of the soleus muscle after two weeks of disuse. Notably, OM was able to attenuate the unloading-induced decrease in the rate of muscle protein synthesis (MPS). At the same time, the use of drug neither prevented the reduction in the markers of translational capacity (18S and 28S rRNA) nor activation of the ubiquitin-proteosomal system, which is evidenced by a decrease in the cross-sectional area of fast and slow muscle fibers. These results suggest that chemically-induced increase in low-intensity spontaneous contractions of the soleus muscle during functional unloading creates prerequisites for protein synthesis. At the same time, it should be assumed that the use of OM is advisable with pharmacological drugs that inhibit the expression of ubiquitin ligases.

Preexercise intermittent passive stretching and vascular function after treadmill exercise

Acute aerobic exercise stress is associated with decreased endothelial function that may increase the likelihood of an acute cardiovascular event. Passive stretch (PS) elicits improvements in vascular function, but whether PS can be performed before exercise to prevent declines in vascular function remains unknown. This strategy could be directly applicable in populations that may not be able to perform dynamic exercise. We hypothesized that preexercise PS would provide better vascular resilience after treadmill exercise. Sixteen healthy college-aged males and females participated in a single laboratory visit and underwent testing to assess micro- and macrovascular function. Participants were randomized into either PS group or sham control group. Intermittent calf PS was performed by having the foot in a splinting device for a 5-min stretch and 5-min relaxation, repeated four times. Then, a staged V̇o2 peak test was performed and 65% V̇o2 peak calculated for subjects to run at for 30 min. Near-infrared spectroscopy-derived microvascular responsiveness was preserved with the PS group [(pre: 0.53 ± 0.009%/s) (post: 0.56 ± 0.012%/s; P = 0.55)]. However, there was a significant reduction in the sham control group [(pre: 0.67 ± 0.010%/s) (post: 0.51 ± 0.007%/s; P = 0.05)] after treadmill exercise. Flow-mediated vasodilation (FMD) of the popliteal artery showed similar responses. In the PS group, FMD [(pre: 7.23 ± 0.74%) (post: 5.86 ± 1.01%; P = 0.27)] did not significantly decline after exercise. In the sham control group, FMD [(pre: 8.69 ± 0.72%) (post: 5.24 ± 1.24%; P < 0.001)] was significantly reduced after treadmill exercise. Vascular function may be more resilient if intermittent PS is performed before moderate-intensity exercise and, importantly, can be performed by most individuals.NEW & NOTEWORTHY We demonstrate for the first time that popliteal artery and gastrocnemius microvascular responsiveness after acute aerobic exercise are reduced. The decline in vascular function was mitigated in those who performed intermittent passive stretching before the exercise bouts. Collectively, these findings suggest that intermittent passive stretching is a novel method to increase vascular resiliency before aerobic activity.

Microvascular Adaptations to Muscle Stretch: Findings From Animals and the Elderly

Microcirculation in skeletal muscle is disturbed with advancing aging, causing limited capillary blood flow and exercise incapacity. Muscle stretch has been widely performed in physical therapy, sports medicine, and health promotion. However, the effect of stretch on microvascular reactivity and muscle blood flow remains unknown. This review focuses on stretch-induced microvascular adaptations based on evidence from cultured cells, small animals, and human studies. Vascular endothelium senses and responds to mechanical stimuli including stretch. This endothelial mechanotransduction potentially plays a vital role in the stretch-induced microvascular adaptation alongside hypoxia. Aging impairs microvascular endothelial function, but muscle stretch has the potential to restore it. Muscle stretch may be an alternative to improve vascular function and enhance exercising blood flow, especially for those who have difficulties in participating in exercise due to medical, functional, or psychological reasons.

pQCT- and Ultrasound-based Muscle and Fat Estimate Errors after Resistance Exercise

PURPOSE

Resistance exercise increases blood flow, induces osmotic and hydrostatic fluid shifts during and immediately after exercise, and may trigger inflammatory responses for several days in the working muscle. The resultant muscle swelling can subsequently affect muscle size and quality assessments. However, the effects of muscle swelling on x-ray attenuation of adipose estimate errors are unknown.

METHODS

Peripheral quantitative computed tomography (pQCT) and ultrasonography were used to assess muscle and adipose tissue properties of both upper arms before, 24, 48, and 72 h after unilateral resistance exercise. Recreationally active participants (n = 17) completed the exercise while their contralateral limb served as a control.

RESULTS

Resistance exercise resulted in a significant increase in pQCT-derived muscle cross-sectional area (includes intermuscular adipose tissue [IMAT] area), muscle area (excludes IMAT area) and IMAT area, and ultrasound-derived muscle thickness at 24, 48, and 72 h. A significant decrease in pQCT-derived muscle density was also detected as well as an increase in ultrasound-derived echo intensity at 48 and 72 h. The changes in muscle area, IMAT area, and muscle density were significantly correlated with changes in echo intensity, whereas the changes in muscle cross-sectional area and IMAT area were significantly correlated with changes in muscle thickness.

CONCLUSION

Unaccustomed resistance exercise can cause errors in pQCT- and ultrasound-based muscle and adipose estimates for at least 72 h. These errors are the result of muscle swelling likely caused by muscle blood flow and inflammation-dependent fluid shifts in muscle. These findings may have implications for measurements in other inflammatory conditions.

Frequency-Specific Microcurrent for Treatment of Longstanding Congenital Muscular Torticollis

PURPOSE

This case describes the first episode of care, using conservative treatment, massage, and frequency-specific microcurrent (FSM), for a 19-month-old boy with grade 8 left congenital muscular torticollis with fibrotic nodules.

METHODS

Ten weeks of physical therapy provided stretching, strengthening, massage, and parent education, adding FSM in weeks 3 to 10 for this patient.

RESULTS

Full passive cervical rotation and lateral flexion, 4/5 lateral cervical flexion strength, improved head tilt, and inability to palpate fibrotic nodules were achieved by week 8, with partial home program adherence.

CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS FOR PRACTICE

Excellent outcomes were achieved with conservative care in a patient with poor prognosis and likelihood of surgical referral. Combining stretching, strengthening, massage, postural reeducation, and FSM resulted in full range and good strength in an exceptionally short time. The combination of massage and FSM, not previously reported, are tools that may be effective in congenital muscular torticollis treatment.

Neurophysiological Mechanisms Underpinning Stretch-Induced Force Loss

It is well known that prolonged passive muscle stretch reduces maximal muscle force production. There is a growing body of evidence suggesting that adaptations occurring within the nervous system play a major role in this stretch-induced force reduction. This article reviews the existing literature, and some new evidence, regarding acute neurophysiological changes in response to passive muscle stretching. We discuss the possible contribution of supra-spinal and spinal structures to the force reduction after passive muscle stretch. In summary, based on the recent evidence reviewed we propose a new hypothesis that a disfacilitation occurring at the motoneuronal level after passive muscle stretch is a major factor affecting the neural efferent drive to the muscle and, subsequently, its ability to produce maximal force.

Duration of fascicle shortening is affected by muscle architecture and sex

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to examine muscle fascicle properties of the gastrocnemius medialis (GM) during contraction and stretch between males and females. During contraction muscle fascicles shorten and pennation angles increase to generate force. Due to the elastic nature of the attached tendon, the fascicles continue to shorten when maximal force is achieved in order to sustain isometric force and this duration of fascicle shortening (DFS) can be observed with ultrasonography. Linear and curved muscle fascicles both display these kinetics; however, it is currently unknown if static stretch prior to a maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) alters the DFS and whether the effect differs between males and females.

METHODS

Subjects performed an isometric MVC of the plantar flexors before and after a 2-min maximal dorsi-flexion stretch. Plantar flexor force was measured and ultrasound videography used to record GM and Achilles tendon architecture.

RESULTS

Males were stronger than females (p = 0.004). The DFS was longer for females compared to males (p = 0.001) and the addition of a static stretch increased the DFS for curved (p = 0.002), but not linear, fascicles. Curved fascicles were longer (p = 0.05) with larger pennation angles (p = 0.04) for both males and females when compared to linear fascicles. Tendon excursion was greater (p = 0.05) post-stretch during contraction when compared to pre-stretch.

CONCLUSIONS

This study provides evidence that regardless of sex, curved muscle fascicles behave differently than linear fascicles and should be considered separately when muscle architecture is examined.

Myosin Heavy Chain Expression Can Vary over the Length of Jaw and Leg Muscles

Muscle fiber type classification can be determined by its myosin heavy chain (MyHC) composition based on a few consecutive sections. It is generally assumed that the MyHC expression of a muscle fiber is the same over its length since neural stimulation and systemic influences are supposed to be the same over its length. We analyzed this in detail in three muscle types: the temporalis (closer) and digastricus (opener; both first brachial arch), and the medial gastrocnemius (somite). Sections of the muscles were incubated with monoclonal antibodies against various MyHC isoforms, and the distribution of these isoforms within individual fibers was followed over a distance of approximately 1 mm. The staining intensity of a fiber was measured and compared with the other fibers in the section. In the temporalis, digastricus, and gastrocnemius, 46, 11, and 15%, respectively, of their MyHC-I fibers showed a variation in the staining intensity over the length of their fibers, as well as 47, 87, and 22%, respectively, of their MyHC-IIA fibers. Most variable fibers were found amongst those with an overall relative intermediate staining intensity, which are presumably hybrid fibers. We conclude that different parts of a muscle fiber can have different fiber type compositions and, thus, contractile properties. Some muscle parts might reach their maximum contraction peak sooner or later than a muscle part a few microns further away. Next to stimulation by the nerve and systemic influences, local influences might also have an impact on the MyHC expression of the fiber.

Bone and skeletal muscle: Key players in mechanotransduction and potential overlapping mechanisms

The development and maintenance of skeletal muscle and bone mass is critical for movement, health and issues associated with the quality of life. Skeletal muscle and bone mass are regulated by a variety of factors that include changes in mechanical loading. Moreover, bone mass is, in large part, regulated by muscle-derived mechanical forces and thus by changes in muscle mass/strength. A thorough understanding of the cellular mechanism(s) responsible for mechanotransduction in bone and skeletal muscle is essential for the development of effective exercise and pharmaceutical strategies aimed at increasing, and/or preventing the loss of, mass in these tissues. Thus, in this review we will attempt to summarize the current evidence for the major molecular mechanisms involved in mechanotransduction in skeletal muscle and bone. By examining the differences and similarities in mechanotransduction between these two tissues, it is hoped that this review will stimulate new insights and ideas for future research and promote collaboration between bone and muscle biologists.(1).

The increase in surface EMG could be a misleading measure of neural adaptation during the early gains in strength

PURPOSE

To test the validity of using the increase in surface EMG as a measure of neural adaptation during the early gains in strength.

METHODS

Simulation of EMG signals detected by surface bipolar electrode with 20-mm inter-pole distance at different radial distances from the muscle and longitudinal distances from the end-plate area. The increases in the root mean square (RMS) of the EMG signal due to possible alteration in the neural drive or elevation of the intracellular negative after-potentials, detected in fast fatigable muscle fibres during post-tetanic potentiation and assumed to accompany post-activation potentiation, were compared.

RESULTS

Lengthening of the intracellular action potential (IAP) profile due to elevation of the negative after-potentials could affect amplitude characteristics of surface EMG detected at any axial distance stronger than alteration in the neural drive. This was irrespective of the fact that the elevation of IAP negative after-potential was applied to fast fatigable motor units (MUs) only, while changes in frequency of activation (simulating neural drive changes) were applied to all MUs. In deeper muscles, where the fibre-electrode distance was larger, the peripheral effect was more pronounced. The normalization of EMG amplitude characteristics to an M-wave one could result only in partial elimination of peripheral factor influence

CONCLUSIONS

The increase in RMS of surface EMG during the early gains in strength should not be directly related to the changes in the neural drive. The relatively small but long-lasting elevated free resting calcium after high-resistance strength training could result in force potentiation and EMG increase.

Mechanisms of muscle injury, repair, and regeneration

Skeletal muscle continuously adapts to changes in its mechanical environment through modifications in gene expression and protein stability that affect its physiological function and mass. However, mechanical stresses commonly exceed the parameters that induce adaptations, producing instead acute injury. Furthermore, the relatively superficial location of many muscles in the body leaves them further vulnerable to acute injuries by exposure to extreme temperatures, contusions, lacerations or toxins. In this article, the molecular, cellular, and mechanical factors that underlie muscle injury and the capacity of muscle to repair and regenerate are presented. Evidence shows that muscle injuries that are caused by eccentric contractions result from direct mechanical damage to myofibrils. However, muscle pathology following other acute injuries is largely attributable to damage to the muscle cell membrane. Many feaures in the injury-repair-regeneration cascade relate to the unregulated influx of calcium through membrane lesions, including: (i) activation of proteases and hydrolases that contribute muscle damage, (ii) activation of enzymes that drive the production of mitogens and motogens for muscle and immune cells involved in injury and repair, and (iii) enabling protein-protein interactions that promote membrane repair. Evidence is also presented to show that the myogenic program that is activated by acute muscle injury and the inflammatory process that follows are highly coordinated, with myeloid cells playing a central role in modulating repair and regeneration. The early-invading, proinflammatory M1 macrophages remove debris caused by injury and express Th1 cytokines that play key roles in regulating the proliferation, migration, and differentiation of satellite cells. The subsequent invasion by anti-inflammatory, M2 macrophages promotes tissue repair and attenuates inflammation. Although this system provides an effective mechanism for muscle repair and regeneration following acute injury, it is dysregulated in chronic injuries. In this article, the process of muscle injury, repair and regeneration that occurs in muscular dystrophy is used as an example of chronic muscle injury, to highlight similarities and differences between the injury and repair processes that occur in acutely and chronically injured muscle.

Contribution of central vs. peripheral factors to the force loss induced by passive stretch of the human plantar flexors

The purpose of the present research was to identify the contribution of central vs. peripheral factors to the force loss after passive muscle stretching. Thirteen men randomly performed both a 5-min constant-torque stretch of the plantar flexors on an isokinetic dynamometer and a resting condition on 2 separate days. The triceps surae electromyogram (EMG) was recorded simultaneously with plantar flexor isometric torque. Measures of central drive, including the EMG amplitude normalized to the muscle compound action potential amplitude (EMG/M), percent voluntary activation and first volitional wave amplitude, and measures of peripheral function, including the twitch peak torque, 20-to-80-Hz tetanic torque ratio and torque during 20-Hz stimulation preceded by a doublet, were taken before and immediately and 15 min after each condition. Peak torque (-15.7%), EMG/M (-8.2%), and both twitch (-9.4%) and 20-Hz peak torques (-11.5%) were reduced immediately after stretch but recovered by 15 min. There were strong correlations between the torque loss and the reductions in central drive parameters (r = 0.65-0.93). Torque recovery was also strongly correlated with the recovery in EMG/M and percent voluntary activation (r = 0.77-0.81). The moderate decreases in measures of peripheral function were not related to the torque loss or recovery. These results suggest that 1) central factors were strongly related to the torque reduction immediately after stretch and during torque recovery; and 2) the muscle's contractile capacity was moderately reduced, although these changes were not associated with the torque reduction, and changes in excitation-contraction coupling efficiency were not observed.

Acute effects of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation and static stretching on maximal voluntary contraction and muscle electromyographical activity in indoor soccer players

The aim was to investigate and compare the effects of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) and static stretching (SS) on maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) and muscle activation in indoor soccer players. Thirty-three young adult men were divided into two groups: (i) sedentary and (ii) trained. Each group completed three different experimental trials: SS, PNF and no stretching (NS). The MVC of knee extension was evaluated before and immediately after each condition along with electromyography from the vastus lateralis (VL) and rectus femoris (RF) muscles of the dominant leg. PNF or SS techniques induced no decrease on MVC and muscle electromyographical activity in indoor soccer players (P>0·05). The electromyography of the RF and VL was lower after SS only in the sedentary group (P≤0·05). Short-duration PNF or SS has no effect on isometric MVC and muscle activity in indoor soccer players.

Eccentric exercise in aging and diseased skeletal muscle: good or bad?

Evidence is accumulating regarding the benefits of exercise in people who are more susceptible to injury, such as the elderly, or those with a neuromuscular disease, for example Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). There appears to be a consensus that exercise can be safely performed in aging and diseased muscles, but the role of eccentric exercise is not as clear. Eccentric (lengthening) contractions have risks and benefits. Eccentric contractions are commonly performed on a daily basis, and high-force voluntary eccentric contractions are often employed in strength training paradigms with excellent results; however, high-force eccentric contractions are also linked to muscle damage. This minireview examines the benefits and safety issues of using eccentric exercise in at-risk populations. A common recommendation for all individuals is difficult to achieve, and guidelines are still being established. Some form of exercise is generally recommended with aging and even with diseased muscles, but the prescription (frequency, intensity, and duration) and type (resistance vs. aerobic) of exercise requires personal attention, as there is great diversity in the functional level and comorbidities in the elderly and those with neuromuscular disease.

The effects of active and passive stretching on muscle length

Active stretch is necessary for regulating muscle fiber length (ie, the number of series sarcomeres). Elevated cytoplasmic calcium is the proposed component of contractile activity required to activate signaling pathways for sarcomere number regulation. Passive stretch reduces muscle tissue stiffness, most likely by signaling connective tissue remodeling via fibroblasts. Passive stretch may induce sarcomere addition if the muscle fibers are lengthened sufficiently to raise cytoplasmic calcium through stretch-activated calcium channels. The magnitude of stretch in vivo is limited by the physiologic range of movement and stretch pain tolerance. The greatest effect of stretching muscle fibers is expected when the lengthening exceeds the optimum fiber length (Lo).

Concentric muscle contractions before static stretching minimize, but do not remove, stretch-induced force deficits

The effects of concentric contractions and passive stretching on musculotendinous stiffness and muscle activity were studied in 18 healthy human volunteers. Passive and concentric plantar flexor joint moment data were recorded on an isokinetic dynamometer with simultaneous electromyogram (EMG) monitoring of the triceps surae, real-time motion analysis of the lower leg, and ultrasound imaging of the Achilles-medial gastrocnemius muscle-tendon junction. The subjects then performed six 8-s ramped maximal voluntary concentric contractions before repeating both the passive and concentric trials. Concentric moment was significantly reduced (6.6%; P < 0.01), which was accompanied by, and correlated with ( r = 0.60–0.94; P < 0.05), significant reductions in peak triceps surae EMG amplitude (10.2%; P < 0.01). Achilles tendon stiffness was significantly reduced (11.7%; P < 0.01), but no change in gastrocnemius medialis muscle operating length was detected. The subjects then performed three 60-s static plantar flexor stretches before being retested 2 and 30 min poststretch. A further reduction in concentric joint moment (5.8%; P < 0.01) was detected poststretch at 90% of range of motion, with no decrease in muscle activity or Achilles tendon stiffness, but a significant increase in muscle operating length and decrease in tendon length was apparent at this range of motion ( P < 0.05). Thirty minutes after stretching, muscle activity significantly recovered to pre-maximal voluntary concentric contractions levels, whereas concentric moment and Achilles tendon stiffness remained depressed. These data show that the performance of maximal concentric contractions can substantially reduce neuromuscular activity and muscle force, but this does not prevent a further stretch-induced loss in active plantar flexor joint moment. Importantly, the different temporal changes in EMG and concentric joint moment indicate that a muscle-based mechanism was likely responsible for the force losses poststretch.

Isometric contractions reduce plantar flexor moment, Achilles tendon stiffness, and neuromuscular activity but remove the subsequent effects of stretch

The effects of isometric contractions and passive stretching on muscle-tendon mechanics and muscle activity were studied in 16 healthy human volunteers. First, peak concentric and passive ankle joint moment data were recorded on an isokinetic dynamometer with electromyographic monitoring of the triceps surae; real-time motion analysis of the lower leg and ultrasound imaging of the Achilles-medial gastrocnemius muscle-tendon junction were simultaneously conducted. Second, the subjects performed six 8-s maximal voluntary isometric contractions (MVICs) before repeating the passive and active trials. Although there was no decrease in isometric joint moment after MVICs, peak concentric moment was significantly reduced (11.5%, P < 0.01). This was accompanied by, and correlated with (r = 0.90, P < 0.01), significant reductions in peak triceps surae electromyographic amplitude (21.0%, P < 0.01). Achilles tendon stiffness (10.9%, P < 0.01) and passive joint moment (4.9%, P < 0.01) were also significantly reduced. Third, the subjects performed three 60-s static plantar flexor stretches before being retested 2 and 30 min after stretch. The stretch protocol caused no significant change in any measure. At 30 min after stretching, significant recovery in concentric moment and muscle activity was detected at dorsiflexed joint angles, while Achilles tendon stiffness and passive joint moment remained significantly reduced. These data show that the performance of MVICs interrupts the normal stretch-induced losses in active and passive plantar flexor joint moment and neuromuscular activity, largely because concentric strength and tendon properties were already affected. Importantly, the decrease in Achilles tendon stiffness remained 30 min later, which may be an important etiological factor for muscle-tendon strain injury risk.

A single 30-s stretch is sufficient to inhibit maximal voluntary strength

While it has been well established that an acute stretching program can inhibit maximal muscle performance, the amount of stretching needed to produce the deleterious response is unknown. Therefore this study examined the dose-response relationship between acute stretching and strength inhibition. Eighteen college students performed a one repetition maximum (1-RM) test of knee-flexion following 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6 30-s bouts of hamstring stretching held at the limit of toleration. All seven dose variations were done by each subject, with each variation done on a separate day. One week separated each test, and the order of the stretch variations was balanced across the seven testing days. Stretching significantly (p < .05) reduced 1-RM after one 30-s stretch (5.4%), and continued to decrease 1-RM up to and including six 30-s stretches (12.4%). A single 30-s stretch, if held at the limit of toleration, is sufficient to cause an inhibition in a person's 1-RM. Additional bouts of stretching will further decrease the 1-RM, suggesting that multiple mechanisms may be involved in stretch-induced strength inhibition.

Stretch-activated ion channel blockade attenuates adaptations to eccentric exercise

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that stretch-activated ion channel (SAC) function is essential for the repeated bout effect (RBE) in skeletal muscle. Specifically, we investigated if daily injections of streptomycin (a known SAC blocker) would abrogate the muscle's adaptive resistance to the damaging effects of eccentric exercise over a 4-wk period. Furthermore, we hypothesized that the lack of an RBE would be due to the lack of functional adaptations that typically result from repeated bouts of eccentric exercise, including increased peak isometric torque, muscle hypertrophy, and rightward shift of the torque-angle relationship.

METHODS

Twelve New Zealand white rabbits were each subjected to 12 bouts of eccentric exercise over a 4-wk period while receiving either daily injections of streptomycin or sham injections.

RESULTS

Although blocking the SAC function completely eliminated the expected adaptive response in biomechanical parameters during the exercise regimen, there remained evidence of an acquired RBE, albeit with an attenuated response when compared with the muscles with intact SAC function.

CONCLUSION

Blocking sarcolemmal SAC eliminates functional adaptations of muscle after eccentric exercise. In the absence of SAC function, muscles subjected to chronic eccentric exercise still exhibit some degree of the RBE. As such, it appears that the signaling cascade that results in functional, biomechanical adaptations associated with the RBE during eccentric exercise is dependent upon intact SAC function.

Moderate-duration static stretch reduces active and passive plantar flexor moment but not Achilles tendon stiffness or active muscle length

The effects of static stretch on muscle and tendon mechanical properties and muscle activation were studied in fifteen healthy human volunteers. Peak active and passive moment data were recorded during plantar flexion trials on an isokinetic dynamometer. Electromyography (EMG) monitoring of the triceps surae muscles, real-time motion analysis of the lower leg, and ultrasound imaging of the Achilles-medial gastrocnemius muscle-tendon junction were simultaneously conducted. Subjects performed three 60-s static stretches before being retested 2 min and 30 min poststretch. There were three main findings in the present study. First, peak concentric moment was significantly reduced after stretch; 60% of the deficit recovered 30 min poststretch. This was accompanied by, and correlated with ( r = 0.81 ; P < 0.01) reductions in peak triceps surae EMG amplitude, which was fully recovered at 30 min poststretch. Second, Achilles tendon length was significantly shorter during the concentric contraction after stretch and at 30 min poststretch; however, no change in tendon stiffness was detected. Third, passive joint moment was significantly reduced after stretch, and this was accompanied by significant reductions in medial gastrocnemius passive muscle stiffness; both measures fully recovered by 30 min poststretch. These data indicate that the stretching protocol used in this study induced losses in concentric moment that were accompanied by, and related to, reductions in neuromuscular activity, but they were not associated with alterations in tendon stiffness or shorter muscle operating length. Reductions in passive moment were associated with reductions in muscle stiffness, whereas tendon mechanics were unaffected by the stretch. Importantly, the impact on mechanical properties and neuromuscular activity was minimal at 30 min poststretch.

Structural biomechanics modulate intramuscular distribution of locally delivered drugs

As local drug delivery continues to emerge as a clinical force, so does understanding of its potentially narrow therapeutic window. Classic molecular transport studies are of value but do not typically account for the local nature of drug transport or the effects of regional dynamic function in target tissues like muscle that may undergo cyclical and variable mechanical motion and loading. We examined the impact of dynamic architecture on intramuscular drug distribution. We designed a tissue mounting technique and mechanical loading system that uniquely enables pharmacokinetics investigations in association with control of muscle biomechanics while preserving physiologic tissue architecture. The system was validated and used to elucidate the influence of architecture and controlled cyclic strain on intramuscular drug distribution. Rat soleus muscles underwent controlled deformations within a drug delivery chamber that preserved in vivo physiology. Penetration of 1mM 20 kDa FITC-dextran at planar surfaces of the soleus axial cross-section increased significantly from 0.52+/-0.09 mm under 80 min of static (0%) strain to 0.81+/-0.09 mm under cyclic (3 Hz, 0-20% peak-to-peak) strain, demonstrating the driving effect of cyclic loading on transport. Penetration at curved margins was 1.57- and 2.53-fold greater than at planar surfaces under static and cyclic strain, respectively, and was enhanced 1.6-fold more by cyclic strain, revealing architecturally dictated spatial heterogeneity in transport and modulation of motion dynamics. Architectural geometry and dynamics modulate the impact of mechanical loading on local drug penetration and intramuscular distribution. Future work will use the biomechanical test system to investigate mechanisms underlying transport effects of specific loading regimens. It is hoped that this work will initiate a broader understanding of intramuscular pharmacokinetics and guide local drug delivery strategies.

Acute effects of static versus dynamic stretching on isometric peak torque, electromyography, and mechanomyography of the biceps femoris muscle

The purpose of this study was to examine the acute effects of static versus dynamic stretching on peak torque (PT) and electromyographic (EMG), and mechanomyographic (MMG) amplitude of the biceps femoris muscle (BF) during isometric maximal voluntary contractions of the leg flexors at four different knee joint angles. Fourteen men ((mean +/- SD) age, 25 +/- 4 years) performed two isometric leg flexion maximal voluntary contractions at knee joint angles of 41 degrees , 61 degrees , 81 degrees , and 101 degrees below full leg extension. EMG (muV) and MMG (m x s(-2)) signals were recorded from the BF muscle while PT values (Nm) were sampled from an isokinetic dynamometer. The right hamstrings were stretched with either static (stretching time, 9.2 +/- 0.4 minutes) or dynamic (9.1 +/- 0.3 minutes) stretching exercises. Four repetitions of three static stretching exercises were held for 30 seconds each, whereas four sets of three dynamic stretching exercises were performed (12-15 repetitions) with each set lasting 30 seconds. PT decreased after the static stretching at 81 degrees (p = 0.019) and 101 degrees (p = 0.001) but not at other angles. PT did not change (p > 0.05) after the dynamic stretching. EMG amplitude remained unchanged after the static stretching (p > 0.05) but increased after the dynamic stretching at 101 degrees (p < 0.001) and 81 degrees (p < 0.001). MMG amplitude increased in response to the static stretching at 101 degrees (p = 0.003), whereas the dynamic stretching increased MMG amplitude at all joint angles (p </= 0.05). These results suggested that the decreases in strength after the static stretching may have been the result of mechanical rather than neural mechanisms for the BF muscle. Overall, an acute bout of dynamic stretching may be less detrimental to muscle strength than static stretching for the hamstrings.

mVps34 is activated by an acute bout of resistance exercise

Resistance-exercise training results in a progressive increase in muscle mass and force production. Following an acute bout of resistance exercise, the rate of protein synthesis increases proportionally with the increase in protein degradation, correlating at 3 h in the starved state. Amino acids taken immediately before or immediately after exercise increase the post-exercise rate of protein synthesis. Therefore a protein that controls protein degradation and amino acid-sensitivity would be a potential candidate for controlling the activation of protein synthesis following resistance exercise. One such candidate is the class III PI3K (phosphoinositide 3-kinase) Vps34 (vacuolar protein sorting mutant 34). Vps34 controls both autophagy and amino acid signalling to mTOR (mammalian target of rapamycin) and its downstream target p70 S6K1 (S6 kinase 1). We have identified a significant increase in mVps34 (mammalian Vps34) activity 3 h after resistance exercise, continuing for at least 6 h, and propose a mechanism whereby mVps34 could act as an internal amino acid sensor to mTOR after resistance exercise.

Is spinal cord isolation a good model of muscle disuse?

The patterns of normal daily activity that are required to maintain normal skeletal muscle properties remain unknown. The present study was designed to determine whether spinal cord isolation can be used as a reliable experimental model of neuromuscular inactivity, that is, as a baseline for the absence of activity. Electromyograms (EMGs) were recorded from selected hindlimb muscles of unanesthetized rats over 24-hour periods before and 7, 30, 60, and 90 days after surgical isolation of the lumbar spinal cord. Our data indicate that some rat slow muscle fibers pre-surgery were activated for less than 3 hours per day. Spinal cord isolation (SI) reduced the mean daily integrated EMG (IEMG) and daily EMG duration in the primary slow extensor muscle (soleus) to <1% of control, and in the primary fast extensor muscles [medial gastrocnemius (MG) and vastus lateralis (VL)] to <2% of control. These parameters were decreased to <8% and 3% of control, respectively, in a primary fast flexor muscle, the tibialis anterior (TA). From 30 to 90 days post-SI, the mean amplitudes of the spontaneous EMG bursts were relatively normal in the soleus, increased approximately 2-fold in the MG and VL, and increased approximately 4-fold in the TA. Some evidence of the normal antagonistic flexor-extensor relationship was apparent in the brief periods of recorded activity post-SI. These results indicate that SI eliminates nearly all of the normal EMG activity in the hindlimb muscles in the presence of relatively normal muscle innervation and functional intraspinal neural circuitry.

Impact of stretch-shortening cycle rest interval on in vivo muscle performance

INTRODUCTION

Overuse and overtraining models have implicated both metabolic and mechanical disturbances as contributors to muscle damage and performance decrement but have produced equivocal results. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the impact of rest interval between sets of stretch-shortening cycles (SSC) on static and dynamic muscle performance

METHODS

Animals were randomly assigned to groups (N = 8 per group) of 10-s, 1-min, or 5-min rest between sets of isometric contractions (10-s, 1-min, or 5-min CON), or SSC (10-s, 1-min, or 5-min INJ). The dorsiflexor muscles were exposed in vivo to either seven sets of 10 SSC (500 degrees . s) or seven sets of isometric contractions. Performance was characterized by isometric exertions and positive, negative, and net work, at pretest, during the sets of SSC, and 48 h postexposure

RESULTS

The isometric force at 48 h after the 10-s and 5-min INJ groups were statistically different from the 1-min group (P < 0.05), whereas there was no difference in the CON groups. Negative work of the INJ groups were statistically lower at 48 h than pretest values (P < 0.05), whereas there was no change in positive work. Of the real-time parameters, there was a difference in minimum force and positive work (P < 0.05) with treatment with the 10-s INJ group being most affected.

CONCLUSION

SSC conducted at shorter work-rest cycles resulted in a more profound isometric force decrement 48 h postexposure, and in real-time changes in isometric prestretch force and positive work. These results indicate that short rest intervals between athletic or vocational tasks of heightened physical exertion (i.e., high intensity) may adversely affect performance and increase injury susceptibility.

Difference in aftereffects following prolonged Achilles tendon vibration on muscle activity during maximal voluntary contraction among plantar flexor synergists

It has been suggested that a suppression of maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) induced by prolonged vibration is due to an attenuation of Ia afferent activity. The purpose of the present study was to test the hypothesis that aftereffects following prolonged vibration on muscle activity during MVC differ among plantar flexor synergists owing to a supposed difference in muscle fiber composition. The plantar flexion MVC torque and surface electromyogram (EMG) of the medial head of gastrocnemius (MG), the lateral head of gastrocnemius (LG), and the soleus (Sol) were recorded in 13 subjects before and after prolonged vibration applied to the Achilles tendon at 100 Hz for 30 min. The maximal H reflexes and M waves were also determined from the three muscles, and the ratio between H reflexes and M waves (H/Mmax) was calculated before and after the vibration. The MVC torque was decreased by 16.6 ± 3.7% after the vibration ( P < 0.05; ANOVA). The H/Mmax also decreased for all three muscles, indicating that Ia afferent activity was successfully attenuated by the vibration in all plantar flexors. However, a reduction of EMG during MVC was observed only in MG (12.7 ± 4.0%) and LG (11.4 ± 3.9%) ( P < 0.05; ANOVA), not in Sol (3.4 ± 3.0%). These results demonstrated that prolonged vibration-induced MVC suppression was attributable mainly to the reduction of muscle activity in MG and LG, both of which have a larger proportion of fast-twitch muscle fibers than Sol. This finding suggests that Ia-afferent activity that reinforces the recruitment of high-threshold motor units is necessary to enhance force exertion during MVC.

The acute effects of static stretching on peak torque, mean power output, electromyography, and mechanomyography

The purpose of this study was to examine the acute effects of static stretching on peak torque (PT), the joint angle at PT, mean power output (MP), electromyographic (EMG) amplitude, and mechanomyographic (MMG) amplitude of the vastus lateralis (VL) and rectus femoris (RF) muscles during maximal, voluntary concentric isokinetic leg extensions at 60 and 240 degrees x s(-1) of the stretched and unstretched limbs. Twenty-one volunteers [mean age (SD) 21.5 (1.3) years] performed maximal, voluntary concentric isokinetic leg extensions for the dominant and non-dominant limbs at 60 and 240 degrees x s(-1). Surface EMG (muVrms) and MMG (mVrms) signals were recorded from the VL and RF muscles during the isokinetic tests. PT (Nm), the joint angle at PT, and MP (W) were calculated by a dynamometer. Following the initial isokinetic tests, the dominant leg extensors were stretched using four static stretching exercises. After the stretching, the isokinetic tests were repeated. PT decreased (P< or =0.05) from pre- to post-stretching for the stretched limb at 60 and 240 degrees x s(-1) and for the unstretched limb at 60 degrees x s(-1). EMG amplitude of the VL and RF also decreased (P< or =0.05) from pre- to post-stretching for the stretched and unstretched limbs. There were no stretching-induced changes (P>0.05) for the joint angle at PT, MP, or MMG amplitude. These findings indicated stretching-induced decreases in force production and muscle activation. The decreases in PT and EMG amplitude for the unstretched limb suggested that the stretching-induced decreases may be due to a central nervous system inhibitory mechanism.

Contraction-induced muscle damage in humans following calcium channel blocker administration

Following contraction-induced damage of skeletal muscle there is a loss of calcium homeostasis. Attenuating the damage-induced rise in myocellular calcium concentration may reduce proteolytic activation and attenuate other indices of damage; calcium channel blockers have been shown to be effective in this regard. The effect of administration of a calcium channel blocker (CCB), amlodipine, on indices of muscle damage following a unilateral 'damage protocol', during which subjects performed 300 maximal isokinetic (0.52 rad s(-1)) eccentric contractions with the knee extensors was investigated. The design was a randomized, double-blind crossover. On one occasion, prior to the damage protocol, subjects consumed CCB for 7 days prior to and for 7 days following the damage protocol. Biopsies were taken from the vastus lateralis prior to (baseline) and following the damage protocol at 4 h and 24 h post-damage. Isometric peak knee extensor torque was reduced (P < 0.05) immediately post-, 24 h post- and 48 h post-damage protocol compared to pre-exercise values with no effect of treatment. Desmin disruption was attenuated (P < 0.05) with CCB versus placebo at 4 h post-damage. Z-band streaming was significantly (P < 0.05) elevated compared to baseline at both times post-damage, but was lower with CCB at 4 h (P < 0.05). Damage resulted in increased inflammatory cell (macrophage) infiltration into skeletal muscle at both 4 h and 24 h post-damage, with no effect of CCB. Neutrophil number was elevated by the damage protocol, but was higher at 24 h post-damage in the CCB condition (P < 0.05). Creatine kinase (CK) activity was higher (P < 0.05) at 24 h and 48 h following the damage protocol compared to baseline, with no effect of treatment. In conclusion, the reduction in desmin disruption and Z-band streaming indicates that CCB attenuated, or delayed, the contraction-induced damage to sarcomeric proteins.

Electro-membrane microcurrent therapy reduces signs and symptoms of muscle damage

PURPOSE

Delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) occurs after unaccustomed physical activity or competitive sport, resulting in stiff, painful muscles with impaired function. Acustat electro-membrane microcurrent therapy has been used to treat postoperative pain and soft tissue injury; however, its efficacy in reducing symptoms of muscle damage is not known.

METHODS

Thirty healthy men were recruited for a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. The muscles of their nondominant arms were damaged using an eccentric-exercise protocol. Subjects were then randomly assigned to treatment with either Acustat or a matching placebo membrane for 96 h and monitored for a total of 168 h.

RESULTS

Subjects in both groups experienced severe pain and swelling of the elbow flexors after the eccentric exercise. After 24 h, the elbow joint angle of the placebo group had increased significantly more than those in the Acustat group (13.7 +/- 8.9 degrees vs 7.5 +/- 5.5 degrees; placebo vs Acustat, P < 0.05), possibly as a consequence of the elbow flexor muscles shortening. For the first 48 h after exercise, maximum voluntary contraction of the elbow flexor muscles was significantly impaired in the placebo group by up to 25% (P < 0.05), whereas muscle function was unchanged in the Acustat group. Peak plasma creatine kinase activity was also lower in the Acustat group (peak = 777 +/- 1438 U.L-1) versus the placebo group (peak = 1918 +/- 2067 U.L-1; (P < 0.05). The membranes were well tolerated by the subjects in both groups without any adverse effects.

CONCLUSION

These data show that treatment of muscle damage with Acustat electro-membrane microcurrent therapy reduces the severity of the symptoms. The mechanisms of action are unknown but are likely related to maintenance of intracellular Ca2+ homeostasis after muscle damaging exercise.

Decrease in maximal voluntary contraction by tonic vibration applied to a single synergist muscle in humans

The purpose of the study was to examine the effect of prolonged tonic vibration applied to a single synergist muscle on maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) and maximal rate of force development (dF/dt(max)). The knee extension MVC force and surface electromyogram (EMG) from the rectus femoris (RF), vastus lateralis (VL), and vastus medialis (VM) during MVC were recorded before and after vibration of RF muscle at 30 Hz for 30 min. MVC, dF/dt(max), and the integrated EMG (iEMG) of RF decreased significantly after prolonged tonic vibration in spite of no changes in iEMG of VL and VM. The present results indicate that MVC and dF/dt(max) may be influenced by the attenuated Ia afferent functions of a single synergist muscle.

Reduced strength after passive stretch of the human plantarflexors

The purpose of this study was to assess strength performance after an acute bout of maximally tolerable passive stretch (PS(max)) in human subjects. Ten young adults (6 men and 4 women) underwent 30 min of cyclical PS(max) (13 stretches of 135 s each over 33 min) and a similar control period (Con) of no stretch of the ankle plantarflexors. Measures of isometric strength (maximal voluntary contraction), with twitch interpolation and electromyography, and twitch characteristics were assessed before (Pre), immediately after (Post), and at 5, 15, 30, 45, and 60 min after PS(max) or Con. Compared with Pre, maximal voluntary contraction was decreased at Post (28%) and at 5 (21%), 15 (13%), 30 (12%), 45 (10%), and 60 (9%) min after PS(max) (P < 0.05). Motor unit activation and electromyogram were significantly depressed after PS(max) but had recovered by 15 min. An additional testing trial confirmed that the torque-joint angle relation may have been temporarily altered, but at Post only. These data indicate that prolonged stretching of a single muscle decreases voluntary strength for up to 1 h after the stretch as a result of impaired activation and contractile force in the early phase of deficit and by impaired contractile force throughout the entire period of deficit.

Altered reflex sensitivity after repeated and prolonged passive muscle stretching

Experiments were carried out to test the effect of prolonged and repeated passive stretching (RPS) of the triceps surae muscle on reflex sensitivity. The results demonstrated a clear deterioration of muscle function immediately after RPS. Maximal voluntary contraction, average electromyographic activity of the gastrocnemius and soleus muscles, and zero crossing rate of the soleus muscle (recorded from 50% maximal voluntary contraction) decreased on average by 23.2, 19.9, 16.5, and 12.2%, respectively. These changes were associated with a clear immediate reduction in the reflex sensitivity; stretch reflex peak-to-peak amplitude decreased by 84. 8%, and the ratio of the electrically induced maximal Hoffmann reflex to the maximal mass compound action potential decreased by 43. 8%. Interestingly, a significant (P < 0.01) reduction in the stretch-resisting force of the measured muscles was observed. Serum creatine kinase activity stayed unaltered. This study presents evidence that the mechanism that decreases the sensitivity of short-latency reflexes can be activated because of RPS. The origin of this system seems to be a reduction in the activity of the large-diameter afferents, resulting from the reduced sensitivity of the muscle spindles to repeated stretch.

Exercise-induced muscle injury: a calpain hypothesis

It is well established that periods of increased contractile activity result in significant changes in muscle structure and function. Such morphological changes as sarcomeric Z-line disruption and sarcoplasmic reticulum vacuolization are characteristic of exercise-induced muscle injury. While the precise mechanism(s) underlying the perturbations to muscle following exercise remains to be elucidated, it is clear that disturbances in Ca2+ homeostasis and changes in the rate of protein degradation occur. The resulting elevation in intracellular [Ca2+] activates the non-lysosomal cysteine protease, calpain. Because calpain cleaves a variety of protein substrates including cytoskeletal and myofibrillar proteins, calpain-mediated degradation is thought to contribute to the changes in muscle structure and function that occur immediately following exercise. In addition, calpain activation may trigger the adaptation response to muscle injury. The purpose of this paper is to: (i) review the chemistry of the calpain-calpastatin system; (ii) provide evidence for the involvement of the non-lysosomal, calcium-activated neutral protease (calpain) in the response of skeletal muscle protein breakdown to exercise (calpain hypothesis); and (iii) describe the possible involvement of calpain in the inflammatory and regeneration response to exercise.

Compartmental shifts of calcium and magnesium as a result of swimming and swimming training in rats

To describe accurately the mineral changes (Ca and Mg) provoked by swimming, the aims of this study were to analyze those tissues that, with regard to their mineral content, can better classify individuals performing both swimming until exhaustion and swimming as training and to know the shifts of these minerals between different tissues after a single session of swimming until exhaustion and after training. Wistar rats were distributed into 12 groups, six male and six female (N = 10): 1) control rest group (CR); 2) trained rest group (TR); 3) control exercise group (CE); 4) trained exercise group (TE); 5) control recovery group (CER) and 6) trained recovery group (TER). The most informative tissues of Ca and Mg compartmental shifts during exercise have been determined. Discriminant analysis selected heart Ca, muscle Ca and bone Ca, bone Mg, erythrocyte Mg, and serum Mg as the most significant variables. The animals were classified by means of two canonical axes: the first one relates to training situation and sex, and the second one shows the special characteristics of trained male rats. Another independent discriminant analysis applied to male and female groups separately showed that the first canonical axis (control/trained) is basically defined by heart Ca, bone Ca, and erythrocyte Mg (male), and by heart Ca, bone Ca, and bone Mg (female), while the second axis, related to the exercise situations, is defined by the serum Mg levels in both sexes. We think that discriminant analysis is a statistical method capable of explaining physiological processes and classifying individuals performing exercises of different length. It suggests that the homeostasis of Ca and Mg is somewhat different for males and females. Serum magnesium must be considered to distinguish exercise situations. The analysis of these tissues could inform us about the mineral status of the rats and then we could correct possible deficiencies in our research. In this work we have only found different mineral redistributions among tissues. The trained animals have a better mineral recovery capacity than the untrained ones. Training has a different physiological repercussion in male and female rats on the basis of their respective maximal swimming times after training and their mineral behavior.