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Patterson MA, Hinks A, Njai BS, Dalton BE, Hubbard EF, Power GA. Stretch-shortening cycles protect against the age-related loss of power generation in rat single muscle fibres. Exp Gerontol 2024; 190:112423. [PMID: 38608790 DOI: 10.1016/j.exger.2024.112423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2024] [Revised: 04/03/2024] [Accepted: 04/07/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024]
Abstract
Aging is associated with impaired strength and power during isometric and shortening contractions, however, during lengthening (i.e., eccentric) contractions, strength is maintained. During daily movements, muscles undergo stretch-shortening cycles (SSCs). It is unclear whether the age-related maintenance of eccentric strength offsets age-related impairments in power generation during SSCs owing to the utilization of elastic energy or other cross-bridge based mechanisms. Here we investigated how aging influences SSC performance at the single muscle fibre level and whether performing active lengthening prior to shortening protects against age-related impairments in power generation. Single muscle fibres from the psoas major of young (∼8 months; n = 31 fibres) and old (∼32 months; n = 41 fibres) male F344BN rats were dissected and chemically permeabilized. Fibres were mounted between a force transducer and length controller and maximally activated (pCa 4.5). For SSCs, fibres were lengthened from average sarcomere lengths of 2.5 to 3.0 μm and immediately shortened back to 2.5 μm at both fast and slow (0.15 and 0.60 Lo/s) lengthening and shortening speeds. The magnitude of the SSC effect was calculated by comparing work and power during shortening to an active shortening contraction not preceded by active lengthening. Absolute isometric force was ∼37 % lower in old compared to young rat single muscle fibres, however, when normalized to cross-sectional area (CSA), there was no longer a significant difference in isometric force between age groups, meanwhile there was an ∼50 % reduction in absolute power in old as compared with young. We demonstrated that SSCs significantly increased power production (75-110 %) in both young and old fibres when shortening occurred at a fast speed and provided protection against power-loss with aging. Therefore, in older adults during everyday movements, power is likely 'protected' in part due to the stretch-shortening cycle as compared with isolated shortening contractions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Makenna A Patterson
- Department of Human Health and Nutritional Sciences, College of Biological Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Avery Hinks
- Department of Human Health and Nutritional Sciences, College of Biological Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Binta S Njai
- Department of Human Health and Nutritional Sciences, College of Biological Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Benjamin E Dalton
- Department of Human Health and Nutritional Sciences, College of Biological Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Emma F Hubbard
- Department of Human Health and Nutritional Sciences, College of Biological Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Geoffrey A Power
- Department of Human Health and Nutritional Sciences, College of Biological Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada.
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Petersen JC, Roberts TJ. Evidence for multi-scale power amplification in skeletal muscle. J Exp Biol 2023; 226:jeb246070. [PMID: 37767690 PMCID: PMC10629691 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.246070] [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: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
Many animals use a combination of skeletal muscle and elastic structures to amplify power output for fast motions. Among vertebrates, tendons in series with skeletal muscle are often implicated as the primary power-amplifying spring, but muscles contain elastic structures at all levels of organization, from the muscle tendon to the extracellular matrix to elastic proteins within sarcomeres. The present study used ex vivo muscle preparations in combination with high-speed video to quantify power output, as the product of force and velocity, at several levels of muscle organization to determine where power amplification occurs. Dynamic ramp-shortening contractions in isolated frog flexor digitorum superficialis brevis were compared with isotonic power output to identify power amplification within muscle fibers, the muscle belly, free tendon and elements external to the muscle tendon. Energy accounting revealed that artifacts from compliant structures outside of the muscle-tendon unit contributed significant peak instantaneous power. This compliance included deflection of clamped bone that stored and released energy contributing 195.22±33.19 W kg-1 (mean±s.e.m.) to the peak power output. In addition, we found that power detected from within the muscle fascicles for dynamic shortening ramps was 338.78±16.03 W kg-1, or approximately 1.75 times the maximum isotonic power output of 195.23±8.82 W kg-1. Measurements of muscle belly and muscle-tendon unit also demonstrated significant power amplification. These data suggest that intramuscular tissues, as well as bone, have the capacity to store and release energy to amplify whole-muscle power output.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jarrod C. Petersen
- Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, USA
| | - Thomas J. Roberts
- Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, USA
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Fukutani A, Hashizume S, Isaka T. Measurements of tendon length changes during stretch-shortening cycles in rat soleus. Sci Rep 2023; 13:5381. [PMID: 37009784 PMCID: PMC10068606 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-32370-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2022] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 04/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The muscle force attained during concentric contractions is augmented by a preceding eccentric contraction (the stretch-shortening cycle (SSC) effect). At present, tendon elongation is considered the primary mechanism. However, we recently found that the magnitude of the SSC effect was not different, even after removing the Achilles tendon. To resolve these discrepant results, direct measurement of changes in Achille tendon length is required. Therefore, this study aimed to elucidate the influence of tendon elongation on the SSC effect by directly measuring the changes in Achilles tendon length. The rat soleus was subjected to pure concentric contractions (pure shortening trials) and concentric contractions with a preceding eccentric contraction (SSC trials). During these contractions, the Achilles tendon length was visualized using a video camera. The muscle force attained during the concentric contraction phase in the SSC trial was significantly larger than that in the pure shortening trial (p = 0.022), indicating the existence of the SSC effect. However, the changes in Achilles tendon length were not different between trials (i.e., the magnitude of tendon shortening attained during the shortening phase was 0.20 ± 0.14 mm for the SSC trial vs. 0.17 ± 0.09 mm for the pure shortening trial), indicating that the observed SSC effect is difficult to be explained by the elastic energy stored in tendons or muscle-tendon interaction. In conclusion, the effect of tendon elongation on the SSC effect should be reconsidered, and other factors may contribute to the SSC effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atsuki Fukutani
- Faculty of Sport and Health Science, Ritsumeikan University, 1-1-1 Noji-higashi, Kusatsu, Shiga, 525-8577, Japan.
| | - Satoru Hashizume
- Faculty of Sport and Health Science, Ritsumeikan University, 1-1-1 Noji-higashi, Kusatsu, Shiga, 525-8577, Japan
| | - Tadao Isaka
- Faculty of Sport and Health Science, Ritsumeikan University, 1-1-1 Noji-higashi, Kusatsu, Shiga, 525-8577, Japan
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Effects of Combined Horizontal Plyometric and Change of Direction Training on Anaerobic Parameters in Youth Soccer Players. Sports (Basel) 2023; 11:sports11020027. [PMID: 36828312 PMCID: PMC9959033 DOI: 10.3390/sports11020027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study is to investigate whether the combination of soccer training, plyometric training (PT), and change of direction (COD) exercises would enhance anaerobic performance to a greater extent than training on its own in youth U17 soccer players. Twenty youth players participated in this study. Players were randomly separated into two groups: the control group (CG, n = 9) and the intervention group (EX), which performed extra PT and COD exercises (EX, n = 11). The duration of the training program was six weeks. Sprint 10 m, 30 m, countermovement jump (CMJ), single leg countermovement jump (CMJ right and left), squat jump (SJ), 505 test, and Illinois agility test were measured pre and post of the training program. The performance in the 505 test improved for the EX group (right leg: p = 0.031, left leg: p = 0.004). In addition, Illinois test performance increased in the EX group (2.9%, p = 0.019). The performances of the two groups differed significantly in the Illinois agility test (p = 0.001). This study supports that a short-term combined program of PT and COD exercises can improve change of direction ability in youth U17 soccer players. The lack of effect of the intervention program on sprint and jump performance may be due to the type and volume of plyometric exercises used. The results reflect the training principle of specialization of stimulus. The improvement in performance was presented in tests that had similar characteristics to training stimuli.
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Inoue T, Nagano K. Differential effects of dynamic and ballistic stretching on contralateral lower limb flexibility. ISOKINET EXERC SCI 2022. [DOI: 10.3233/ies-220033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Dynamic stretching (DS) and ballistic stretching (BS) are similar stretching methods, but the differences between them are unclear. OBJECTIVE: To examine the immediate effects of unilateral hamstring DS and BS on straight leg raise (SLR), knee flexion range of motion (KF-ROM), and KF and knee extension maximal isokinetic peak torque (KF-MIPT and KE-MIPT) of the bilateral limbs. METHODS: Twelve healthy adult men performed four sets of 2 min each of non-stretching, DS, or BS of the right lower extremity. Bilateral SLR, KF-ROM, KF-MIPT, and KE-MIPT were measured pre- and post-intervention; a three-way (intervention × limb × time) repeated-measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used. RESULTS: The SLR of the stretched limb (p< 0.01) was higher with DS than that pre-intervention. SLR (p< 0.01) and KF-ROM (p< 0.05) of the stretched limb and SLR (p< 0.05) and KF-ROM (p< 0.05) of the contralateral limb were higher with BS than those pre-intervention. There was no significant main effect or interaction between KF-MIPT and KE-MIPT. CONCLUSION: DS and BS had slightly different effects on ROM, and neither affected muscle strength; thus, combining the techniques during warm-up might be helpful.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taisei Inoue
- Division of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Fukui Hospital, Fukui, Japan
| | - Katsuhito Nagano
- Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, Japan University of Health Sciences, Saitama, Japan
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Saeterbakken AH, Loken J, Solstad TEJ, Stien N, Prieske O, Scott S, Andersen V. Acute Effects of Barbell Bouncing and External Cueing on Power Output in Bench Press Throw in Resistance-Trained Men. Front Physiol 2022; 13:899078. [PMID: 35733996 PMCID: PMC9208083 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.899078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2022] [Accepted: 05/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The aims of this study were to compare power output during a bench press throw (BPT) executed with (BPTbounce) and without (BPT) the barbell bounce technique, and examine the effect of cueing different barbell descent velocities on BPT power output in resistance-trained males. In total, 27 males (age 23.1 ± 2.1 years; body mass 79.4 ± 7.4 kg; height 178.8 ± 5.5 cm; and 4.6 ± 1.9 years of resistance training experience) were recruited and attended one familiarization session and two experimental sessions (EXP 1 and EXP 2). The force–velocity profile during maximal BPT and BPTbounce (randomized order) under different loads (30–60 kg) was established (EXP 1), and the effect of varying external barbell descent velocity cues “slow, medium, and as fast as possible” (i.e., “fast”) on the power output for each technique (BPT and BPTbounce) was examined (EXP 2). Comparing two BPT techniques (EXP 1), BPTbounce demonstrated 7.9–14.1% greater average power (p ≤ 0.001, ES = 0.48–0.90), 6.5–12.1% greater average velocity (p ≤ 0.001, ES = 0.48–0.91), and 11.9–31.3% shorter time to peak power (p ≤ 0.001–0.05, ES = 0.33–0.83) across the loads 30–60 kg than BPT. The cueing condition “fast” (EXP 2) resulted in greater power outcomes for both BPT and BPTbounce than “slow.” No statistically significant differences in any of the power outcomes were observed between “medium” and “slow” cuing conditions for BPT (p = 0.097–1.000), whereas BPTbounce demonstrated increased average power and velocity under the “medium” cuing condition, compared to “slow” (p = 0.006–0.007, ES = 0.25–0.28). No statistically significant differences were observed in barbell throw height comparing BPT and BPTbounce under each cuing condition (p = 0.225–1.000). Overall, results indicate that both bouncing the barbell and emphasizing barbell descent velocity be considered to improve upper body power in athlete and non-athlete resistance-training programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atle Hole Saeterbakken
- Department of Sport, Food, and Natural Sciences, Faculty of Education, Arts, and Sports, Western Norway University of Applied Sciences, Bergen, Norway
- *Correspondence: Atle Hole Saeterbakken,
| | - Jorund Loken
- Department of Sport, Food, and Natural Sciences, Faculty of Education, Arts, and Sports, Western Norway University of Applied Sciences, Bergen, Norway
| | - Tom Erik Jorung Solstad
- Department of Sport, Food, and Natural Sciences, Faculty of Education, Arts, and Sports, Western Norway University of Applied Sciences, Bergen, Norway
| | - Nicolay Stien
- Department of Sport, Food, and Natural Sciences, Faculty of Education, Arts, and Sports, Western Norway University of Applied Sciences, Bergen, Norway
| | - Olaf Prieske
- Division of Exercise and Movement, University of Applied Sciences for Sports and Management Potsdam, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Suzanne Scott
- Department of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
| | - Vidar Andersen
- Department of Sport, Food, and Natural Sciences, Faculty of Education, Arts, and Sports, Western Norway University of Applied Sciences, Bergen, Norway
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Louder T, Thompson BJ, Bressel E. Association and Agreement between Reactive Strength Index and Reactive Strength Index-Modified Scores. Sports (Basel) 2021; 9:sports9070097. [PMID: 34357931 PMCID: PMC8309746 DOI: 10.3390/sports9070097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2021] [Revised: 06/21/2021] [Accepted: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Since the reactive strength index (RSI) and reactive strength index-modified (RSI-mod) share similar nomenclature, they are commonly referred as interchangeable measures of agility in the sports research literature. The RSI and RSI-mod are most commonly derived from the performance of depth jumping (DJ) and countermovement jumping (CMJ), respectively. Given that DJ and CMJ are plyometric movements that differ materially from biomechanical and neuromotor perspectives, it is likely that the RSI and RSI-mod measure distinct aspects of neuromuscular function. The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate the association and agreement between RSI and RSI-mod scores. A mixed-sex sample of NCAA division I basketball athletes (n = 21) and active young adults (n = 26) performed three trials of DJ from drop heights of 0.51, 0.66, and 0.81 m and three trials of countermovement jumping. Using 2-dimensional videography and force platform dynamometry, RSI and RSI-mod scores were estimated from DJ and CMJ trials, respectively. Linear regression revealed moderate associations between RSI and RSI-mod scores (F = 11.0–38.1; R2 = 0.20–0.47; p < 0.001–0.001). Bland–Altman plots revealed significant measurement bias (0.50–0.57) between RSI and RSI-mod scores. Bland–Altman limit of agreement intervals (1.27–1.51) were greater than the mean values for RSI (0.97–1.05) and RSI-mod (0.42) scores, suggesting poor agreement. Moreover, there were significant performance-dependent effects on measurement bias, wherein the difference between and the mean of RSI and RSI-mod scores were positively associated (F = 77.2–108.4; R2 = 0.63–0.71; p < 0.001). The results are evidence that the RSI and RSI-mod cannot be regarded as interchangeable measures of reactive strength.
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Affiliation(s)
- Talin Louder
- Department of Kinesiology and Health Science, Utah State University, Logan, UT 84322, USA; (B.J.T.); (E.B.)
- Dennis G. Dolny Movement Research Clinic, Sorenson Legacy Foundation Center for Clinical Excellence, Utah State University, Logan, UT 84322, USA
- Correspondence:
| | - Brennan J. Thompson
- Department of Kinesiology and Health Science, Utah State University, Logan, UT 84322, USA; (B.J.T.); (E.B.)
- Dennis G. Dolny Movement Research Clinic, Sorenson Legacy Foundation Center for Clinical Excellence, Utah State University, Logan, UT 84322, USA
| | - Eadric Bressel
- Department of Kinesiology and Health Science, Utah State University, Logan, UT 84322, USA; (B.J.T.); (E.B.)
- Dennis G. Dolny Movement Research Clinic, Sorenson Legacy Foundation Center for Clinical Excellence, Utah State University, Logan, UT 84322, USA
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Tomalka A, Weidner S, Hahn D, Seiberl W, Siebert T. Power Amplification Increases With Contraction Velocity During Stretch-Shortening Cycles of Skinned Muscle Fibers. Front Physiol 2021; 12:644981. [PMID: 33868012 PMCID: PMC8044407 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2021.644981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Accepted: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Muscle force, work, and power output during concentric contractions (active muscle shortening) are increased immediately following an eccentric contraction (active muscle lengthening). This increase in performance is known as the stretch-shortening cycle (SSC)-effect. Recent findings demonstrate that the SSC-effect is present in the sarcomere itself. More recently, it has been suggested that cross-bridge (XB) kinetics and non-cross-bridge (non-XB) structures (e.g., titin and nebulin) contribute to the SSC-effect. As XBs and non-XB structures are characterized by a velocity dependence, we investigated the impact of stretch-shortening velocity on the SSC-effect. Accordingly, we performed in vitro isovelocity ramp experiments with varying ramp velocities (30, 60, and 85% of maximum contraction velocity for both stretch and shortening) and constant stretch-shortening magnitudes (17% of the optimum sarcomere length) using single skinned fibers of rat soleus muscles. The different contributions of XB and non-XB structures to force production were identified using the XB-inhibitor Blebbistatin. We show that (i) the SSC-effect is velocity-dependent-since the power output increases with increasing SSC-velocity. (ii) The energy recovery (ratio of elastic energy storage and release in the SSC) is higher in the Blebbistatin condition compared with the control condition. The stored and released energy in the Blebbistatin condition can be explained by the viscoelastic properties of the non-XB structure titin. Consequently, our experimental findings suggest that the energy stored in titin during the eccentric phase contributes to the SSC-effect in a velocity-dependent manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- André Tomalka
- Department of Motion and Exercise Science, University of Stuttgart, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Sven Weidner
- Department of Motion and Exercise Science, University of Stuttgart, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Daniel Hahn
- Human Movement Science, Faculty of Sports Science, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
- School of Human Movement and Nutrition Sciences, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Wolfgang Seiberl
- Human Movement Science, Bundeswehr University Munich, Neubiberg, Germany
| | - Tobias Siebert
- Department of Motion and Exercise Science, University of Stuttgart, Stuttgart, Germany
- Stuttgart Center for Simulation Science, University of Stuttgart, Stuttgart, Germany
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