Assessment of Skeletal Muscle Contractile Properties by Radial Displacement: The Case for Tensiomyography

Abstract

Skeletal muscle operates as a near-constant volume system; as such muscle shortening during contraction is transversely linked to radial deformation. Therefore, to assess contractile properties of skeletal muscle, radial displacement can be evoked and measured. Mechanomyography measures muscle radial displacement and during the last 20 years, tensiomyography has become the most commonly used and widely reported technique among the various methodologies of mechanomyography. Tensiomyography has been demonstrated to reliably measure peak radial displacement during evoked muscle twitch, as well as muscle twitch speed. A number of parameters can be extracted from the tensiomyography displacement/time curve and the most commonly used and reliable appear to be peak radial displacement and contraction time. The latter has been described as a valid non-invasive means of characterising skeletal muscle, based on fibre-type composition. Over recent years, applications of tensiomyography measurement within sport and exercise have appeared, with applications relating to injury, recovery and performance. Within the present review, we evaluate the perceived strengths and weaknesses of tensiomyography with regard to its efficacy within applied sports medicine settings. We also highlight future tensiomyography areas that require further investigation. Therefore, the purpose of this review is to critically examine the existing evidence surrounding tensiomyography as a tool within the field of sports medicine.

Tensiomyography Derived Parameters Reflect Skeletal Muscle Architectural Adaptations Following 6-Weeks of Lower Body Resistance Training

“…However, whilst both Tc and Dm have shown good-excellent inter-rater and inter-day reliability (Križaj et al, 2008;Tous-Fajardo et al, 2010;Šimunič, 2012), a recent review by Macgregor et al (2018) highlighted scarcity of data surrounding use of TMG in a longitudinal context, particularly concerning training interventions. Beyond the above-mentioned atrophy studies, only one study has investigated long term stability of TMG (Ditroilo et al, 2013), showing good absolute and relative long term reliability for Tc and Dm.…”

“…Beyond the above-mentioned atrophy studies, only one study has investigated long term stability of TMG (Ditroilo et al, 2013), showing good absolute and relative long term reliability for Tc and Dm. Whilst using twitch torque assessment methods could be of use in monitoring rehabilitation interventions, Macgregor et al (2018) also noted the requirement to integrate TMG parameters of contractile properties, namely Dm, alongside established physiological measures to strengthen its validation in longitudinal contexts. Therefore, as a proof of principle for the use of TMG to monitor muscular adaptations, we designed this study to assess the TMG responses within knee extensor musculature alongside alterations in muscle architecture following 6 weeks of RT utilizing common lower limb resistance exercises.…”

Pain and Function in the Runner a Ten (din) uous Link

“…This interpretation of an increase in Dm representing an increase in stiffness is somewhat at odds with researchers in the field who suggest a lower Dm to be associated with a greater muscle stiffness [34]. These interpretations are based primarily on cross-sectional studies comparing power and endurance athletes [35] and founded on what remains a limited understanding of the physiology that underpins measures obtained from Tensiomyography.…”

Neuromuscular Parameters Predict the Performance in an Incremental Cycling Test

“…Other protocols with a limited number of stimuli therefore did not seem appropriate for elite or well-trained athletes. The recent review by Macgregor et al [26] also recommends the incremental protocol to determine the maximum Dm. Nonetheless, to reduce the risk of producing potentiation or fatigue in this group accustomed to training at high intensities and volumes, and possibly accustomed to training with electrostimulation, 15 s was left between one stimulus and another.…”