Length–tension properties of ankle muscles in chronic human spinal cord injury

McDonald, Michael; Garrison, M. Kevin; Schmit, Brian D.

doi:10.1016/j.jbiomech.2004.10.024

Cited by 26 publications

(24 citation statements)

References 32 publications

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“…In the PF muscles, the optimal angle for generation of PT was at a shorter muscle length in the SCI group (51 DF versus 151 DF in SCI and AB, respectively). These findings support the earlier work by McDonald et al, 5 in which the torque-angle relationship in the PF muscles was shifted towards plantarflexion in the SCI group, although no optimal angles were identified in that study. In contrast, there was no evidence of any group differences in optimal angle for PT in the DF muscle group; both groups generated PT at the same joint angle of 201 PF.…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 91%

“…These include fibre-type transformation, 1,2 atrophy, 1 faster contractile properties [2][3][4] and a decreased range of motion. 5 These changes, which can be attributed to both paralysis and a loss of functional innervation, greatly diminish the force-generating capacity of the muscle. Another factor known to affect force generation is muscle length.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Gerrits et al 11 found no change in the torque-angle relationship of human knee extensors compared with controls, although the SCI participants produced significantly less torque (relative to their own maximum) at extreme angles. McDonald et al 5 examined length-tension properties of the ankle muscles after SCI and found a significant shift towards plantarflexion in the torque-angle curve of the gastrocnemius/soleus. The tibialis anterior showed no significant shift when comparing the two groups.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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The length–tension relationship of human dorsiflexor and plantarflexor muscles after spinal cord injury

Pelletier

Hicks

2009

Spinal Cord

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Study design: A cross-sectional design. Objectives: To examine the length-tension relationship of dorsiflexion (DF) and plantarflexion (PF) muscle groups in seven individuals with chronic spinal cord injury (SCI; C2-T7; age 43 ± 10.1 years) and compare it with a group of age and sex-matched able-bodied (AB) controls. Setting: McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada. Methods: Isometric single twitch properties, 0.5-s tetanic contractions (SCI) and maximal voluntary contractions (AB) were measured at nine joint angles from 201 DF to 201 PF. Results: In the DF muscles, peak-evoked twitch (PT) torque occurred at 201 PF for SCI (3.4±1.1 N m) and AB (3.8 ± 1.4 N m) with no difference in peak torque between groups, whereas peak summated force occurred at 101 PF in AB and 201 PF in SCI (Po0.01). In the PF muscles, PT torque occurred at 151 DF in AB (18.6 ± 2.6 N m) and at 51 DF (6.8 ± 3.3 N m; Po0.01) in SCI, and peak-summated force occurred at 151 DF in AB. The SCI group did not show any change in PF peak-summated force with varying joint angles. Rates of contraction and relaxation were not different between the two groups. Conclusions:The results suggest a significant change in the length-tension relationship of the PF muscles after SCI, but no change in the DF muscle group. Rehabilitation programs should focus on maintaining PF muscle length in order to optimize muscle strength and function after SCI.

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Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 91%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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The length–tension relationship of human dorsiflexor and plantarflexor muscles after spinal cord injury

Pelletier

Hicks

2009

Spinal Cord

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“…1 Contractures are caused by structural adaptation of muscles and soft tissues spanning joints, and are frequently accompanied by spasticity. 2,3 A range of interventions are used to treat and prevent contractures. 4 Perhaps the most widely used intervention is the application of passive movements.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Effects of 6 months of regular passive movements on ankle joint mobility in people with spinal cord injury: a randomized controlled trial

et al. 2008

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Study design: Assessor-blinded within-subject randomized controlled trial. Objective: To determine the effects of 6 months of regular passive movements on ankle joint mobility in people with spinal cord injury. Setting: Community, Australia. Methods: A total of 20 people with tetraplegia living in the community had one ankle randomized to a control group and the other to an experimental group. Carers administered passive movements to participants' experimental ankles for 10 min, 10 times a week for 6 months. The control ankles were left untreated. The primary outcome was passive ankle dorsiflexion range of motion. Results: Adherence was high (mean adherence rate of 96%). Ankle dorsiflexion range of motion decreased by a mean (s.d.) of 21 (4) in control ankles and increased by 21 (4) in experimental ankles. The mean (95% confidence interval, CI) effect on ankle dorsiflexion range of motion was 41 (95% CI, 2-61). Conclusion: Regular passive movements have small effects on ankle joint mobility. It is unclear if these effects are clinically worthwhile.

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“…This diminished mobility occurred mainly because of disuse, rigidity and shortening of the muscle and capsular tissues, causing loss of sarcomeres and muscle fibers. 11 Radiographic assessments for groups A and C showed normal mean hallux-valgus angles, intermetatarsal angles, talocalcaneal angles in the anterior-posterior position, calcaneal-ground angles and tibial-calcaneal angles. The talocalcaneal angle and the talus-first metatarsal angle, in profile position, in both groups A and B showed a significant increase in mean angular values compared with the pattern of a able-bodied individual (group C).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 88%

Effects of quadriceps and anterior tibial muscles electrical stimulation on the feet and ankles of patients with spinal cord injuries

Bittar

Cliquet

2010

Spinal Cord

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Study design: Controlled clinical test.Objectives: The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of quadriceps and anterior tibial muscles electrical stimulation on the feet and ankles of patients with spinal cord injuries and to compare them with able-bodied individuals and a group of patients who did not undergo neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES). Setting: This study was conducted at the Hospital das Clínicas of Unicamp, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil. Methods: Between January and April 2008, 30 patients at the spinal cord injury ambulatory clinic who underwent NMES (group A) were submitted to a clinical and radiographic assessment of their feet and ankles and compared with a spinal cord injury group (group B) who did not undergo NMES and a group of able-bodied individuals (group C). The Kruskal-Wallis test was used to compare all the three groups, and between-group differences (Po0.05) were investigated with the Mann-Whitney test. Results: The mean mobility of the midfoot and ankle subtalar joint was significantly higher in group C than in groups A and B. Differences in the mean measurements of the profiles of the talocalcaneal and the talus-first metatarsal angles were statistically significant for group A vs the other groups (P ¼ 0.0020, 0.0024, respectively). Foot deformities were found in groups including claw toes and flat feet (group A) and grade I ulcers on the lateral malleolus and calcaneus (group B). Conclusion: Partial-load NMES maintains the feet and ankles in a planted and adequate walking position in patients with spinal cord injuries, a favorable result of new technologies that allows these patients to reacquire independent walking capacity.

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Length–tension properties of ankle muscles in chronic human spinal cord injury

Cited by 26 publications

References 32 publications

The length–tension relationship of human dorsiflexor and plantarflexor muscles after spinal cord injury

The length–tension relationship of human dorsiflexor and plantarflexor muscles after spinal cord injury

Effects of 6 months of regular passive movements on ankle joint mobility in people with spinal cord injury: a randomized controlled trial

Effects of quadriceps and anterior tibial muscles electrical stimulation on the feet and ankles of patients with spinal cord injuries

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