The effect of muscle-tendon unit vs. fascicle analyses on vastus lateralis force-generating capacity during constant power output cycling with variable cadence

Brennan, Scott; Cresswell, Adrian Ben; Farris, Dominic James; Lichtwark, Glen A.

doi:10.1152/japplphysiol.00356.2017

Cited by 15 publications

(33 citation statements)

References 42 publications

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Order By: Relevance

“…The group mean (± SD) R 2 value for the curve fits of the individual force-velocity curves was 0.78 ± 0.17 (11). The isokinetic experiments yielded estimates of peak VL fascicle power at approximately 25% of V max (1.2 L 0 /s), of which only the 80 and 100 RPM conditions reached the necessary shortening speed for peak power (Figure 4a).…”

Section: Muscle Mechanicsmentioning

confidence: 94%

“…The fibres of each muscle have an optimum length for force production and will experience a hyperbolic decrease in force capacity as shortening velocity increases (9,10). The amplitude and velocity of muscle fibre shortening are therefore critical to a muscle's capacity to produce force and power during movements like cycling (11). These factors are also critical for determining the power output and efficiency of a muscle (12,13).…”

Section: A C C E P T E Dmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…This study utilised some muscle level data previously presented in Brennan et al (2018), however additional data was also collected and analysed to achieve the unique aims of the current study (11).…”

Section: A C C E P T E Dmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The method for determining the relationship between quadriceps force and VL fascicle length (isometric contractions) and velocity (isokinetic contractions) has been outlined in detail in Brennan et al (2018); it is briefly detailed below (11).…”

Section: Muscle Force-length-velocity Relationshipmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Quadriceps force was calculated as knee extensor joint torque divided by the angle specific moment arm, which was measured from a scaled musculoskeletal model created for each participant from the cycling data collection (17). Subject-specific force-length and force-velocity curves were produced using physiologically appropriate models as described thoroughly in Brennan et al (2018) (11). Briefly, at each joint angle the maximum quadriceps force and corresponding fascicle length during isometric contraction was determined, based on two trials, and the relationship between force and fascicle length was fit (least square) with a parabolic A C C E P T E D function (18) for each participant.…”

Section: Muscle Force-length-velocity Relationshipmentioning

confidence: 99%

See 4 more Smart Citations

The Effect of Cadence on the Mechanics and Energetics of Constant Power Cycling

Brennan

Cresswell

Farris

et al. 2019

Medicine &Amp; Science in Sports &Amp; Exercise

Self Cite

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

At a constant power output, cyclists prefer to use a higher cadence than those that minimise metabolic cost. The neuromuscular mechanism underpinning the preferred higher cadence remains unclear. Purpose. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of cadence on joint level work and vastus lateralis (VL) fascicle mechanics while cycling at a constant, submaximal, power output. We hypothesised that preferred cycling cadence would enhance the power capacity of the VL muscle when compared to a more economical cadence. Furthermore, we predicted that the most economical cadence would coincide with minimal total electromyographic activity from the leg muscles. Methods. Metabolic cost, lower limb kinematics, joint level work, VL fascicle mechanics, and muscle activation of the VL, rectus femoris, biceps femoris, gastrocnemius medialis and soleus muscles were measured during cycling at a constant power output of 2.5 W/kg and cadences of 40, 60, 80 and 100 revolutions per minute (RPM). A preferred condition was also performed where cadence feedback was hidden from the participant. Results. Metabolic cost was lowest at 60 RPM, but the mean preferred cadence was 81 RPM. The distribution of joint work remained constant across cadences, with the majority of positive work being performed at the knee. The preferred cadence coincided with the highest VL power capacity, without a significant penalty to efficiency, based on fascicle shortening velocity. Conclusions. Cycling at a higher cadence is preferred to ensure that the muscle's ability to produce positive power remains high. Further investigations are required to examine what feedback mechanism could be responsible for the optimisation of this motor pattern.

show abstract

Section: Muscle Mechanicsmentioning

confidence: 94%

Section: A C C E P T E Dmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: A C C E P T E Dmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Muscle Force-length-velocity Relationshipmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Muscle Force-length-velocity Relationshipmentioning

confidence: 99%

See 3 more Smart Citations

The Effect of Cadence on the Mechanics and Energetics of Constant Power Cycling

Brennan

Cresswell

Farris

et al. 2019

Medicine &Amp; Science in Sports &Amp; Exercise

Self Cite

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

Effect of applied cadence in repeated sprint cycling on muscle characteristics

Klich,

Michalik,

Pietraszewski

et al. 2024

Eur J Appl Physiol

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Purpose This study aimed to investigate physiological responses, muscle–tendon unit properties of the quadriceps muscle, and mechanical performance after repeated sprint cycling at optimal and 70% of optimal cadence. Methods Twenty recreational cyclists performed as first sprint performance cycling test and during subsequent sessions two repeated sprint cycling protocols at optimal and 70% of optimal cadence, in random order. The muscle–tendon unit outcome measures on the dominant leg included muscle thickness, fascicle length (Lf), pennation angle (θp), and stiffness for the rectus femoris (RF), vastus lateralis (VL), and vastus medialis muscle (VM) at baseline, immediately after repeated sprint cycling, and 1-h post-exercise. Results The results showed an increase in muscle thickness and θp in RF, VL, and VM for both cadences from baseline to immediately after exercise. The Lf decreased in RF (both cadences), while stiffness decreased in RF, VL, and VM at optimal cadence, and in VL at 70% of optimal cadence from baseline to immediately after exercise. Conclusion The present study revealed that the alterations in muscle characteristics were more marked after repeated sprint cycling at optimal cadence compared with a lower cadence most likely as a result of higher load on the muscle–tendon unit at optimal cadence.

show abstract