The influence of Achilles tendon mechanical behaviour on “apparent” efficiency during running at different speeds

Monte, Andrea; Maganaris, Constantinos N.; Baltzopoulos, Vasilios; Zamparo, Paola

doi:10.1007/s00421-020-04472-9

Cited by 28 publications

(43 citation statements)

References 58 publications

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“…Finally, because previous studies of how AT moment arm length influences COL have used trained runners running on a treadmill at a speed of 16 km/h, it is still unknown how variation in speed and athletic training impacts elastic loading to the tendon in relation to moment arm length. While previous work has explored elastic loading of the AT at different speeds and under different loading conditions 10 – 21 , this study is the first to investigate the potential correlation between foot geometry like the AT moment arm length and spring-like behavior of this tendon in humans.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Shorter heels are linked with greater elastic energy storage in the Achilles tendon

Foster

Block

Iii

et al. 2021

Sci Rep

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Previous research suggests that the moment arm of the m. triceps surae tendon (i.e., Achilles tendon), is positively correlated with the energetic cost of running. This relationship is derived from a model which predicts that shorter ankle moment arms place larger loads on the Achilles tendon, which should result in a greater amount of elastic energy storage and return. However, previous research has not empirically tested this assumed relationship. We test this hypothesis using an inverse dynamics approach in human subjects (n = 24) at speeds ranging from walking to sprinting. The spring function of the Achilles tendon was evaluated using specific net work, a metric of mechanical energy production versus absorption at a limb joint. We also combined kinematic and morphological data to directly estimate tendon stress and elastic energy storage. We find that moment arm length significantly determines the spring-like behavior of the Achilles tendon, as well as estimates of mass-specific tendon stress and elastic energy storage at running and sprinting speeds. Our results provide support for the relationship between short Achilles tendon moment arms and increased elastic energy storage, providing an empirical mechanical rationale for previous studies demonstrating a relationship between calcaneal length and running economy. We also demonstrate that speed and kinematics moderate tendon performance, suggesting a complex relationship between lower limb geometry and foot strike pattern.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Shorter heels are linked with greater elastic energy storage in the Achilles tendon

Foster

Block

Iii

et al. 2021

Sci Rep

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“…fixed‐end contractions) and complex (e.g. walking and running) movements, suggesting the muscle is capable of adapting its architecture in response to mechanical requests (Azizi, Gillis, & Brainerd, 2002; Monte et al., 2020b; Wakeling et al., 2011). Therefore, a good comprehension of the muscle shape changes during in vivo contractions could provide important information about the mechanism underpinning the muscle's mechanical output.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

In vivo manipulation of muscle shape and tendinous stiffness affects the human ability to generate torque rapidly

Monte

2020

Experimental Physiology

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New Findings What is the central question of this study?What are the determinants of muscle belly gearing, and how does it affect the torque rise? What is the main finding and its importance?Change in muscle thickness of the gastrocnemius medialis is related to variations in belly gearing. Belly gearing has a key role in the rise of muscle torque and rate of torque development (RTD). Besides, the increase of tendinous tissue stiffness could increase the torque rise as well, and in turn, the RTD. However, changes in the tendinous tissue stiffness showed no effects on muscle fascicle behaviour, suggesting a possible uncoupling between muscle and tendon mechanical properties. Abstract During fixed‐end contractions, muscles bulge in thickness and/or width to maintain a constant volume, whereas tendons lengthen over the entire contraction period. These dynamic changes play a key functional role in modulating the generated torque. However, the literature has revealed a limited understanding of in vivo dynamic muscle–tendon changes during rapid contractions. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the determinants of belly gearing (belly velocity/fascicle velocity) and its effects on rapid torque production during in vivo fixed‐end contractions. Twenty healthy males were recruited for the study. Muscle shape and tendon stiffness were manipulated by applying a transverse load (2–10 kg) and an ankle rotation manoeuvre, respectively. Ultrafast‐ultrasound was employed to quantify medial gastrocnemius architecture during evoked contraction and a dynamometer was used to measure the muscle torque and quantify the rate of torque development (RTD). Torque and RTD diminished by transverse load application, whereas they increased during the ankle rotation manoeuvre. Belly gearing declined with increasing transverse load but was unaffected by tendinous stiffness variations. Alterations in belly gearing were strongly related to variations in muscle thickness throughout any load applied and affected the torque rise rapidly. In contrast, changes in tendinous tissue stiffness affected the torque rise only but did not modify the muscle shape. These data may suggest that concurrent manipulation of the tendinous tissue stiffness and muscle shape does not affect the explosive rise in torque capacity, suggesting a possible uncoupling between mechanical properties of muscle and tendon.

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“…For example, during the stance braking phase, the knee extensor muscles are the largest contributor to both braking and support of the body mass center (COM) (Hamner et al, 2010). The plantar flexor muscles also produce forces of up to 12 times the body weight during running (Komi, 1990) and are the main force producers during the propulsive phase among all the major lower-limb muscle groups (Monte et al, 2020). Meanwhile, as the running speed increases, the muscle fibers in the ankle plantar flexors [i.e., gastrocnemius medialis (GM)] remain relatively isometric and absorb most of the mechanical power, thereby facilitating greater storage and recovery of tendon elastic strain energy (Lai et al, 2018;Monte et al, 2020).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The plantar flexor muscles also produce forces of up to 12 times the body weight during running (Komi, 1990) and are the main force producers during the propulsive phase among all the major lower-limb muscle groups (Monte et al, 2020). Meanwhile, as the running speed increases, the muscle fibers in the ankle plantar flexors [i.e., gastrocnemius medialis (GM)] remain relatively isometric and absorb most of the mechanical power, thereby facilitating greater storage and recovery of tendon elastic strain energy (Lai et al, 2018;Monte et al, 2020). The knee flexor muscles [i.e., vastus lateralis (VL)] are activated to decelerate and support the COM during the stance phase (Liu et al, 2008;Hamner and Delp, 2013) and help the force production of knee flexor muscles at the propulsive phase (Liu et al, 2008;Monte et al, 2020).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Relationship Between Isokinetic Lower-Limb Joint Strength, Isometric Time Force Characteristics, and Leg-Spring Stiffness in Recreational Runners

Chen

Wang²,

Zhang³

et al. 2022

Front. Physiol.

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Neuromuscular characteristics, such as lower-limb joint strength and the ability to rapidly generate force, may play an important role in leg-spring stiffness regulation. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between isokinetic knee and ankle joint peak torque (PT), the force-time characteristics of isometric mid-thigh pull (IMTP), and leg stiffness (Kleg)/vertical stiffness (Kvert) in recreationally trained runners. Thirty-one male runners were recruited and underwent three separate tests. In the first session, the body composition, Kleg, and Kvert at running speeds of 12 and 14 km⋅h–1 were measured. In the second session, isokinetic knee and ankle joint PT at 60°⋅s–1 were tested. The force-time characteristics of the IMTP were evaluated in the final session. Pearson’s product-moment correlations, with the Benjamini–Hochberg correction procedure, showed that the knee flexor concentric and eccentric and extensor concentric PT (r = 0.473–0.654, p < 0.05) were moderate to largely correlated with Kleg and Kvert at 12 and 14 km⋅h–1. The knee extensor eccentric PT (r = 0.440, p = 0.050) was moderately correlated with the 14 km⋅h–1Kvert. The ankle plantar flexor concentric and dorsiflexor eccentric PT (r = 0.506–0.571, p < 0.05) were largely correlated with Kleg at 12 km⋅h–1. The ankle plantar flexor concentric and eccentric and dorsiflexor eccentric PT (r = 0.436–0.561, p < 0.05) were moderate to largely correlated with Kvert at 12 and 14 km⋅h–1. For IMTP testing, high correlation was only found between the IMPT peak force (PF) and Kvert at 14 km⋅h–1 (r = 0.510, p = 0.014). Thus, superior leg-spring stiffness in recreational runners may be related to increased knee and ankle joint strength, eccentric muscular capacity, and maximal force production.

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The influence of Achilles tendon mechanical behaviour on “apparent” efficiency during running at different speeds

Cited by 28 publications

References 58 publications

Shorter heels are linked with greater elastic energy storage in the Achilles tendon

Shorter heels are linked with greater elastic energy storage in the Achilles tendon

In vivo manipulation of muscle shape and tendinous stiffness affects the human ability to generate torque rapidly

Relationship Between Isokinetic Lower-Limb Joint Strength, Isometric Time Force Characteristics, and Leg-Spring Stiffness in Recreational Runners

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