Ankle plantar flexion strength in resistance and endurance trained middle-aged adults.

Maximum concentric (CONC) and eccentric (ECC) strength of the ankle plantar flexor muscles were compared between middle-aged adults who regularly participated in resistance exercise training versus those who participated in weight-bearing endurance exercise. A total of 40 men and women with a mean age of 48.9 years (SD = 5.3) were tested for CONC and ECC plantar flexor (PF) strength, using an isokinetic device at 3 velocities: 30, 90 and 180 degrees/s. Mean strength values for the groups of men and women involved in resistance exercise were consistently higher than those involved in the endurance training for the CONC tests, where values ranged from 35% to 46% (avg. 41%, p < .01), but less between-group difference was observed for the ECC loading condition: 4% to 30% (avg. 18%). Thus ECC/CONC ratios, which rose with increasing velocity, were consistently higher for the endurance group vs. resistance-trained. Finally, since concentric PF torque values were found to be quite low for the middle-aged women who did only endurance training, this movement may require preventive strengthening exercises.     

Console video games, postural activity, and motion sickness during passive restraint

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) allows an in vivo assessment of the rate of muscle relaxation during a voluntary contraction. It is unknown if this method can be applied to lower limb muscles, and the effect of stimulus intensity on relaxation rate has not been investigated in any muscle group. The present study sought to address these unknowns. A secondary aim was to test the sensitivity of the method to a change in muscle length by comparing the relaxation rate of the plantar flexor muscles with the gastrocnemius at short and long lengths. Seven subjects performed 21 maximal voluntary isometric contractions (MVCs) of the dorsiflexors (DF) and plantar flexors with a knee angle of either 90° or 180° (PF90 and PF180, respectively). TMS intensity ranged from 40 to 100 % stimulator output in intervals of 10 %. Relaxation rates increased with stimulus intensity but were equivalent to maximal output at 50 (DF and PF90) or 60 % (PF180). MVC torque was greater, and the rate of relaxation was faster for PF180 compared to PF90. The main findings are that TMS can be used to measure relaxation rates of lower limb muscles, and these rates are robust provided the stimulus intensity is above a critical threshold. The dependency of plantar flexor relaxation rate on the length of the fast-twitch gastrocnemius fibers reinforces published temperature and fatigue data which show that the method is sensitive to the contractile properties of the muscle fibers which are actively contributing to torque production.     

Adaptations to long-term strength training of ankle joint muscles in old age

The aim of this study was to enquire whether older adults, who continue plantar-flexion (PF) strength training for an additional 6-month period, would achieve further improvements in neuromuscular performance, in the ankle PFs, and in the antagonist dorsi-flexors (DFs). Twenty-three healthy older volunteers (mean age 77.4 ± 3.7 years) took part in this investigation and 12 of them followed a 1-year strength-training program. Both neural and muscular factors were examined during isometric maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) torques in ankle PF and DF pre-training, post 6 and post 12 months. The main finding was that 6 months of additional strength training of the PFs, beyond 6 months, allowed further improvements in neuromuscular performance at the ankle joint in older adults. Indeed, during the first 6 months of progressive resistance training, there was an increase in the PF MVC torque of 11.1 ± 19.9 N m, and then of 11.1 ± 17.9 N m in the last 6-month period. However, it was only after 1 year that there was an improvement in the evoked contraction at rest in PF (+ 8%). The strength training of the agonist PF muscles appeared to have an impact on the maximal resultant torque in DF. However, it appeared that this gain was first due to modifications occurring in the trained PFs muscles, then, it seemed that the motor drive of the DFs per se was altered. In conclusion, long-term strength training of the PFs resulted in continued improvements in neuromuscular performance at the ankle joint in older adults, beyond the initial 6 months.     

Differential adaptations to eccentric versus conventional resistance training in older humans

We hypothesized that training with eccentric contractions only (therefore using higher loads) would yield greater muscle structural and strength gains compared with conventional resistance training. Nine older adults (mean ± s.d. age, 74 ± 3 years) were assigned to a conventional (CONV) resistance training group performing both concentric and eccentric contractions and 10 (age, 67 ± 2 years) to an eccentric-only (ECC) resistance training group. Both groups trained three times per week for 14 weeks at 80% of the five-repetition maximum, specific to each training mode. Maximal knee extensor torque was assessed during isometric, concentric and eccentric contractions across a range of angular velocities (0–3.49 rad s⁻¹). Vastus lateralis muscle architecture (fascicle length, pennation angle and muscle thickness) was assessed in vivo at rest using ultrasonography. Training increased fascicle length in both groups, but the increase was significantly greater in the ECC (20% increase) than the CONV group (8% increase). Conversely, pennation angle significantly increased in the CONV (35% increase) but not in the ECC group (5% increase). Muscle thickness increased to a similar extent in both groups (∼12% increase). In the ECC group, eccentric knee extensor torque increased by 9–17% across velocities, but concentric torque was unchanged. Conversely, in the CONV group, concentric torque increased by 22–37% across velocities, but eccentric torque was unchanged. Instead, isometric torque increased to a similar extent in both groups (∼8% increase). Thus, the two training regimens resulted in differential adaptations in muscle architecture and strength. These results suggest that the stimulus for adding sarcomeres in-series and in-parallel may be different, which implies that different myogenic responses were induced by the two different training methods.     

Age-related relative increases in electromyography activity and torque according to the maximal capacity during upright standing

The aim of this study was to assess the relative torque (a percentage of the maximal capacity of torque production) at the ankle joint in young and elderly adults during different postural tasks of increasing difficulty. Seven young (~22 years old) and seven older (~80 years old) men took part in this investigation. Maximal agonist torque was estimated from resultant and antagonist torques in both populations in plantar-flexion (PF) and dorsi-flexion (DF). The sum of PF and DF maximal agonist torques was considered as the maximal capacity of torque production. The centre of pressure (CoP) displacement was analysed during Normal Quiet Stance, Romberg and One Leg Balance. During maximal contractions and postural tasks, the electromyographic (EMG) activity was simultaneously recorded on the triceps surae and tibialis anterior muscles. We observed that the maximal capacity of torque production was negatively correlated with the CoP displacement, whatever the population and the postural tasks. The relative torque during all postural tasks was positively correlated with the CoP displacement in both populations. Moreover, older adults needed more EMG activity than young adults to produce the same torque. From this knowledge, one can assume that increasing strength in the muscles of the ankle joint may improve postural stability in older adults; this might have implications in the prevention of falls in elderly persons and in rehabilitation programs for elderly people who have already fallen.     

Effects of a 5-h hilly running on ankle plantar and dorsal flexor force and fatigability

This study aimed to examine the effects of a 5-h hilly run on ankle plantar (PF) and dorsal flexor (DF) force and fatigability. It was hypothesised that DF fatigue/fatigability would be greater than PF fatigue/fatigability. Eight male trail long distance runners (42.5 ± 5.9 years) were tested for ankle PF and DF maximal voluntary isokinetic contraction strength and fatigue resistance tests (percent decrement score), maximal voluntary and electrically evoked isometric contraction strength before and after the run. Maximal EMG root mean square (RMS(max)) and mean power frequency (MPF) values of the tibialis anterior (TA), gastrocnemius lateralis (GL) and soleus (SOL) EMG activity were calculated. The peak torque of the potentiated high- and low-frequency doublets and the ratio of paired stimulation peak torques at 10 Hz over 100 Hz (Db10:100) were analysed for PF. Maximal voluntary isometric contraction strength of PF decreased from pre- to post-run (-17.0 ± 6.2%; P < 0.05), but no significant decrease was evident for DF (-7.9 ± 6.2%). Maximal voluntary isokinetic contraction strength and fatigue resistance remained unchanged for both PF and DF. RMS(max) SOL during maximal voluntary isometric contraction and RMS(max) TA during maximal voluntary isokinetic contraction were decreased (P < 0.05) after the run. For MPF, a significant decrease for TA (P < 0.05) was found and the ratio Db10:100 decreased for PF (-6.5 ± 6.0%; P < 0.05). In conclusion, significant isometric strength loss was only detected for PF after a 5-h hilly run and was partly due to low-frequency fatigue. This study contradicted the hypothesis that neuromuscular alterations due to prolonged hilly running are predominant for DF.     

Strength and power changes of the human plantar flexors and knee extensors in response to resistance training in old age

AIM: The aim of the present study was to assess and compare the improvements of muscle strength and power induced by a 16-week resistive programme in a population of 16 older men aged 65-81 years. METHODS: Training was performed three times per week at an intensity of 80% of one repetition maximum (1RM) and consisted of both calf raise and leg press exercises. Before-, during- and after-training, maximum isometric and isokinetic torques, maximum power, 1RM, muscle cross-sectional area (CSA) and electromyographic activity (EMG) of the plantar flexors (PF) and knee extensors (KE) were examined. RESULTS: For the KE and PF, respectively, training resulted in a 29.9 +/- 4.4% (mean +/- SE) and 21.6 +/- 5.4% increase in 1RM (P < 0.001-0.01), a 19.4 +/- 4.3 and 12.4 +/- 4.7% (P < 0.001-0.05) increase in maximum isometric torque, and a 24.1 +/- 6.3 and 33.1 +/- 10.9% (P < 0.05) increase in maximum muscle power, calculated from torque-angular velocity curves. The large increase in torque and power was partly accounted by a significant increase in the CSA of the PF (5.0 +/- 0.7%) and KE (7.4 +/- 0.7%), while no significant changes in integrated EMG activity of vastus lateralis and soleus muscles, and in extrapolated maximum shortening velocity were found. After training, a significant increase in torque/CSA (10.3 +/- 4%, P < 0.05) was found for the KE but not for the PF. CONCLUSION: Hence, hypertrophy cannot alone justify the increase in torque, and other factors, such as an increase in individual fibre-specific tension (in the case of KE), a decrease in antagonist muscles' coactivation, an improved co-ordination and an increased neural drive of the other heads of quadriceps may have contributed to the increments in strength. The significant increase in muscle power seems particularly noteworthy with respect to daily activities involving the displacement of the body over time, namely, the generation of muscle power.     

Effects of 17 days bedrest on the maximal voluntary isometric torque and neuromuscular activation of the plantar and dorsal flexors of the ankle

Maximal voluntary isometric torque values of the ankle plantar (T _im,_PF) and dorsal flexors (T _im,_DF) were assessed in eight healthy adult males at 5° and 15° of dorsal flexion (DF) and at 5°, 15° and 25° of plantar flexion (PF) with the knee at right angles, before (two times), during (three times) and after (three times) 17 days of 6° head-down tilt bedrest (BR). Integrated electromyograms (iEMG) were also recorded from the gastrocnemius medialis and tibialis anterior. T _im,_PF and the iEMG of the gastrocnemius medialis were significantly larger (by 14% and by 27%, respectively) at the end of recovery than before BR. This was probably the consequence of training and/or habituation leading to: (1) increased activation of the plantar flexors; and (2) decreased co-activation of the antagonist muscles. Neither T _im,_DF nor the tibialis anterior iEMG changed significantly. The effects of BR on muscle performance were evaluated as follows. The net torque generated by a given muscle group was assumed to be the algebraic sum of the torque generated by the agonists and by the antagonists. Thus, for the plantar flexors T_im,PF=αiEMG_Gm − βiEMG_Ta, where: (1) iEMG_Gm and iEMG_Ta are the iEMGs of gastrocnemius medialis and of tibialis anterior during maximal PF; and (2) the constants α and β represent the electromechanical coupling of the plantar (α) and dorsal (β) flexors. Similarly for the dorsal flexors: T_im,DF=βiEMG_Ta − αiEMG_Gm, where iEMG_Ta and iEMG_Gm are the iEMGs of tibialis anterior and gastrocnemius medialis during maximal DF. Torque and iEMG values were assessed for all subjects under all experimental conditions. Thus, since the biomechanical leverage of the system was constant, α and β could be calculated. During BR, α decreased by 25% and it dropped by a further 30% during recovery. In contrast, β remained almost unchanged. This suggests that, in spite of training and/or habituation, BR significantly impaired the maximal isometric performance of the plantar flexors, an effect that continued during the initial 10 days of recovery. Accepted: 4 February 2000     

Energy expenditure and substrate oxidation during and after eccentric cycling

Purpose

This study compared concentric cycling (CONC) and two bouts of eccentric cycling (ECC1, ECC2) for substrate utilisation and resting energy expenditure (REE).

Methods

Ten men (28 ± 8 years) performed each cycling bout for 30 min at 60 % of maximal concentric power output, with 2 weeks between bouts. Fat and carbohydrate (CHO) utilisation were assessed during and after cycling, and REE was measured before and 2 days after CONC, and before, 2 and 4 days after ECC1 and ECC2, using indirect calorimetry. An oral glucose tolerance test was performed before and 1 day after CONC, and before and 1 and 3 days after ECC1 and ECC2, and both peak and area-under-the-curve (AUC) of the glucose concentration were compared between bouts.

Results

Energy expenditure and CHO utilisation during cycling were 36 and 42 % less in ECC1, and 40 and 52 % less in ECC2, than CONC (P < 0.05). Fat utilisation was greater during ECC1 (72 %) and ECC2 (85 %) than CONC, and 48 % greater during ECC2 than ECC1 (P < 0.05). Post-exercise energy expenditure and fat utilisation were less for ECC1 than CONC (30 and 52 %, respectively), but similar between CONC and ECC2. REE did not change from baseline after any bouts. Peak and AUC glucose concentration decreased 3 days after ECC1, but no changes were evident after CONC or ECC2.

Conclusion

These results show greater fat utilisation during eccentric than concentric cycling at the same workload, and greater fat oxidation during and after secondary eccentric cycling bout without glucose uptake impairment.     

The effects of eccentric and concentric training at different velocities on muscle hypertrophy

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of isokinetic eccentric (ECC) and concentric (CON) training at two velocities [fast, 180° s⁻¹ (3.14 rad s⁻¹) and slow,30° s⁻¹(0.52 rad s⁻¹)] on muscle hypertrophy. Twenty-four untrained volunteers (age 18–36 years) participated in fast- (n=13) or slow- (n=11) velocity training, where they trained one arm eccentrically for 8 weeks followed by CON training of the opposite arm for 8 weeks. Ten subjects served as controls (CNT). Subjects were tested before and after training for elbow flexor muscle thickness by sonography and isokinetic strength (Biodex). Overall, ECC training resulted in greater hypertrophy than CON training (P<0.01). No significant strength or hypertrophy changes occurred in the CNT group. ECC (180° s⁻¹) training resulted in greater hypertrophy than CON (180° s⁻¹) training and CON (30° s⁻¹) training (P<0.01). ECC (30° s⁻¹) training resulted in greater hypertrophy than CON (180° s⁻¹) training (P<0.05), but not CON (30° s⁻¹) training. ECC (180° s⁻¹) training resulted in the greatest increases in strength (P<0.01). We conclude that ECC fast training is the most effective for muscle hypertrophy and strength gain.     

Relationship between passive properties of the calf muscles and plantarflexion concentric isokinetic torque characteristics

The purpose of this study was to use a model of aging to examine the relationships between passive properties of the calf muscles and plantarflexion concentric isokinetic torque characteristics. Eighty-one active women 20–84 years of age were tested using a Kin-Com isokinetic dynamometer interfaced with electromyography (EMG). The passive properties were tested by stretching the muscles from relaxed plantarflexion to a maximal dorsiflexion (DF) angle at a rate of 5°·s^–1 (0.087 rad·s^–1) with minimal raw EMG activity (<0.05 mV). The maximal concentric torque was tested from maximal passive DF into plantarflexion at four randomly ordered velocities of 30, 60, 120, and 180°·s^–1. Pearson correlation coefficients (Bonferroni adjusted) indicated a hierarchical order of high to moderate positive correlations between four passive properties and the peak and mean concentric torque for all test velocities. Correlation coefficients for the four passive properties ranged from 0.50 to 0.78 (P<0.001), and the coefficients of determination (r ²) from higher to lower were: (1) maximal DF passive resistive torque (r ²: 0.50–0.62), (2) length extensibility (r ²: 0.40–0.49), (3) maximal muscle length (r ²: 0.28–0.41), and (4) passive elastic stiffness in the last half of the full-stretch range of motion (r ²: 0.25–0.31). The maximal DF passive resistive torque and the length extensibility accounted for 50–62% and 40–49% of the variability in the concentric torque, respectively. The results indicate that the concentrically stronger calf muscles of active women were positively correlated with passively stronger, longer, and stiffer calf muscles, which are characteristics of the calf muscles of younger women. Further studies are needed to examine whether therapeutic interventions, such as stretching and strengthening, can promote adaptations in the calf muscles of older women to attain these more youthful characteristics. Electronic Publication     

Muscle hypertrophy following 5‐week resistance training using a non‐gravity‐dependent exercise system

Aim: The efficacy of a mechanical, gravity‐independent resistance exercise (RE) system to induce strength gains and muscle hypertrophy was validated. Designed for space crew in orbit, this technique offers resistance during coupled concentric and eccentric actions by utilizing the inertia of a rotating flywheel(s), set in motion by the trainee. Methods: Ten middle‐aged (30–53 years) men and women performed four sets of seven maximal, unilateral (left limb) knee extensions two or three times weekly for 5 weeks. Knee extensor force and electromyographic (EMG) activity of the three superficial quadriceps muscles were measured before and after this intervention. In addition, with the use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), volume of individual knee extensor and ankle plantar flexor muscles was assessed. Results: Over the 12 training sessions, the average concentric (CON) and eccentric (ECC) force generated during exercise increased by 11% (P < 0.05). Likewise, maximal isometric strength (maximal voluntary contraction, MVC) at 90 and 120° knee angle increased by (P < 0.05) 11 and 12% respectively, after training. Neither individual quadriceps muscle showed a change (P > 0.05) in maximal integrated EMG (iEMG) activity. Quadriceps muscle volume increased by 6.1% (P < 0.05). Although the magnitude of response varied, all individual quadriceps muscles showed increased (P < 0.05) volume after training. As expected, ankle plantar flexor volume of the trained limb was unchanged (P > 0.05). Likewise, MVC, CON and ECC force, iEMG and knee extensor and plantar flexor muscle volume were unaltered (P > 0.05) in the right, non‐trained limb. Conclusion: The results of this study show that the present RE regimen produces marked muscle hypertrophy and important increases in maximal voluntary strength and appears equally effective as RE paradigms using gravity‐dependent weights, in this regard.     

The effect of eccentric training at different velocities on cross-education

The purpose of this study was to determine whether cross-education, defined as the increase in strength of an untrained limb after training of the contralateral homologous limb, is specific to low and high velocity eccentric training. Twenty-six subjects were randomized into two groups (n=13 each) that performed unilateral eccentric training of the elbow flexors on an isokinetic dynamometer at velocities of either 30° s^-1 (0.52 rad s^-1) or 180° s^-1 (3.14 rad s^-1 ). Subjects trained three times per week for 8 weeks. Ten subjects served as controls and did not train. Subjects were tested before and after training for peak torque of the elbow flexors during eccentric and concentric contractions at 30° s^-1 and 180° s^-1 . Eccentric peak torque at the velocity of 180° s^-1 in the untrained arm increased only for the group that trained at that velocity (P<0.05). There were no other changes in untrained arms for any of the groups at velocities of 30° s^-1 or 180° s^-1. For the trained arm, the increase in eccentric torque (pooled over velocities) was greatest for the group training at 180° s^-1, whereas the increase in concentric torque was similar for the groups training at 30° s^-1 and 180° s^-1. For the trained arm, there was no specificity for velocity or contraction type. We conclude that cross-education was specific to contraction type and velocity when fast (but not slow) eccentric contractions were used during training; whereas there was no specificity of training in the trained arm.     

The Effects of Sex,Joint Angle,and the Gastrocnemius Muscle on Passive Ankle Joint Complex Stiffness

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effects of sex, joint angle, and the gastrocnemius muscle on passive ankle joint complex stiffness (JCS). DESIGN AND SETTING: A repeated-measures design was employed using sex as a between-subjects factor and joint angle and inclusion of the gastrocnemius muscle as within-subject factors. All testing was conducted in a neuromuscular research laboratory. SUBJECTS: Twelve female and 12 male healthy, physically active subjects between the ages of 18 and 30 years volunteered for participation in this study. The dominant leg was used for testing. No subjects had a history of lower extremity musculoskeletal injury or circulatory or neurologic disorders. MEASUREMENTS: We determined passive ankle JCS by measuring resistance to passive dorsiflexion (5 degrees.s(-1)) from 23 degrees plantar flexion (PF) to 13 degrees dorsiflexion (DF). Angular position and torque data were collected from a dynamometer under 2 conditions designed to include or reduce the contribution of the gastrocnemius muscle. Separate fourth-order polynomial equations relating angular position and torque were constructed for each trial. Stiffness values (Nm.degree(-1)) were calculated at 10 degrees PF, neutral (NE), and 10 degrees DF using the slope of the line at each respective position. RESULTS: Significant condition-by-position and sex-by-position interactions and significant main effects for sex, position, and condition were revealed by a 3-way (sex-by-position, condition-by-position) analysis of variance. Post hoc analyses of the condition-by-position interaction revealed significantly higher stiffness values under the knee-straight condition compared with the knee-bent condition at both ankle NE and 10 degrees DF. Within each condition, stiffness values at each position were significantly higher as the ankle moved into DF. Post hoc analysis of the sex-by-position interaction revealed significantly higher stiffness values at 10 degrees DF in the male subjects. Post hoc analysis of the position main effect revealed that as the ankle moved into dorsiflexion, the stiffness at each position became significantly higher than at the previous position. CONCLUSIONS: The gastrocnemius contributes significantly to passive ankle JCS, thereby providing a scientific basis for clinicians incorporating stretching regimens into rehabilitation programs. Further research is warranted considering the cause and application of the sex-by-position interaction.     

Evidence for reduced efficacy of the Ia-pathway during shortening plantar flexions with increasing effort

To determine whether the soleus (SOL) H-reflex is modulated during shortening contractions in a manner that has been observed for isometric contractions, SOL H-reflexes and M-waves were elicited via percutaneous electrical stimulation to the tibial nerve at an intensity that evoked an H-reflex at 50% of its maximum in 11 healthy subjects. Paired electrical stimuli were delivered as the ankle angle passed through 90° at an interval of 400 ms while the subject performed shortening contractions at levels of plantar flexion torque ranging between 2 and 30% of that during a maximal voluntary contraction (MVC). H-reflexes were also recorded during the performance of isomeric contractions of plantar flexors at similar levels of plantar flexion torque and at the same joint angle (muscle length) in an additional five healthy subjects. Correlations were examined between the peak-to-peak amplitude of the first H-reflexes, M-waves and plantar flexion torques in both protocols. It was revealed that no significant correlation was found between the SOL H-reflex and increasing plantar flexion torque during shortening contractions (ρ = −0.07, P = 0.15), while a strong positive correlation was observed for the isometric conditions (ρ = 0.99, P < 0.01). No significant change was observed in the SOL M-wave for either contraction type. Furthermore, the H-reflexes elicited via paired stimuli with the same background activity in voluntary shortening contractions showed almost identical amplitudes, suggesting that the level of homosynaptic post-activation depression did not change in response to the varying levels of activation in voluntary shortening contractions. Therefore, the lack of increase in the H-reflex during shortening contractions at increasing intensities is possibly due to a centrally regulated increase in presynaptic inhibition. Such a downward modulation of the reflex suggests that Ia-excitatory input onto the SOL motoneurone pool needs to be reduced during the performance of shortening contractions.     

Specific effects of eccentric and concentric training on muscle strength and morphology in humans

The purpose of this study was to compare pure eccentric and concentric isokinetic training with respect to their possible specificity in the adaptation of strength and morphology of the knee extensor muscles. Ten moderately trained male physical education students were divided into groups undertaking eccentric (ETG) and concentric (CTG) training. They performed 10 weeks of maximal isokinetic (90°?·?s^?1) training of the left leg, 4?×?10 repetitions – three times a week, followed by a second 10-week period of similar training of the right-leg. Mean eccentric and concentric peak torques increased by 18% and 2% for ETG and by 10% and 14% for CTG, respectively. The highest increase in peak torque occurred in the eccentric 90°?·?s^?1 test for ETG (35%) whereas in CTG strength gains ranged 8%–15% at velocities equal or lower than the training velocity. Significant increases in strength were observed in the untrained contra-lateral leg only at the velocity and mode used in ipsilateral training. Cross-sectional area of the quadriceps muscle increased 3%–4% with training in both groups, reaching statistical significance only in ETG. No major changes in muscle fibre composition or areas were detected in biopsies from the vastus lateralis muscle for either leg or training group. In conclusion, effects of eccentric training on muscle strength appeared to be more mode and speed specific than corresponding concentric training. Only minor adaptations in gross muscle morphology indicated that other factors, such as changes in neural activation patterns, were causing the specific training-induced gains in muscle strength.     

不同站姿足底压力分布与足弓结构特征的相关性

目的 探讨不同站姿时足底压力分布与足弓结构特征之间的相关性。 方法 对 13 名健康成年男性进行足底压力测试,并进行足部 CT 扫描和足骨模型重构,建立足弓数字化表征。 在此基础上,分析足底压力测量指标与足弓特征测量参数之间的相关性。 结果 前足峰值压力(forefoot peak pressure, FPP)在 0°站姿时与内外侧纵弓高度、内外侧纵弓指数和体质量正相关,与内外侧纵弓角负相关;在 30°站姿时与内外侧纵弓长度、内侧纵弓高度、足底三角形面积和体质量正相关;在 60°站姿时与内外侧纵弓高度和内侧纵弓指数正相关,与内侧纵弓角负相关。 中 足峰值压力(midfoot peak pressure, MPP)在 0°站姿时与内外侧纵弓长度和足底三角形面积正相关;在 30°站姿时与内外侧纵弓长度、内外侧纵弓角和足底三角形面积正相关,与内外侧纵弓指数负相关;在 60°站姿时与内外侧纵弓长度、足底三角形面积和体质量正相关。 后足峰值压力(rearfoot peak pressure, RPP)在 0°站姿时与内外侧纵弓高度、内外侧纵弓指数和体质量正相关,与内外侧纵弓角负相关;在 30°和 60°站姿时仅与体质量正相关,与足弓特征参数无关。 结论 不同站姿时的足底压力分布与足弓特征存在不同相关性。 研究结果可为临床诊断、治疗和预防因不同站姿引起的足部病理提供理论基础。     

Muscle hypertrophy following 5-week resistance training using a non-gravity-dependent exercise system

AIM: The efficacy of a mechanical, gravity-independent resistance exercise (RE) system to induce strength gains and muscle hypertrophy was validated. Designed for space crew in orbit, this technique offers resistance during coupled concentric and eccentric actions by utilizing the inertia of a rotating flywheel(s), set in motion by the trainee. METHODS: Ten middle-aged (30-53 years) men and women performed four sets of seven maximal, unilateral (left limb) knee extensions two or three times weekly for 5 weeks. Knee extensor force and electromyographic (EMG) activity of the three superficial quadriceps muscles were measured before and after this intervention. In addition, with the use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), volume of individual knee extensor and ankle plantar flexor muscles was assessed. RESULTS: Over the 12 training sessions, the average concentric (CON) and eccentric (ECC) force generated during exercise increased by 11% (P < 0.05). Likewise, maximal isometric strength (maximal voluntary contraction, MVC) at 90 and 120 degrees knee angle increased by (P < 0.05) 11 and 12% respectively, after training. Neither individual quadriceps muscle showed a change (P > 0.05) in maximal integrated EMG (iEMG) activity. Quadriceps muscle volume increased by 6.1% (P < 0.05). Although the magnitude of response varied, all individual quadriceps muscles showed increased (P < 0.05) volume after training. As expected, ankle plantar flexor volume of the trained limb was unchanged (P > 0.05). Likewise, MVC, CON and ECC force, iEMG and knee extensor and plantar flexor muscle volume were unaltered (P > 0.05) in the right, non-trained limb. CONCLUSION: The results of this study show that the present RE regimen produces marked muscle hypertrophy and important increases in maximal voluntary strength and appears equally effective as RE paradigms using gravity-dependent weights, in this regard.     

Force control is impaired in the ankle plantarflexors of elderly adults

This study determined the amplitude of force fluctuations for the ankle dorsiflexor (DF) and plantarflexor (PF) muscles of young and elderly adults. Maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) force and isometric DF and PF steadiness (2.5–80% MVC) was assessed in 11 young (23 ± 3 years, 5 women, 6 men) and 10 elderly (73 ± 6 years, 5 women, 5 men) adults. The coefficient of variation (CV) and power spectrum of the force was measured from the steadiness trials. MVC force was lower for elderly adults for PF (38% lower, P = 0.002) but not DF (20% lower, P = 0.14). For PF, the CV of force was greater for elderly than young adults at 2.5% (2.64 vs. 1.71%) and 5% MVC (1.78 vs. 1.24%), similar at 10, 50, and 80% MVC, and greater for young than elderly at the 30% MVC target force. For DF, the CV of force was similar for young and elderly at all target forces (P > 0.05). The CV of force was 49% lower for the PF compared with DF muscles across all target forces (P < 0.0001). This difference was significantly greater at the 2.5 (58%), 5 (58%), and 10% MVC (44%) target forces compared with higher target forces. The power spectra of the force fluctuations for both muscles were consistently dominated by frequencies below 2 Hz. For elderly adults, the neuromuscular factors that underlie both muscle strength and force fluctuations during low-force contractions are impaired in the ankle plantarflexors but not the dorsiflexors.     

Effects of strength and endurance training on isometric muscle strength and walking speed in elderly women

The separate effects of 18 weeks of intensive strength and endurance training on isometric knee extension (KE) and flexion (KF) strength and walking speed were studied in 76-to 78-year-old women. Maximal voluntary isometric force for both KE and KF was measured in a sitting position on a custom-made dynamometer chair at a knee angle of 60° from full extension. Maximal walking speed was measured over a distance of 10 m. The endurance-trained women increased KE torque and KE torque/body mass after the first 9 weeks of training when compared with the controls. When comparing the baseline, 9 week and 18 week measurements within the groups separately, both the endurance- and strength-training groups increased KE torque, KE torque/body mass and walking speed. Individual changes in KE torque/body mass before and after 18 weeks of training averaged 19.1% in the strength group, 30.9% in the endurance group and 2.0% in the controls. This study indicates that in elderly women the effects of physical training on muscle strength and walking speed occur after endurance as well as strength training. The considerable interindividual variation in change of muscle performance is also worth noticing.