@article{RichterBraunsteinStaeudleetal.2021,
  author    = {Richter, Charlotte and Braunstein, Bjoern and Staeudle, Benjamin and Attias, Julia and Suess, Alexander and Weber, Tobias and Mileva, Katya N. and Rittweger, Joern and Green, David A. and Albracht, Kirsten},
  title     = {Contractile behavior of the gastrocnemius medialis muscle during running in simulated hypogravity},
  series = {npj Microgravity},
  volume    = {7},
  journal   = {npj Microgravity},
  number    = {Article number: 32},
  publisher = {Springer Nature},
  address   = {New York},
  issn      = {2373-8065},
  doi       = {10.1038/s41526-021-00155-7},
  pages     = {7 Seiten},
  year      = {2021},
  abstract  = {Vigorous exercise countermeasures in microgravity can largely attenuate muscular degeneration, albeit the extent of applied loading is key for the extent of muscle wasting. Running on the International Space Station is usually performed with maximum loads of 70\% body weight (0.7 g). However, it has not been investigated how the reduced musculoskeletal loading affects muscle and series elastic element dynamics, and thereby force and power generation. Therefore, this study examined the effects of running on the vertical treadmill facility, a ground-based analog, at simulated 0.7 g on gastrocnemius medialis contractile behavior. The results reveal that fascicle-series elastic element behavior differs between simulated hypogravity and 1 g running. Whilst shorter peak series elastic element lengths at simulated 0.7 g appear to be the result of lower muscular and gravitational forces acting on it, increased fascicle lengths and decreased velocities could not be anticipated, but may inform the development of optimized running training in hypogravity. However, whether the alterations in contractile behavior precipitate musculoskeletal degeneration warrants further study.},
  language  = {en}
}
@article{HeinkeKnickerAlbracht2021,
  author    = {Heinke, Lars N. and Knicker, Axel J. and Albracht, Kirsten},
  title     = {Test-retest reliability of the internal shoulder rotator muscles' stretch reflex in healthy men},
  series = {Journal of Electromyography and Kinesiology},
  volume    = {62},
  journal   = {Journal of Electromyography and Kinesiology},
  number    = {Article 102611},
  publisher = {Elsevier},
  address   = {Amsterdam},
  issn      = {1050-6411},
  doi       = {10.1016/j.jelekin.2021.102611},
  year      = {2021},
  abstract  = {Until now the reproducibility of the short latency stretch reflex of the internal rotator muscles of the glenohumeral joint has not been identified. Twenty-three healthy male participants performed three sets of external shoulder rotation stretches with various pre-activation levels on two different dates of measurement to assess test-retest reliability. All stretches were applied with a dynamometer acceleration of 104°/s2 and a velocity of 150°/s. Electromyographical response was measured via surface EMG. Reflex latencies showed a pre-activation effect (ƞ2 = 0,355). ICC ranged from 0,735 to 0,909 indicating an overall "good" relative reliability. SRD 95\% lay between ±7,0 to ±12,3 ms.. The reflex gain showed overall poor test-retest reproducibility. The chosen methodological approach presented a suitable test protocol for shoulder muscles stretch reflex latency evaluation. A proof-of-concept study to validate the presented methodical approach in shoulder involvement including subjects with clinically relevant conditions is recommended.},
  language  = {en}
}
@article{WaldvogelRitzmannFreyleretal.2021,
  author    = {Waldvogel, Janice and Ritzmann, Ramona and Freyler, Kathrin and Helm, Michael and Monti, Elena and Albracht, Kirsten and St{\"a}udle, Benjamin and Gollhofer, Albert and Narici, Marco},
  title     = {The Anticipation of Gravity in Human Ballistic Movement},
  series = {Frontiers in Physiology},
  journal   = {Frontiers in Physiology},
  publisher = {Frontiers},
  address   = {Lausanne},
  issn      = {1664-042X},
  doi       = {10.3389/fphys.2021.614060},
  year      = {2021},
  abstract  = {Stretch-shortening type actions are characterized by lengthening of the pre-activated muscle-tendon unit (MTU) in the eccentric phase immediately followed by muscle shortening. Under 1 g, pre-activity before and muscle activity after ground contact, scale muscle stiffness, which is crucial for the recoil properties of the MTU in the subsequent push-off. This study aimed to examine the neuro-mechanical coupling of the stretch-shortening cycle in response to gravity levels ranging from 0.1 to 2 g. During parabolic flights, 17 subjects performed drop jumps while electromyography (EMG) of the lower limb muscles was combined with ultrasound images of the gastrocnemius medialis, 2D kinematics and kinetics to depict changes in energy management and performance. Neuro-mechanical coupling in 1 g was characterized by high magnitudes of pre-activity and eccentric muscle activity allowing an isometric muscle behavior during ground contact. EMG during pre-activity and the concentric phase systematically increased from 0.1 to 1 g. Below 1 g the EMG in the eccentric phase was diminished, leading to muscle lengthening and reduced MTU stretches. Kinetic energy at take-off and performance were decreased compared to 1 g. Above 1 g, reduced EMG in the eccentric phase was accompanied by large MTU and muscle stretch, increased joint flexion amplitudes, energy loss and reduced performance. The energy outcome function established by linear mixed model reveals that the central nervous system regulates the extensor muscles phase- and load-specifically. In conclusion, neuro-mechanical coupling appears to be optimized in 1 g. Below 1 g, the energy outcome is compromised by reduced muscle stiffness. Above 1 g, loading progressively induces muscle lengthening, thus facilitating energy dissipation.},
  language  = {en}
}
@article{MoratFaudeHanssenetal.2020,
  author    = {Morat, Mareike and Faude, Oliver and Hanssen, Henner and Ludyga, Sebastian and Zacher, Jonas and Eibl, Angi and Albracht, Kirsten and Donath, Lars},
  title     = {Agility Training to Integratively Promote Neuromuscular, Cognitive, Cardiovascular and Psychosocial Function in Healthy Older Adults: A Study Protocol of a One-Year Randomized-Controlled Trial},
  series = {International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health},
  volume    = {17},
  journal   = {International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health},
  number    = {6},
  publisher = {MDPI},
  address   = {Basel},
  issn      = {1660-4601},
  doi       = {10.3390/ijerph17061853},
  pages     = {1 -- 14},
  year      = {2020},
  abstract  = {Exercise training effectively mitigates aging-induced health and fitness impairments. Traditional training recommendations for the elderly focus separately on relevant physiological fitness domains, such as balance, flexibility, strength and endurance. Thus, a more holistic and functional training framework is needed. The proposed agility training concept integratively tackles spatial orientation, stop and go, balance and strength. The presented protocol aims at introducing a two-armed, one-year randomized controlled trial, evaluating the effects of this concept on neuromuscular, cardiovascular, cognitive and psychosocial health outcomes in healthy older adults. Eighty-five participants were enrolled in this ongoing trial. Seventy-nine participants completed baseline testing and were block-randomized to the agility training group or the inactive control group. All participants undergo pre- and post-testing with interim assessment after six months. The intervention group currently receives supervised, group-based agility training twice a week over one year, with progressively demanding perceptual, cognitive and physical exercises. Knee extension strength, reactive balance, dual task gait speed and the Agility Challenge for the Elderly (ACE) serve as primary endpoints and neuromuscular, cognitive, cardiovascular, and psychosocial meassures serve as surrogate secondary outcomes. Our protocol promotes a comprehensive exercise training concept for older adults, that might facilitate stakeholders in health and exercise to stimulate relevant health outcomes without relying on excessively time-consuming physical activity recommendations.},
  language  = {en}
}
@article{QuittmannMeskemperAlbrachtetal.2020,
  author    = {Quittmann, Oliver J. and Meskemper, Joshua and Albracht, Kirsten and Abel, Thomas and Foitschik, Tina and Str{\"u}der, Heiko K.},
  title     = {Normalising surface EMG of ten upper-extremity muscles in handcycling: Manual resistance vs. sport-specific MVICs},
  series = {Journal of Electromyography and Kinesiology},
  volume    = {51},
  journal   = {Journal of Electromyography and Kinesiology},
  number    = {Article 102402},
  publisher = {Elsevier},
  address   = {Amsterdam},
  issn      = {1050-6411},
  doi       = {10.1016/j.jelekin.2020.102402},
  year      = {2020},
  abstract  = {Muscular activity in terms of surface electromyography (sEMG) is usually normalised to maximal voluntary isometric contractions (MVICs). This study aims to compare two different MVIC-modes in handcycling and examine the effect of moving average window-size. Twelve able-bodied male competitive triathletes performed ten MVICs against manual resistance and four sport-specific trials against fixed cranks. sEMG of ten muscles [M. trapezius (TD); M. pectoralis major (PM); M. deltoideus, Pars clavicularis (DA); M. deltoideus, Pars spinalis (DP); M. biceps brachii (BB); M. triceps brachii (TB); forearm flexors (FC); forearm extensors (EC); M. latissimus dorsi (LD) and M. rectus abdominis (RA)] was recorded and filtered using moving average window-sizes of 150, 200, 250 and 300 ms. Sport-specific MVICs were higher compared to manual resistance for TB, DA, DP and LD, whereas FC, TD, BB and RA demonstrated lower values. PM and EC demonstrated no significant difference between MVIC-modes. Moving average window-size had no effect on MVIC outcomes. MVIC-mode should be taken into account when normalised sEMG data are illustrated in handcycling. Sport-specific MVICs seem to be suitable for some muscles (TB, DA, DP and LD), but should be augmented by MVICs against manual/mechanical resistance for FC, TD, BB and RA.},
  language  = {en}
}
@article{HeinkeKnickerAlbracht2020,
  author    = {Heinke, Lars N. and Knicker, Axel J. and Albracht, Kirsten},
  title     = {Increased shoulder muscle stretch reflex elicitability in supine subject posture},
  series = {Isokinetics and Exercise Science},
  volume    = {28},
  journal   = {Isokinetics and Exercise Science},
  number    = {2},
  publisher = {IOS Press},
  address   = {Amsterdam},
  issn      = {1878-5913},
  doi       = {10.3233/IES-192219},
  pages     = {139 -- 146},
  year      = {2020},
  abstract  = {BACKGROUND: Muscle stretch reflexes are widely used to examine neural muscle function. The knowledge of reflex response in muscles crossing the shoulder is limited. OBJECTIVE: To quantify reflex modulation according to various subject postures and different procedures of muscle pre-activation steering. METHODS: Thirteen healthy male participants performed two sets of external shoulder rotation stretches in various positions and with different procedures of muscle pre-activation steering on an isokinetic dynamometer over a range of two different pre-activation levels. All stretches were applied with a dynamometer acceleration of 104∘/s2 and a velocity of 150∘/s. Electromyographical response was measured via sEMG. RESULTS: Consistent reflexive response was observed in all tested muscles in all experimental conditions. The reflex elicitation rate revealed a significant muscle main effect (F (5,288) = 2.358, ρ= 0.040; η2= 0.039; f= 0.637) and a significant test condition main effect (F (1,288) = 5.884, ρ= 0.016; η2= 0.020; f= 0.143). Reflex latency revealed a significant muscle pre-activation level main effect (F (1,274) = 5.008, ρ= 0.026; η2= 0.018; f= 0.469). CONCLUSION: Muscular reflexive response was more consistent in the primary internal rotators of the shoulder. Supine posture in combination with visual feedback of muscle pre-activation level enhanced the reflex elicitation rate.},
  language  = {en}
}
@inproceedings{PohleFroehlichDalitzRichteretal.2020,
  author    = {Pohle-Fr{\"o}hlich, Regina and Dalitz, Christoph and Richter, Charlotte and Hahnen, Tobias and St{\"a}udle, Benjamin and Albracht, Kirsten},
  title     = {Estimation of muscle fascicle orientation in ultrasonic images},
  series = {VISIGRAPP 2020 - Proceedings of the 15th International Joint Conference on Computer Vision, Imaging and Computer Graphics Theory and Applications, 5},
  booktitle = {VISIGRAPP 2020 - Proceedings of the 15th International Joint Conference on Computer Vision, Imaging and Computer Graphics Theory and Applications, 5},
  pages     = {79 -- 86},
  year      = {2020},
  language  = {en}
}
@article{QuittmannAbelAlbrachtetal.2020,
  author    = {Quittmann, Oliver J. and Abel, Thomas and Albracht, Kirsten and Meskemper, Joshua and Foitschik, Tina and Str{\"u}der, Heiko K.},
  title     = {Biomechanics of handcycling propulsion in a 30-min continuous load test at lactate threshold: Kinetics, kinematics, and muscular activity in able-bodied participants},
  series = {European Journal of Applied Physiology},
  journal   = {European Journal of Applied Physiology},
  number    = {120},
  publisher = {Springer},
  address   = {Heidelberg},
  issn      = {1439-6327},
  doi       = {10.1007/s00421-020-04373-x},
  pages     = {1403 -- 1415},
  year      = {2020},
  abstract  = {Purpose This study aims to investigate the biomechanics of handcycling during a continuous load trial (CLT) to assess the mechanisms underlying fatigue in upper body exercise. Methods Twelve able-bodied triathletes performed a 30-min CLT at a power output corresponding to lactate threshold in a racing recumbent handcycle mounted on a stationary ergometer. During the CLT, ratings of perceived exertion (RPE), tangential crank kinetics, 3D joint kinematics, and muscular activity of ten muscles of the upper extremity and trunk were examined using motion capturing and surface electromyography. Results During the CLT, spontaneously chosen cadence and RPE increased, whereas crank torque decreased. Rotational work was higher during the pull phase. Peripheral RPE was higher compared to central RPE. Joint range of motion decreased for elbow-flexion and radial-duction. Integrated EMG (iEMG) increased in the forearm flexors, forearm extensors, and M. deltoideus (Pars spinalis). An earlier onset of activation was found for M. deltoideus (Pars clavicularis), M. pectoralis major, M. rectus abdominis, M. biceps brachii, and the forearm flexors. Conclusion Fatigue-related alterations seem to apply analogously in handcycling and cycling. The most distal muscles are responsible for force transmission on the cranks and might thus suffer most from neuromuscular fatigue. The findings indicate that peripheral fatigue (at similar lactate values) is higher in handcycling compared to leg cycling, at least for inexperienced participants. An increase in cadence might delay peripheral fatigue by a reduced vascular occlusion. We assume that the gap between peripheral and central fatigue can be reduced by sport-specific endurance training.},
  language  = {en}
}
@article{WerkhausenCroninAlbrachtetal.2019,
  author    = {Werkhausen, Amelie and Cronin, Neil J. and Albracht, Kirsten and Bojsen-M{\o}ller, Jens and Seynnes, Olivier R.},
  title     = {Distinct muscle-tendon interaction during running at different speeds and in different loading conditions},
  series = {Journal of Applied Physiology},
  volume    = {127},
  journal   = {Journal of Applied Physiology},
  number    = {1},
  issn      = {1522-1601},
  doi       = {10.1152/japplphysiol.00710.2018},
  pages     = {246 -- 253},
  year      = {2019},
  language  = {en}
}
@article{QuittmannAbelAlbrachtetal.2019,
  author    = {Quittmann, Oliver J. and Abel, Thomas and Albracht, Kirsten and Str{\"u}der, Heiko K.},
  title     = {Reliability of muscular activation patterns and their alterations during incremental handcycling in able-bodied participants},
  series = {Sports Biomechanics},
  journal   = {Sports Biomechanics},
  number    = {Article in press},
  publisher = {Taylor \& Francis},
  address   = {London},
  issn      = {1752-6116},
  doi       = {10.1080/14763141.2019.1593496},
  year      = {2019},
  language  = {en}
}
@article{CapriMorsianiSantoroetal.2019,
  author    = {Capri, Miriam and Morsiani, Cristina and Santoro, Aurelia and Moriggi, Manuela and Conte, Maria and Martucci, Morena and Bellavista, Elena and Fabbri, Cristina and Giampieri, Enrico and Albracht, Kirsten and Fl{\"u}ck, Martin and Ruoss, Severin and Brocca, Lorenza and Canepari, Monica and Longa, Emanuela and Giulio, Irene Di and Bottinelli, Roberto and Cerretelli, Paolo and Salvioli, Stefano and Gelfi, Cecilia and Franceschi, Claudio and Narici, Marco and Rittweger, J{\"o}rn},
  title     = {Recovery from 6-month spaceflight at the International Space Station: muscle-related stress into a proinflammatory setting},
  series = {The FASEB journal : official publication of the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology},
  volume    = {33},
  journal   = {The FASEB journal : official publication of the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology},
  number    = {4},
  doi       = {10.1096/fj.201801625R},
  pages     = {5168 -- 5180},
  year      = {2019},
  language  = {en}
}
@article{HeinkeKnickerAlbracht2018,
  author    = {Heinke, Lars N. and Knicker, Axel J. and Albracht, Kirsten},
  title     = {Evaluation of passively induced shoulder stretch reflex using an isokinetic dynamometer in male overhead athletes},
  series = {Isokinetics and Exercise Science},
  volume    = {26},
  journal   = {Isokinetics and Exercise Science},
  number    = {4},
  publisher = {IOS Press},
  address   = {Amsterdam},
  issn      = {1878-5913},
  doi       = {10.3233/IES-184111},
  pages     = {265 -- 274},
  year      = {2018},
  abstract  = {BACKGROUND: Muscle stretch reflexes are widely considered to beneficially influence joint stability and power generation in the lower limbs. While in the upper limbs and especially in the muscles surrounding the shoulder joint such evidence is lacking. OBJECTIVE: To quantify the electromyographical response in the muscles crossing the shoulder of specifically trained overhead athletes to an anterior perturbation force. METHODS: Twenty healthy male participants performed six sets of different external shoulder rotation stretches on an isokinetic dynamometer over a range of amplitudes and muscle pre-activation moment levels. All stretches were applied with a dynamometer acceleration of 10,000∘/s2 and a velocity of 150∘/s. Electromyographical response was measured via sEMG. RESULTS: Consistent reflexes were not observed in all experimental conditions. The reflex latencies revealed a significant muscle main effect (F (2,228) = 99.31, p< 0.001; η2= 0.466; f= 0.934) and a pre-activation main effect (F (1,228) = 142.21, p< 0.001; η2= 0.384; f= 1.418). The stretch reflex amplitude yielded a significant pre-activation main effect (F (1,222) = 470.373, p< 0.001; η2= 0.679; f= 1.454). CONCLUSION: Short latency muscle reflexes showed a tendency to an anterior to posterior muscle recruitment whereby the main internal rotator muscles of the shoulder revealed the most consistent results.},
  language  = {en}
}
@inproceedings{RichterBraunsteinStaeudleetal.2018,
  author    = {Richter, Charlotte and Braunstein, Bjoern and St{\"a}udle, Benjamin and Attias, Julia and Suess, Alexander and Weber, T. and Rittweger, Joern and Green, David A. and Albracht, Kirsten},
  title     = {In vivo fascicle length of the gastrocnemius muscle during walking in simulated martian gravity using two different body weight support devices},
  series = {23rd Annual Congress of the European College of Sport Science, Dublin, Irland},
  booktitle = {23rd Annual Congress of the European College of Sport Science, Dublin, Irland},
  year      = {2018},
  language  = {en}
}
@article{RittwegerAlbrachtFluecketal.2018,
  author    = {Rittweger, J{\"o}rn and Albracht, Kirsten and Fl{\"u}ck, Martin and Ruoss, Severin and Brocca, Lorenza and Longa, Emanuela and Moriggi, Manuela and Seynnes, Olivier and Di Giulio, Irene and Tenori, Leonardo and Vignoli, Alessia and Capri, Miriam and Gelfi, Cecilia and Luchinat, Claudio and Franceschi, Claudio and Bottinelli, Roberto and Cerretelli, Paolo and Narici, Marco},
  title     = {Sarcolab pilot study into skeletal muscle's adaptation to longterm spaceflight},
  series = {npj Microgravity},
  volume    = {4},
  journal   = {npj Microgravity},
  number    = {1},
  publisher = {Nature Portfolio},
  issn      = {2373-8065},
  doi       = {10.1038/s41526-018-0052-1},
  pages     = {1 -- 9},
  year      = {2018},
  language  = {en}
}
@inproceedings{AbelBoninAlbrachtetal.2010,
  author    = {Abel, Thomas and Bonin, Dominik and Albracht, Kirsten and Zeller, Sebastian and Br{\"u}ggemann, Gert-Peter and Burkett, Brendan and Str{\"u}der, Heiko K.},
  title     = {Kinematic profile of the elite handcyclist},
  series = {28th International Conference on Biomechanics in Sports, Marquette, Michigan, USA, July 19 - 23, 2010},
  booktitle = {28th International Conference on Biomechanics in Sports, Marquette, Michigan, USA, July 19 - 23, 2010},
  issn      = {1999-4168},
  pages     = {140 -- 141},
  year      = {2010},
  language  = {en}
}
@inproceedings{BraunsteinGoldmannAlbrachtetal.2013,
  author    = {Braunstein, Bjoern and Goldmann, Jan-Peter and Albracht, Kirsten and Sanno, Maximilian and Willwacher, Steffen and Heinrich, Kai and Herrmann, Volker and Br{\"u}ggemann, Gert-Peter},
  title     = {Joint specific contribution of mechanical power and work during acceleration and top speed in elite sprinters},
  series = {31 International Conference on Biomechanics in Sports, Taipei, Taiwan, July 07 - July 22, 2013},
  booktitle = {31 International Conference on Biomechanics in Sports, Taipei, Taiwan, July 07 - July 22, 2013},
  issn      = {1999-4168},
  year      = {2013},
  language  = {en}
}
@inproceedings{DroszezSannoGoldmannetal.2016,
  author    = {Droszez, Anna and Sanno, Maximilian and Goldmann, Jan-Peter and Albracht, Kirsten and Br{\"u}ggemann, Gerd-Peter and Braunstein, Bjoern},
  title     = {Differences between take-off behavior during vertical jumps and two artistic elements},
  series = {34th International Conference of Biomechanics in Sport, Tsukuba, Japan, July 18-22, 2016},
  booktitle = {34th International Conference of Biomechanics in Sport, Tsukuba, Japan, July 18-22, 2016},
  issn      = {1999-4168},
  pages     = {577 -- 580},
  year      = {2016},
  language  = {en}
}
@inproceedings{GoldmannBraunsteinHeinrichetal.2015,
  author    = {Goldmann, Jan-Peter and Braunstein, Bjoern and Heinrich, Kai and Sanno, Maximilian and St{\"a}udle, Benjamin and Ritzdorf, Wolfgang and Br{\"u}ggemann, Gert-Peter and Albracht, Kirsten},
  title     = {Joint work of the take-off leg during elite high jump},
  series = {Proceedings of the 33th International Conference on Biomechanics in Sports (ISBS)},
  booktitle = {Proceedings of the 33th International Conference on Biomechanics in Sports (ISBS)},
  pages     = {3 S.},
  year      = {2015},
  language  = {en}
}
@article{ZangeSchopenAlbrachtetal.2017,
  author    = {Zange, Jochen and Schopen, Kathrin and Albracht, Kirsten and Gerlach, Darius A. and Frings-Meuthen, Petra and Maffiuletti, Nicola A. and Bloch, Wilhelm and Rittweger, J{\"o}rn},
  title     = {Using the Hephaistos orthotic device to study countermeasure effectiveness of neuromuscular electrical stimulation and dietary lupin protein supplementation, a randomised controlled trial},
  series = {Plos one},
  volume    = {12},
  journal   = {Plos one},
  number    = {2},
  doi       = {10.1371/journal.pone.0171562},
  year      = {2017},
  language  = {en}
}
@inproceedings{KolditzAlbinFasseetal.2015,
  author    = {Kolditz, Melanie and Albin, Thivaharan and Fasse, Alessandro and Br{\"u}ggemann, Gert-Peter and Abel, Dirk and Albracht, Kirsten},
  title     = {Simulative Analysis of Joint Loading During Leg Press Exercise for Control Applications},
  series = {IFAC-PapersOnLine},
  volume    = {48},
  booktitle = {IFAC-PapersOnLine},
  number    = {20},
  doi       = {10.1016/j.ifacol.2015.10.179},
  pages     = {435 -- 440},
  year      = {2015},
  language  = {en}
}
@inproceedings{KolditzAlbrachtFasseetal.2015,
  author    = {Kolditz, Melanie and Albracht, Kirsten and Fasse, Alessandro and Albin, Thivaharan and Br{\"u}ggemann, Gert-Peter and Abel, Dirk},
  title     = {Evaluation of an industrial robot as a leg press training device},
  series = {XV International Symposium on Computer Simulation in Biomechanics July 9th - 11th 2015, Edinburgh, UK},
  booktitle = {XV International Symposium on Computer Simulation in Biomechanics July 9th - 11th 2015, Edinburgh, UK},
  pages     = {41 -- 42},
  year      = {2015},
  language  = {en}
}
@phdthesis{Albracht2010,
  author    = {Albracht, Kirsten},
  title     = {Influence of mechanical properties of the leg extensor muscletendon units on running economy},
  publisher = {Deutsche Sporthochschule K{\"o}ln},
  address   = {K{\"o}ln},
  pages     = {X, 1221 Bl. : graph. Darst.},
  year      = {2010},
  language  = {en}
}
@article{AlbrachtArampatzis2006,
  author    = {Albracht, Kirsten and Arampatzis, Adamantios},
  title     = {Influence of the mechanical properties of the muscle-tendon unit on force generation in runners with different running economy},
  series = {Biological Cybernetics},
  volume    = {95},
  journal   = {Biological Cybernetics},
  number    = {1},
  issn      = {1432-0770},
  doi       = {10.1007/s00422-006-0070-z},
  pages     = {87 -- 96},
  year      = {2006},
  language  = {en}
}
@article{ArampatzisKaramanidisAlbracht2007,
  author    = {Arampatzis, Adamantios and Karamanidis, Kiros and Albracht, Kirsten},
  title     = {Adaptational responses of the human Achilles tendon by modulation of the applied cyclic strain magnitude},
  series = {Journal of Experimental Biology},
  volume    = {210},
  journal   = {Journal of Experimental Biology},
  number    = {15},
  issn      = {0022-0949},
  doi       = {10.1242/jeb.003814},
  pages     = {2743 -- 2753},
  year      = {2007},
  language  = {en}
}
@article{AlbrachtArampatzisBaltzopoulos2008,
  author    = {Albracht, Kirsten and Arampatzis, A. and Baltzopoulos, V.},
  title     = {Assessment of muscle volume and physiological cross-sectional area of the human triceps surae muscle in vivo},
  series = {Journal of Biomechanics},
  volume    = {41},
  journal   = {Journal of Biomechanics},
  issn      = {0021-9290},
  doi       = {10.1016/j.jbiomech.2008.04.020},
  pages     = {2211 -- 2218},
  year      = {2008},
  language  = {en}
}
@article{ArampatzisKaramanidisMademlietal.2009,
  author    = {Arampatzis, Adamantios and Karamanidis, Kiros and Mademli, Lida and Albracht, Kirsten},
  title     = {Plasticity of the human tendon to short and long-term mechanical loading},
  series = {Exercise and Sport Sciences Reviews},
  volume    = {37},
  journal   = {Exercise and Sport Sciences Reviews},
  number    = {2},
  issn      = {1538-3008},
  doi       = {10.1097/JES.0b013e31819c2e1d},
  pages     = {66 -- 72},
  year      = {2009},
  language  = {en}
}
@article{AggeloussisGiannakouAlbrachtetal.2010,
  author    = {Aggeloussis, Nickos and Giannakou, Erasmia and Albracht, Kirsten and Arampatzis, Adamantios},
  title     = {Reproducibility of fascicle length and pennation angle of gastrocnemius medialis in human gait in vivo},
  series = {Gait and Posture},
  volume    = {31},
  journal   = {Gait and Posture},
  number    = {1},
  publisher = {Elsevier},
  address   = {Amsterdam},
  issn      = {0966-6362},
  doi       = {10.1016/j.gaitpost.2009.08.249},
  pages     = {73 -- 77},
  year      = {2010},
  abstract  = {The purpose of the current study was to examine the reproducibility of fascicle length and pennation angle of gastrocnemius medialis while human walking. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study of the reproducibility of fascicle length and pennation angle of gastrocnemius medialis in vivo during human gait. Twelve males performed 10 gait trials on a treadmill, in 2 separate days. B-mode ultrasonography, with the ultrasound probe firmly adjusted in the transverse and frontal planes using a special cast, was used to measure the fascicle length and the pennation angle of the gastrocnemius medialis (GM). A Vicon 624 system with three cameras operating at 120 Hz was also used to record the ankle and knee joint angles. The results showed that measurements of fascicle length and pennation angle showed high reproducibility during the gait cycle, both within the same day and between different days. Moreover, the root mean square differences between the repeated waveforms of both variables were very small, compared with their ranges (fascicle length: RMS = ∼3 mm, range: 38-63 mm; pennation angle: RMS = ∼1.5°, range: 22-32°). However, their reproducibility was lower compared to the joint angles. It was found that representative data have to be derived by a wide number of gait trials (fascicle length ∼six trials, pennation angle more than 10 trials), to assure the reliability of the fascicle length and pennation angle in human gait.},
  language  = {en}
}
@article{ArampatzisPeperBierbaumetal.2010,
  author    = {Arampatzis, Adamantios and Peper, Andreas and Bierbaum, Stefanie and Albracht, Kirsten},
  title     = {Plasticity of human Achilles tendon mechanical and morphological properties in response to cyclic strain},
  series = {Journal of Biomechanics},
  volume    = {43},
  journal   = {Journal of Biomechanics},
  number    = {16},
  publisher = {Elsevier},
  address   = {Amsterdam},
  issn      = {0021-9290},
  doi       = {10.1016/j.jbiomech.2010.08.014},
  pages     = {3073 -- 3079},
  year      = {2010},
  abstract  = {The purpose of the current study in combination with our previous published data (Arampatzis et al., 2007) was to examine the effects of a controlled modulation of strain magnitude and strain frequency applied to the Achilles tendon on the plasticity of tendon mechanical and morphological properties. Eleven male adults (23.9±2.2 yr) participated in the study. The participants exercised one leg at low magnitude tendon strain (2.97±0.47\%), and the other leg at high tendon strain magnitude (4.72±1.08\%) of similar frequency (0.5 Hz, 1 s loading, 1 s relaxation) and exercise volume (integral of the plantar flexion moment over time) for 14 weeks, 4 days per week, 5 sets per session. The exercise volume was similar to the intervention of our earlier study (0.17 Hz frequency; 3 s loading, 3 s relaxation) allowing a direct comparison of the results. Before and after the intervention ankle joint moment has been measured by a dynamometer, tendon-aponeurosis elongation by ultrasound and cross-sectional area of the Achilles tendon by magnet resonance images (MRI). We found a decrease in strain at a given tendon force, an increase in tendon-aponeurosis stiffness and tendon elastic modulus of the Achilles tendon only in the leg exercised at high strain magnitude. The cross-sectional area (CSA) of the Achilles tendon did not show any statistically significant (P>0.05) differences to the pre-exercise values in both legs. The results indicate a superior improvement in tendon properties (stiffness, elastic modulus and CSA) at the low frequency (0.17 Hz) compared to the high strain frequency (0.5 Hz) protocol. These findings provide evidence that the strain magnitude applied to the Achilles tendon should exceed the value, which occurs during habitual activities to trigger adaptational effects and that higher tendon strain duration per contraction leads to superior tendon adaptational responses.},
  language  = {en}
}
@article{KaramanidisAlbrachtBraunsteinetal.2011,
  author    = {Karamanidis, Kiros and Albracht, Kirsten and Braunstein, Bjoern and Catala, Maria Moreno and Goldmann, Jan-Peter and Br{\"u}ggemann, Gert-Peter},
  title     = {Lower leg musculoskeletal geometry and sprint performance},
  series = {Gait and Posture},
  volume    = {34},
  journal   = {Gait and Posture},
  number    = {1},
  publisher = {Elsevier},
  address   = {Amsterdam},
  issn      = {0966-6362},
  doi       = {10.1016/j.gaitpost.2011.03.009},
  pages     = {138 -- 141},
  year      = {2011},
  abstract  = {The purpose of this study was to investigate whether sprint performance is related to lower leg musculoskeletal geometry within a homogeneous group of highly trained 100-m sprinters. Using a cluster analysis, eighteen male sprinters were divided into two groups based on their personal best (fast: N = 11, 10.30 ± 0.07 s; slow: N = 7, 10.70 ± 0.08 s). Calf muscular fascicle arrangement and Achilles tendon moment arms (calculated by the gradient of tendon excursion versus ankle joint angle) were analyzed for each athlete using ultrasonography. Achilles tendon moment arm, foot and ankle skeletal geometry, fascicle arrangement as well as the ratio of fascicle length to Achilles tendon moment arm showed no significant (p > 0.05) correlation with sprint performance, nor were there any differences in the analyzed musculoskeletal parameters between the fast and slow sprinter group. Our findings provide evidence that differences in sprint ability in world-class athletes are not a result of differences in the geometrical design of the lower leg even when considering both skeletal and muscular components.},
  language  = {en}
}
@article{AlbrachtArampatzis2013,
  author    = {Albracht, Kirsten and Arampatzis, Adamantios},
  title     = {Exercise-induced changes in triceps surae tendon stiffness and muscle strength affect running economy in humans},
  series = {European Journal of Applied Physiology},
  volume    = {113},
  journal   = {European Journal of Applied Physiology},
  number    = {6},
  publisher = {Springer},
  address   = {Berlin},
  issn      = {1439-6327},
  doi       = {10.1007/s00421-012-2585-4},
  pages     = {1605 -- 1615},
  year      = {2013},
  language  = {en}
}
@article{SeynnesBojsenMollerAlbrachtetal.2015,
  author    = {Seynnes, O. R. and Bojsen-Moller, J. and Albracht, Kirsten and Arndt, A. and Cronin, N. J. and Finni, T. and Magnusson, S. P.},
  title     = {Ultrasound-based testing of tendon mechanical properties: a critical evaluation},
  series = {Journal of Applied Physiology},
  volume    = {118},
  journal   = {Journal of Applied Physiology},
  number    = {2},
  issn      = {8750-7587},
  doi       = {10.1152/japplphysiol.00849.2014},
  pages     = {133 -- 141},
  year      = {2015},
  language  = {en}
}
@article{BelavyAlbrachtBruggemannetal.2016,
  author    = {Belavy, Daniel L. and Albracht, Kirsten and Bruggemann, Gert-Peter and Vergroesen, Pieter-Paul A. and Dieen, Jaap H. van},
  title     = {Can exercise positively influence the intervertebral disc?},
  series = {Sports Medicine},
  volume    = {46},
  journal   = {Sports Medicine},
  number    = {4},
  publisher = {Springer},
  address   = {Berlin},
  issn      = {1179-2035},
  doi       = {10.1007/s40279-015-0444-2},
  pages     = {473 -- 485},
  year      = {2016},
  abstract  = {To better understand what kinds of sports and exercise could be beneficial for the intervertebral disc (IVD), we performed a review to synthesise the literature on IVD adaptation with loading and exercise. The state of the literature did not permit a systematic review; therefore, we performed a narrative review. The majority of the available data come from cell or whole-disc loading models and animal exercise models. However, some studies have examined the impact of specific sports on IVD degeneration in humans and acute exercise on disc size. Based on the data available in the literature, loading types that are likely beneficial to the IVD are dynamic, axial, at slow to moderate movement speeds, and of a magnitude experienced in walking and jogging. Static loading, torsional loading, flexion with compression, rapid loading, high-impact loading and explosive tasks are likely detrimental for the IVD. Reduced physical activity and disuse appear to be detrimental for the IVD. We also consider the impact of genetics and the likelihood of a 'critical period' for the effect of exercise in IVD development. The current review summarises the literature to increase awareness amongst exercise, rehabilitation and ergonomic professionals regarding IVD health and provides recommendations on future directions in research.},
  language  = {en}
}
@article{KolditzAlbinAbeletal.2016,
  author    = {Kolditz, Melanie and Albin, Thivaharan and Abel, Dirk and Fasse, Alessandro and Br{\"u}ggemann, Gert-Peter and Albracht, Kirsten},
  title     = {Evaluation of foot position and orientation as manipulated variables to control external knee adduction moments in leg extension training},
  series = {Computer methods and programs in biomedicine},
  volume    = {171},
  journal   = {Computer methods and programs in biomedicine},
  publisher = {Elsevier},
  address   = {Amsterdam},
  issn      = {0169-2607},
  doi       = {10.1016/j.cmpb.2016.09.005},
  pages     = {81 -- 86},
  year      = {2016},
  abstract  = {Background and Objective Effective leg extension training at a leg press requires high forces, which need to be controlled to avoid training-induced damage. In order to avoid high external knee adduction moments, which are one reason for unphysiological loadings on knee joint structures, both training movements and the whole reaction force vector need to be observed. In this study, the applicability of lateral and medial changes in foot orientation and position as possible manipulated variables to control external knee adduction moments is investigated. As secondary parameters both the medio-lateral position of the center of pressure and the frontal-plane orientation of the reaction force vector are analyzed. Methods Knee adduction moments are estimated using a dynamic model of the musculoskeletal system together with the measured reaction force vector and the motion of the subject by solving the inverse kinematic and dynamic problem. Six different foot conditions with varying positions and orientations of the foot in a static leg press are evaluated and compared to a neutral foot position. Results Both lateral and medial wedges under the foot and medial and lateral shifts of the foot can influence external knee adduction moments in the presented study with six healthy subjects. Different effects are observed with the varying conditions: the pose of the leg is changed and the direction and center of pressure of the reaction force vector is influenced. Each effect results in a different direction or center of pressure of the reaction force vector. Conclusions The results allow the conclusion that foot position and orientation can be used as manipulated variables in a control loop to actively control knee adduction moments in leg extension training.},
  language  = {en}
}