@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} } @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{RichterBraunsteinStaeudleetal.2021, author = {Richter, Charlotte and Braunstein, Bj{\"o}rn and St{\"a}udle, Benjamin and Attias, Julia and S{\"u}ss, Alexander and Weber, Tobias and Mileva, Katya N. and Rittweger, J{\"o}rn and Green, David A. and Albracht, Kirsten}, title = {Gastrocnemius medialis contractile behavior during running differs between simulated Lunar and Martian gravities}, series = {Scientific reports}, volume = {11}, journal = {Scientific reports}, number = {Article number: 22555}, publisher = {Springer Nature}, address = {London}, issn = {2045-2322}, doi = {10.1038/s41598-021-00527-9}, pages = {13 Seiten}, year = {2021}, abstract = {The international partnership of space agencies has agreed to proceed forward to the Moon sustainably. Activities on the Lunar surface (0.16 g) will allow crewmembers to advance the exploration skills needed when expanding human presence to Mars (0.38 g). Whilst data from actual hypogravity activities are limited to the Apollo missions, simulation studies have indicated that ground reaction forces, mechanical work, muscle activation, and joint angles decrease with declining gravity level. However, these alterations in locomotion biomechanics do not necessarily scale to the gravity level, the reduction in gastrocnemius medialis activation even appears to level off around 0.2 g, while muscle activation pattern remains similar. Thus, it is difficult to predict whether gastrocnemius medialis contractile behavior during running on Moon will basically be the same as on Mars. Therefore, this study investigated lower limb joint kinematics and gastrocnemius medialis behavior during running at 1 g, simulated Martian gravity, and simulated Lunar gravity on the vertical treadmill facility. The results indicate that hypogravity-induced alterations in joint kinematics and contractile behavior still persist between simulated running on the Moon and Mars. This contrasts with the concept of a ceiling effect and should be carefully considered when evaluating exercise prescriptions and the transferability of locomotion practiced in Lunar gravity to Martian gravity.}, language = {en} } @article{RichterBraunsteinStaeudleetal.2021, author = {Richter, Charlotte and Braunstein, Bjoern and St{\"a}udle, Benjamin and Attias, Julia and Suess, Alexander and Weber, Tobias and Mileva, Katja N. and Rittweger, Joern and Green, David A. and Albracht, Kirsten}, title = {Gastrocnemius medialis contractile behavior is preserved during 30\% body weight supported gait training}, series = {Frontiers in Sports and Active Living}, volume = {2021}, journal = {Frontiers in Sports and Active Living}, number = {2}, publisher = {Frontiers}, address = {Lausanne}, issn = {2624-9367}, doi = {10.3389/fspor.2020.614559}, pages = {Artikel 614559}, year = {2021}, abstract = {Rehabilitative body weight supported gait training aims at restoring walking function as a key element in activities of daily living. Studies demonstrated reductions in muscle and joint forces, while kinematic gait patterns appear to be preserved with up to 30\% weight support. However, the influence of body weight support on muscle architecture, with respect to fascicle and series elastic element behavior is unknown, despite this having potential clinical implications for gait retraining. Eight males (31.9 ± 4.7 years) walked at 75\% of the speed at which they typically transition to running, with 0\% and 30\% body weight support on a lower-body positive pressure treadmill. Gastrocnemius medialis fascicle lengths and pennation angles were measured via ultrasonography. Additionally, joint kinematics were analyzed to determine gastrocnemius medialis muscle-tendon unit lengths, consisting of the muscle's contractile and series elastic elements. Series elastic element length was assessed using a muscle-tendon unit model. Depending on whether data were normally distributed, a paired t-test or Wilcoxon signed rank test was performed to determine if body weight supported walking had any effects on joint kinematics and fascicle-series elastic element behavior. Walking with 30\% body weight support had no statistically significant effect on joint kinematics and peak series elastic element length. Furthermore, at the time when peak series elastic element length was achieved, and on average across the entire stance phase, muscle-tendon unit length, fascicle length, pennation angle, and fascicle velocity were unchanged with respect to body weight support. In accordance with unchanged gait kinematics, preservation of fascicle-series elastic element behavior was observed during walking with 30\% body weight support, which suggests transferability of gait patterns to subsequent unsupported walking.}, 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{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} } @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} } @inproceedings{KetelhutGoellBraunsteinetal.2019, author = {Ketelhut, Maike and G{\"o}ll, Fabian and Braunstein, Bjoern and Albracht, Kirsten and Abel, Dirk}, title = {Iterative learning control of an industrial robot for neuromuscular training}, series = {2019 IEEE Conference on Control Technology and Applications}, booktitle = {2019 IEEE Conference on Control Technology and Applications}, publisher = {IEEE}, address = {New York}, isbn = {978-1-7281-2767-5 (ePub)}, doi = {10.1109/CCTA.2019.8920659}, pages = {7 Seiten}, year = {2019}, abstract = {Effective training requires high muscle forces potentially leading to training-induced injuries. Thus, continuous monitoring and controlling of the loadings applied to the musculoskeletal system along the motion trajectory is required. In this paper, a norm-optimal iterative learning control algorithm for the robot-assisted training is developed. The algorithm aims at minimizing the external knee joint moment, which is commonly used to quantify the loading of the medial compartment. To estimate the external knee joint moment, a musculoskeletal lower extremity model is implemented in OpenSim and coupled with a model of an industrial robot and a force plate mounted at its end-effector. The algorithm is tested in simulation for patients with varus, normal and valgus alignment of the knee. The results show that the algorithm is able to minimize the external knee joint moment in all three cases and converges after less than seven iterations.}, 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{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} } @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} } @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{WerkhausenWillwacherAlbracht2021, author = {Werkhausen, Amelie and Willwacher, Steffen and Albracht, Kirsten}, title = {Medial gastrocnemius muscle fascicles shorten throughout stance during sprint acceleration}, series = {Scandinavian Journal of Medicine \& Science in Sports}, volume = {31}, journal = {Scandinavian Journal of Medicine \& Science in Sports}, number = {7}, publisher = {Wiley-Blackwell}, address = {Oxford}, issn = {0905-7188 (Druckausgabe)}, doi = {10.1111/sms.13956}, pages = {1471 -- 1480}, year = {2021}, abstract = {The compliant nature of distal limb muscle-tendon units is traditionally considered suboptimal in explosive movements when positive joint work is required. However, during accelerative running, ankle joint net mechanical work is positive. Therefore, this study aims to investigate how plantar flexor muscle-tendon behavior is modulated during fast accelerations. Eleven female sprinters performed maximum sprint accelerations from starting blocks, while gastrocnemius muscle fascicle lengths were estimated using ultrasonography. We combined motion analysis and ground reaction force measurements to assess lower limb joint kinematics and kinetics, and to estimate gastrocnemius muscle-tendon unit length during the first two acceleration steps. Outcome variables were resampled to the stance phase and averaged across three to five trials. Relevant scalars were extracted and analyzed using one-sample and two-sample t-tests, and vector trajectories were compared using statistical parametric mapping. We found that an uncoupling of muscle fascicle behavior from muscle-tendon unit behavior is effectively used to produce net positive mechanical work at the joint during maximum sprint acceleration. Muscle fascicles shortened throughout the first and second steps, while shortening occurred earlier during the first step, where negative joint work was lower compared with the second step. Elastic strain energy may be stored during dorsiflexion after touchdown since fascicles did not lengthen at the same time to dissipate energy. Thus, net positive work generation is accommodated by the reuse of elastic strain energy along with positive gastrocnemius fascicle work. Our results show a mechanism of how muscles with high in-series compliance can contribute to net positive joint work.}, language = {en} } @article{HerssensCowburnAlbrachtetal.2022, author = {Herssens, Nolan and Cowburn, James and Albracht, Kirsten and Braunstein, Bjoern and Cazzola, Dario and Colyer, Steffi and Minetti, Alberto E. and Pavei, Gaspare and Rittweger, J{\"o}rn and Weber, Tobias and Green, David A.}, title = {Movement in low gravity environments (MoLo) programme - the MoLo-L.O.O.P. study protocol}, series = {PLOS ONE / Public Library of Science}, volume = {17}, journal = {PLOS ONE / Public Library of Science}, number = {11}, editor = {Cattaneo, Luigi}, publisher = {Plos}, address = {San Francisco}, issn = {1932-6203}, doi = {10.1371/journal.pone.0278051}, pages = {e0278051}, year = {2022}, abstract = {Exposure to prolonged periods in microgravity is associated with deconditioning of the musculoskeletal system due to chronic changes in mechanical stimulation. Given astronauts will operate on the Lunar surface for extended periods of time, it is critical to quantify both external (e.g., ground reaction forces) and internal (e.g., joint reaction forces) loads of relevant movements performed during Lunar missions. Such knowledge is key to predict musculoskeletal deconditioning and determine appropriate exercise countermeasures associated with extended exposure to hypogravity.}, language = {en} } @article{MontiWaldvogelRitzmannetal.2021, author = {Monti, Elena and Waldvogel, Janice and Ritzmann, Ramona and Freyler, Kathrin and Albracht, Kirsten and Helm, Michael and De Cesare, Niccol{\`o} and Pavan, Piero and Reggiani, Carlo and Gollhofer, Albert and Narici, Marco Vincenzo}, title = {Muscle in variable gravity: "I do not know where I am, but I know what to do"}, series = {Frontiers in Physiology}, volume = {12}, journal = {Frontiers in Physiology}, publisher = {Frontiers Research Foundation}, address = {Lausanne}, issn = {1664-042X}, doi = {10.3389/fphys.2021.714655}, pages = {19 Seiten}, year = {2021}, abstract = {Performing tasks, such as running and jumping, requires activation of the agonist and antagonist muscles before (motor unit pre-activation) and during movement performance (Santello and Mcdonagh, 1998). A well-timed and regulated muscle activation elicits a stretch-shortening cycle (SSC) response, naturally occurring in bouncing movements (Ishikawa and Komi, 2004; Taube et al., 2012). By definition, the SSC describes the stretching of a pre-activated muscle-tendon complex immediately followed by a muscle shortening in the concentric push-off phase (Komi, 1984). Given the importance of SSC actions for human movement, it is not surprising that many studies investigated the biomechanics of this phenomenon; in particular, drop jumps (DJs) represent a good paradigm to study muscle fascicle and tendon behavior in ballistic movements involving the SSC. Within a DJ, three main phases [pre-activation, braking, and push-off (PO; Komi, 2000)] have been recognized and extensively studied in common and challenging conditions, such as changes in load, falling height, or simulated hypo-gravity (Avela et al., 1994; Arampatzis et al., 2001; Fukashiro et al., 2005; Ishikawa et al., 2005; Sousa et al., 2007; Ritzmann et al., 2016; Helm et al., 2020). These studies show that the timing and amount of triceps-surae muscle-tendon unit pre-activation in DJs are differentially regulated based on the load applied to the muscle, being optimal in normal "Earth" gravity conditions (Avela et al., 1994), but decreased in simulated hypo-gravity, hyper-gravity (Avela et al., 1994; Ritzmann et al., 2016), or unknown conditions (i.e., unknown falling heights; Helm et al., 2020). Some authors indicated that, when falling from heights different from the optimal one [defined as the drop height giving a maximum DJ performance indicated as peak ground reaction force (GRF) or jump high], electromyographic (EMG) activity of the plantar flexors increases from lower than optimal to higher than optimal heights (Ishikawa and Komi, 2004; Sousa et al., 2007). These findings highlight the ability of the central nervous system to regulate the timing and amount of pre-activation according to different jumping conditions, thus regulating muscle fascicle length, tendon and joint stiffness as well as position, in order to safely land on the ground and quickly re-bounce. Similarly, to pre-activation, also in the braking phase, the plantar flexors are differentially regulated. In optimal height (i.e., load) jumping conditions, gastrocnemius medialis (GM) fascicles shorten at early ground contact (possibly due to the intervention of the stretch reflex; Gollhofer et al., 1992) and behave quasi-isometrically in the late braking phase, enabling tendon elongation, and storage of elastic energy (Gollhofer et al., 1992; Fukashiro et al., 2005; Sousa et al., 2007). When increasing the falling height (augmenting the impact GRF), the quasi-isometric behavior of fascicles disappears, and fast fascicle lengthening occurs (Ishikawa et al., 2005; Sousa et al., 2007). In the third and last PO phase, fascicles shorten and the tendon releases the elastic energy previously stored. Bobbert et al. (1987) reported no influence of jumping height on the work done and on the net vertical impulse assessed during PO; this observation suggests that, despite an optimal DJ performance might be achieved only in specific conditions (falling heights, loads), the central nervous system seems to be able to regulate muscle behavior in order to effectively perform the required task also in challenging situations. Although the regulation of triceps-surae muscle-tendon unit in DJs has been extensively investigated, very few studies focused on sarcomeres behavior during the performance of this SSC movement (Kurokawa et al., 2003; Fukashiro et al., 2005, 2006). Sarcomeres represent muscle contractile units and are known to express different amounts of force depending on their length (Gordon et al., 1966; Walker and Schrodt, 1974); thus, understanding the time course of their responses during DJs is fundamental to gain further insights into muscle force-generating capacity. In vivo measurement of sarcomere length in humans has been so far been performed only in static positions and under highly controlled experimental conditions (Llewellyn et al., 2008; Sanchez et al., 2015). Instead, human sarcomere length estimation (achieved by dividing GM measured fascicle length for a fixed sarcomere number) in dynamic contractions provided an indirect measure of sarcomere operating range during squat jump, countermovement jump, and DJ (Fukashiro et al., 2005, 2006; Kurokawa et al., 2003). The results of these studies showed that sarcomeres operate in the ascending limb of their length-tension (L-T) relationship in all types of jumps, and particularly so in DJ. However, most of the available observations on sarcomere and muscle fascicle behavior were made in condition of constant gravity. Thus, in order to understand how sarcomere and muscle fascicle length are regulated in variable gravity conditions, we performed experiments in a parabolic flight, involving variable gravity levels, ranging from about zero-g to about double the Earth's gravity (1 g; Waldvogel et al., 2021). Specifically, the aims of the present study were as follows: 1. To investigate the ability of the neuromuscular system in regulating fascicle length in response to conditions of variable gravity. 2. To estimate sarcomere operative length in the different DJ phases, in order to calculate its theoretical force production and its possible modulation in conditions of variable gravity. We hypothesized that muscle fascicles would be differentially regulated in different gravity conditions compared to 1 g, particularly in anticipation of landing and re-bouncing in unknown gravity levels. In addition, we hypothesized that sarcomeres would operate in the upper part of the ascending limb of their L-T relationship, possibly lengthening during the braking phase (especially in hyper-gravity) while operating quasi-isometrically in 1 g.}, language = {en} } @article{SchoenrockMuckeltHastermannetal.2024, author = {Schoenrock, Britt and Muckelt, Paul E. and Hastermann, Maria and Albracht, Kirsten and MacGregor, Robert and Martin, David and Gunga, Hans-Christian and Salanova, Michele and Stokes, Maria J. and Warner, Martin B. and Blottner, Dieter}, title = {Muscle stiffness indicating mission crew health in space}, series = {Scientific Reports}, volume = {14}, journal = {Scientific Reports}, number = {Article number: 4196}, publisher = {Springer Nature}, address = {London}, issn = {2045-2322}, doi = {10.1038/s41598-024-54759-6}, pages = {13 Seiten}, year = {2024}, abstract = {Muscle function is compromised by gravitational unloading in space affecting overall musculoskeletal health. Astronauts perform daily exercise programmes to mitigate these effects but knowing which muscles to target would optimise effectiveness. Accurate inflight assessment to inform exercise programmes is critical due to lack of technologies suitable for spaceflight. Changes in mechanical properties indicate muscle health status and can be measured rapidly and non-invasively using novel technology. A hand-held MyotonPRO device enabled monitoring of muscle health for the first time in spaceflight (> 180 days). Greater/maintained stiffness indicated countermeasures were effective. Tissue stiffness was preserved in the majority of muscles (neck, shoulder, back, thigh) but Tibialis Anterior (foot lever muscle) stiffness decreased inflight vs. preflight (p < 0.0001; mean difference 149 N/m) in all 12 crewmembers. The calf muscles showed opposing effects, Gastrocnemius increasing in stiffness Soleus decreasing. Selective stiffness decrements indicate lack of preservation despite daily inflight countermeasures. This calls for more targeted exercises for lower leg muscles with vital roles as ankle joint stabilizers and in gait. Muscle stiffness is a digital biomarker for risk monitoring during future planetary explorations (Moon, Mars), for healthcare management in challenging environments or clinical disorders in people on Earth, to enable effective tailored exercise programmes.}, language = {en} } @article{LiphardtFernandezGonzaloAlbrachtetal.2023, author = {Liphardt, Anna-Maria and Fernandez-Gonzalo, Rodrigo and Albracht, Kirsten and Rittweger, J{\"o}rn and Vico, Laurence}, title = {Musculoskeletal research in human space flight - unmet needs for the success of crewed deep space exploration}, series = {npj Microgravity}, volume = {9}, journal = {npj Microgravity}, number = {Article number: 9}, publisher = {Springer Nature}, issn = {2373-8065}, doi = {10.1038/s41526-023-00258-3}, pages = {1 -- 9}, year = {2023}, abstract = {Based on the European Space Agency (ESA) Science in Space Environment (SciSpacE) community White Paper "Human Physiology - Musculoskeletal system", this perspective highlights unmet needs and suggests new avenues for future studies in musculoskeletal research to enable crewed exploration missions. The musculoskeletal system is essential for sustaining physical function and energy metabolism, and the maintenance of health during exploration missions, and consequently mission success, will be tightly linked to musculoskeletal function. Data collection from current space missions from pre-, during-, and post-flight periods would provide important information to understand and ultimately offset musculoskeletal alterations during long-term spaceflight. In addition, understanding the kinetics of the different components of the musculoskeletal system in parallel with a detailed description of the molecular mechanisms driving these alterations appears to be the best approach to address potential musculoskeletal problems that future exploratory-mission crew will face. These research efforts should be accompanied by technical advances in molecular and phenotypic monitoring tools to provide in-flight real-time feedback.}, language = {en} } @misc{BlottnerHastermannMuckeltetal.2019, author = {Blottner, Dieter and Hastermann, Maria and Muckelt, Paul and Albracht, Kirsten and Schoenrock, Britt and Salanova, Michele and Warner, Martin and Gunga, Hans-Christian and Stokes, Maria}, title = {MYOTONES - Inflight muscle health status monitoring during long-duration space missions onboard the International Space Station: a single case study}, series = {IAC Papers Archive}, journal = {IAC Papers Archive}, publisher = {Pergamon}, address = {Oxford}, issn = {00741795}, pages = {2 Seiten}, year = {2019}, abstract = {The MYOTONES experiment is the first to monitor changes in the basic biomechanical properties (tone, elasticity and stiffness) of the resting human myofascial system due to microgravity with a oninvasive, portable device on board the ISS. The MyotonPRO device applies several brief mechanical stimuli to the surface of the skin, and the natural oscillation signals of the tissue beneath are detected and computed by the MyotonPRO. Thus, an objective, quick and easy determination of the state of the underlying tissue is possible. Two preflight, four inflight and four post flight measurements were performed on a male astronaut using the same 10 measurement points (MP) for each session. MPs were located on the plantar fascia, Achilles tendon, M. soleus, M. gastrocnemius, M. multifidus, M. splenius capitis, M. deltoideus anterior, M. rectus femoris, infrapatellar tendon, M. tibialis anterior. Subcutaneous tissues thickness above the MPs was measured using ultrasound imaging. Magnetic resonance images (MRI) of lower limb muscles and functional tests were also performed pre- and postflight. Our first measurements on board the ISS confirmed increased tone and stiffness of the lumbar multifidus muscle, an important trunk stabilizer, dysfunction of which is known to be associated with back pain. Furthermore, reduced tone and stiffness of Achilles tendon and plantar fascia were observed inflight vs. preflight, confirming previous findings from terrestrial analog studies and parabolic flights. Unexpectedly, the deltoid showed negative inflight changes in tone and stiffness, and increased elasticity, suggesting a potential risk of muscle atrophy in longer spaceflight that should be addressed by adequate inflight countermeasure protocols. Most values from limb and back MPS showed deflected patterns (in either directions) from inflight shortly after the re-entry phase on the landing day and one week later. Most parameter values then normalized to baseline after 3 weeks likely due to 1G re-adaptation and possible outcome of the reconditioning protocol. No major changes in subcutaneous tissues thickness above the MPs were found inflight vs preflight, suggesting no bias (i.e., fluid shift, extreme tissue thickening or loss). Pre- and postflight MRI and functional tests showed negligible changes in calf muscle size, power and force, which is likely due to training effects from current inflight exercise protocols. The MYOTONES experiment is currently ongoing to collect data from further crew members. The potential impact of this research is to better understand the effects of microgravity and countermeasures over the time course of an ISS mission cycle. This will enable exercise countermeasures to be tailored}, 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} }