@article{WerkhausenAlbrachtCroninetal.2018, author = {Werkhausen, Amelie and Albracht, Kirsten and Cronin, Neil J and Paulsen, G{\o}ran and Bojsen-M{\o}ller, Jens and Seynnes, Olivier R}, title = {Effect of training-induced changes in achilles tendon stiffness on muscle-tendon behavior during landing}, series = {Frontiers in physiology}, journal = {Frontiers in physiology}, number = {9}, publisher = {Frontiers Research Foundation}, address = {Lausanne}, issn = {1664-042X}, doi = {10.3389/fphys.2018.00794}, pages = {11 Seiten}, year = {2018}, abstract = {During rapid deceleration of the body, tendons buffer part of the elongation of the muscle-tendon unit (MTU), enabling safe energy dissipation via eccentric muscle contraction. Yet, the influence of changes in tendon stiffness within the physiological range upon these lengthening contractions is unknown. This study aimed to examine the effect of training-induced stiffening of the Achilles tendon on triceps surae muscle-tendon behavior during a landing task. Twenty-one male subjects were assigned to either a 10-week resistance-training program consisting of single-leg isometric plantarflexion (n = 11) or to a non-training control group (n = 10). Before and after the training period, plantarflexion force, peak Achilles tendon strain and stiffness were measured during isometric contractions, using a combination of dynamometry, ultrasound and kinematics data. Additionally, testing included a step-landing task, during which joint mechanics and lengths of gastrocnemius and soleus fascicles, Achilles tendon, and MTU were determined using synchronized ultrasound, kinematics and kinetics data collection. After training, plantarflexion strength and Achilles tendon stiffness increased (15 and 18\%, respectively), and tendon strain during landing remained similar. Likewise, lengthening and negative work produced by the gastrocnemius MTU did not change detectably. However, in the training group, gastrocnemius fascicle length was offset (8\%) to a longer length at touch down and, surprisingly, fascicle lengthening and velocity were reduced by 27 and 21\%, respectively. These changes were not observed for soleus fascicles when accounting for variation in task execution between tests. These results indicate that a training-induced increase in tendon stiffness does not noticeably affect the buffering action of the tendon when the MTU is rapidly stretched. Reductions in gastrocnemius fascicle lengthening and lengthening velocity during landing occurred independently from tendon strain. Future studies are required to provide insight into the mechanisms underpinning these observations and their influence on energy dissipation.}, 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{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{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{KetelhutKolditzGoelletal.2019, author = {Ketelhut, Maike and Kolditz, Melanie and G{\"o}ll, Fabian and Braunstein, Bjoern and Albracht, Kirsten and Abel, Dirk}, title = {Admittance control of an industrial robot during resistance training}, series = {IFAC-PapersOnLine}, volume = {52}, journal = {IFAC-PapersOnLine}, number = {19}, publisher = {Elsevier}, address = {Amsterdam}, issn = {2405-8963}, doi = {10.1016/j.ifacol.2019.12.102}, pages = {223 -- 228}, year = {2019}, abstract = {Neuromuscular strength training of the leg extensor muscles plays an important role in the rehabilitation and prevention of age and wealth related diseases. In this paper, we focus on the design and implementation of a Cartesian admittance control scheme for isotonic training, i.e. leg extension and flexion against a predefined weight. For preliminary testing and validation of the designed algorithm an experimental research and development platform consisting of an industrial robot and a force plate mounted at its end-effector has been used. Linear, diagonal and arbitrary two-dimensional motion trajectories with different weights for the leg extension and flexion part are applied. The proposed algorithm is easily adaptable to trajectories consisting of arbitrary six-dimensional poses and allows the implementation of individualized trajectories.}, language = {en} } @article{WerkhausenCroninAlbrachtetal.2019, author = {Werkhausen, Amelie and Cronin, Neil J. and Albracht, Kirsten and Paulsen, G{\o}ran and Larsen, Askild V. and Bojsen-M{\o}ller, Jens and Seynnes, Olivier R.}, title = {Training-induced increase in Achilles tendon stiffness affects tendon strain pattern during running}, series = {PeerJ}, journal = {PeerJ}, publisher = {Peer}, address = {London}, issn = {21678359}, doi = {10.7717/peerj.6764}, pages = {18 Seiten}, year = {2019}, abstract = {Background During the stance phase of running, the elasticity of the Achilles tendon enables the utilisation of elastic energy and allows beneficial contractile conditions for the triceps surae muscles. However, the effect of changes in tendon mechanical properties induced by chronic loading is still poorly understood. We tested the hypothesis that a training-induced increase in Achilles tendon stiffness would result in reduced tendon strain during the stance phase of running, which would reduce fascicle strains in the triceps surae muscles, particularly in the mono-articular soleus. Methods Eleven subjects were assigned to a training group performing isometric singleleg plantarflexion contractions three times per week for ten weeks, and another ten subjects formed a control group. Before and after the training period, Achilles tendon stiffness was estimated, and muscle-tendon mechanics were assessed during running at preferred speed using ultrasonography, kinematics and kinetics. Results Achilles tendon stiffness increased by 18\% (P <0:01) in the training group, but the associated reduction in strain seen during isometric contractions was not statistically significant. Tendon elongation during the stance phase of running was similar after training, but tendon recoil was reduced by 30\% (P <0:01), while estimated tendon force remained unchanged. Neither gastrocnemius medialis nor soleus fascicle shortening during stance was affected by training. Discussion These results show that a training-induced increase in Achilles tendon stiffness altered tendon behaviour during running. Despite training-induced changes in tendon mechanical properties and recoil behaviour, the data suggest that fascicle shortening patterns were preserved for the running speed that we examined. The asymmetrical changes in tendon strain patterns supports the notion that simple inseries models do not fully explain the mechanical output of the muscle-tendon unit during a complex task like running.}, 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{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{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} } @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} }