TY - JOUR A1 - Zange, Jochen A1 - Schopen, Kathrin A1 - Albracht, Kirsten A1 - Gerlach, Darius A. A1 - Frings-Meuthen, Petra A1 - Maffiuletti, Nicola A. A1 - Bloch, Wilhelm A1 - Rittweger, Jörn T1 - Using the Hephaistos orthotic device to study countermeasure effectiveness of neuromuscular electrical stimulation and dietary lupin protein supplementation, a randomised controlled trial JF - Plos one Y1 - 2017 U6 - http://dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0171562 VL - 12 IS - 2 ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Yang, Peng-Fei A1 - Kriechbaumer, Andreas A1 - Albracht, Kirsten A1 - Sanno, Maximilian A1 - Ganse, Bergita A1 - Koy, Timmo A1 - Shang, Peng A1 - Brüggemann, Gert-Peter A1 - Müller, Lars Peter A1 - Rittweger, Jörn T1 - On the relationship between tibia torsional deformation and regional muscle contractions in habitual human exercises in vivo JF - Journal of Biomechanics Y1 - 2015 U6 - http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jbiomech.2014.12.031 SN - 0021-9290 VL - 48 IS - 3 SP - 456 EP - 464 PB - Elsevier CY - Amsterdam ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Yang, Peng-Fei A1 - Kriechbaumer, Andreas A1 - Albracht, Kirsten A1 - Sanno, Maximilian A1 - Ganse, Bergita A1 - Koy, Timmo A1 - Shang, Peng A1 - brüggemann, Gert-Peter A1 - Müller, Lars Peter A1 - Rittweger, Jörn T1 - A novel optical approach for assessing in vivo bone segment deformation and its application in muscle-bone relationship studies in humans JF - Journal of Orthopaedic Translation Y1 - 2014 U6 - http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jot.2014.07.078 SN - 2214-0328 SN - 2214-031X VL - 2 IS - 4 SP - 238 EP - 238 PB - Elsevier CY - Singapore ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Werkhausen, Amelie A1 - Willwacher, Steffen A1 - Albracht, Kirsten T1 - Medial gastrocnemius muscle fascicles shorten throughout stance during sprint acceleration JF - Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports N2 - 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. KW - locomotion KW - muscle mechanics KW - running KW - sprint start KW - ultrasonography Y1 - 2021 U6 - http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/sms.13956 SN - 0905-7188 (Druckausgabe) SN - 1600-0838 (Onlineausgabe) VL - 31 IS - 7 SP - 1471 EP - 1480 PB - Wiley-Blackwell CY - Oxford ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Werkhausen, Amelie A1 - Cronin, Neil J. A1 - Albracht, Kirsten A1 - Paulsen, Gøran A1 - Larsen, Askild V. A1 - Bojsen-Møller, Jens A1 - Seynnes, Olivier R. T1 - Training-induced increase in Achilles tendon stiffness affects tendon strain pattern during running JF - PeerJ N2 - 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. KW - Achilles tendon KW - Stiffness KW - Running KW - Tendon properties KW - Architectural gear ratio Y1 - 2019 U6 - http://dx.doi.org/10.7717/peerj.6764 SN - 21678359 PB - Peer CY - London ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Werkhausen, Amelie A1 - Cronin, Neil J. A1 - Albracht, Kirsten A1 - Bojsen-Møller, Jens A1 - Seynnes, Olivier R. T1 - Distinct muscle-tendon interaction during running at different speeds and in different loading conditions JF - Journal of Applied Physiology Y1 - 2019 U6 - http://dx.doi.org/10.1152/japplphysiol.00710.2018 SN - 1522-1601 VL - 127 IS - 1 SP - 246 EP - 253 ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Werkhausen, Amelie A1 - Albracht, Kirsten A1 - Cronin, Neil J. A1 - Meier, Rahel A1 - Mojsen-Moeller, Jens A1 - Seynnes, Olivier R. T1 - Modulation of muscle-tendon interaction in the human triceps surae during an energy dissipation task JF - Journal of Experimental Biology Y1 - 2017 U6 - http://dx.doi.org/10.1242/jeb.164111 SN - 0022-0949 VL - 220 IS - 22 SP - 4141 EP - 4149 ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Werkhausen, Amelie A1 - Albracht, Kirsten A1 - Cronin, Neil J A1 - Paulsen, Gøran A1 - Bojsen-Møller, Jens A1 - Seynnes, Olivier R T1 - Effect of training-induced changes in achilles tendon stiffness on muscle-tendon behavior during landing JF - Frontiers in physiology N2 - 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. KW - achilles tendon KW - energy absorption KW - energy dissipation KW - mechanical buffer KW - stiffness Y1 - 2018 U6 - http://dx.doi.org/10.3389/fphys.2018.00794 SN - 1664-042X IS - 9 PB - Frontiers Research Foundation CY - Lausanne ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Waldvogel, Janice A1 - Ritzmann, Ramona A1 - Freyler, Kathrin A1 - Helm, Michael A1 - Monti, Elena A1 - Albracht, Kirsten A1 - Stäudle, Benjamin A1 - Gollhofer, Albert A1 - Narici, Marco T1 - The Anticipation of Gravity in Human Ballistic Movement JF - Frontiers in Physiology N2 - 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. Y1 - 2021 U6 - http://dx.doi.org/10.3389/fphys.2021.614060 SN - 1664-042X PB - Frontiers CY - Lausanne ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Waldvogel, Janice A1 - Freyler, Kathrin A1 - Helm, Michael A1 - Monti, Elena A1 - Stäudle, Benjamin A1 - Gollhofer, Albert A1 - Narici, Marco V. A1 - Ritzmann, Ramona A1 - Albracht, Kirsten T1 - Changes in gravity affect neuromuscular control, biomechanics, and muscle-tendon mechanics in energy storage and dissipation tasks JF - Journal of Applied Physiology N2 - This study evaluates neuromechanical control and muscle-tendon interaction during energy storage and dissipation tasks in hypergravity. During parabolic flights, while 17 subjects performed drop jumps (DJs) and drop landings (DLs), electromyography (EMG) of the lower limb muscles was combined with in vivo fascicle dynamics of the gastrocnemius medialis, two-dimensional (2D) kinematics, and kinetics to measure and analyze changes in energy management. Comparisons were made between movement modalities executed in hypergravity (1.8 G) and gravity on ground (1 G). In 1.8 G, ankle dorsiflexion, knee joint flexion, and vertical center of mass (COM) displacement are lower in DJs than in DLs; within each movement modality, joint flexion amplitudes and COM displacement demonstrate higher values in 1.8 G than in 1 G. Concomitantly, negative peak ankle joint power, vertical ground reaction forces, and leg stiffness are similar between both movement modalities (1.8 G). In DJs, EMG activity in 1.8 G is lower during the COM deceleration phase than in 1 G, thus impairing quasi-isometric fascicle behavior. In DLs, EMG activity before and during the COM deceleration phase is higher, and fascicles are stretched less in 1.8 G than in 1 G. Compared with the situation in 1 G, highly task-specific neuromuscular activity is diminished in 1.8 G, resulting in fascicle lengthening in both movement modalities. Specifically, in DJs, a high magnitude of neuromuscular activity is impaired, resulting in altered energy storage. In contrast, in DLs, linear stiffening of the system due to higher neuromuscular activity combined with lower fascicle stretch enhances the buffering function of the tendon, and thus the capacity to safely dissipate energy. KW - electromyography KW - locomotion KW - overload KW - stretch-shortening cycle KW - ultrasound Y1 - 2023 U6 - http://dx.doi.org/10.1152/japplphysiol.00279.2022 SN - 1522-1601 (Onlineausgabe) SN - 8750-7587 (Druckausgabe) VL - 134 IS - 1 SP - 190 EP - 202 PB - American Physiological Society CY - Bethesda, Md. ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Stäudle, Benjamin A1 - Seynnes, Olivier A1 - Laps, Guido A1 - Göll, Fabian A1 - Brüggemann, Gert-Peter A1 - Albracht, Kirsten T1 - Recovery from achilles tendon repair: a combination of Postsurgery Outcomes and Insufficient remodeling of muscle and tendon JF - Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise N2 - Achilles tendon rupture (ATR) patients have persistent functional deficits in the triceps surae muscle–tendon unit (MTU). The complex remodeling of the MTU accompanying these deficits remains poorly understood. The purpose of the present study was to associate in vivo and in silico data to investigate the relations between changes inMTU properties and strength deficits inATR patients. Methods: Elevenmale subjects who had undergone surgical repair of complete unilateral ATR were examined 4.6 ± 2.0 (mean ± SD) yr after rupture. Gastrocnemius medialis (GM) tendon stiffness, morphology, and muscle architecture were determined using ultrasonography. The force–length relation of the plantar flexor muscles was assessed at five ankle joint angles. In addition, simulations (OpenSim) of the GM MTU force–length properties were performed with various iterations of MTU properties found between the unaffected and the affected side. Results: The affected side of the patients displayed a longer, larger, and stiffer GM tendon (13% ± 10%, 105% ± 28%, and 54% ± 24%, respectively) compared with the unaffected side. The GM muscle fascicles of the affected side were shorter (32% ± 12%) and with greater pennation angles (31% ± 26%). A mean deficit in plantarflexion moment of 31% ± 10% was measured. Simulations indicate that pairing an intact muscle with a longer tendon shifts the optimal angular range of peak force outside physiological angular ranges, whereas the shorter muscle fascicles and tendon stiffening seen in the affected side decrease this shift, albeit incompletely. Conclusions: These results suggest that the substantial changes in MTU properties found in ATR patients may partly result from compensatory remodeling, although this process appears insufficient to fully restore muscle function. KW - Tendon Rupture KW - Stiffness KW - Simulation KW - Muscle Force KW - Muscle Fascicle Y1 - 2021 U6 - http://dx.doi.org/10.1249/MSS.0000000000002592 SN - 1530-0315 VL - 53 IS - 7 SP - 1356 EP - 1366 PB - American College of Sports Medicine CY - Philadelphia, Pa. ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Stäudle, Benjamin A1 - Seynnes, Olivier A1 - Laps, Guido A1 - Brüggemann, Gert-Peter A1 - Albracht, Kirsten T1 - Altered gastrocnemius contractile behavior in former achilles tendon rupture patients during walking JF - Frontiers in Physiology N2 - Achilles tendon rupture (ATR) remains associated with functional limitations years after injury. Architectural remodeling of the gastrocnemius medialis (GM) muscle is typically observed in the affected leg and may compensate force deficits caused by a longer tendon. Yet patients seem to retain functional limitations during—low-force—walking gait. To explore the potential limits imposed by the remodeled GM muscle-tendon unit (MTU) on walking gait, we examined the contractile behavior of muscle fascicles during the stance phase. In a cross-sectional design, we studied nine former patients (males; age: 45 ± 9 years; height: 180 ± 7 cm; weight: 83 ± 6 kg) with a history of complete unilateral ATR, approximately 4 years post-surgery. Using ultrasonography, GM tendon morphology, muscle architecture at rest, and fascicular behavior were assessed during walking at 1.5 m⋅s–1 on a treadmill. Walking patterns were recorded with a motion capture system. The unaffected leg served as control. Lower limbs kinematics were largely similar between legs during walking. Typical features of ATR-related MTU remodeling were observed during the stance sub-phases corresponding to series elastic element (SEE) lengthening (energy storage) and SEE shortening (energy release), with shorter GM fascicles (36 and 36%, respectively) and greater pennation angles (8° and 12°, respectively). However, relative to the optimal fascicle length for force production, fascicles operated at comparable length in both legs. Similarly, when expressed relative to optimal fascicle length, fascicle contraction velocity was not different between sides, except at the time-point of peak series elastic element (SEE) length, where it was 39 ± 49% lower in the affected leg. Concomitantly, fascicles rotation during contraction was greater in the affected leg during the whole stance-phase, and architectural gear ratios (AGR) was larger during SEE lengthening. Under the present testing conditions, former ATR patients had recovered a relatively symmetrical walking gait pattern. Differences in seen AGR seem to accommodate the profound changes in MTU architecture, limiting the required fascicle shortening velocity. Overall, the contractile behavior of the GM fascicles does not restrict length- or velocity-dependent force potentials during this locomotor task. KW - tendon rupture KW - muscle fascicle behavior KW - walking gait KW - force generation KW - ultrasound imaging Y1 - 2022 U6 - http://dx.doi.org/10.3389/fphys.2022.792576 SN - 1664-042X VL - 13 PB - Frontiers Research Foundation CY - Lausanne ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Seynnes, O. R. A1 - Bojsen-Moller, J. A1 - Albracht, Kirsten A1 - Arndt, A. A1 - Cronin, N. J. A1 - Finni, T. A1 - Magnusson, S. P. T1 - Ultrasound-based testing of tendon mechanical properties: a critical evaluation JF - Journal of Applied Physiology Y1 - 2015 U6 - http://dx.doi.org/10.1152/japplphysiol.00849.2014 SN - 8750-7587 VL - 118 IS - 2 SP - 133 EP - 141 ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Schoenrock, Britt A1 - Muckelt, Paul E. A1 - Hastermann, Maria A1 - Albracht, Kirsten A1 - MacGregor, Robert A1 - Martin, David A1 - Gunga, Hans-Christian A1 - Salanova, Michele A1 - Stokes, Maria J. A1 - Warner, Martin B. A1 - Blottner, Dieter T1 - Muscle stiffness indicating mission crew health in space JF - Scientific Reports N2 - 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. KW - Ageing KW - Anatomy KW - Muscle KW - Musculoskeletal system KW - Physiology Y1 - 2024 U6 - http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-54759-6 SN - 2045-2322 N1 - Corresponding author: Dieter Blottner VL - 14 IS - Article number: 4196 PB - Springer Nature CY - London ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Rittweger, Jörn A1 - Albracht, Kirsten A1 - Flück, Martin A1 - Ruoss, Severin A1 - Brocca, Lorenza A1 - Longa, Emanuela A1 - Moriggi, Manuela A1 - Seynnes, Olivier A1 - Di Giulio, Irene A1 - Tenori, Leonardo A1 - Vignoli, Alessia A1 - Capri, Miriam A1 - Gelfi, Cecilia A1 - Luchinat, Claudio A1 - Franceschi, Claudio A1 - Bottinelli, Roberto A1 - Cerretelli, Paolo A1 - Narici, Marco T1 - Sarcolab pilot study into skeletal muscle’s adaptation to longterm spaceflight JF - npj Microgravity Y1 - 2018 U6 - http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41526-018-0052-1 SN - 2373-8065 VL - 4 IS - 1 SP - 1 EP - 9 PB - Nature Portfolio ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Richter, Charlotte A1 - Braunstein, Björn A1 - Stäudle, Benjamin A1 - Attias, Julia A1 - Süss, Alexander A1 - Weber, Tobias A1 - Mileva, Katya N. A1 - Rittweger, Jörn A1 - Green, David A. A1 - Albracht, Kirsten T1 - Gastrocnemius medialis contractile behavior during running differs between simulated Lunar and Martian gravities JF - Scientific reports N2 - 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. KW - Bone quality and biomechanics KW - Environmental impact KW - Skeletal muscle KW - Tendons KW - Ultrasound Y1 - 2021 U6 - http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41598-021-00527-9 SN - 2045-2322 N1 - Corresponding author: Charlotte Richter VL - 11 IS - Article number: 22555 PB - Springer Nature CY - London ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Richter, Charlotte A1 - Braunstein, Bjoern A1 - Stäudle, Benjamin A1 - Attias, Julia A1 - Suess, Alexander A1 - Weber, Tobias A1 - Mileva, Katja N. A1 - Rittweger, Joern A1 - Green, David A. A1 - Albracht, Kirsten T1 - Gastrocnemius medialis contractile behavior is preserved during 30% body weight supported gait training JF - Frontiers in Sports and Active Living N2 - 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. KW - AlterG KW - rehabilitation KW - gait KW - walking KW - ultrasound imaging KW - series elastic element behavior KW - muscle fascicle behavior KW - unloading Y1 - 2021 U6 - http://dx.doi.org/10.3389/fspor.2020.614559 SN - 2624-9367 VL - 2021 IS - 2 PB - Frontiers CY - Lausanne ER - TY - CHAP A1 - Richter, Charlotte A1 - Braunstein, Bjoern A1 - Stäudle, Benjamin A1 - Attias, Julia A1 - Suess, Alexander A1 - Weber, T. A1 - Rittweger, Joern A1 - Green, David A. A1 - Albracht, Kirsten T1 - In vivo fascicle length of the gastrocnemius muscle during walking in simulated martian gravity using two different body weight support devices T2 - 23rd Annual Congress of the European College of Sport Science, Dublin, Irland Y1 - 2018 ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Richter, Charlotte A1 - Braunstein, Bjoern A1 - Staeudle, Benjamin A1 - Attias, Julia A1 - Suess, Alexander A1 - Weber, Tobias A1 - Mileva, Katya N. A1 - Rittweger, Joern A1 - Green, David A. A1 - Albracht, Kirsten T1 - Contractile behavior of the gastrocnemius medialis muscle during running in simulated hypogravity JF - npj Microgravity N2 - 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. Y1 - 2021 U6 - http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41526-021-00155-7 SN - 2373-8065 N1 - Corresponding author: Charlotte Richter VL - 7 IS - Article number: 32 PB - Springer Nature CY - New York ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Quittmann, Oliver J. A1 - Meskemper, Joshua A1 - Albracht, Kirsten A1 - Abel, Thomas A1 - Foitschik, Tina A1 - Strüder, Heiko K. T1 - Normalising surface EMG of ten upper-extremity muscles in handcycling: Manual resistance vs. sport-specific MVICs JF - Journal of Electromyography and Kinesiology N2 - 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. Y1 - 2020 U6 - http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jelekin.2020.102402 SN - 1050-6411 VL - 51 IS - Article 102402 PB - Elsevier CY - Amsterdam ER -