Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Amelie Werkhausen, Oyvind Gloersen, Antoine Nordez, Goran Paulsen, Jens Bojsen-Moller, Olivier R. Seynnes
Summary: This study assessed the relationship between muscle architecture and function using ultrasound-based methods. The results showed moderate correlations between different measurements of muscle architecture, but weak correlations between muscle architecture and force or work. These findings indicate the limitations of current approaches to measure muscle architecture in vivo.
Article
Sport Sciences
Clarissa M. Brusco, Ronei S. Pinto, Anthony J. Blazevich
Summary: This study compared the measurements of biceps femoris long-head fascicle length, fascicle angle, and muscle thickness obtained through different methods. The results showed significant correlations between extended field-of-view sonographic images and other measurement techniques, with the collage method demonstrating the highest reliability and correlation.
MEDICINE & SCIENCE IN SPORTS & EXERCISE
(2022)
Article
Orthopedics
Connor Lee Dow, Ryan G. Timmins, Joshua D. Ruddy, Morgan D. Williams, Nirav Maniar, Jack T. Hickey, Matthew N. Bourne, David A. Opar
Summary: The study aimed to evaluate previously established risk factors for hamstring strain injuries in predicting such injuries in elite Australian football players. Results showed that older age and previous history of hamstring strain injuries were associated with an increased risk of injuries, while factors such as height, weight, and muscle architecture were not significantly linked to injury risk in these players. Establishing cohort-specific cut points is necessary for accurate prediction and prevention of hamstring injuries in Australian football players.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF SPORTS MEDICINE
(2021)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Dustin J. Oranchuk, William G. Hopkins, Andre R. Nelson, Adam G. Storey, John B. Cronin
Summary: Regional quadriceps architecture minimally affects the length-tension relationship, with middle and distal vastus lateralis being the strongest predictors of torque across all joint angles. Practitioners should focus on the middle and distal regions of the lateral quadriceps' musculature during evaluations.
APPLIED PHYSIOLOGY NUTRITION AND METABOLISM
(2021)
Review
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Lilliany de Souza Cordeiro, Diego Gama Linhares, Andressa Oliveira Barros dos Santos, Luciano Lima dos Santos, Juliana Brandao Pinto de Castro, Rodrigo Gomes de Souza Vale
Summary: This study analyzed the influence of resistance training on muscle architecture in older people and found that it can improve muscle strength and structure. However, the findings should be interpreted with caution due to the limited number of studies and potential heterogeneity between studies.
ARCHIVES OF GERONTOLOGY AND GERIATRICS
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Hiroshi Akima, Kazuhiro Maeda, Norihiro Shima
Summary: The study compares the neuromuscular activation patterns of the different muscles of the quadriceps femoris during isokinetic concentric and eccentric contractions. Thirteen healthy men performed knee extensions at various velocities and joint angles, and the surface electromyographic activities were recorded. The results show that the neuromuscular activation of the quadriceps femoris is angle-dependent, with the vastus intermedius playing a significant role during flexed contractions.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Nikolaos Zaras, Angeliki-Nikoletta Stasinaki, Polyxeni Spiliopoulou, Thomas Mpampoulis, Marios Hadjicharalambous, Gerasimos Terzis
Summary: The study showed that inter-repetition rest during strength training can effectively increase lower body explosive strength and muscle fascicle length without compromising muscle hypertrophy.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Nikolaos Zaras, Spyridon Methenitis, Angeliki-Nikoletta Stasinaki, Polyxeni Spiliopoulou, Eleni Anousaki, Giorgos Karampatsos, Marios Hadjicharalambous, Gerasimos Terzis
Summary: The study aimed to compare weightlifters and track and field throwers in terms of rate of force development, lean mass, muscle architecture, and one-repetition maximum muscle strength. The results suggested that weightlifters outperformed throwers in terms of power output and 1-RM strength, which may be associated with muscle architecture.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2022)
Article
Physiology
Fearghal P. Behan, Robin Vermeulen, Rod Whiteley, Ryan G. Timmins, Joshua D. Ruddy, David A. Opar
Summary: This study examined the dose-response of the Nordic hamstring exercise (NHE) on biceps femoris long head (BFlh) architecture and eccentric knee flexor strength. The results showed that initial high volumes followed by lower volumes and progressively increasing volumes of NHE training can increase fascicle length and strength, while low volumes of training were insufficient to increase fascicle length but did increase strength.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SPORTS PHYSIOLOGY AND PERFORMANCE
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Polyxeni Spiliopoulou, Spyridon Methenitis, Nikolaos Zaras, Angeliki-Nikoletta Stasinaki, Maria Krekoukia, Stavroula Tsitkanou, Gerasimos Terzis
Summary: The aim of this study was to determine the best surrogate of quadriceps hypertrophy by evaluating the four muscle heads of the quadriceps femoris using ultrasonography. The results suggest that changes in muscle hypertrophy in the vastus lateralis and vastus intermedius can significantly predict overall quadriceps hypertrophy in response to resistance training.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2022)
Article
Sport Sciences
Diego Alonso-Fernandez, Juan Martinez-Fernandez, Pedro Docampo-Blanco, Rosana Fernandez-Rodriguez
Summary: Eccentric training is crucial for hamstring strain injuries, with the L-P protocol showing improvement in recovery times. This study examined the effects of L-P on muscle architecture, hamstring flexibility, and sprint performance, finding no significant changes in muscle length and power but improvements in flexibility during training.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SPORTS MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Neurosciences
Victor R. A. Cossich, Conrado T. Laett, Ubirata F. Gavilao, Anthony J. Blazevich, Carlos G. de Oliveira
Summary: The study found that the highly-pennate knee extensors have higher absolute torque and RTD compared to the predominantly fusiform elbow flexors. However, after normalization, the RTD50 speed of the elbow flexors was faster. There were no significant differences in muscle activation rate, fiber type, and EMD between the two muscle groups.
JOURNAL OF ELECTROMYOGRAPHY AND KINESIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Francisco Javier Nunez, Ramona Ritzmann, Fernando Hernandez-Abad, Juan Carlos Martinez, Luis Suarez-Arrones
Summary: This study compares the morphological and mechanical properties of previously injured soccer players and uninjured players, and finds some differences. The previously injured players have shorter and thinner muscle fascicles, but higher muscle stiffness. These results are important for injury prevention.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Vasiliki Gaspari, Gregory C. Bogdanis, Ioli Panidi, Georgia Giannakopoulou, Gerasimos Terzis, Helen Kotsala, Anastasia Donti, Olyvia Donti
Summary: The study showed a positive correlation between the force-time characteristics of ILP and CMJ power, as well as the association of ILP and CMJ with VL muscle thickness and fascicle length, suggesting a relationship between muscle architecture and power generation.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2021)
Article
Sport Sciences
Giuseppe Coratella, Marco Beato, Luciano Bertinato, Chiara Milanese, Massimo Venturelli, Federico Schena
Summary: This study compared the effects of concentric-based, eccentric-based, and traditional concentric-eccentric resistance training on muscle strength, mass, and architecture in women, as well as the retention of training-induced effects after detraining. The results showed that eccentric-based resistance training was more effective in improving eccentric strength, thigh lean mass, and muscle structure, and these effects were better preserved after detraining.
JOURNAL OF STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Emanuela Juvenal Martins, Ana Claudia Mattiello-Sverzut, Camila Scarpino Barboza Franco, Tenysson Will de Lemos, Per Aagaard
Summary: The study showed significant impairments in maximal and rapid elbow muscle force characteristics in youth with spina bifida. These findings are important for evaluating and assisting in the rehabilitation training of individuals with spina bifida.
CLINICAL BIOMECHANICS
(2023)
Article
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Tiril Toien, Runar Unhjem, Ole Kristian Berg, Per Aagaard, Eivind Wang
Summary: Neural factors are critical in the age-related decline in strength and rate of force development. This study found that strength training and endurance training have different effects on neuromuscular function, accompanied by different physiological traits. Emphasizing strength training is important for maintaining the ability to carry out force-dependent tasks in older age.
EXPERIMENTAL GERONTOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Sport Sciences
Shayne Vial, Jodie Cochrane Wilkie, Mitchell Turner, Mark Scanlan, Anthony J. Blazevich
Summary: Initial acceleration is crucial for success in sprinting, but running-induced fatigue can impair acceleration. However, little is known about the effects of fatigue on acceleration and the associated running technique. In this study, well-trained running athletes were able to maintain acceleration despite changes in running technique, possibly by compensating with increased knee joint function due to greater fatigue in the hip extensor muscles.
SCANDINAVIAN JOURNAL OF MEDICINE & SCIENCE IN SPORTS
(2023)
Article
Physiology
Tobias Goetschi, Victoria Held, Gianna Klucker, Barbara Niederoest, Per Aagaard, Joerg Spoerri, Fabian S. Passini, Jess G. Snedeker
Summary: Prolonged periods of increased physical demands can cause both positive and negative adaptations in tendons, depending on the underlying mechanisms. The PIEZO1 ion channel has been implicated in tendon mechanotransduction and the E756del gain-of-function variant has been linked to improved jumping performance. This study found that carrying the E756del gene variant was associated with increased patellar tendon stiffness in humans, but there was no correlation between tendon stiffness and jumping performance.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED PHYSIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Physiology
Christopher T. A. Lewis, Lee Tabrizian, Joachim Nielsen, Jenni Laitila, Thomas N. Beck, Mathilde S. Olsen, Marija M. Ognjanovic, Per Aagaard, Rune Hokken, Simon Laugesen, Arthur Ingersen, Jesper L. Andersen, Casper Soendenbroe, Jorn W. Helge, Flemming Dela, Steen Larsen, Ronni E. Sahl, Tue Romer, Mikkel T. Hansen, Jacob Frandsen, Charlotte Suetta, Julien Ochala
Summary: Lewis et al. investigated the influence of training status on relaxed myosin conformations and found that moderate physical activity leads to a shift in relaxed myosin conformation, resulting in reduced ATP consumption. Their study revealed that physical activity level and training type can influence resting skeletal muscle myosin dynamics, suggesting that environmental stimuli such as exercise can rewire the molecular metabolism of human skeletal muscle through myosin.
JOURNAL OF GENERAL PHYSIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Neurosciences
Lucas B. R. Orssatto, Patrick Rodrigues, Karen Mackay, Anthony J. Blazevich, David N. Borg, Tiago Rosa de Souza, Raphael L. Sakugawa, Anthony J. Shield, Gabriel S. Trajano
Summary: This study examined the effects of high-intensity resistance training on motor neuron persistent inward current (PIC) estimates in older adults. The results showed that PIC amplitudes increased after resistance training, resulting in increased motor neuron discharge rates and improvements in strength and functional capacity. These findings suggest that increased motor neuron excitability mediated by enhanced PIC amplitudes is a potential mechanism underlying the benefits of resistance training in older adults.
JOURNAL OF NEUROPHYSIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Neurosciences
Javier Botella, Camilla T. Schytz, Thomas F. Pehrson, Rune Hokken, Simon Laugesen, Per Aagaard, Charlotte Suetta, Britt Christensen, Niels Ortenblad, Joachim Nielsen
Summary: This study investigated the mitochondrial structural characteristics in skeletal muscle of strength athletes compared to untrained controls. The results showed that strength athletes had increased mitochondrial cristae density, decreased mitochondrial size, and increased surface-to-volume ratio in their mitochondrial pool, despite similar mitochondrial volume density. In addition, resistance exercise led to mild mitochondrial stress but did not increase the number of damaged mitochondria. Moreover, the study found that acute resistance exercise increased the expression of markers of mitochondrial biogenesis, fission, and mitochondrial unfolded protein responses (UPRmt), and strength-trained individuals showed an enrichment of the UPRmt in their basal transcriptome. These findings suggest that strength athletes have a unique mitochondrial remodeling that minimizes the space required for mitochondria.
JOURNAL OF PHYSIOLOGY-LONDON
(2023)
Article
Biology
Anthony J. Blazevich, Jared R. Fletcher
Summary: The long, distal tendons, such as the Achilles, allow for muscle power amplification and reduction of locomotor energy cost. These tendons evolved to reduce energy cost and have additional advantages such as reducing muscle force requirement, attenuating vibrations, reducing muscle heat production, and preventing muscle damage. Overall, these benefits reduce fatigue and sense of effort, allowing humans to move at faster speeds for longer.
BIOLOGICAL REVIEWS
(2023)
Article
Neurosciences
Ricardo N. O. Mesquita, Janet L. Taylor, Gabriel S. Trajano, Ales Holobar, Basilio A. M. Goncalves, Anthony J. Blazevich
Summary: The study aimed to investigate whether jaw clenching and mental stress facilitate the activation of persistent inward currents (PICs) in human motoneurons. The results showed that PIC activation significantly increased during jaw clenching and in some cases of mental stress.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF NEUROSCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Lucas Ugliara, Martim Bottaro, Savio Alex, James J. Tufano, Anthony J. Blazevich, Valdinar Junior, Amilton Vieira
Summary: Aging is associated with neurodegeneration and muscle function loss. The effects of caffeine on force-generating capacity between younger and older men were compared in a study. The results showed that caffeine ingestion did not counteract age-related decreases in force capacity.
JOURNAL OF AGING AND PHYSICAL ACTIVITY
(2023)
Review
Neurosciences
Lucas B. R. Orssatto, Anthony J. Blazevich, Gabriel S. Trajano
Summary: This article describes that nervous system deterioration is a primary driver of age-related motor impairment. Modulation of persistent inward currents (PICs) is crucial for motor neurones' capacities. Impaired intrinsic motor neurone properties can reduce the PIC contribution to motor neurone firing in older adults. Resistance training has emerged as a promising intervention to counteract age-associated PIC impairments.
JOURNAL OF PHYSIOLOGY-LONDON
(2023)
Article
Sport Sciences
M. J. Johansen, P. Aagaard, K. D. Gejl, T. Kvorning, J. Bojsen-Moller
Summary: This study examined the relationship between maximal club head speed (CHS) and physiological and anthropometric factors in 21 national-level male golfers. The study found that CHS was positively correlated with measures of strength, power, and trunk rotation. Participants with high CHS demonstrated greater strength, power, and trunk rotation compared to those with low CHS. Improving neuromuscular strength and power may be important for golfers to increase CHS and driving distance.
JOURNAL OF SPORTS SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Runi Blafoss, Per Aagaard, Thomas Clausen, Lars L. Andersen
Summary: Consecutive workdays led to progressively increased low back pain intensity, while workers needed 2 days off to recover. This study provides valuable knowledge about how to organize the workweek to prevent low back pain, fatigue, and stress.
OCCUPATIONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Biology
Matheus Daros Pinto, Kazunori Nosaka, James M. Wakeling, Anthony J. Blazevich
Summary: This study investigated how the differences in fascicle and muscle length calculation methods affect the magnitude of muscle gear, and whether these differences have implications for comparative physiology in animals and humans. The results showed that the gear magnitude varied depending on the calculation method used, particularly the changes in muscle length.
Article
Biophysics
Jon Skovgaard Jensen, Anders Holsgaard-Larsen, Anders Stengaard Sorensen, Per Aagaard, Jens Bojsen-Moller
Summary: This study investigates the biomechanical effects of robot-assisted body weight unloading (BWU) on gait patterns in healthy young adults. The results show that dynamic robot-assisted BWU enables reduced kinetic requirements without distorting biomechanically normal gait patterns during overground walking.
JOURNAL OF BIOMECHANICS
(2024)
