Article
Biophysics
Bryan Yu, Walter Herzog
Summary: The study aimed to determine the in vivo operating range of the vastus lateralis (VL) muscle during speed skating imitation and compare it to the muscle's force-length relationship. The results showed that the VL muscle works at sub-optimal length during the gliding phase of skating, but at optimal length for maximal force production during the crucial pushoff phase.
JOURNAL OF BIOMECHANICS
(2023)
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
Physiology
Yuxiao Guo, Eleanor J. Jones, Thomas B. Inns, Isabel A. Ely, Daniel W. Stashuk, Daniel J. Wilkinson, Kenneth Smith, Jessica Piasecki, Bethan E. Phillips, Philip J. Atherton, Mathew Piasecki
Summary: Despite males typically exhibiting greater muscle strength and fatigability than females, this study found sex-based differences in neuromuscular recruitment strategies. Females produce muscle force through smaller motor units discharging at higher rates. However, both sexes show similar strategies in increasing force production from low- to mid-level contractions.
Article
Biophysics
Amanda E. Munsch, Brian Pietrosimone, Jason R. Franz
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the net fascicle length change of the quadriceps muscles at different walking speeds. The results showed that the VL muscle accommodates greater mechanical demands at faster speeds with increased muscle activity, while also resisting muscle lengthening. These findings are important for further evaluating VL fascicle behavior in individuals with known quadriceps strength deficits, inhibition, or heightened risk.
JOURNAL OF BIOMECHANICS
(2022)
Article
Orthopedics
Conglei Dong, Ming Li, Kuo Hao, Chao Zhao, Kang Piao, Wei Lin, Chongyi Fan, Yingzhen Niu, Wang Fei
Summary: In patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome, atrophy of the vastus medialis obliquus and vastus lateralis muscles was found in sections 0-20 mm above the upper pole of the patella, with the atrophy of the vastus medialis obliquus being more pronounced than that of the vastus lateralis muscle.
JOURNAL OF ORTHOPAEDIC SURGERY AND RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Joey S. J. Smeets, Astrid M. H. Horstman, David P. J. van Dijk, Astrid G. M. van Boxtel, Joost F. ter Woorst, Steven W. M. Olde Damink, Olaf E. M. G. Schijns, Luc J. C. van Loon
Summary: This study revealed that post-absorptive muscle protein synthesis rates are higher in the rectus abdominis compared to the vastus lateralis, while there was no significant difference in synthesis rates between the vastus lateralis and pectoralis major or temporalis muscles. Sampled muscle tissue protein synthesis rates obtained during surgery may not necessarily reflect appendicular skeletal muscle protein synthesis rates.
JOURNAL OF CACHEXIA SARCOPENIA AND MUSCLE
(2021)
Article
Orthopedics
Marion Crouzier, Francois Hug, Frances T. Sheehan, Natalie J. Collins, Kay Crossley, Kylie Tucker
Summary: This study aimed to determine whether there is a difference in the torque distribution between the vastus medialis and vastus lateralis in adolescents with and without patellofemoral pain. The results showed that there was no decreased contribution of the vastus medialis to knee extension torque in adolescents with patellofemoral pain compared to controls.
ORTHOPAEDIC JOURNAL OF SPORTS MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Biophysics
Theresa Domroes, Gunnar Laube, Sebastian Bohm, Adamantios Arampatzis, Falk Mersmann
Summary: The study investigated the applicability of a simplified approach for muscle volume assessment in early-adolescent boys, showing that a cohort-specific shape factor should be used, as muscle volumes assessed with this factor were not significantly different from measured volumes.
JOURNAL OF BIOMECHANICS
(2021)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Marta Kulich, Gabriel Gomez, Daniel Kwon
Summary: Fibromatosis colli (FC) is a fibroblastic contracture of the sternocleidomastoid muscle that causes a neck mass and torticollis. Most cases can be resolved with conservative measures, but surgery may be needed for persistent disease. This case study presents a novel application of the innervated vastus lateralis free flap for complete excision and reconstruction of a large FC in a 4-year-old patient who did not respond to conservative treatment or surgical release.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Sergio Perez, Alex A. Olmos, Stephanie A. Sontag, Mandy E. Parra, Hannah L. Dimmick, Adam J. Sterczala, Jonathan D. Miller, Jake A. Deckert, Trent J. Herda, Michael A. Trevino
Summary: This study examined the effects of cycling training on the MMG(MDF)-torque relationships of the vastus lateralis. The results showed that after 10 weeks of cycling training, different motor unit control strategies were observed between sexes and between muscle actions for the vastus lateralis during a moderate-intensity contraction.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2022)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Shi-en Fu, Rou-mei Wang, Xing-huan Liang, Jing Xian, Jie Pan, Xue-lan Chen, Cheng-cheng Qiu, Zhi-ping Tang, Ying-fen Qin, Hai-yan Yang, Li-li Huang, Ya-qi Kuang, Yan Ma, Zuo-jie Luo
Summary: This study evaluated CTM in patients with hyperthyroidism using ultrasound and identified cutoff values for ultrasonic muscle parameters for CTM diagnosis. The findings suggest that ultrasound measurement of muscular parameters, especially in the VM, is a valid and feasible way of diagnosing and characterizing possible CTM in hyperthyroidism.
ENDOCRINE CONNECTIONS
(2023)
Article
Sport Sciences
Brock W. Freeman, Scott W. Talpey, Lachlan P. James, David A. Opar, Warren B. Young
Summary: The purpose of this study was to clarify the relationship between various running gaits and maximum speed. The findings suggest that currently used thresholds for high-speed running and sprinting most likely correspond with jogging and striding, underestimating the true demands of high-speed running. Therefore, a higher relative speed could be used to accurately describe high-speed running and sprinting in field sports.
JOURNAL OF STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Physiology
Fang Qiu, Xiaodong Liu, Yilin Xu, Lijun Shi, Xinjun Sheng, Chen Chen
Summary: This study compares the neural adaptations in motor unit properties between sprinters and nonathletes and demonstrates the potential of EMG decomposition in physiological investigations.
FRONTIERS IN PHYSIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Rehabilitation
Mario Parstorfer, Francesca Profit, Nadine Weiberg, Michaela Wehrstein, Alexander Barie, Birgit Friedmann-Bette
Summary: This study investigated satellite cell content and function of the vastus lateralis muscle after anterior ligament reconstruction. The findings showed that satellite cell apoptosis increased while the total satellite cell number decreased post-reconstruction, suggesting a potential explanation for prolonged quadriceps muscle atrophy.
JOURNAL OF REHABILITATION MEDICINE
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Alfredo Bravo-Sanchez, Pablo Abian, Jorge Sanchez-Infante, Paula Esteban-Gacia, Fernando Jimenez, Javier Abian-Vicen
Summary: This study evaluated the reliability of four methods for assessing vastus lateralis (VL) stiffness and found that myotonometry and tensiomyography (TMG) showed the best inter-day reliability. Myotonometry stiffness values were influenced by structural variables, while significant correlations were found between myotonometry and VL thickness, adipose tissue thickness, and superficial connective tissue thickness.
Article
Orthopedics
Mark R. Antrobus, Jon Brazier, Peter Callus, Adam J. Herbert, Georgina K. Stebbings, Stephen H. Day, Liam P. Kilduff, Mark A. Bennett, Robert M. Erskine, Stuart M. Raleigh, Malcolm Collins, Yannis P. Pitsiladis, Shane M. Heffernan, Alun G. Williams
Summary: This study investigated the association between elite rugby athlete status and concussion-associated risk polymorphisms. The findings showed that there were differences in the COMT rs4680 genotype, which could potentially affect stress resilience, behavioral traits, concussion risk, and recovery in elite rugby athletes. Evaluating the COMT rs4680 genotype may be beneficial for individualized management of concussion risk among athletes.
CLINICAL JOURNAL OF SPORT MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Sport Sciences
Jon Brazier, Mark R. Antrobus, Adam J. Herbert, Peter C. Callus, Georgina K. Stebbings, Stephen H. Day, Shane M. Heffernan, Liam P. Kilduff, Mark A. Bennett, Robert M. Erskine, Stuart M. Raleigh, Malcolm Collins, Yannis P. Pitsiladis, Alun G. Williams
Summary: There is growing evidence that genetics play a role in tendon and ligament pathologies. This study found that 13 gene polymorphisms associated with tendon/ligament injury were also associated with elite rugby athlete status. Elite rugby athletes may have an inherited advantage that contributes to their resistance to soft tissue injury.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF SPORT SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Sport Sciences
Hannah R. Dines, Jennifer Nixon, Sarah J. Lockey, Adam J. Herbert, Courtney Kipps, Charles R. Pedlar, Stephen H. Day, Shane M. Heffernan, Mark R. Antrobus, Jon Brazier, Robert M. Erskine, Georgina K. Stebbings, Elliott C. R. Hall, Alun G. Williams
Summary: Collagen gene polymorphisms associated with resistance to soft-tissue injury are more common in competitive runners, but their contribution to running performance is unknown.
JOURNAL OF STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Maxime Boidin, Ellen A. Dawson, Dick H. J. Thijssen, Robert M. Erskine
Summary: This study used a within-subject, cross-over design to investigate the relationship between individual adaptations to resistance training (RT) and endurance training (END). The findings indicated that there was no correlation between the adaptations to both types of training. However, a significant interaction was observed between the VEGFA genotype and training modality, suggesting that individuals with the VEGFA GG genotype exhibited greater adaptations to RT compared to END.
MOLECULAR GENETICS AND GENOMICS
(2023)
Article
Sport Sciences
Jon Brazier, Mark R. Antrobus, Adam J. Herbert, Peter C. Callus, Praval Khanal, Georgina K. Stebbings, Stephen H. Day, Shane M. Heffernan, Liam P. Kilduff, Mark A. Bennett, Robert M. Erskine, Stuart M. Raleigh, Malcolm Collins, Yannis P. Pitsiladis, Alun G. Williams
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the association between polygenic profiles and elite rugby athletes. The results showed that elite rugby athletes had significantly higher genotype scores (TGS) compared to non-athletes, and TGS was able to distinguish between the two groups. In addition, a three-SNP model was identified to predict the elite athlete status. The findings suggest that elite rugby athletes may possess preferable musculoskeletal soft-tissue injury-related polygenic profiles.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF SPORT SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Sport Sciences
Stephen J. McQuilliam, David R. Clark, Robert M. Erskine, Thomas E. Brownlee
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the effects of high-intensity, low-volume (HRT) compared to moderate-intensity, high-volume resistance training (MRT) on strength, power, and muscle soreness in male academy soccer players. The results suggest that performing HRT training once a week may be an effective method for improving strength and power in-season for ASP, while minimizing the occurrence of DOMS.
JOURNAL OF STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING RESEARCH
(2023)
Review
Clinical Neurology
Carissa Gardiner, Jonathon Weakley, Louise M. Burke, Gregory D. Roach, Charli Sargent, Nirav Maniar, Andrew Townshend, Shona L. Halson
Summary: This systematic review and meta-analysis examined the effects of caffeine on sleep characteristics, finding that it reduced total sleep time, sleep efficiency, and deep sleep, while increasing sleep onset latency and wake after sleep onset. The study provides evidence-based recommendations, suggesting that caffeine should be consumed at least 8.8 hours before bedtime to avoid negative effects on sleep.
SLEEP MEDICINE REVIEWS
(2023)
Article
Physiology
Joonsung Lee, Josh E. Bridge, David R. Clark, Claire E. Stewart, Robert M. Erskine
Summary: We examined the impact of collagen hydrolysate supplementation on the properties of the patellar tendon in female soccer players. After 10 weeks of soccer training, the group receiving collagen supplementation showed increased stiffness and Young's modulus of the patellar tendon compared to the placebo group. These findings suggest that collagen supplementation may improve the mechanical and material properties of the patellar tendon in high-level female soccer players.
FRONTIERS IN PHYSIOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Sport Sciences
Conall F. Murtagh, Elliott C. R. Hall, Thomas E. Brownlee, Barry Drust, Alun G. Williams, Robert M. Erskine
Summary: The aim of this review is to evaluate the genetic association with athlete status, physical performance, and injury risk in soccer. The most compelling evidence identifies several genetic polymorphisms associated with these factors. Further research and replication studies are necessary to identify new genetic markers and understand the physiological mechanisms involved.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SPORTS MEDICINE
(2023)
Review
Sport Sciences
Alexander S. Hart, Robert M. Erskine, David R. Clark
Summary: This article critically evaluates the scientific literature on the use of physical characteristics to explain ball-carrying capability in elite rugby union. The study found that sprint performance, vertical jump height, and peak power output are strongly correlated with game statistics associated with ball-carrying capability, while maximal lower-body strength shows only weak correlations. Further research is needed to assess the contribution of maximal lower-body strength, agility, repeated sprint ability, and aerobic capacity to ball-carrying capability in elite rugby union.
JOURNAL OF STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Hospitality, Leisure, Sport & Tourism
Stephen J. McQuilliam, David R. Clark, Robert M. Erskine, Thomas E. Brownlee
Summary: This study investigated current strength and conditioning (S&C) practice in first team and academy level soccer in multiple countries/continents. The results showed significant differences in S&C training methods between first team and academy coaches, with academy coaches prioritizing bodyweight training more than first team coaches, which may limit physical development in academy players.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SPORTS SCIENCE & COACHING
(2023)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Nicholas J. Saner, Matthew J-C. Lee, Nathan W. Pitchford, James R. Broatch, Greg D. Roach, David J. Bishop, Jonathan D. Bartlett
Summary: Sleep loss negatively affects mood state and alertness, while exercise can have a positive impact on them. However, this study found that even though high-intensity interval exercise was performed during sleep restriction, it did not mitigate the negative effects on mood, well-being, and alertness. Further research is needed to determine if alternative exercise sessions or protocols can have more positive outcomes during sleep restriction.
JOURNAL OF SLEEP RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
David J. Bishop, Nolan J. Hoffman, Dale F. Taylor, Nicholas J. Saner, Matthew J. -C. Lee, John A. Hawley
Summary: The ability of skeletal muscle to adapt to repeated contractile stimuli involves various molecular processes, including increased protein activity and/or expression. Recent studies challenge the common assumption of a direct relationship between changes in the skeletal muscle transcriptome and proteome induced by repeated muscle contractions (e.g., exercise).
TRENDS IN BIOCHEMICAL SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Sport Sciences
Elliott C. R. Hall, Sarah J. J. Lockey, Shane M. M. Heffernan, Adam J. J. Herbert, Georgina K. K. Stebbings, Stephen H. H. Day, Malcolm Collins, Yannis P. P. Pitsiladis, Robert M. M. Erskine, Alun G. G. Williams
Summary: Success in long-distance running is influenced by factors such as oxygen utilization, lactate metabolism, and genetic associations. The Gly allele of the PPARGC1A Gly482Ser rs8192678 polymorphism has been linked to endurance athlete status and favorable adaptations to aerobic training. This study examined the association of rs8192678 with elite status and performance among long-distance runners. The results showed that athletes carrying the Ser allele had a 2.5% faster performance compared to Gly/Gly homozygotes.
JOURNAL OF SPORTS SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Sport Sciences
Alexander S. Hart, Robert M. Erskine, Tom J. Mclaughlin, David R. Clark
Summary: The present study aimed to investigate the relationship between physical characteristics and game statistics associated with ball-carrying capability among sub-elite rugby union players, and to predict the level of change in physical characteristics required to improve these game statistics. The findings suggest that improvements in lower-body relative strength, acceleration performance, and position-specific alterations in body mass are necessary to maximize ball-carrying capability in sub-elite rugby union players.
JOURNAL OF SCIENCE IN SPORT AND EXERCISE
(2023)