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The purposes of this study were to clarify the electromyography (EMG) of plantar flexors and to analyze the fascicle and tendon behaviors of the gastrocnemius medialis (GM) during running in the carbon-fiber plate embedded in thicker midsole racing shoes, such as the Nike ZoomX Vaporfly (VF) and traditional racing shoes (TRAD). We compared the fascicle and series elastic element behavior of the GM and EMG of the lower limb muscles during running (14 km/h, 45 s) in athletes wearing VF or TRAD. GM EMGs in the push-off phase were approximately 50% lower in athletes wearing VF than in TRAD. Although the series elastic element behavior and/or mean fascicle-shortening velocity during the entire stance phase were not significantly different between VF and TRAD, a significant difference was found in both the mean EMG and integral EMG of the GM during the push-off phase. EMG of the gastrocnemius lateralis (GL) during the first half of the push-off phase was significantly different between VF and TRAD. Present results suggest that VF facilitates running propulsion, resulting in a decrease in GM and GL EMGs at a given running velocity during the push-off phase, leading to a reduction in metabolic cost. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: The aim of this study was to analyze the muscle activity of the hamstring muscles and the lateral gastrocnemius during different variants of the single-leg bridge (SLB) in futsal players. Design: Cross-sectional study. Methods: Twenty-two futsal players (age = 24.8 [3.9] y) volunteered to participate in this study. The participants performed 3 variations of the SLB with the knee flexed at 45°. The first position was performed with the ankle in plantar position with flat support, the second with the ankle in dorsiflexion (DF) with heel support, and the third with the ankle in DF and external rotation (ER) with heel support. The Wilcoxon rank-sum test assessed the difference between variables for samples with the rank-biserial correlation effect size. Spearman correlation coefficients were used to examine the associations of the percentage maximal voluntary isometric contraction for each muscle with peak force and rate of force development with 3 different variances of the SLB. Results: The variation of ankle DF and ER with heel support generated higher muscle activity in BF in concentric (P<.01, effect size [ES] = -0.613); isometric (P<.042, ES = -0.494); and eccentric (P<.005, ES = -0.668) contraction than ankle DF with heel support. In contrast, the variation of ankle DF and ER with heel support generated fewer muscle activity in lateral gastrocnemius in concentric (P < .001, ES = 0.779); isometric (P < .003, ES = 0.708); and eccentric (P < .014, ES = 0.589) contraction than ankle DF with heel support. Conclusions: The position of DF and ER was the best position in SLB to train the BF. It could be convenient to start rehabilitation of the BF with flat foot postition or ankle in DF with heel support and progress with the position of the ankle in DF and ER with heel support. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Unloader braces are a treatment modality for medial compartment knee osteoarthritis. The functional mechanisms involved are not yet fully understood. Therefore, this two-part systematic review examines the following research questions: How is muscle activation altered by medial compartment knee osteoarthritis, and do medial tibiofemoral compartment unloader braces alter muscle activation? If so, could this alteration be part of the unloading mechanism by affecting the altered muscle activity in medial compartment knee osteoarthritis? A systematic literature search was conducted using PubMed, LIVIVO, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and CENTRAL for articles published until August 2023. The first systematic review, examining neuromuscular alterations, identified 703 articles, with a final inclusion of 20. The second systematic review, which evaluated the neuromuscular effects of unloader braces, identified 123 articles with the final inclusion of 3. Individuals with medial compartment knee osteoarthritis demonstrated increased activity and co-contraction of the periarticular knee muscles, whereas medial tibio-femoral compartment unloader braces seemed to reduce activity and co-contraction. In contrast to the belief that unloader braces result in muscle weakness as they decrease muscle activity and co-contraction, our limited insights indicate that they rather might reduce the pathological increase. This may result in joint load reduction due to lower compressive forces. However, further investigation is required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on a study on the use of compression therapy in the assessment and management of the venous and arterial aetiologies underlying leg ulceration as part of a holistic care plan, which was presented in an expert panel discussion held in October 2023.

This study aimed to investigate the acute effects of resistance exercise on muscle architecture and tissue organization at rest and during isometric maximum voluntary contraction (iMVC) of the gastrocnemius medialis muscle. In 16 healthy adults (25 ± 3 y), ultrasound scans were captured before (pre), immediately after (post), and 15 min after (post_15) single-leg calf raises during rest and iMVCs. Measurements included muscle thickness (MT), pennation angle (PA), and fascicle length (FL). Spatial frequency analysis (SFA) assessed tissue organization (e.g. peak spatial frequency radius (PSFR), quality factor (Q6)). MT increased significantly from pre to post (+5.7%) and post_15 (+5.6%) at rest. During iMVC, MT and FL increased significantly from pre to post (MT: +8.1%, FL: +14.9%) and post_15 (MT: +5.2%, FL: +10.5%), while PA decreased significantly from pre to post_15 (−10.2%). PSFR and Q6 decreased significantly from pre to post (−7.0-8.2%) and increased from post to post_15 (+10.3-10.6%) at rest, with no significant changes during iMVC. Resistance exercise led to altered muscle architecture for more than 15 min, while SFA parameters reverted to baseline within 15 min. Thus, SFA potentially enables early differentiation of potential physiological alterations in muscle micro-morphology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Trolley bags have gained popularity among students, but there is limited research comparing them to backpack-style school bags. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to compare how carrying a backpack versus a trolley bag affects the activity of trunk and lower limb muscles in secondary school students. METHODS: Electromyographic activity was measured in 25 students (13.4±1.1 years) as they walked on level ground and up/down stairs while carrying both types of bags. The activity of the gastrocnemius, tibialis anterior, semitendinosus, rectus femoris, lumbar erector spinae, and rectus abdominis muscles was assessed on both the dominant and non-dominant sides. RESULTS: The study found significantly reduced muscle activation in most of the targeted muscles when walking on level ground with the trolley bag and when going up/down stairs with the backpack. CONCLUSIONS: Lifting a trolley bag depends on the slope of the walking surface and is more efficient on level ground, while carrying a backpack is more efficient when going up and down stairs. Since it is not practical to switch bags when encountering stairs in schools, a bag with a mixed model design incorporating features of both trolley and backpack may be more beneficial and practical for students to use. Students, parents, and teachers should be aware of the injury risks associated with carrying different types of bags. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We compared the effects of different weekly calf training sets on muscle size changes. Sixty-one untrained young women performed a calf training program for 6 weeks, 3 d·wk–1 , with differences in resistance training volume. The participants were randomly assigned to one of the three groups: 6-SET, 9-SET, and 12-SET weekly calf training sets. The calf raise exercise was performed in sets of 15–20 repetitions maximum. The muscle thickness measurements of medial gastrocnemius (MG), lateral gastrocnemius (LG), and soleus (SOL) were taken via B-mode ultrasound. We used the sum of the three-muscle thickness as a proxy for the triceps surae (TSSUM). The 12-SET group elicited greater increases than the 6-SET in LG (6-SET=+ 8.1% vs. 12-SET=+ 14.3%; P =0.017), SOL (6-SET=+ 6.7% vs. 12-SET=+ 12.7%; P =0.024), and TSSUM (6-SET=+ 6.9% vs. 12-SET=+ 12.0%; P =0.005), but there was no significant difference in MG changes (6-SET=+ 6.6% vs. 12-SET=+ 9.9%; P =0.067). There were no significant differences when comparing 9-SET vs. 6-SET and 12-SET (P ≥0.099). Although all groups experienced calf muscle hypertrophy, our results suggest that the higher dose range may optimize triceps surae muscle size gains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although the force-length properties of muscles have an approximately parabolic shape, in vivo not all the force-length curve is necessarily used, only a portion of the curve is expressed (i.e., ascending, plateau, or descending regions of the force-length curve). The number of sarcomeres in series in a muscle fiber affects the expressed section of the force-length curve; this number can be influenced by the nature of activity the muscle experiences. It was hypothesized that the reduced range of motion ice skaters experience, because of the constraints imposed by the ice skates, that the gastrocnemii of a group of ice skaters will adapt and will more frequently express in vivo the plateau of the force-length curve compared with a nonspecifically trained population. Twelve NCAA Division I female ice hockey players volunteered for the study. Their maximum isometric ankle plantarflexion moments were recorded for 6 ankle angles and 3 knee angles. Exploiting the biarticularity of the gastrocnemius, the expressed sections of the subject's force-length curves were determined. Six subjects operated over the ascending limb, 5 operated over the plateau region, and 1 over the descending limb. This frequency of distribution for ice hockey players was statistically different to the distribution measured for 28 nonspecifically trained subjects from a previous study (p < 0.0001). These results likely reflect morphological differences between the 2 groups for their gastrocnemii, potentially arising from the limited range of gastrocnemius length feasible in ice-skates. These results have implications for the specificity of their off-ice training for ice hockey players. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Clinical Scenario: The high recurrence of lateral ankle sprains progresses to chronic ankle instability (CAI) and can affect many athletes in all sports. CAI is often associated with a decrease in muscle strength, an increase in pain, a decrease in the range of motion, and a decrease in balance or neuromuscular control. The use of blood flow restriction (BFR) with CAI can increase muscular outcomes and be used as a rehabilitation tool. Clinical Question: Is there evidence to suggest that BFR improves strength, muscle activation, and/or cross-sectional area of the lower leg musculature in those with CAI? Clinical Bottom Line: There is moderate evidence to support therapeutic exercise with low-intensity BFR in patients with CAI. The evidence concluded a significant improvement in BFR to increase muscle activation of the fibularis longus, anterior tibialis, vastus lateralis, and soleus. There is moderate evidence suggesting BFR can induce strength gains in the muscles of the lower extremity in patients with CAI. Strength of Recommendation: The comprehensive evidence is a Strength of Recommendation Taxonomy (SORT) Grade B, with a level of evidence of 2, according to the Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine (CEBM) for the studies included. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Repetitive passive movement (RPM) enhances reciprocal inhibition. RPM is more effective when performed rapidly and at wide joint angles. However, patients with limited joint range of motion may not receive the most effective RPM. Therefore, having an alternative method for performing RPM in patients who cannot perform actual exercise due to limited joint motion is necessary. This study investigated the effects of RPM on spinal excitability using a visual kinesthetic illusion. Participants included 17 healthy adults (7 women). Measurements were taken before, during, and immediately after the intervention. We established two intervention conditions: the control condition, in which participants focused their attention forward, and the illusion condition, in which participants watched a video about RPM. F-waves from the tibialis anterior and soleus muscles were measured, and F-wave persistence and F/M amplitude ratios were analyzed. Under the illusion condition, compared with the preintervention condition, the F/M amplitude ratio of the tibialis anterior increased by approximately 44% during the intervention (p < 0.05), whereas the F-wave persistence of the soleus decreased by approximately 23% from the immediate start of the intervention (p < 0.05). This study suggests that a visual kinesthetic illusion can increase the spinal excitability of the tibialis anterior, whereas reciprocal inhibition can decrease the spinal excitability of the soleus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The standard treatment for patients with confirmed Venous Leg Ulcers (VLUs) is compression therapy to improve the function of the calf muscle pump. There is a significant cohort of patients who are unable to tolerate optimal compression therapy or indeed any level of compression therapy. In addition, there is a cohort of patients who can tolerate compression whose ulcers show little or no evidence of healing. There is a need for ways to further improve calf muscle pump function and to improve venous ulcer healing in these patients. Published data were reviewed on the use of Muscle Pump Activation (MPA) using common peroneal nerve neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) to improve calf muscle pump function. There is physiological evidence that MPA can improve calf muscle pump function and venous return in both control subjects and in patients with venous disease. The use of MPA has also been shown to improve venous flow volume and venous flow velocity on ultrasound scanning in patients with venous disease. MPA has been shown to improve microcirculation in the skin using Laser Doppler and laser Doppler Speckle Contrast Imaging, in both normal subjects as well as in patients with venous disease and VLU. A recent randomized controlled trial of MPA plus compression therapy compared with compression therapy alone, found significantly faster rates of healing with the use of MPA in addition to compression therapy. There are indications for the use of MPA as an adjunctive treatment to enhance calf muscle pump function in patients with VLU:who cannot tolerate compression therapywho can only tolerate suboptimal, low‐level compressionwhose ulcer healing remains slow or stalled with optimal compression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: A concern expressed by the clinical community is that the constraint of motion provided by an ankle foot orthosis (AFO) may lead the user to become dependent on its stiffness, leading to learned non-use. To examine this, we hypothesized that using an experimental AFO-footwear combination (exAFO-FC) that constrains ankle motion during walking would result in reduced soleus and tibialis anterior EMG compared to free (exAFOFC) and control (no AFO, footwear only) conditions. Method: A total of 14 healthy subjects walked at their preferred speed (1.34 ± 0.09 m·s-1) for 15min, in three conditions, namely, control, free, and stop. Results: During the stance phase of walking in the stop condition, ipsilateral soleus integrated EMG (iEMG) declined linearly, culminating in a 32.1% reduction compared to the control condition in the final 5 min interval of the protocol. In contrast, ipsilateral tibialis anterior iEMG declined in a variable fashion culminating in an 11.2% reduction compared to control in the final 5 min interval. During the swing phase, the tibialis anterior iEMG increased by 6.6% compared to the control condition during the final 5 min interval. The contralateral soleus and tibialis anterior exhibited increased iEMG in the stop condition. Discussion: An AFO-FC functions as a biomechanical motion control device that influences the neural control system and alters the output of muscles experiencing constraints of motion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Running is one of the most popular sport practices in the world. However, to our knowledge, none of the previous research about the characteristics of outdoor running makes a distinction between the different modalities of runners. Sixty-five healthy runners classified in sprinters, middle distance and long-distance runners performed five series of 100 metres on the synthetic outdoor track at competition pace. Muscle activity of lower limb muscles at initial contact and toe-off, involving the gluteus medius (GMED), gluteus maximus (GMAX), biceps femoris (BF), rectus femoris (RF), tiabilis anterior (TA) and medial gastrocnemius (MGAS), and spatiotemporal parameters were analysed. Sprinters showed high percentages of muscle activity at initial contact, in particular, the TA activity was the highest. The RF activity was significantly the lowest activity registered. At toe-off, sprinters showed the highest activity in all muscles analysed. Middle-distance runners had the highest activity of GMAX, BF and MGAS during the initial contact. In long-distance runners, the GMED and RF activity during the initial contact is highlighted, showing the highest activity of this phase. Different patterns of lower limb muscle activity and spatiotemporal parameters exist depending on the modality of the runner. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To investigate early structural and mechanical predictors of plantarflexor muscle strength and the magnitude of Achilles tendon (AT) nonuniform displacement at 6 and 12 months after AT rupture. Methods: Thirty‐five participants (28 males and 7 females; mean ± SD age 41.7 ± 11.1 years) were assessed for isometric plantarflexion maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) and AT nonuniformity at 6 and 12 months after rupture. Structural and mechanical AT and plantarflexor muscle properties were measured at 2 months. Limb asymmetry index (LSI) was calculated for all variables. Multiple linear regression was used with the 6 and 12 month MVC LSI and 12 month AT nonuniformity LSI as dependent variables and AT and plantarflexor muscle properties at 2 months as independent variables. The level of pre‐ and post‐injury sports participation was inquired using Tegner score at 2 and 12 months (scale 0–10, 10 = best possible score). Subjective perception of recovery was assessed with Achilles tendon total rupture score (ATRS) at 12 months (scale 0–100, 100=best possible score). Results: Achilles tendon resting angle (ATRA) symmetry at 2 months predicted MVC symmetry at 6 and 12 months after rupture (β = 2.530, 95% CI 1.041–4.018, adjusted R2 = 0.416, p = 0.002; β = 1.659, 95% CI 0.330–2.988, adjusted R2 = 0.418, p = 0.016, respectively). At 12 months, participants had recovered their pre‐injury level of sports participation (Tegner 6 ± 2 points). The median (IQR) ATRS score was 92 (7) points at 12 months. Conclusion: Greater asymmetry of ATRA in the early recovery phase may be a predictor of plantarflexor muscle strength deficits up to 1 year after rupture. Trial Registration: This research is a part of "nonoperative treatment of Achilles tendon rupture in Central Finland: a prospective cohort study" that has been registered in ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03704532) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Purpose: Sarcopenia is a common muscle disease among the older population, posing an increased risk for functional decline and loss of independence in daily living. Early detection of sarcopenia among older people before functional decline would be beneficial in enhancing their quality of life. The Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia (AWGS) 2019 recommends the use of 3 screening methods for community-based sarcopenia detection: calf circumference (CC), or the Strength, Assistance in walking, Rise from a chair, Climb stairs, and Falls (SARC-F) questionnaire, or the SARC-F in combination with CC (SARC-CalF) questionnaire. This study aims to compare the relative performance of these 3 methods as screening tools for sarcopenia within a community-dwelling older population. Methods: A total of 700 community-dwelling older adults participated in the current study. Muscle mass, muscle strength, and physical performance were measured with bioelectrical impedance analysis, handgrip strength, and gait speed, respectively. The AWGS 2019 criteria were considered the criterion standard The sensitivity/specificity, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) analyses were determined for CC, SARC-F, and SARC-CalF to determine their relative diagnostic performance. Results: Sarcopenia was identified in 21.4% of participants according to the AWGS2019 criteria. The overall prevalence of sarcopenia was 56.6%, 14.7%, and 22.9% according to CC, SARC-F, and SARC-CalF, respectively. Calf circumference showed the highest sensitivity but lowest specificity based on AWGS 2019 as the criterion standard regardless of age, gender, and body mass index. The SARC-CalF showed better sensitivity but similar specificity than the SARC-F. The AUROC of CC was significantly better than that of SARC-F and SARC-CalF. The AUROCs of CC, SARC-F, and SARC-CalF were statistically significant in all populations, as well as in the categories of age, gender, and body mass index (P < .05). Conclusions: Calf circumference is useful in ruling out the presence of sarcopenia while the SARC-F is more effec-tive in ruling in sarcopenia, especially in the context of population-based screening. Future studies should be carried out to investigate the value of population-based sarcopenia detection using these screening tools. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To determine whether acupotomy ameliorates immobilization-induced muscle contracture and fibrosis via Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. Methods: Thirty Wistar rats were randomly divided into 5 groups (n=6) by a random number table, including control, immobilization, passive stretching, acupotomy, and acupotomy 3 weeks (3-w) groups. The rat model of gastrocnemius contracture was established by immobilizing the right hind limb in plantar flexion for 4 weeks. Rats in the passive stretching group received passive stretching at gastrocnemius, a daily series of 10 repetitions for 30 s each at 30-s intervals for 10 consecutive days. Rats in the acupotomy and acupotomy 3-w groups received acupotomy once and combined with passive stretching at gastrocnemius a daily series of 10 repetitions for 30 s each at 30-s intervals for 10 consecutive days. Additionally, rats in the acupotomy 3-w group were allowed to walk freely for 3 weeks after 10-day therapy. After treatment, range of motion (ROM), gait analysis [i.e., paw area, stance/swing and maximum ratio of paw area to paw area duration (Max dA/dT)], gastrocnemius wet weight and the ratio of muscle wet weight to body weight (MWW/BW) were tested. Gastrocnemius morphometric and muscle fiber cross-sectional area (CSA) were assessed by hematoxylin-eosin staining. Fibrosis-related mRNA expressions (i.e., Wnt 1, β-catenin, axin-2, α-smooth muscle actin, fibronectin, and types I and III collagen) were measured using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reactions. Wnt 1, β-catenin and fibronectin concentrations were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Types I and III collagen in the perimysium and endomysium were analyzed using immunofluorescence. Results: Compared with the control group, ROM, gait function, muscle weight, MWW/BW and CSA were significantly decreased in the immobilization group (all P<0.01), while protein levels of types I and III collagen, Wnt 1, β-catenin, fibronectin and mRNA levels of fibrosis-related genes were obviously increased (all P<0.01). Treatment with passive stretching or acupotomy restored ROM and gait function and increased muscle wet weight, MWW/BW and CSA (all P<0.05), while protein expression levels of Wnt 1, β-catenin, fibronectin, types I and III collagen and mRNA levels of fibrosis-related genes were remarkably declined compared with the immobilization group (all P<0.05). Compared with passive stretching group, ROM, gait function, MWW was remarkably restored (all P<0.05), and mRNA levels of fibrosis-related genes as well as protein expression levels of Wnt 1, β-catenin, fibronectin, types I and III collagen in the acupotomy group were obviously decreased (all P<0.05). Compared with the acupotomy group, ROM, paw area, Max dA/dT, and MWW were restored (all P<0.05), and mRNA levels of fibrosis-related genes along with protein levels of Wnt 1, β-catenin, fibronectin, types I and III collagen in the acupotomy 3-w group were decreased (P<0.05). Conclusion: Improvements in motor function, muscle contractures, and muscle fibrosis induced by acupotomy correlates with the inhibition of Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Muscle mechanics is paramount in our understanding of motor performance. However, little is known regarding the sensitivity of fascicle dynamics and connective tissues stiffness to exercise duration and ambient temperature during running, both increasing muscle temperature. This study aimed to determine gastrocnemius medialis (GM) fascicle dynamics in vivo during running in temperate and hot conditions, as well as muscle-tendon unit responses. Methods: Using ultrafast ultrasound, 15 participants (8 men, 7 women; 26 ± 3 yr) were tested before, during (2 and 40 min), and after a running task (40 min at 10 km⋅h-1) in temperate (TEMP; ~23°C) and hot (HOT: ~38°C) conditions. Results: Although core, skin temperatures, and heart rate increased from the beginning to the end of the exercise and in a larger extent in HOT than TEMP (P < 0.001), the physiological stress elicited did not alter running temporal parameters and GM fascicle operating lengths, with similar behavior of the fascicles on their force-length relationship, over time (2 vs 40 min) or across condition (TEMP vs HOT; P ≥ 0.248). Maximal voluntary force production did not reported statistical changes after exercise (P = 0.060), and the connective tissues stiffness measured (i.e., passive muscle and stiffness of the series-elastic elements) did not show neither time (P ≥ 0.281), condition (P ≥ 0.256) nor time-condition interaction (P ≥ 0.465) effect. Conclusions: This study revealed that prolonged running exercise does not alter muscle-tendon unit properties and interplay, which are not influenced by ambient temperature. These findings may rule out potential detrimental effects of heat on muscle properties and encourage further investigations on longer and more intense running exercise. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Understanding muscle-tendon forces (e.g., triceps surae and Achilles tendon) during locomotion may aid in the assessment of human performance, injury risk, and rehabilitation progress. Shear wave tensiometry is a noninvasive technique for assessing in vivo tendon forces that has been recently adapted to a wearable technology. However, previous laboratory-based and outdoor tensiometry studies have not evaluated running. This study was undertaken to assess the capacity for shear wave tensiometry to produce valid measures of Achilles tendon loading during running at a range of speeds. Methods: Participants walked (1.34 m⋅s-1) and ran (2.68, 3.35, and 4.47 m⋅s-1) on an instrumented treadmill while shear wave tensiometers recorded Achilles tendon wave speeds simultaneously with whole-body kinematic and ground reaction force data. A simple isometric task allowed for the participant-specific conversion of Achilles tendon wave speeds to forces. Achilles tendon forces were compared with ankle torque measures obtained independently via inverse dynamics analyses. Differences in Achilles tendon wave speed, Achilles tendon force, and ankle torque across walking and running speeds were analyzed with linear mixed-effects models. Results: Achilles tendon wave speed,Achilles tendon force, and ankle torque exhibited similar temporal patterns across the stance phase of walking and running. Significant monotonic increases in peak Achilles tendon wave speed (56.0-83.8 m⋅s-1), Achilles tendon force (44.0-98.7 N⋅kg-1), and ankle torque (1.72-3.68 N⋅m⋅(kg-1)) were observed with increasing locomotion speed (1.34-4.47 m⋅s-1). Tensiometry estimates of peak Achilles tendon force during running (8.2-10.1 body weights) were within the range of those estimated previously via indirect methods. Conclusions: These results set the stage for using tensiometry to evaluate Achilles tendon loading during unobstructed athletic movements, such as running, performed in the field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of our study was to compare the effects of two different plyometric training programs (targeting knee extensors or plantar flexors) on jump height and strength of leg muscles. Twenty‐nine male basketball players were assigned to the knee‐flexed (KF), knee‐extended (KE), or control groups. In addition to regular training, the KF group performed plyometric jumps (10 sets of 10 jumps, 3 sessions/week, 4 weeks) from 50 cm boxes with the knee flexed (90°–120°), whereas the KE group performed the jumps from 30 cm boxes with the knee much more extended (130°–170°). Jumping ability was evaluated with squat jumps (SJs), countermovement jumps (CMJs), and drop jumps from 20 cm (DJ20) and 40 cm (DJ40). Knee and ankle muscles were assessed during maximal isokinetic and isometric tests, and EMG activity was recorded from vastus lateralis and medial gastrocnemius. The KF group increased SJ (+10%, d = 0.86) and CMJ (+11%, d = 0.70) but decreased DJ40 height (−7%, d = −0.40). Conversely, the KE group increased DJ20 (+10%, d = 0.74) and DJ40 (+12%, d = 0.77) but decreased SJ height (−4%, d = −0.23). The reactivity index during DJs increased (+10% for DJ20, d = 0.47; +20% for DJ40, d = 0.91) for the KE group but decreased (−10%, d = −0.48) for the KF group during DJ40. Plantar flexor strength increased for the KE group (d = 0.72–1.00) but not for the KF group. Negative transfer across jumps is consistent with the principle of training specificity. Basketball players interested to perform fast rebounds in their training should avoid plyometric jumps with large knee flexions and long contact times. Highlights: Plyometric training specificity: different jump techniques (knee flexed vs. knee extended) elicited specific adaptations in jumping performance. Training with the knees flexed improved squat jump and countermovement jump height, whereas training with the knees extended augmented drop jump height.Negative transfer: the different jump techniques can have a negative influence on jump height and reactivity index. Drop jump height declined after knee‐flexed training, whereas squat jump height decreased after knee‐extended training.Plyometric training exercises should be aligned with sport‐specific movements to optimize performance. Basketball players who perform fast, powerful movements should avoid plyometric jumps with large knee flexions and long contact times. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries often occur when an athlete experiences an unexpected disruption, or perturbation, during sports. ACL injury rates may also be influenced by the menstrual cycle. Purpose: To determine whether training adaptations to knee control and muscle activity during a perturbed single-leg squatting (SLS) task depend on menstrual cycle phase in female athletes. Study Design: Controlled laboratory study. Methods: A total of 21 healthy female collegiate athletes (current or former [<3 years]) who competed in 9 different sports performed an SLS task in which they attempted to match their knee position (user signal) to a target signal. The protocol consisted of a 9-condition pretest, 5 sets of 3 training trials, and a 9-condition posttest. One perturbation was delivered in each condition by altering the resistance of the device. Sagittal knee control (absolute error between the target signal and user signal) was assessed using a potentiometer. Muscle activity during perturbed squat cycles was normalized to maximal activation and to corresponding muscle activity during unperturbed squat cycles (%unperturbed) within the same test condition. Athletes performed the protocol during a distinct menstrual cycle phase (early follicular [EF], late follicular [LF], midluteal [ML]). Two-way mixed analysis of variance was used to determine the effects of the menstrual cycle and training on knee control and muscle activity during task performance. Venous blood was collected for hormonal analysis, and a series of health questionnaires and anthropometric measures were also assessed to determine differences among the menstrual cycle groups. Results: After training, athletes demonstrated better knee control during the perturbed squat cycles (lower absolute error, P <.001) and greater soleus feedback responses to the perturbation (%unperturbed, P =.035). Better knee control was demonstrated in the ML phase versus the EF phase during unperturbed and perturbed squat cycles (P <.039 for both). Quadriceps activation was greater in the ML phase compared with the EF and LF phases, both immediately before and after the perturbation (P <.001 for all). Conclusion: Athletes learned to improve knee control during the perturbed performance regardless of menstrual cycle phase. The best knee control and greatest quadriceps activation during the perturbed squatting task was found in the ML phase. Clinical Relevance: These findings may correspond to a lower incidence of ACL injury in the luteal phase and alterations in exercise performance across the menstrual cycle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The type of footwear worn by military personnel and others could increase the risk of overuse injuries. Objectives: This study aimed to compare muscular activity during running with new and used military boots and running footwear in healthy individuals. Methods: Thirty healthy males were given a new pair of running footwear (n = 15) and thermoplastic polyurethane military boots (n = 15). Participants in each group were asked to wear these shoes for 6 months. Electromyographic activity of the dominant limb muscles was recorded during running at a speed of 3.3 m/s before and after 6 months. Results: The results indicated significant differences in muscle activity based on the type of footwear worn during various phases of running. Specifically, muscles such as the tibialis anterior, vastus lateralis, rectus femoris, biceps femoris, and semitendinosus showed varied activity during phases such as loading, mid-stance, and push-off. Additionally, there were significant effects of time on certain muscles, including the tibialis anterior and gastrocnemius medialis during the push-off phase. Interactions between footwear type and time were observed for the semitendinosus and gluteus medius during the loading phase, and the gastrocnemius medialis during the push-off phase. Conclusions: The results of this study indicate a decrease in muscle activity for most lower limb muscles in the military boots group compared to the running footwear group during the stance phase of running. The magnitude of gastrocnemius medialis activity increased in the military boots group (but not in the running footwear group) from pre-test to post-test during the push-off phase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explored the relationship between the design of calf compression sleeves and the comfort of young women in long sitting and standing work environments. By studying the relationship between material elongation and comfort pressure, a prediction model was obtained. The characteristics of the calf models of 94 women were classified, and the influence of different calf characteristics on the pressure distribution and tensile value design was objectively analyzed through simulation tests. The samples were then produced based on the simulation results, and subjective and objective try-on tests and evaluations were carried out. The results show that the difference in the shape of the calf has a certain impact on the pressure distribution and comfort. The predicted value of the theoretical model is in good agreement with the actual test value. The sample can bring a suitable gradient pressure and meet the comfort requirements and safety standards. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Whole-body vibration (WBV) training improves muscle strength and balance. Few studies have focused on the effects of WBV frequencies below 30 Hz. We aimed to investigate the effect of low-frequency WBV training on muscle activity, fatigue recovery, and oxygen consumption (VO2). Design: Prospective single-group, repeated-measures study. Methods: In this controlled laboratory setting study, 20 healthy adults (age 23.26 [1.66] y) performed half squats at 0, 4, 6, 8, 12, 16, 20, 24, and 30-Hz WBV. Muscle activity was evaluated using the root mean square and peak electromyography amplitude of 6 muscles (iliocostalis, rectus abdominis, rectus femoris, biceps femoris, tibialis anterior, and gastrocnemius) obtained via surface electromyography. VO2 was measured during the squats using a gas analyzer, and fatigue recovery was evaluated using measurements of lactate after the squats and after a recovery period. Statistical significance was set at P < .05, and analysis of variance was conducted to determine differences in muscle activity, fatigue, recovery, and VO2, with post hoc analyses as appropriate. Results: Of the 6 muscles measured, the muscle activity of the gastrocnemius alone significantly increased from 0 Hz at 4, 8, 12, 16, 24, and 30 Hz based on the root mean square values and at 4, 8, 12, and 30 Hz based on the peak electromyography amplitude values. There were no significant differences in the other muscles. There were no significant differences in VO2 or in lactate levels. Conclusions: Low-frequency WBV during squat exercises significantly increased the activity of the gastrocnemius medialis only at specific frequencies in healthy young adults. Low-frequency WBV is safe and has the potential to increase muscle activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mobilization with movement (MWM) and myofascial release (MFR) are treatment techniques that increase ankle dorsiflexion range of motion (DFROM). Manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) facilitates waste drainage and improves soft tissue tension in peripheral tissues. To date, no studies have investigated how the combination of MLD, MWM, and MFR influences the human body. The purpose of this study is to determine how the combination of MLD, MWM, and MFR affects DFROM and balance ability. We randomly assigned 16 individuals (26 feet) to one of three groups: MWM-MFR (MR), MWM-MLD (MD), or MWM-MFR-MLD (MRD) intervention. To confirm the intervention effect of each group, DFROM was assessed using a modified lunge test, and dynamic balance was measured using a modified star excursion balance test. In the results, differences were found between the MR and MRD groups in PL and mGCM activities in the 1 section (p = 0.008, p = 0.036) and between the MD and MRD groups in mGCM activity in the 4 and 5 sections (p = 0.049, p = 0.004). We suggest that the application of MRD is the most effective intervention for increasing muscle activation of the PL and mGCM during the modified star excursion balance test. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The aim of the study was to compare maximal force, force steadiness, and the discharge characteristics of motor units in the tibialis anterior (TA) muscle during submaximal isometric contractions for ankle dorsiflexion and adduction of the foot. Methods: Nineteen active young adults performed maximal and submaximal isometric dorsiflexion and adduction contractions at five target forces (5%, 10%, 20%, 40%, and 60% maximal voluntary contraction [MVC]). The activity of motor units in TA was recorded by high-density EMG. Results: The maximal force was similar between dorsiflexion and adduction, despite EMG amplitude for TA being greater (P < 0.05) during dorsiflexion than adduction. The coefficient of variation (CV) for force (force steadiness) during dorsiflexion was always less (P < 0.05) than during adduction, except of 5% MVC force. No differences were observed for mean discharge rate; however, the regression between the changes in discharge rate relative to the change of force was significant for dorsiflexion (R² = 0.25, P < 0.05) but not for adduction. Discharge variability, however, was usually less during dorsiflexion. The CV for interspike interval was less (P < 0.05) at 10%, 20%, and 40% MVC but greater at 60% MVC during dorsiflexion than adduction. Similarly, the SD values of the filtered cumulative spike train of the motor units in TA were less (P < 0.05) at 5%, 10%, 20%, and 40% MVC during dorsiflexion than adduction. Conclusions: Although the mean discharge rate of motor units in TA was similar during foot adduction and ankle dorsiflexion, discharge variability was less during dorsiflexion resulting in less accurate performance of the steady adduction contractions. The neural drive to bifunctional muscles differs during their accessory function, which must be considered for training and rehabilitation interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to investigate an acute effect of foam rolling and tissue flossing of the Triceps Surae muscle on Achilles tendon stiffness, jump height and sprint performance at different time points. The participants were academic athletes (n = 32) aged between 22 and 24 years; randomly allocated into two groups: foam rolling (ROLL) and tissue flossing (FLOSS). The participants were tested at baseline and 5-min, 15-min, 30-min, 45-min, and 60-min after ROLL and FLOSS for Achilles tendon stiffness (ATstiffeness) at three reference locations: (1) tendon's origin, (2) ankle joint height and (3) intermuscular septum of the gastronomies muscle; countermovement jump (CMJ); and sprint performance at 15-m (SPRINT15 m). The analysis of stiffness revealed a significant decrease in ATstiffness from baseline to Post-60 (p ≤ 0.001) for three locations in the FLOSS group (p ≤ 0.001). In FLOSS, a significant increase was observed from Post-15 to Post-60 (all p≤0.001) in CMJ. We found also a significant decrease in SPRINT15 m in FLOSS in all-time points (p ≤ 0.001), however, SPRINT15 m decreased in Post-5 min, Post-15 min, and Post-30 min (p ≤ 0.001 for all) in ROLL. The current study suggested that both groups enhanced performance up to 60 min after the intervention, caused by mitigating excessive stiffness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Les Mills BODYPUMPTM is a resistance training group exercise class with a low load, high repetition format. Squat training in BODYPUMPTM has two key variables: depth and load. The study aim was to determine the effect of these parameters on the mean and peak EMG amplitude of vastus lateralis, gluteus maximus, biceps femoris and lateral gastrocnemius. Ten female BODYPUMPTM participants (age 41 ± 9 years, height 161.9 ± 3.8 cm, mass 67.7 ± 7.0 kg) performed 1 × 7 squats under four conditions, representing every combination of two depths (90° knee angle and 125° knee angle) and two loads (23% bodyweight and 38% bodyweight). The main effect of depth was significant for mean and peak activity of vastus lateralis and gluteus maximus, and peak activity of biceps femoris and lateral gastrocnemius. The main effect of load was significant for mean and peak activity of gluteus maximus and lateral gastrocnemius. There was no depth * load interaction. These data can be used to inform BODYPUMPTM programme design and amplify the training effect of participation in group exercise classes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to examine the temporal dynamics of muscle–tendon adaptation and whether differences between their sensitivity to mechano‐metabolic stimuli would lead to non‐uniform changes within the triceps surae (TS) muscle–tendon unit (MTU). Twelve young adults completed a 12‐week training intervention of unilateral isometric cyclic plantarflexion contractions at 80% of maximal voluntary contraction until failure to induce a high TS activity and hence metabolic stress. Each participant trained one limb at a short (plantarflexed position, 115°: PF) and the other at a long (dorsiflexed position, 85°: DF) MTU length to vary the mechanical load. MTU mechanical, morphological, and material properties were assessed biweekly via simultaneous ultrasonography–dynamometry and magnetic resonance imaging. Our hypothesis that tendon would be more sensitive to the operating magnitude of tendon strain but less to metabolic stress exercise was confirmed as tendon stiffness, Young's modulus, and tendon size were only increased in the DF condition following the intervention. The PF leg demonstrated a continuous increment in maximal AT strain (i.e., higher mechanical demand) over time along with lack of adaptation in its biomechanical properties. The premise that skeletal muscle adapts at a higher rate than tendon and does not require high mechanical load to hypertrophy or increase its force potential during exercise was verified as the adaptive changes in morphological and mechanical properties of the muscle did not differ between DF and PF. Such differences in muscle–tendon sensitivity to mechano‐metabolic stimuli may temporarily increase MTU imbalances that could have implications for the risk of tendon overuse injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to investigate how additional cognitive tasks (Stroop test and counting backwards task) influence young adults' ability to generate appropriate postural responses while standing on a continuously oscillating platform. Twenty young adults (25.95 ± 2.97 years) stood on a moving platform which was translated in the anterior–posterior direction at three different frequencies (0.10, 0.25 and 0.50 Hz) in three dual‐task conditions (counting backwards task, a Stroop task or no additional cognitive task). Postural muscle onset latencies and tonic activity levels of the leg muscles were measured through surface electromyography; the number of steps taken and cognitive errors made were recorded. Results showed no significant differences in muscle activity between dual and single‐tasking conditions nor between the two dual tasking conditions. Cognitive errors were made in the counting backwards task but not the Stroop task. A frequency effect was identified with participants showing greater tonic activity in rectus femoris (p = 0.012), gastrocnemius medialis (p = 0.016) and bicep femoris (p = 0.043) at 0.5 Hz, as well as earlier muscle activation in tibialis anterior, gastrocnemius medialis and bicep femoris (p < 0.001) at 0.50 Hz. Transition and steady state muscle onset latencies were only significantly different for gastrocnemius medialis at 0.25 Hz (p = 0.001). Dual tasking did not seem to influence anticipatory postural adjustments in young adults; however, perturbation intensities did. The differences observed in the number of cognitive errors made could be indicative of the regional cortical activations and overlapping demand for resources interfering with balance control, though cortical activation was not recorded. Future research should include detailed cognitive behavior, including cortical activations and task reaction times to better understand the allocation of attentional resources during perturbed balance dual tasking. Highlights: Directionally specific muscle onset latencies in the tibialis anterior, gastrocnemius medialis and bicep femoris were triggered sooner at 0.50 Hz than in the other lower frequencies.Postural responses were largely unchanged between single and dual tasking, suggesting that for young adults, dual‐tasking appears to have no more strength to alter postural control responses than altered support surface stability alone.Only the counting backwards dual‐task condition elicited cognitive errors, suggesting a potential overlapping demand for resource allocation between tasks, though this will need to be confirmed in future work with observation of cortical activation (e.g., through EEG or fNIRS) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of a 12‐week gait retraining program on the adaptation of the medial gastrocnemius (MG) and muscle‐tendon unit (MTU) were investigated. 26 runners with a rearfoot strike pattern (RFS) were randomly assigned to one of two groups: gait retraining (GR) or control group (CON). MG ultrasound images, marker positions, and ground reaction forces (GRF) were collected twice during 9 km/h of treadmill running before and after the intervention. Ankle kinetics and the MG and MTU behavior and dynamics were quantified. Runners in the GR performed gradual 12‐week gait retraining transitioning to a forefoot strike pattern. After 12‐week, (1) ten participants in each group completed the training; eight participants in GR transitioned to non‐RFS with reduced foot strike angles; (2) MG fascicle contraction length and velocity significantly decreased after the intervention for both groups, whereas MG forces increased after intervention for both groups; (3) significant increases in MTU stretching length for GR and peak MTU recoiling velocity for both groups were observed after the intervention, respectively; (4) no significant difference was found for all parameters of the series elastic element. Gait retraining might potentially influence the MG to operate at lower fascicle contraction lengths and velocities and produce greater peak forces. The gait retraining had no effect on SEE behavior and dynamics but did impact MTU, suggesting that the training was insufficient to induce mechanical loading changes on SEE behavior and dynamics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study investigates the effects of exercises on sand on the frequency content of the lower limb muscles in individuals with anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction and pronated feet during walking. Methods: This was a semi-experimental and laboratory-type study. The study samples included 28 male students with pronated feet and anterior... [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The suggestion that bidirectional flow is a normal feature seen in venous perforators of the lower leg has been a longstanding debate. Newer published evidence has changed the perspective on normal perforator flow and is presented here to resolve the misunderstandings and different viewpoints previously held. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exercise fidelity is a fundamental aspect of exercise prescription by physiotherapists. Assessing exercise fidelity via telehealth (videoconference) is potentially useful but its reproducibility has not been assessed. The objective was to evaluate agreement (reproducibility) of video rating of calf exercise fidelity within (over four weeks) and between telehealth raters and compared with live rating. Nineteen videos of participants with AT undertaking calf exercises were rated by physiotherapists in person (live) and by watching pre-recorded videos (replicating telehealth). Three forms of agreement were assessed: (i) between live assessment and recorded video (telehealth) assessment; (ii) between telehealth raters (inter-rater); (iii) agreement within telehealth raters over four weeks (intra-rater). There was weak to almost perfect agreement (Kappa = 0.65 to 1.00, rater 1, Kappa = 0.57 to 1.00, rater 2) between the telehealth and live raters. There was moderate to almost perfect agreement (Kappa = 0.65 to 1.00) when assessing intra-rater reliability, aside from one of the six criteria (quality of movement). Assessing calf exercise fidelity via videos recorded on Zoom® appears to demonstrate weak or greater agreement versus live rating and over time. Inter-rater agreement was lower, suggesting that the criteria developed may be better suited to use by individual raters over time. Telehealth assessment (when compared with live, in person assessment) shows a moderate or greater agreement for the majority of assessment criteria when assessing calf exercise fidelity. The calf exercise fidelity criteria developed can be used as an adjunct to assessment and management of people with Achilles Tendinopathy. Intra-rater assessment was shown to be moderately or more consistent over a four-week period when assessing calf exercise fidelity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Calcaneus distress is a frequent moan in the trotter and talus, and plantar fasciosis, which accounts for 11-15% of adult patients' symptoms of the foot need medical attention. One in ten people are predicted to get PF at some point in their lives. It is further prevalent in mid-life fat women and adolescent athletes. The desire of this project is to evaluate the success of calf stretching by theraband among plantar fasciitis patients. Purpose: To determine the effects of calf stretching using theraband on managing pain among plantar fasciitis patients Materials and Methods: Fifty eight people were covered for addition and prohibition. They were splitted into two groups: passive calf stretching group (29) and self-calf stretching group (29). The pre and post-test values were measured by pain catastrophizing scale. Group-A received passive calf stretching using theraband and group-B received self-calf stretching. Both programs were given for 2 weeks, weekly 5 days. Result: Using pain catastrophizing scale, Group A's (Passive calf stretching group) post-test mean was 27.38 and whereas group B's (Self calf stretching) was 32.24. This demonstrates that group-A has decreased pain catastrophizing score less than group-B. And this suggests that group A showed considerably finer than group B. Conclusion: Passive calf stretching using theraband by group-A was found to be more effective than self-calf stretching of group-B.. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Purpose: Weight‐bearing exercises can help improve physical function; however, they may be difficult to perform in patients with neurological issues or lower limb fractures. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the activity of the leg muscles during squatting when using a new exercise aid designed to help patients with difficulty in performing squats, termed the sliding tilt table, at different knee angles and to estimate the squat level for each angle. Methods: This study was a cross‐sectional, observational study performed in the general community. Participants comprised 30 healthy adult men. Squats were performed by setting the knee joints at 30, 60, and 90° and the tilt table angles to 15, 30, and 45°. The muscle activity of the vastus medialis, tibialis anterior, and gastrocnemius was measured using surface electromyography. Results: As the tilt table and knee joint angle increased, the %maximal voluntary isometric contraction increased. Similar patterns were found in both legs. Conclusions: Weight‐bearing exercises, such as squats, are important exercise elements in patients who require lower limb rehabilitation. Therefore, it is necessary to provide efficient lower limb rehabilitation exercises by adjusting the squat level according to the patient's ability, which can be achieved using a sliding tilt table. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Objective Immune-mediated necrotizing myopathies (IMNMs) are severe forms of myositis often associated with pathogenic anti-3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA reductase (HMGCR) autoantibodies (aAbs). Efgartigimod is an engineered human IgG1 Fc fragment that antagonizes the neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn), thereby preventing recycling and promoting lysosomal degradation of IgG, including aAbs. We evaluated the therapeutic effects of IgG reduction by efgartigimod in a humanized murine model of IMNM. Methods Disease was induced in C5-deficient (C5def) or Rag2-deficient (Rag2–/–) mice receiving co-injections of anti-HMGCR+ IgG from an IMNM patient and human complement. C5def mice were treated in a preventive setting with s.c. injections of efgartigimod and Rag2–/– mice in a curative setting after disease was induced by anti-HMGCR+ IgG injections. Anti-HMGCR aAbs levels were monitored in mouse serum and muscle tissue. Histological analysis was performed on muscle sections. Muscle force was assessed by grip test or measurement of gastrocnemius strength upon electrostimulation. Results Administration of efgartigimod rapidly reduced total IgG levels, including the level of pathogenic anti-HMGCR aAbs, in both serum (P  < 0.0001) and muscle (P  < 0.001). In the preventive setting, efgartigimod prevented myofibre necrosis (P  < 0.05), thus precluding loss of muscle strength (P  < 0.05). In the therapeutic setting, efgartigimod prevented further necrosis and allowed muscle fibre regeneration (P  < 0.05). Hence, muscle strength returned to normal (P  < 0.01). Conclusion Efgartigimod reduces circulating IgG levels, including pathogenic anti-HMGCR+ IgG aAbs, in a humanized mouse model of IMNM, preventing further necrosis and allowing muscle fibre regeneration. These results support investigating the therapeutic efficacy of efgartigimod through a clinical trial in IMNM patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: A number of studies have reported that calf muscle atrophy is a common long-term problem after Achilles tendon repair; however, there is still a lack of data concerning early postoperative morphological changes in the calf muscle after surgery. Purpose: To investigate changes over time in calf muscle volume and fatty degeneration during 1 year after Achilles tendon repair. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2. Methods: A prospective 1-year serial magnetic resonance imaging study was carried out with 20 patients who underwent tendon repair for unilateral acute Achilles tendon rupture. The magnetic resonance imaging assessment in addition to clinical and functional evaluations was performed at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery. The muscle volume of the medial and lateral gastrocnemius, soleus, and flexor hallucis longus (FHL) and fatty degeneration of the medial and lateral gastrocnemius and soleus were measured for the calf muscles, and the relative volume and fatty degeneration changes in the affected leg compared with the healthy contralateral leg were calculated as a percentage ([injured/healthy control] × 100) to assess structural changes over time. Results: Muscle volumes of the medial gastrocnemius, lateral gastrocnemius, soleus, and FHL were 92.3%, 92.8%, 84.6%, and 95.9% at 12 months after surgery, respectively. Medial and lateral gastrocnemius and FHL muscle volumes improved over time and recovered to almost equal to that of the healthy side at 12 months after surgery. The soleus muscle volume did not recover significantly over time and was statistically significantly smaller than that of the healthy side at 12 months (P =.029). Fatty degeneration rates of the medial gastrocnemius, lateral gastrocnemius, and soleus were 118.2%, 113.9% and 121.1% at 12 months after surgery, respectively. Fatty degeneration of the medial and lateral gastrocnemius did not change significantly, but there was a statistically significant increase in fatty degeneration of the soleus over time (P <.001). Conclusion: Within the triceps surae muscle, the soleus was the most negatively affected by injury and repair for both muscle volume and fatty degeneration. Postoperative management to recover the soleus muscle function before a return to sporting activities should be considered in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Dynamic balance exercises are commonly utilized during ankle sprain and chronic ankle instability (CAI) rehabilitation. Blood flow restriction (BFR) has been used to enhance muscle activity during exercise and improve outcomes of traditional rehabilitation exercises in clinical populations. Objective: Examine the effects of BFR on lower-extremity muscle activation during dynamic balance exercises in individuals with CAI. Design: Crossover study design. Setting: Laboratory. Patients or Other Participants: Twenty-five (N = 25) young adults with a history of CAI. Interventions: Participants performed dynamic balance reaching exercises during 2 randomized order conditions, BFR, and control. For each condition, participants performed 2 trials of balance exercises. Each trial included 4 sets (30 × 15 × 15 × 15) of reaches in anterior, posteromedial, and posterolateral directions. For the BFR condition, the authors placed a cuff around the proximal thigh at 80% of arterial occlusion pressure. For the control condition, no cuff was worn. Main Outcome Measure(s): The authors recorded normalized electromyography muscle activation of the vastus lateralis, soleus, tibialis anterior, and fibularis longus during balance exercise trials and recorded participants' ratings of perceived postural instability and exertion after each trial of balance exercises. Results: The authors observed greater vastus lateralis (P <.001, d = 0.86 [0.28 to 1.44]) and soleus (P =.03, d = 0.32 [−0.24 to 0.87]) muscle activation during balance exercises with BFR than control. The authors observed no differences in tibialis anterior (P =.33, d = 0.09 [−0.46 to 0.65]) or fibularis longus (P =.13, d = 0.06 [−0.50 to 0.61]) muscle activation between the conditions. The authors observed greater ratings of perceived postural instability (P =.004) and exertion (P <.001) during balance exercises with BFR than control. Conclusions: Individuals with CAI demonstrated large increases in vastus lateralis and small increases in soleus muscle activation during dynamic balance exercises with BFR. The BFR had no effect on fibularis longus and tibialis anterior muscle activation. Individuals with CAI perceived greater postural instability and exertion during dynamic balance exercises with BFR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the differences between 5 commonly used methods to calculate leg stiffness over a range of running velocities. Thirteen male, habitually rearfoot, recreational runners ran on a force instrumented treadmill for a 5-minute running session. Each session consisted of 30-second intervals at 6 progressively faster speeds from 2.5 m·s−1 through 5.0 m·s−1 with each interval speed increasing by 0.5 m·s−1. Two-way within-factors repeated-measures analyses of variance were used to evaluate leg stiffness and length. A one-way repeated-measures analysis of variance was used to evaluate the slope of each trend line of each model across speeds. Pearson correlations were used to compare the relationship between the different computational methods. The results indicated that the direct stiffness methods increased with speed whereas the indirect stiffness methods did not. The direct methods were strongly correlated with each other as were the indirect methods. However, there were no strong correlations between the direct and indirect methods. These differences can be mostly attributed to how each individual stiffness method calculated leg length. It is important for researchers to understand these differences when conducting future studies and comparing past studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated (a) site- and direction-dependent variations of passive triceps surae aponeurosis stiffness and (b) the relationships between aponeurosis stiffness and muscle strength and walking performance in older individuals. Seventy-nine healthy older adults participated in this study. Shear wave velocities of the triceps surae aponeuroses at different sites and in two orthogonal directions were obtained in a prone position at rest using supersonic shear imaging. The maximal voluntary isometric contraction torque of the plantar flexors and normal (preferred) and fast (fastest possible) walking speeds (5-m distance) were also measured. The shear wave velocities of the adjoining aponeuroses were weakly associated with plantar flexion torque (r =.23–.34), normal (r =.26), and fast walking speed (r =.25). The results show clear spatial variations and anisotropy of the triceps surae aponeuroses stiffness in vivo, and the aponeurosis stiffness was associated with physical ability in older adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Chronic ankle instability is documented to be followed by a recurrence of giving away episodes due to impairments in mechanical support. The application of ankle Kinesiotaping (KT) as a therapeutic intervention has been increasingly raised among athletes and physiotherapists. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the impacts of ankle KT on the lower-limb kinematics, kinetics, dynamic balance, and muscle activity of college athletes with chronic ankle instability. Design: A crossover study design. Participants: Twenty-eight college athletes with chronic ankle sprain (11 females and 17 males, 23.46 [2.65] y, 175.36 [11.49] cm, 70.12 [14.11] kg) participated in this study. Setting: The participants executed 3 single-leg drop landings under nontaped and ankle Kinesio-taped conditions. Ankle, knee, and hip kinematics, kinetics, and dynamic balance status and the lateral gastrocnemius, medial gastrocnemius, tibialis anterior, and peroneus longus muscle activity were recorded and analyzed. Results: The application of ankle KT decreased ankle joint range of motion (P =.039) and angular velocities (P =.044) in the sagittal plane, ground reaction force rate of loading (P =.019), and mediolateral time to stability (P =.035). The lateral gastrocnemius (0.002) and peroneus longus (0.046) activity amplitudes also experienced a significant decrease after initial ground contact when the participants' ankles were taped, while the application of ankle KT resulted in an increase in the peroneus longus (0.014) activity amplitudes before initial ground contact. Conclusions: Ankle lateral supports provided by KT potentially decreases mechanical stresses applied to the lower limbs, aids in dynamic balance, and lowers calf muscle energy consumption; therefore, it could be offered as a suitable supportive means for acute usage in athletes with chronic ankle instability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study aimed to clarify the effect of the foot strike pattern on muscle–tendon behavior and kinetics of the gastrocnemius medialis during treadmill running. Seven male participants ran with 2 different foot strike patterns (forefoot strike [FFS] and rearfoot strike [RFS]), with a step frequency of 2.50 Hz and at a speed of 2.38 m/s for 45 seconds on a treadmill with an instrumented force platform. The fascicle behavior of gastrocnemius medialis was captured using a B-mode ultrasound system with a sampling rate of 75 Hz, and the mechanical work done and power exerted by the fascicle and tendon were calculated. At the initial contact, the fascicle length was significantly shorter in the FFS than in the RFS (P =.001). However, the fascicular velocity did not differ between strike patterns. Higher tendon stretch and recoil were observed in the FFS (P <.001 and P =.017, respectively) compared with the RFS. The fascicle in the positive phase performed the same mechanical work in both the FFS and RFS; however, the fascicle in the negative phase performed significantly greater work in the FFS than in the RFS (P =.001). RFS may be advantageous for requiring less muscular work and elastic energy in the series elastic element compared with the FFS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abnormal foot motion is considered to be related to sports related injuries. This study aimed to identify the relationship between calf muscle activity and inter-segment coordination of the foot during single-leg drop jumps. Eleven healthy men participated and performed single-leg drop jumps from a 30-cm box. Muscle activity of the tibialis posterior (TP), flexor digitorum longus, peroneus longus (PL) and gastrocnemius were measured. The rearfoot and midfoot segment angle from landing to leaping were calculated according to the Rizzoli Foot Model and time scaled to 100%. A modified vector coding technique was employed to classify inter-segment coordination of every 1% into four patterns (in-phase, anti-phase, rearfoot phase,and midfoot phase). The relationship between percentage of each pattern and muscle activity levels were statistically analysed with correlation coefficient. The TP showed a significant positive correlation with percentage of in-phase in coronal plane (r = 0.61, p = 0.045). The PL also showed a trend of positive correlation to in-phase in coronal plane (r = 0.59, p = 0.058). TP and PL muscle activities may modulate the inter-segment coordination between the rearfoot and midfoot in coronal plane. Clinically, these muscles should be assessed for abnormal inter-segment foot motion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Torsion of the Achilles tendon (AT) enhances tensile strength, but a high degree of torsion might also be a risk factor for Achilles tendinopathy, due to greater internal compression exerted during tensile loading. However, evidence supporting the grounds for this assumption is lacking. Hence, we aimed to investigate the impact of AT torsion type on intratendinous pressure. Eighteen human fresh frozen cadaveric legs were mounted in a testing rig and a miniature pressure catheter was placed through ultrasound‐guided insertion in the midportion region of the AT. Intratendinous pressure was measured during a simulated straight‐knee calf stretch and eccentric heel drop. The AT was then carefully dissected and classified into Type I (least), Type II (moderate), and Type III (extreme) torsion. Of the ATs examined, nine were found to have Type I torsion (50%), nine Type II (50%), and none Type III. It was found that the intratendinous pressure of the AT increased exponentially with ankle dorsiflexion during both exercises (p < 0.001) and that this increase was greater in ATs with Type II torsion than Type I torsion (p < 0.05). This study provides the first biomechanical data to support the hypothesis that in athletes with a high degree of torsion in the AT, the midportion area will experience more internal compression during exercise, for example, calf stretching and eccentric heel drops. Whether this phenomenon is also associated with an elevated risk for Achilles tendinopathy needs further prospective investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The calf raise test (CRT) is commonly administered without a device in clinics to measure triceps surae muscle function. To standardise and objectively quantify outcomes, researchers use research‐grade or customised CRT devices. To incorporate evidence‐based practice and apply testing devices effectively in clinics, it is essential to understand their design, applicability, psychometric properties, strengths, and limitations. Therefore, this review identifies, summarises, and critically appraises the CRT devices used in science. Methods: Four electronic databases were searched in April 2022. Studies that used devices to measure unilateral CRT outcomes (i.e., number of repetitions, work, height) were included. Results: Thirty‐five studies met inclusion, from which seven CRT devices were identified. Linear encoder (n = 18) was the most commonly used device, followed by laboratory equipment (n = 6) (three‐dimensional motion capture and force plate). These measured the three CRT outcomes. Other devices used were electrogoniometer, Häggmark and Liedberg light beam device, Ankle Measure for Endurance and Strength (AMES), Haberometer, and custom‐made. Devices were mostly used in healthy populations or Achilles tendon pathologies. AMES, Haberometer, and custom‐made devices were the most clinician‐friendly, but only quantified repetitions were completed. In late 2022, a computer vision mobile application appeared in the literature and offered clinicians a low‐cost, research‐grade alternative. Conclusion: This review details seven devices used to measure CRT outcomes. The linear encoder is the most common in research and quantifies all three CRT outcomes. Recent advances in computer‐vision provide a low‐cost research‐grade alternative to clinicians and researchers via a n iOS mobile application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The squat is used to enhance performance and rehabilitate the lower body. However, muscle forces and how muscles accelerate the center of mass (CoM) are not well understood. The purpose was to determine how lower extremity muscles contribute to the vertical acceleration of the CoM when squatting to parallel using 85% one-repetition maximum. Thirteen female subjects performed squats in a randomized fashion. Musculoskeletal modeling was used to obtain muscle forces and muscle-induced accelerations. The vasti, soleus, and gluteus maximus generated the largest upward accelerations of the CoM, whereas the muscles that produced the largest downward acceleration about the CoM were the hamstrings, iliopsoas, adductors, and tibialis anterior. Our findings indicate that a muscle's function is task and posture specific. That is, muscle function depends on both joint position and how an individual is interacting with the environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Muscle wasting is a common phenomenon in oncology and seems to be attenuated by exercise training. The aim of this study is to determine the degree of aggressiveness of cancer-induced muscle wasting in two different phenotypic muscles. It will also determine whether exercise training can attenuate this muscle dysfunction. Methods: Fifty Sprague Dawley rats were randomly assigned to four experimental groups: two breast cancer model groups (sedentary and exercise) and two control groups (sedentary and exercise). Breast cancer was induced by 1-methyl-1-nitrosoureia (MNU). After 35 weeks of endurance training, animals were sacrificed, and gastrocnemius and soleus muscles harvested for morphometric analysis. Results: In sedentary tumor-bearing animals, a significant reduction in cross-sectional area was found in both muscles (p < 0.05). Interstitial fibrosis was significantly higher in the gastrocnemius muscle of the sedentary tumor-bearing animals (p < 0.05), but not in the soleus muscle. In the gastrocnemius of sedentary tumor-bearing animals, a shift from large to small fibers was observed. This cancer-related muscle dysfunction was prevented by long-term exercise training. Conclusions: In sedentary animals with tumors, the gastrocnemius muscle showed a very pronounced reduction in cross-sectional area and a marked degree of interstitial fibrosis. There was no difference in collagen deposition between tumor groups, and the soleus muscle showed a less pronounced but significant reduction in cross-sectional area. These contrasting results confirm that cancer-induced muscle wasting can affect specific types of fibers and specific muscles, namely fast glycolytic muscles, and that exercise training can be used to improve it. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study aimed to investigate the neural changes that differentiate Parkinson's disease patients with freezing of gait and age-matched controls, using ambulatory electroencephalography event-related features. Compared to controls, definite freezers exhibited significantly less alpha desynchronization at the motor cortex about 300 ms before and after the start of overground walking and decreased low-beta desynchronization about 300 ms before and about 300 and 700 ms after walking onset. The late slope of motor potentials also differed in the sensory and motor areas between groups of controls, definite, and probable freezers. This difference was found both in preparation and during the execution of normal walking. The average frontal peak of motor potential was also found to be largely reduced in the definite freezers compared with the probable freezers and controls. These findings provide valuable insights into the underlying structures that are affected in patients with freezing of gait, which could be used to tailor drug development and personalize drug care for disease subtypes. In addition, the study's findings can help in the evaluation and validation of nonpharmacological therapies for patients with Parkinson's disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to compare the acute effects of back squat exercise with or without elastic band on counter-movement jump performance. Thirteen collegiate male basketball players (age: 20.5 ± 0.9 years; height: 188.5 ± 8.5 cm; body mass: 82.8 ± 12.9 kg) completed 5 familiarization and 4 experimental sessions separated by at least 48 hours. In the experimental sessions, the order of the conditions was randomized so that the participants performed 1 set of 3 repetitions of barbell back squat at 85% of their one-repetition maximum (1-RM), 1 set of 3 repetitions of back squat at 85% 1-RM with 20% variable resistance training (VRT), 30%VRT, or 40%VRT of the total load coming from the elastic band. Countermovement jump performance was assessed before (baseline), 30 seconds, 3 minutes, 6 minutes, and 9 minutes following each condition. Jump height, rate of force development, peak power, and vastus lateralis, vastus medialis, and medial gastrocnemius electromyography data were collected. Compared with the baseline, 30%VRT significantly improved jump height at 3 minutes post-exercise by 1.3 cm (P < 0.001) and 6 minutes post-exercise by 1.2 cm (P = 0.005); 40%VRT significantly improved jump height from 30 seconds up to the 9th minute (1.2 to 1.9 cm, P ≤ 0.036). The superior jump height was also accompanied by improved kinetic and electromyography data. No significant changes were observed in the barbell back squat and 20%VRT conditions. In conclusion, back squat at 85% 1-RM with 40% elastic band resistance led to superior vertical jump performance with an optimal time window of 3 minutes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]