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European Journal of Applied Physiology

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01-01-2020 | Ultrasound | Original Article

Surface properties affect the interplay between fascicles and tendinous tissues during landing

Authors: Enzo Hollville, Antoine Nordez, Gaël Guilhem, Jennyfer Lecompte, Giuseppe Rabita

Published in: European Journal of Applied Physiology | Issue 1/2020

Abstract

Purpose

Muscle–tendon units are forcefully stretched during rapid deceleration events such as landing. Consequently, tendons act as shock absorbers by buffering the negative work produced by muscle fascicles likely to prevent muscle damage. Landing surface properties can also modulate the amount of energy dissipated by the body, potentially effecting injury risk. This study aimed to evaluate the influence of three different surfaces on the muscle–tendon interactions of gastrocnemius medialis (GM), and vastus lateralis (VL) during single- and double-leg landings from 50 cm.

Methods

Ultrasound images, muscle activity and joint kinematics were collected for 12 participants. Surface testing was also performed, revealing large differences in mechanical behavior.

Results

During single-leg landing, stiffer surfaces increased VL fascicle lengthening and velocity, and muscle activity independent of joint kinematics while GM length changes showed no difference between surfaces. Double-leg landing resulted in similar fascicle and tendon behavior despite greater knee flexion angles on stiffer surfaces.

Conclusion

This demonstrates that VL fascicle lengthening is greater when the surface stiffness increases, when performing single-leg landing. This is due to the combination of limited knee joint flexion and lower surface absorption ability which resulted in greater mechanical demand mainly withstood by fascicles. GM muscle–tendon interactions remain similar between landing surfaces and types. Together, this suggests that surface damping properties primarily affect the VL muscle–tendon unit with a potentially higher risk of injury as a result of increased surface stiffness when performing single-leg landing tasks.

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Title: Surface properties affect the interplay between fascicles and tendinous tissues during landing
Authors: Enzo Hollville
Antoine Nordez
Gaël Guilhem
Jennyfer Lecompte
Giuseppe Rabita
Publication date: 01-01-2020
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Keywords: Ultrasound
Ultrasound
Published in: European Journal of Applied Physiology / Issue 1/2020
Print ISSN: 1439-6319
Electronic ISSN: 1439-6327
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-019-04265-9

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Surface properties affect the interplay between fascicles and tendinous tissues during landing

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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