Series elasticity in frog sartorius muscle subjected to stretch-shortening cycles.
Changes in stiffness during stretch-shortening cycles were studied by applying prestretches of different rates and amplitudes on the tetanized sartorius muscle of the frog and measuring series elastic component characteristics during a subsequent quick release. Series elastic component stiffness was found to be dependent on the mechanical parameters of the stretching phase, and the so-called 'Cavagna effect' (increase in compliance) was rarely observed. The results are discussed in terms of improvement in muscle efficiency. Thus, an increase in stiffness during force generation will favour a better transmission of force and will reduce the coupling time whereas the opposite evolution during SEC recoil will allow a better release of potential energy.
Lensel-Corbeil
G
G
Laboratoire de Physiologie Neuromusculaire, Université de Lille 1, Villeneuve d'Ascq, France.
Goubel
F
F
D000818:Animals; D004548:Elasticity; D004558:Electric Stimulation; D007537:Isometric Contraction / Q000502:physiology; D009119:Muscle Contraction / Q000502:physiology; D009132:Muscles / Q000502:physiology* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D011896:Rana temporaria; D012518:Sarcomeres / Q000502:physiology / Q000648:ultrastructure; D013710:Tendons / Q000502:physiology; D014159:Transducers