A model of the human triceps surae muscle-tendon complex applied to jumping

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Bobbert, Maarten F.; Huijing, Peter A.¹; van Ingen Schenau, Gerrit Jan¹

A model of the human triceps surae muscle-tendon complex applied to jumping

J Biomech. 1986;19(11):887-898

Affiliations

¹Department of Functional Anatomy, Interfaculty of Physical Education, Free University, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Abstract

The purpose of this study was to gain more insight into the behavior of the muscle-tendon complex of human m. triceps surae in jumping. During one-legged vertical jumps of ten subjects ground reaction forces as well as cinematographic data were registered, and electromyograms were recorded from m. soleus and m. gastrocnemius. A model was developed of m. triceps surae, incorporating assumptions concerning dimensions, architecture, force-length and force-velocity relationships of muscle fibers, as well as assumptions concerning dimensions and elastic behavior of tendinous tissue in series with the muscle fibers. The velocity with which origin approaches insertion (V_OI) was calculated for m. soleus and m. gastrocnemius using cine film data, and served as input of the model.

During the last part of the push-off phase EMG-levels were found to be more or less constant, V_OI of m. soleus and m. gastrocnemius rapidly increased, and the plantar flexing moment obtained by solving equations concerning a free body diagram of the foot rapidly declined. A similar decline was observed in the plantar flexing moment obtained by multiplying force calculated with help of the model by estimated moment arm at the ankle. As a result of the decline of exerted force tendon length decreases. According to the model the shortening velocity of tendon reaches higher values than that of muscle fibers. The results of a kinetic analysis demonstrate that during the last part of the push-off phase a combination of high angular velocities with relatively large plantar flexing moments is required. It is concluded that without a compliant tendon m. triceps surae would not be able to satisfy this requirement.
Links

DOI: 10.1016/0021-9290(86)90184-3

PubMed: 3793737

WoS: A1986F056700001
History

Received: 1985-04-10

Revised: 1986-03-4

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Cited By (26)

Year	Entry
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1990	Hof AL. Effects of muscle elasticity in walking and running. In: Winters JM, Woo SL-Y, eds. Multiple Muscle Systems: Biomechanics and Movement Organization. New York, NY: Springer-Verlag; 1990:591-607.
1989	Zajac FE. Muscle and tendon: properties, models, scaling, and application to biomechanics and motor control. Crit Rev Biomed Eng. 1989;17(4):359-411.
1989	Zajac FE, Gordon ME. Determining muscle's force and action in multi-articular movement. Exerc Sport Sci Rev. January 1989;17(1):187-230.
1986	Bobbert MF, Huijing PA, van Ingen Schenau GJ. An estimation of power output and work done by the human triceps surae musle-tendon complex in jumping. J Biomech. 1986;19(11):899-906.
1988	Winters JM, Stark L. Estimated mechanical properties of synergistic muscles involved in movements of a variety of human joints. J Biomech. 1988;21(12):1027-1041.
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1990	Spoor CW, van Leeuwen JL, Meskers CGM, Titulaer AF, Huson A. Estimation of instantaneous moment arms of lower-leg muscles. J Biomech. 1990;23(12):1247-1259.
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1990	Hawkins DA. A Cellular-Based Muscle Model: Formulation and Application for Studying Muscle Mechanics [PhD thesis]. Davis, University of California; 1990.
2008	Cowder JD. Testing and Application of a Novel Hybrid Combination of Ultrasound and Motion Analysis for Estimation of Achilles Tendon Moment Arms in Vivo [Master's thesis]. University of Delaware; Spring 2008.
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1998	Van Don BJ. Hamstring Injuries in Sprinting [PhD thesis]. University of Iowa; July 1998.
1994	Aragón-Vargas LF. Kinesiological Limits of Vertical Jump Performance [PhD thesis]. University of Michigan; 1994.
2018	Kwan BCH. Breathing Movements of the Human Tongue and Genioglossus Measured With Ultrasound Imaging [PhD thesis]. University of New South Wales; August 2018.
1996	Zhang S. Selected Aspects of Biomechanical and Neuromuscular Responses to Landing Performance [PhD thesis]. Eugene, OR: University of Oregon; March 1996.
2021	Kessler SE. The Spring in Your Step: The Role of Muscles and Elastic Connective Tissue Within the Foot [PhD thesis]. Brisbane, Australia: University of Queensland; 2021.
2015	Samarawickrame SD. Musculotendinous Adaptations Associated With a Functional Training Program: The Transition to Barefoot Running [PhD thesis]. University of Southern California (USC); May 2015.
2014	Stephen AJ. Comprehensive Analysis of Abdominal Tendon Length: Muscle Length Ratios in Human and Rat Specimens [Master's thesis]. University of Western Ontario; 2014.