The biological springs that act in parallel and in series with skeletal muscle contractile elements can significantly influence the force, power and displacement of muscle fibers during locomotion. All movements involve dynamic interaction between passive elastic structures and muscle contractile elements, but our understanding of the consequences of this interaction for normal gait is very limited. Our long-term goal is to define rules for muscle-tendon function that govern force production during movement. The work proposed here focuses on the role of passive elastic structures in locomotor activities that require mechanical energy absorption (e.g., deceleration, downhill running, jump landing). We hypothesize that energy storage and recovery in passive elastic structures buffers muscle energy absorption to limit the peak powers, forces and lengthening velocities experienced by muscle contractile elements. This buffering function may protect against damage from the high forces associated with active muscle lengthening. A unique animal model system provides direct measurement of force, length and power in individual muscles during locomotion. This system allows us to distinguish length changes in tendons from those of muscle contractile elements. The first hypothesis to be tested is that tendons redistribute in time the work done on muscle contractile elements, thereby limiting peak muscle powers and forces during lengthening (Specific Aim 1). The possible role of parallel elastic elements in energy absorbing movements will also be investigated. We will combine in situ determinations of the passive muscle length- tension relations with in vivo measurements of muscle length and force to determine whether muscle parallel elastic elements can contribute force during locomotor movements that involve muscle lengthening (Specific Aim 2). Finally we will determine whether the energy-buffering function of elastic elements is adaptable, by characterizing the response of muscle and tendon to a downhill and uphill running training protocol (Specific Aim 3).Changes in the passive properties of muscles and tendons occur in association with muscle spasticity secondary to stroke and spinal cord injury. A fundamental understanding of the mechanical function of passive elastic elements during healthy gait will inform the design of rehabilitative strategies to improve muscle- tendon function. The design of prosthetic devices will also be served by a knowledge of the mechanical behavior of healthy muscle-tendon units.

Public Health Relevance

. Changes in the passive properties of muscles and tendons occur with aging, and in association with muscle spasticity secondary to stroke and spinal cord injury. A fundamental understanding of the mechanical function of passive elastic elements during healthy gait will inform the design of rehabilitative strategies to improve muscle- tendon function. The design of prosthetic devices will also be served by a knowledge of the mechanical behavior of healthy muscle-tendon units.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
5R01AR055295-04
Application #
8080889
Study Section
Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation Sciences Study Section (MRS)
Program Officer
Boyce, Amanda T
Project Start
2008-08-01
Project End
2012-05-31
Budget Start
2011-06-01
Budget End
2012-05-31
Support Year
4
Fiscal Year
2011
Total Cost
$229,183
Indirect Cost
Name
Brown University
Department
Biology
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
001785542
City
Providence
State
RI
Country
United States
Zip Code
02912
Stover, Kristin K; Weinreich, Daniel M; Roberts, Thomas J et al. (2018) Patterns of musculoskeletal growth and dimensional changes associated with selection and developmental plasticity in domestic and wild strain turkeys. Ecol Evol 8:3229-3239
Stover, Kristin K; Brainerd, Elizabeth L; Roberts, Thomas J (2018) Waddle and shuffle: gait alterations associated with domestication in turkeys. J Exp Biol 221:
Wallace, Ian J; Winchester, Julia M; Su, Anne et al. (2017) Physical activity alters limb bone structure but not entheseal morphology. J Hum Evol 107:14-18
Sleboda, David A; Roberts, Thomas J (2017) Incompressible fluid plays a mechanical role in the development of passive muscle tension. Biol Lett 13:
Azizi, E; Deslauriers, A R; Holt, N C et al. (2017) Resistance to radial expansion limits muscle strain and work. Biomech Model Mechanobiol 16:1633-1643
Lieber, Richard L; Roberts, Thomas J; Blemker, Silvia S et al. (2017) Skeletal muscle mechanics, energetics and plasticity. J Neuroeng Rehabil 14:108
Holt, N C; Azizi, E (2016) The effect of activation level on muscle function during locomotion: are optimal lengths and velocities always used? Proc Biol Sci 283:
Roberts, Thomas J (2016) Contribution of elastic tissues to the mechanics and energetics of muscle function during movement. J Exp Biol 219:266-75
Danos, Nicole; Holt, Natalie C; Sawicki, Gregory S et al. (2016) Modeling age-related changes in muscle-tendon dynamics during cyclical contractions in the rat gastrocnemius. J Appl Physiol (1985) 121:1004-1012
Holt, Natalie C; Danos, Nicole; Roberts, Thomas J et al. (2016) Stuck in gear: age-related loss of variable gearing in skeletal muscle. J Exp Biol 219:998-1003

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