The mechanical and metabolic energetics of locomotion are ultimately determined by the mechanical properties of skeletal muscles and the pattern of contraction they undergo. The link between muscle properties and movement energetics is poorly developed because we lack information about how muscles contract in vivo. The proposed research will use a particularly suitable locomotor model to measure force, power and activity of muscles and tendons directly during running, walking and acceleration. Direct measurements of muscle contraction in vivo, measurements of tissue properties, and inverse dynamics will be used to determine how muscle contractile power is translated into movement. Independent measurements of muscle and tendon work will be used to test the hypothesis that tendon energy recovery supplies the majority of the positive work of movement during steady-speed level walking and running. The force-velocity and length-tension properties of muscles will be used to test the hypothesis that muscles operate at lengths and shortening velocities that allow for economical force production during steady-speed walking and running. The role of passive force development during movement will also be investigated to test the hypotheses that muscles produce force passively over a range of muscle lengths and velocities where active force capacity is low. These studies will provide insight into how the cellular and molecular properties of muscles and tendons determine the energetics and mechanics of normal gait. A basic understanding of muscle mechanical function during normal gait is important for developing rehabilitative therapies for individuals with musculoskeletal injuries or gait disorders, the design of prosthetic devices, and an understanding of the mechanical forces that influence the regulation of muscle properties.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
5R01AR046499-02
Application #
6375288
Study Section
Geriatrics and Rehabilitation Medicine (GRM)
Program Officer
Lymn, Richard W
Project Start
2000-04-01
Project End
2004-03-31
Budget Start
2001-04-01
Budget End
2002-03-31
Support Year
2
Fiscal Year
2001
Total Cost
$133,485
Indirect Cost
Name
Oregon State University
Department
Zoology
Type
Schools of Arts and Sciences
DUNS #
053599908
City
Corvallis
State
OR
Country
United States
Zip Code
97339
Konow, Nicolai; Azizi, Emanuel; Roberts, Thomas J (2012) Muscle power attenuation by tendon during energy dissipation. Proc Biol Sci 279:1108-13
Roberts, Thomas J; Azizi, Emanuel (2011) Flexible mechanisms: the diverse roles of biological springs in vertebrate movement. J Exp Biol 214:353-61
Higham, Timothy E; Nelson, Frank E (2008) The integration of lateral gastrocnemius muscle function and kinematics in running turkeys. Zoology (Jena) 111:483-93
Nelson, Frank E; Roberts, Thomas J (2008) Task-dependent force sharing between muscle synergists during locomotion in turkeys. J Exp Biol 211:1211-20
Gabaldon, Annette M; Nelson, Frank E; Roberts, Thomas J (2008) Relative shortening velocity in locomotor muscles: turkey ankle extensors operate at low V/V(max). Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol 294:R200-10
Roberts, Thomas J; Higginson, Brian K; Nelson, Frank E et al. (2007) Muscle strain is modulated more with running slope than speed in wild turkey knee and hip extensors. J Exp Biol 210:2510-7
Roberts, Thomas J; Belliveau, Richard A (2005) Sources of mechanical power for uphill running in humans. J Exp Biol 208:1963-70
Gabaldon, Annette M; Nelson, Frank E; Roberts, Thomas J (2004) Mechanical function of two ankle extensors in wild turkeys: shifts from energy production to energy absorption during incline versus decline running. J Exp Biol 207:2277-88
Biewener, Andrew A; Farley, Claire T; Roberts, Thomas J et al. (2004) Muscle mechanical advantage of human walking and running: implications for energy cost. J Appl Physiol 97:2266-74
Roberts, Thomas J; Scales, Jeffrey A (2004) Adjusting muscle function to demand: joint work during acceleration in wild turkeys. J Exp Biol 207:4165-74

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