Muscle Biomechanics

Original Editor - Mmadu-Okoli Chukwunonso Oluebube

Top Contributors - Blessed Denzel Vudzijena, Mmadu-Okoli Chukwunonso Oluebube and Rucha Gadgil  

Introduction

The skeletal muscles are organized multinucleated myofibers, whose function is to generate length and velocity dependent forces for movement or stability. Their function depends on their intrinsic properties and extrinsic arrangement.

Components

The skeletal muscles could be organized in three different components based on their function and architecture namely

• The Series Elastic Component (SEC)

• The Parallel Elastic Component (PEC)

• The Contractile Component.

The series and parallel elastic component are defined in relation to their arrangement with the contractile components, the later arranged in line with the contractile components. The parallel elastic component is suggested to consist of the membranes surrounding the contractile components which includes the sarcolemma, sarcoplasmic retinaculum , the perimysium and the epimysium , while the series elastic components reside in the tendons and aponeuroses.

Functions

Elasticity is one of the properties of a muscle, necessary for optimal function. These non-contractile components contribute to the passive force generated by the muscles. It is thought that the PEC distributes forces during passive stretching and maintains the alignment of muscle fibers while the SEC serves to store up elastic energy to be released during muscle contraction and play a role in stability during isometric contraction

Clinical Implication

The ability to stretch muscles (Muscle Compliance) could be explained from the neurological (when considering the neurophysiological basics of muscle tone) and biomechanical models of the skeletal muscle. Intramuscular connective tissue framework (non-contractile components) serves to distribute forces during muscle stretching . It has been shown that an increase in the collagen to muscle fibre tissue exist as well as reconfiguration of collagen arrangements in immobilized muscles suggesting the roles of the biomechanical model in clinical management of muscle stiffness and contractures should be put into consideration in the clinical management of such conditions.

During plyometric exercises, the SEC is known to store up potential energy that is released during the concentric muscle contraction serving as a spring suggesting the role these components play in shock absorption especially during walking. The perception of Delay Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS) after eccentric contraction is caused by microtrauma to the PEC and the SEC, (Minor SD 1987 as cited by Davies G).

Conclusion

Much focus to the contractile components of the muscles is given in clinical practice, and backed up by neurophysiological models explaining force generation, in consideration of Neuronal drive. Bearing in mind these other components and the role of fiber lengths and cross sectional areas in optimal muscle function is also necessary for clinicians. These provides a better theoretical understanding to the concepts of passive stretching, plyometric exercises, etc. in the management of patients.