PubMed Health⌕ Search

SEARCH · PubMed Health

Results for “Isometric Contraction”

Explore indexed PubMed citations for clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health research. Read source abstracts and follow each citation to its original PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 1,189 records · Page 66Linked to original sources

Muscle function during repetitive moderate-intensity muscle contractions in myoadenylate deaminase-deficient Dutch subjects.

We investigated whether the capacity for repetitive submaximal muscle contraction was reduced in a group of subjects (n=8) with a primary deficiency of myoadenylate deaminase (MAD). Quadriceps femoris muscle fatigue was evaluated using voluntary and electrically stimulated contractions during 20 min of repetitive voluntary isometric contractions at 40% of maximal force-generating capacity (MFGC). After 5 min of exercise, MFGC had declined significantly to 70.6+/-4.1% (mean+/-S.E.M.) and 87.2+/-1.6% of baseline values in MAD-deficient and sedentary control subjects (n=8) respectively (P=0.002 between groups). After 5 min of exercise, the half-relaxation time had increased significantly to 113.4+/-6.1% of baseline in MAD-deficient muscle, but had decreased significantly to 94.1+/-1.3% in control subjects (P=0.003 between groups). All control subjects completed the 20-min exercise test. Five of the MAD-deficient subjects had to stop exercising due to early muscle fatigue; however, three of the MAD-deficient subjects were able to complete the 20-min exercise test. In conclusion, although the capacity for repetitive submaximal isometric muscle contractions for the group of MAD-deficient subjects was significantly decreased, it remains uncertain whether MAD deficiency is the sole cause of pronounced muscle fatigue.

AMP Deaminase↗

Relationship between muscle length, muscle activity, and torque of the hamstring muscles.

The relationship between muscle length, integrated electromyographic activity, and torque of the biceps femoris muscle was investigated while the line of action of the muscle at the knee was held constant. Muscle length was changed by varying the hip joint angle. Sixteen subjects produced 1) maximal isometric contractions, 2) contractions with constant submaximal torque, and 3) contractions with constant submaximal muscle activity at four different hip positions (0, 45, 90, and 135 degrees of flexion). Simultaneous readings of hip angle, muscle torque, and raw and integrated electromyographic activity revealed that changes in muscle length influence production of integrated muscle activity and development of torque differently. During maximal isometric contraction, an increase in integrated electromyographic activity and a decrease in torque occurred as the muscle was shortened; the opposite occurred when the muscle was at lengthened positions. A greater difference in this relationship was noted when the respective electromyographic activity and torque were held constant. Some clinical questions were raised.

Adult↗

Effects of some cardiotonic agents on contractility of skinned fibers from mammalian heart.

Nine cardiotonics of different chemical structure were investigated on their ability to influence calcium-induced isometric contractions of chemically skinned porcine myocardial fibers. It was found that at a concentration of 10(-4) mol/l amrinone, enoximone, imazodan, milrinone, piperanometozine and piroximone were without effect on calcium-induced tension development of skinned fibers. 3-Amino-6-methyl-5-phenyl-2(1H)-pyridinone (APP), pimobendan and sulmazole enhanced the isometric contractions induced by 0.66 mumol/l Ca++ concentration-dependently. The intrinsic activity of pimobendan was much higher than for sulmazole or APP. Comparing equieffective concentrations inducing 35% additional tension development, the rank order of potency was: pimobendan greater than APP greater than sulmazole.

Animals↗

Nonuniform strain of human soleus aponeurosis-tendon complex during submaximal voluntary contractions in vivo.

The distribution of strain along the soleus aponeurosis tendon was examined during voluntary contractions in vivo. Eight subjects performed cyclic isometric contractions (20 and 40% of maximal voluntary contraction). Displacement and strain in the apparent Achilles tendon and in the aponeurosis were calculated from cine phase-contrast magnetic resonance images acquired with a field of view of 32 cm. The apparent Achilles tendon lengthened 2.8 and 4.7% in 20 and 40% maximal voluntary contraction, respectively. The midregion of the aponeurosis, below the gastrocnemius insertion, lengthened 1.2 and 2.2%, but the distal aponeurosis shortened 2.1 and 2.5%, respectively. There was considerable variation in the three-dimensional anatomy of the aponeurosis and muscle-tendon junction. We suggest that the nonuniformity in aponeurosis strain within an individual was due to the presence of active and passive motor units along the length of the muscle, causing variable force along the measurement site. Force transmission along intrasoleus connective tissue may also be a significant source of nonuniform strain in the aponeurosis.

Achilles Tendon↗

Jaw muscle fatigue and pains induced by experimental tooth clenching: a review.

Maximal voluntary isometric contractions of the elevator jaw muscles, with the mandible in the position of maximal intercuspation of the natural teeth, can induce fatigue and weak as well as severe pains in the jaw muscles of children and adults. A subjective sensation of muscle fatigue appears after about 0.5 min of clenching, and it seems as if the psychological parameter of fatigue onset to a large, but unknown, extent is determined by the physiological parameter of the amount of isometric contractile activity, and perhaps also the original strength of the muscle; however, also individual psychological factors seem to play a role. Pains in the elevator jaw muscles appear after about 1 min of clenching. Although isometric contractions are necessary to cause onset of jaw muscle pains, it is conceivable that perception of the moment of onset of pains to a large, but unknown, extent depends on psychological factors, perhaps the intensity of pains; however, also physiological factors may play a role. The severe muscle pains and gradually increasing subjective exhaustion of the elevator jaw muscles can be endured for about 2 min of maximal voluntary tooth clenching. It is suggested that the psychological parameter of muscle endurance to a large, but unknown, extent depends on the physiological parameter of isometric contractile activity but also individual psychological factors seem to play a role.

Bruxism↗

Comparison of blood pressure and heart rate responses to isometric exercise and passive muscle stretch in humans.

The responses of mean arterial blood pressure (BPa) and heart rate (fc) to isometric contraction and passive stretch were compared in seven healthy male subjects at identical external forces. They were investigated in the sitting position with the hip and knee joint flexed to 90 degrees. Each subject performed two tests, separated by a day, in which the stimuli were applied in random order. After 5 min of rest they performed either 10-min static plantar flexion of one calf (200 N) or 10 min of passive calf muscle stretch at the same load. After 5-min rest, the second stimulus was applied for a further 10 min followed by 5-min rest. The second test was identical except for the sequence of the stimuli. The BPa was measured by a noninvasive and continuous method. Contraction of the vastus lateralis, gastrocnemius lateralis, and soleus muscles were determined by the myo-electric activity (electromyogram, EMG) by means of surface electrodes. The EMG activity of the vastus lateralis muscle remained at resting values throughout the experiments. Increases in EMG activity could only be detected for the triceps surae muscles during isometric contraction. During the initial 2 min of stimulation the BPa and fc responses to active contraction and passive stretch were comparable. Thereafter, both parameters showed significantly higher values during contraction. It was concluded that mechanical stress may have contributed to the early response of BPa during both passive stretch and voluntary contraction but that chemical stimuli were needed to maintain the peripheral cardiovascular drive.

Blood Pressure↗

Effects of the positive inotropic agent Org 30029 on developed force and aequorin light transients in intact canine ventricular myocardium.

The action of a novel cardiotonic agent N-hydroxy-5,6-dimethoxy-benzo[b]thiophene-2-carboximide hydrochloride (Org 30029) on intracellular aequorin light transients and isometric contractions was investigated in isolated canine ventricular trabeculae. The positive inotropic effect of Org 30029 (30 microM-3 mM) was consistently associated with prolongation of the duration of contraction and an increase in the amplitude of the intracellular Ca2+ transients. The maximum inotropic response to Org 30029 was approximately 150% of the maximum response to isoproterenol, whereas the maximum increase in the amplitude of Ca2+ transients produced by Org 30029 was only 20% of the isoproterenol-induced maximum. The duration of isometric contractions was prolonged by Org 30029, with no change in the duration of the light transients. The concentration-response curve for the positive inotropic effect of Org 30029 was shifted by carbamylcholine chloride (carbachol, 3 microM) to the right and downward, but the maximum response to Org 30029 was greater than that to isoproterenol even in the presence of carbachol. Carbachol abolished the increase in light transients and cAMP accumulation induced by Org 30029 (1 mM), whereas it only partially attenuated the positive inotropic effect of Org 30029. In the presence of carbachol (3 microM), Org 30029 increased the force of contraction in a concentration-dependent manner without augmenting the aequorin light transients. These results are compatible with the hypothesis that Org 30029 increases cardiac contractility by increasing myofilament Ca2+ responsiveness.

Actin Cytoskeleton↗

Abnormal muscle coactivation patterns during isometric torque generation at the elbow and shoulder in hemiparetic subjects.

To study abnormal spatial patterns of muscle activation in hemiparetic stroke, we compared EMG activity in paretic and contralateral elbow and shoulder muscles of 10 hemiparetic subjects during 1.5-s voluntary isometric contractions, against five to eight different loads. Isometric forces were generated in eight directions, referenced to a plane orthogonal to the long axis of the forearm, and were recorded by a three degrees of freedom load cell, mounted at the wrist. Surface and intramuscular EMGs of six elbow and six shoulder muscles were recorded from both impaired and contralateral upper extremities of each subject. The spatial characteristics of EMG activation of individual muscles were summarized using two measures. The first, called the 'net resultant EMG vector' is a new measure which calculated the vector sum of EMG magnitudes for each of the eight directions, and the second, index of EMG focus, is a measure of the range of EMG activation recorded for each load level. Use of these measures permitted us to describe spatial EMG characteristics quantitatively, which has not been done previously. We observed consistent and statistically significant shifts in the resultant EMG vector directions in the impaired limb, especially in shoulder and other proximal muscles. Significant increases in the angular range of EMG activity were also identified and were most evident at the elbow. Correlation analysis techniques were used to assess the degree of coactivation of different muscle pairs. There were consistent EMG coactivation patterns observed across all subjects (both normal and hemiparetic). However, in spasticparetic limbs, additional novel coactivational relationships were also recorded, especially between elbow flexors/shoulder abductors and elbow extensors/shoulder adductors. These novel coactivation patterns represent a reduction in the number of possible muscle combinations, or in the number of possible 'synergies' in the paretic limb of the stroke subject. This reduction in number of 'synergies' could result from a loss of descending command options; from an increased reliance on residual, descending brainstem pathways (such as the reticulospinal and vestibulospinal projections); from changes in spinal interneuronal excitability; or from a combination of several of these factors. The relative merits of these hypotheses are addressed.

Adult↗

Shoulder musculature activation during upper extremity weight-bearing exercise.

STUDY DESIGN: Repeated-measures design comparing 7 static weight-bearing shoulder exercises. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine the demand on shoulder musculature during weight-bearing exercises and the relationship between increasing weight-bearing posture and shoulder muscle activation. BACKGROUND: Weight-bearing shoulder exercises are commonly prescribed in the rehabilitation of shoulder injuries. Limited information is available as to the demands placed on shoulder musculature while these exercises are performed. METHODS: Eighteen healthy college students volunteered for this study. Surface bipolar electrodes were applied over the infraspinatus, posterior deltoid, anterior deltoid, and pectoralis major muscles. Fine-wire bipolar intramuscular electrodes were inserted into the supraspinatus muscle. Electromyographic (EMG) root mean square signal intensity was normalized to 1 second of EMG obtained with a maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC). Subjects were tested under 7 isometric exercise positions that progressively increased upper extremity weight-bearing posture. RESULTS: There was a high correlation between increasing weight-bearing posture and muscular activity (r = 0.97, P < 0.01). There was relatively little demand on the shoulder musculature for the prayer and quadruped positions (2%-10% MVIC). Muscular activation was greater for the infraspinatus than for other shoulder muscles throughout most of the exercise positions tested. CONCLUSION: These results indicate that alterations of weight-bearing exercises, by varying the amount of arm support and force, resulted in very different demands on the shoulder musculature. Specifically, the infraspinatus was particularly active during the weight-bearing exercises used in this study.

Adult↗

Cortical drives to human muscle: the Piper and related rhythms.

During voluntary activity in humans, motor units are exposed to a number of descending drives that tend to synchronize motor unit activity at particular frequencies. In particular, the contralateral motor cortex drives muscle discharge in the beta (15-30 Hz) and Piper (30-60 Hz) bands. The cortical activity in these bands is task-specific, somatopicly distributed and generally precedes muscle discharge by an interval appropriate for conduction in fast pyramidal pathways. Coherence between cortex and muscle in the beta band is found during isometric contractions of weak to moderate strength. Thus oscillations within the beta band seem to coincide with a stable, relatively immutable state--a free running mode of the motor cortex that may maintain stable motor output with a minimum of computational effort. In contrast, coherence between cortex and muscle in the Piper band is most evident during strong isometric contractions or during movement. Demands on the motor cortex are likely to be greater and more mutable under these circumstances. Synchronisation in the gamma band may provide a means of binding together those particular, often spatially distributed, cortical elements involved in movement execution under conditions that vary from moment to moment and require some attention. Mechanisms both intrinsic and extrinsic to the cortex determine the pattern of rhythmic cortical activity. The basal ganglia have a pivotal role in this regard, and inadequate output from these nuclei leads to a disappearance of the beta and Piper drives to muscle. This may in turn contribute to slowness and weakness in Parkinson's disease.

Animals↗

Abnormal Cai2+ handling is the primary cause of mechanical alternans: study in ferret ventricular muscles.

We tested the hypothesis that mechanical alternans of the heart is due to alternations in intracellular calcium (Cai2+) levels. Eight papillary muscles were isolated from the right ventricles of male ferrets and were chemically loaded with aequorin to record cytoplasmic Cai2+. To produce a steady-state mechanical alternans, the preparations were perfused with a physiological salt solution containing a low calcium concentration (0.25 mM), at 22 degrees C, and stimulated at 0.5-1.0 Hz in the presence of carbachol and propranolol. The aequorin signal (Cai2+) and isometric contraction were simultaneously recorded. In each muscle, the strong beats (beats with higher peak tension) were associated with larger Ca2+ transients than the weak beats. The relationships between peak Cai2+ and peak tension, both during strong and weak beats, were similarly modified by short-term frequency responses. On the other hand, the time courses of the isometric contractions and Ca2+ transients during strong beats and weak beats were superimposable. These data indicate that mechanical alternans is caused by an alternate change of Cai2+ available for activation of the myofilaments. Prolongation of the time for recycling Ca2+ by the sarcoplasmic reticulum, i.e., a depressed uptake function of the Ca2+ pump with concomitant slow transportation of Ca2+ from the uptake compartment to the release compartment in the sarcoplasmic reticulum, is suggested as a cause of the abnormal Cai2+ handling during mechanical alternans.

Action Potentials↗

Effects of interventricular shunt on indices of left ventricular function.

The accuracies of indices of left ventricle function were examined in an open-chest model in dogs with and without a ventricular septal defect, in which the ventricular shunt was opened and reclosed by a specially designed flowmeter probe with a cap. The systolic time interval, the maximal rate of pressure development in the left ventricle (+LV dP/dt), +LV dP/dt corrected for the isometric pressure (+LV dP/dt/Pd), and the time to +LV dP/dt (t-dP/dt) were determined by recording the aortic flow, ventricular shunt flow, aortic pressure, pulmonary arterial pressure, and left ventricular pressure. The isometric contraction time, the preejectional period, and the ejection time shortened with decrease of the mean aortic pressure and aortic flow, and the mean pulmonary arterial pressure increased after opening the ventricular shunt. When the pulse was varied by atrial pacing, the systolic time interval was affected in dogs both with and without a ventricular septal defect, but "isometric contraction time" was not affected in animals with a ventricular septal defect. Dopamine and methoxamine were used to evaluate the effects of the inotropic state and afterload on these indices. The extents of the changes in the systolic time interval and +LV dP/dt were different in animals with and without a ventricular septal defect, but the changes in preejectional period/ejection time, +LV dP/dt/Pd and t-dP/dt were similar in the two conditions. These results suggest that the systolic time interval and the indices of left ventricular pressure are useful in assessment of cardiac function only in certain conditions.

Animals↗

[Correlation of the indices of phase structure of left ventricular systole in patients with isolated left ventricular and combined biventricular myocardial infarction].

The correlation of indices of the phase structure of the left ventricular systole in patients with isolated left ventricular (140 patients) and combined biventricular (60 patients) myocardial infarction showed prolonged tension time resulting from isometric contraction, and a great difference between the actual and proper systolic values in the affection of both ventricles irrespective of the outcome of disease. In low sensitivity of indices of the phase analysis of the left ventricular systole the following indices proved to be specific and informative for recognition of the right ventricle involvement: a period of isometric contraction, duration of the common systole, difference between the actual and proper systolic values, and tension time.

Electrocardiography↗

Resolution of three structural states of spin-labeled myosin in contracting muscle.

We have used electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy to detect ATP- and calcium-induced changes in the structure of spin-labeled myosin heads in glycerinated rabbit psoas muscle fibers in key physiological states. The probe was a nitroxide iodoacetamide derivative attached selectively to myosin SH1 (Cys 707), the conventional EPR spectra of which have been shown to resolve several conformational states of the myosin ATPase cycle, on the basis of nanosecond rotational motion within the protein. Spectra were acquired in rigor and during the steady-state phases of relaxation and isometric contraction. Spectral components corresponding to specific conformational states and biochemical intermediates were detected and assigned by reference to EPR spectra of trapped kinetic intermediates. In the absence of ATP, all of the myosin heads were rigidly attached to the thin filament, and only a single conformation was detected, in which there was no sub-microsecond probe motion. In relaxation, the EPR spectrum resolved two conformations of the myosin head that are distinct from rigor. These structural states were virtually identical to those observed previously for isolated myosin and were assigned to the populations of the M*.ATP and M**.ADP.Pi states. During isometric contraction, the EPR spectrum resolves the same two conformations observed in relaxation, plus a small fraction (20-30%) of heads in the oriented actin-bound conformation that is observed in rigor. This rigor-like component is a calcium-dependent, actin-bound state that may represent force-generating cross-bridges. As the spin label is located near the nucleotide-binding pocket in a region proposed to be pivotal for large-scale force-generating structural changes in myosin, we propose that the observed spectroscopic changes indicate directly the key steps in energy transduction in the molecular motor of contracting muscle.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗

Costal and crural diaphragm in early inspiration: free breathing and occlusion.

Changes in length of costal and crural segments of the canine diaphragm were measured by sonomicrometry within the first 100-300 ms of inspiration during CO2 rebreathing in anesthetized animals. Both segments showed small but significant decreases in end-expiratory length during progressive hypercapnia. Although both costal and crural segments showed electromyographic activity within the first 100 ms of inspiration, in early inspiration crural shortening predominated with minimal costal shortening. Neither segment contracted isometrically early in inspiration in the presence of airway occlusion. The amount of crural shortening during airway occlusion exceeded costal shortening; both segments showed increased shortening with prolonged occlusion and increasing CO2. Costal and crural shortening at 100 ms was not different for unoccluded and occluded states. These observations suggest that neural control patterns evoke discrete and unequal contributions from the diaphragmatic segments at the beginning of an inspiration; the crural segment may be predominately recruited in early inspiration. Despite traditional assumptions about occlusion pressure measurement (P0.1), diaphragm segments do not contract isometrically during early inspiratory effort against an occluded airway.

Airway Obstruction↗

Energetics of isometric exercise in man.

In isometric contractions of the plantar flexors (5-40% of maximal tension, Tmax), VO2 is linearly related to the force exerted, averaging 2 ml/min-kg of tension. At tension levels above 5% Tmax the lactic acid contribution to the overall energy demand is constant at about 20%. Therefore, up to at least 40% Tmax,-muscle blood flow is not totally occluded, though it is impaired even at low force levels. Below 5% Tmax no lactic acid (LA) accumulates in blood. The energy required for the development of the tension is linearly related to the force exerted up to 33% Tmax, thereafter increasing disproportionately. In the transition from rest to static contractions of the plantar and forearm flexors (30 and 40% Tmax, respectively) VO2 increases initially to 200% of the controls, leveling off later at 150%. During recovery, VO2 increases up to 200% of the initial resting level, due to the payment of a large O2 debt, decreasing then with a t 1/2 of about 30 s. The glycolytic component is relatively more important in isometric contractions of the forearm than of the plantar flexors. No LA accumulates in static contractions of the plantar flexors of 5-10 s duration interrupted by equal pauses.

Adult↗

Influence of the sarcoplasmic reticulum on the inotropic responses of the rat myocardium resulting from changes in rate and rhythm.

1. The role of the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) in the inotropic responses produced by changes in stimulation rate and rhythm and resting tension was investigated in the rat myocardium. 2. Rat papillary muscles contracting isometrically (basic stimulation rate = 30/min) were superfused in vitro with normal Krebs solution and after addition of ryanodine (1 microM). Post-rest potentiation was obtained after pauses of 5, 10, 15, 30, 60 and 120 s, and the stimulation rate was changed from 6 to 90 bpm. Post-extrasystolic potentiation was induced by interpolating an extra stimulus after an interval of 413 +/- 15 ms. NiCl2 (2 mM) was used to confirm that contractions obtained after SR blockade with ryanodine were activated only by sarcolemmal calcium influx. 3. In the presence of ryanodine, the post-rest potentiation phenomenon disappears and the force-frequency relationship changes from the typical force decrease produced by rate increase to force increase. Under the effect of ryanodine, resting tension increased with the increase in stimulation rate. This behavior was enhanced by reducing extracellular KCl from 5.4 mM to 1 mM. This maneuver decreases Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase and increases intracellular Na+ activity, which reduces Ca2+ extrusion through the Na(+)-Ca2+ exchange mechanism. 4. SR participation in the post-extrasystolic potentiation phenomenon is also suggested because ryanodine treatment reversed the extrasystolic force depression into potentiation. In the presence of ryanodine, blockade of Ca2+ influx with NiCl2 (2 mM) abolished isometric contractions indicating that after SR blockade contractions are mainly dependent on sarcolemmal Ca2+ influx. 5. The results suggest that the SR is involved in the genesis of post-rest potentiation and contributes to the typical force-frequency relationship of the rat myocardium and to the post-extrasystolic potentiation phenomenon. Moreover, SR activity seems to be important for the maintenance of low resting tension in the cardiac muscle, which may represent a safety factor against contractures during inotropic changes produced in rate and rhythm.

Animals↗

[Biological assay of prostaglandin using the rat uterus].

Isometric contraction of rat uterus with PGF2alpha was more reliable and stable than when a stomach preparation was used. The method of PG bioassay using rat uterus was as follows: ovariectomized rats were given 10 mug of estrone s.c. 48 hr before the decapitation. Uterine strips were suspended in 2 ml of organ bath containing modified Locke-Ringer solution at 25 degrees C, and the isometric contraction was determined. As little as 4 ng/ml of PGF2alpha was determined quantitatively with this method.

Animals↗