Influence of joint angle on muscle fascicle dynamics and rate of torque development during isometric explosive contractions

Robin Hager (1) , Thomas Poulard (2) , Antoine Nordez (2, 3) , Sylvain Dorel (2) , Gaël Guilhem (1)

1 SEP (EA7370) - French Institute of Sport (INSEP), Laboratory Sport, Expertise and Performance (EA7370)
2 MIP - Motricité, interactions, performance EA 4334 / Movement - Interactions - Performance
3 AUT - Auckland University of Technology

Ankle angle influences the operating muscle fascicle lengths of gastrocnemius medialis and the rate of torque development during explosive isometric plantar flexions. The rate of torque development peaks in neutral angles where muscle fascicles shorten over the plateau of the force-length relationship. When fascicles operate over the plateau of the force-length relationship (neutral ankle positions), the force-velocity properties represent a limiting factor for the rapid force-generating capacity from 100 ms after the onset of explosive contractions.

Mots clés: Explosive strength; Force-velocity properties; Muscle activation; Muscle-tendon interactions; Ultrafast ultrasound

Domaines: Physiologie [q-bio.TO]; Biomécanique [physics.med-ph]

Robin Hager, Thomas Poulard, Antoine Nordez, Sylvain Dorel, Gaël Guilhem. Influence of joint angle on muscle fascicle dynamics and rate of torque development during isometric explosive contractions. Journal of Applied Physiology, 2020, 129 (3), pp.569-579. ⟨10.1152/japplphysiol.00143.2019⟩. ⟨hal-03298460⟩