Force Transmission between Synergistic Skeletal Muscles through Connective Tissue Linkages

H. Maas, T.G. Sandercock

    Research output: Contribution to JournalArticleAcademicpeer-review

    137 Downloads (Pure)

    Abstract

    The classic view of skeletal muscle is that force is generated within its muscle fibers and then directly transmitted in-series, usually via tendon, onto the skeleton. In contrast, recent results suggest that muscles are mechanically connected to surrounding structures and cannot be considered as independent actuators. This article will review experiments on mechanical interactions between muscles mediated by such epimuscular myofascial force transmission in physiological and pathological muscle conditions. In a reduced preparation, involving supraphysiological muscle conditions, it is shown that connective tissues surrounding muscles are capable of transmitting substantial force. In more physiologically relevant conditions of intact muscles, however, it appears that the role of this myofascial pathway is small. In addition, it is hypothesized that connective tissues can serve as a safety net for traumatic events in muscle or tendon. Future studies are needed to investigate the importance of intermuscular force transmission during movement in health and disease. Copyright © 2010 H. Maas and T. G. Sandercock.
    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)575672
    JournalJournal of Biomedicine and Biotechnology
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 2010

    Fingerprint

    Dive into the research topics of 'Force Transmission between Synergistic Skeletal Muscles through Connective Tissue Linkages'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

    Cite this