Interactive effects of joint angle, contraction state and method on estimates of achilles tendon moment arms
Document Type
Journal Article
Publisher
Human Kinetics Inc
Faculty
Faculty of Health, Engineering and Science
School
School of Exercise and Health Sciences / Centre for Exercise and Sports Science Research
RAS ID
17002
Abstract
The muscle-tendon moment arm is an important input parameter for musculoskeletal models. Moment arms change as a function of joint angle and contraction state and depend on the method being employed. The overall purpose was to gain insights into the interactive effects of joint angle, contraction state and method on the Achilles tendon moment arm using the center of rotation (COR) and the tendon excursion method (TE). Achilles tendon moment arms were obtained at rest (TErest, CORrest) and during a maximum voluntary contraction (CORMVC) at four angles. We found strong correlations between TErest and CORMVC for all angles (.72 ≤ r ≤ .93) with Achilles tendon moment arms using CORMVC being 33-36% greater than those obtained from TErest. The relationship between Achilles tendon moment arms and angle was similar across both methods and both levels of muscular contraction. Finally, Achilles tendon moment arms for CORMVC were 1-8% greater than for CORrest.
DOI
10.1123/jab.29.2.241
Comments
Fath, F., Blazevich, A. J., Waugh, C., Miller, S., & Korff, T. (2013). Interactive effects of joint angle, contraction state and method on estimates of achilles tendon moment arms. Journal of Applied Biomechanics, 29(2), 241-244. Available here