Medial Gastrocnemius Architectural Properties During Isometric Contractions in Boys and Men
in Pediatric Exercise ScienceClick name to view affiliation
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The aim of this study was to examine the differences in muscle architecture during isometric tests between children and adults. Eight boys (age= 11.2 ± 0.26 years) and eight men (age= 22.3 ± 2.01 years) performed plantar flexion isometric efforts at angles of -15°, 0°, 15° at 0%, 40%, 60%, 80% of MVC. Analysis of variance tests indicated that adults showed greater fascicle length from rest to 80% of MVC (p < .05), greater pennation angle at 80% and 100% of MVC (p < .05) and greater aponeuroses displacement at levels of effort greater than 60% of MVC (p < .05). These differences observed in MG would appear to favor better utilization of the force-length and the force-velocity relationships, of the muscle in adults compared with children.
Kannas, Kellis, Arampatzi, and de Villarreal are with the Laboratory of Neuromechanics, Dept. of Physical Education and Sports Science at Serres, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece.
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