Model of Muscle Shows How Half-Sarcomeres Enhance Force After Stretch
Author Information
Author(s): Campbell Stuart G., Hatfield P. Chris, Campbell Kenneth S.
Primary Institution: University of Kentucky
Hypothesis
Residual force enhancement could reflect mechanical interactions between heterogeneous half-sarcomeres.
Conclusion
The model predicts that half-sarcomere heterogeneity leads to residual force enhancement by storing strain energy during active stretch.
Supporting Evidence
- Residual force enhancement was observed to be proportional to stretch magnitude.
- The model predicted enhancement after stretch on each portion of the length-tension curve.
- Even small variability in half-sarcomere strength produced significant force enhancement.
Takeaway
When muscles are stretched while contracting, they can produce more force than expected, and this study shows that differences in muscle parts called half-sarcomeres help explain why.
Methodology
A computational model of interacting heterogeneous half-sarcomeres was subjected to activation and stretch protocols to simulate force responses.
Limitations
The model's predictions may not account for all biological variability present in real muscle systems.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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