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Muscle Morphology: The Role in Human Body Performance-Functionality and Training Induced Adaptations

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A special issue of Applied Sciences (ISSN 2076-3417). This special issue belongs to the section "Applied Biosciences and Bioengineering".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (20 September 2022) | Viewed by 41318

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Dr. Nikolaos Zaras

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Sports Science Program, School of Life and Health Sciences, University of Nicosia, Nicosia, Cyprus
Interests: athletic performance; sports science; resistance training; sports physiology; Olympic weightlifting; track & field; strength-power training; exercise & health
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Spyridon Methenitis

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Guest Editor

Sports Performance Laboratory, School of Physical Education and Sports Science, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 57668 Athens, Greece
Interests: strength & conditioning; exercise physiology; biochemistry of exercise; muscle morphology; muscle metabolism; muscle damage; neuromuscular system; training; training adaptations; performance; body functionality; sports nutrition
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

During the last few decades, a plethora of new research outcomes in the fields of sports training and exercise physiology has significantly improved our understanding concerning the role of muscle morphology (muscle architecture, fiber type composition, etc) and its training-induced adaptations on human body performance, especially in power production, and functionality, in different populations (sedentary, athlete, or patient). Nowadays, with the introduction of new imagining methods (such as muscle ultrasonography, for example), combined with traditional methods such as muscle biopsies, magnetic resonance, and various types of body composition analyses, have significantly facilitated the exploration of the relationships between muscle morphology and human body-athletic performance, of how muscles work during daily-living and sports-related movements, and finally of the changes in muscle morphology before and after various types of training interventions. The in-depth understanding of the relationships between muscle morphology and sports performance, but mostly of the underlying mechanisms by which the specific training-induced adaptations in muscle morphology lead to increases in human body-sports performance/functionality, would be a useful tool for sports scientists, coaches, and health professionals for the design of more efficient training programs and interventions, either in sedentary, athlete or patient populations. Thus, the aim of this Special Issue is to address and highlight all the above issues, by bringing together original investigations and reviews with particular focus on the interactions between muscle morphology and human body performance and functionality, as well as between the training-induced adaptions of the above, in a wide range of populations including, but not limited to, athletes of various sports, sedentary individuals, and patients with body function limitations (like elderly, patients with muscle dystrophies, POMPE, etc). We welcome different types of manuscript submissions, including original research articles, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses, that provide novel and applied information-outcomes on this topic.

Dr. Nikolaos Zaras
Dr. Spyridon Methenitis
Guest Editors

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Keywords

Aging
Ballistic Training
Body Composition
Body Function Limitations
Cross Sectional Area
Echo Intensity
Elderly
Elite Athletes
Functionality
Hypertrophy
Individual Sports
Lean Body Mass
Muscle Architecture
Muscle Biopsies
Muscle Fiber Composition
Muscle Mass
Periodization
Plyometrics
Power
Rate of Force Development
Recreational Athletes
Resistance Training
Sarcopenia
Sedentary Living
Skeletal Muscle
Strength
Team Sports
Training
Training Adaptations

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Published Papers (9 papers)

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Research

Jump to: Review

10 pages, 1079 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Vastus Lateralis and Vastus Intermedius as Predictors of Quadriceps Femoris Muscle Hypertrophy after Strength Training

by Polyxeni Spiliopoulou, Spyridon Methenitis, Nikolaos Zaras, Angeliki-Nikoletta Stasinaki, Maria Krekoukia, Stavroula Tsitkanou and Gerasimos Terzis

Appl. Sci. 2022, 12(18), 9133; https://doi.org/10.3390/app12189133 - 12 Sep 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 3638

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to investigate which of the four musle heads of the quadriceps femoris is the best surrogate of quadriceps hypertrophy, following resistance training, evaluated by ultrasonography. Forty three physical education students (age: 22.1 ± 3.1 years, height: 175.2 ± 9.3 cm, mass: 75.3 ± 8.0 kg, BMI: 22.8 ± 2.8 kg·m⁻²) participated in the study. Participants followed an 8-week resistance training program in order to enhance quandriceps muscle hypertrophy. Before and after the training period muscle ultrasonography was used to evaluate: total quandriceps (T), vastus lateralis (VL), vastus intermidius (VI), vastus medialis (VM) and rectus femoris (RF) cross sectional area (CSA). Total quadriceps’ as well as VL, VI and VM, CSAs were significantly increased after training (changes ranged between 10.9 ± 9.9% and 18.6 ± 10.8%; p < 0.05). No significant changes were found for RF CSA after training (p > 0.05). Agreement analyses revealed high values for VL and VI (e.g., ICC = 0.879–0.915; p = 0.000), and low values for VM and RF (e.g., ICC = 0.132–0.526; p = 0.000). These results suggest that training-induced changes in muscle hypertrophy in VL and VI measured via muscle ultrasonography may be significantly predict the whole quadriceps hypertrophy in response to lower body resistance training. Consequently, VL and VI may considered as valid surrogates of whole quadriceps muscle hypertrophy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Muscle Morphology: The Role in Human Body Performance-Functionality and Training Induced Adaptations)

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12 pages, 745 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Differences in Rate of Force Development, Muscle Morphology and Maximum Strength between Weightlifters and Track and Field Throwers

by Nikolaos Zaras, Spyridon Methenitis, Angeliki-Nikoletta Stasinaki, Polyxeni Spiliopoulou, Eleni Anousaki, Giorgos Karampatsos, Marios Hadjicharalambous and Gerasimos Terzis

Appl. Sci. 2022, 12(16), 8031; https://doi.org/10.3390/app12168031 - 11 Aug 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3463

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the differences between weightlifters and track and field throwers in terms of the rate of force development (RFD), lean mass, muscle architecture and one-repetition maximum (1-RM) muscle strength. Sixteen elite male athletes (eight weightlifters and eight track and field throwers) participated in the study. Measurements were performed one week after the annual national championships and included anthropometry, body composition analysis (dual X-ray absorptiometry), vastus lateralis (VL) muscle architecture (ultrasonography), countermovement jump (CMJ), leg press isometric RFD and 1-RM strength in snatch and back squat. RFD was similar between groups (p > 0.05), although RFD relative to lean mass was higher for weightlifters (p < 0.05). Throwers had a higher trunk lean mass compared to weightlifters (p = 0.007). Weightlifters had a longer VL fascicle length compared to throwers (p = 0.037). Performances in CMJ height, CMJ power relative to body mass and 1-RM strength were higher for the weightlifters (p < 0.05). Lean body mass index was correlated with back squat (r = 0.667) and snatch (r = 0.498). VL fascicle length was significantly correlated with snatch (r = 0.631) and back squat (r = 0.718). These results suggest that weightlifters may produce greater power outputs and 1-RM strength than track and field throwers, which may be associated with longer VL fascicle length. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Muscle Morphology: The Role in Human Body Performance-Functionality and Training Induced Adaptations)

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8 pages, 1413 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Comparison between Non-Localized Post-Activation Performance Enhancements Following Resistance Exercise for the Upper and the Lower Body

by Sandro Bartolomei, Ivan Malagoli Lanzoni, Silvia Fantozzi and Matteo Cortesi

Appl. Sci. 2022, 12(3), 1639; https://doi.org/10.3390/app12031639 - 4 Feb 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2059

Abstract

The aim of the present investigation was to compare the acute non-localized post-activation performance enhancement (PAPE) of an exercise protocol involving either the upper or the lower body muscles. Twenty-four resistance trained men participated in the present study and were randomly assigned to an upper body (UB) or to a lower body (LB) group. Both groups tested for upper and lower body power (bench press throw (BPT) and countermovement jump power (CMJP) tests). Participants in the UB group were tested pre and post a high-intensity (HI) and a high-power (POW) bench press protocol while participants in the LB group performed a HI squat and a jump session (POW). A significant group × time interaction was found for CMJP in HI (p = 0.012). Post hoc tests revealed that CMJP was elevated in UB group only (+1.6%; p = 0.025). No other significant interactions were detected. Results of this study indicate that a non-localized PAPE on the lower body may be induced by a HI bench press protocol while a HI squat protocol may not increase upper body power. In particular, the squat protocol performed in the present study (5 sets of 1 rep) may be too demanding to produce a non-localized PAPE. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Muscle Morphology: The Role in Human Body Performance-Functionality and Training Induced Adaptations)

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9 pages, 2041 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Morphological Change in the Biceps Brachii Muscles during Shoulder Rotation: A Cadaver Study

by Shuji Katsuki, Shogo Hayashi, Ryuta Tanaka, Daisuke Kiyoshima, Ning Qu, Kaori Suyama and Kou Sakabe

Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(19), 9262; https://doi.org/10.3390/app11199262 - 6 Oct 2021

Viewed by 3494

Abstract

In the literature, the passive movement of the biceps brachii during shoulder motion is unclear. This study investigated the passive movement of the long head (LHBB) and short head (SHBB) of the biceps brachii during shoulder rotation. We included 18 shoulders from 15 cadavers. At three shoulder positions (internal rotation [IR]20°, 0°, external rotation [ER]20°), the three sides of the triangle consisting of the confluence of the SHBB and LHBB, coracoid processes, and lesser tubercles were measured. The confluence angle of the LHBB and SHBB (Angle A) was calculated using the cosine theorem. The mean values for Angle A and standardized three sides of the triangle were statistically compared among the three shoulder positions. Angle A values were 13.5° ± 7.6° at IR20°, 15.2° ± 5.8° at 0°, and 15.7° ± 4.3° at ER20° with no significant difference (p = 0.096). The lengths of all three sides and Angle A were the smallest at IR20° and highest at ER20°. All the three sides revealed significant differences among the three shoulder positions (p < 0.0001). These results imply that morphological changes of the biceps brachii occur during shoulder rotation. These morphological changes in biceps brachii may contribute to shoulder joint stabilization by adjusting the forces the act on the tendons of both heads. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Muscle Morphology: The Role in Human Body Performance-Functionality and Training Induced Adaptations)

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12 pages, 1763 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Force–Time Characteristics of Dynamic and Isometric Muscle Actions: Association with Muscle Architecture in Female Athletes

by Vasiliki Gaspari, Gregory C. Bogdanis, Ioli Panidi, Georgia Giannakopoulou, Gerasimos Terzis, Helen Kotsala, Anastasia Donti and Olyvia Donti

Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(11), 5272; https://doi.org/10.3390/app11115272 - 6 Jun 2021

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 4396

Abstract

The association between force–time characteristics of isometric leg press (ILP) and countermovement jump (CMJ) with vastus lateralis (VL) muscle architecture, was examined in 19 female athletes (aged 23.2 ± 5.4 years). Peak force (PF), average rate of force development (ARFD) and rate of force development (RFD) at different time epochs were calculated from the force–time curve, as well as CMJ jump height and power. Significant correlations were found between ILP-PF and CMJ power (r = 0.658, p < 0.01), while both variables were correlated with VL thickness and fascicle length (r = 0.471 to 0.648, p < 0.05). Significant correlations were also observed between ILP-RFD epochs and VL fascicle length (r = 0.565 to 0.646, p < 0.05) and between CMJ height with VL thickness (r = 0.523, p < 0.05). Furthermore, positive correlations were found between ILP and CMJ in ARFD (r = 0.625, p < 0.01) and RFD epochs (r = 0.464 to 0.566, p < 0.05). ILP-PF and muscle thickness accounted for 52.8% (p = 0.002) of the variance in CMJ power. These results suggest that isometric force time characteristics are associated with power generation during dynamic muscle actions. Furthermore, VL muscle thickness and fascicle length are associated with rapid force production in female athletes, irrespective of the type of muscle action. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Muscle Morphology: The Role in Human Body Performance-Functionality and Training Induced Adaptations)

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10 pages, 1560 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Relationships between Muscle Architecture and Performance in Division I Male Italian Field Hockey Players

by Sandro Bartolomei, Federico Nigro, Simone Ciacci, Ivan Malagoli Lanzoni, Filippo Treno and Matteo Cortesi

Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(10), 4394; https://doi.org/10.3390/app11104394 - 12 May 2021

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2832

Abstract

Muscle architecture has been proposed as one of the most important determinants of muscle strength and power performance. The purpose of the present investigation was to correlate the muscle architecture with power, agility and maximal strength in Italian division I Field Hockey (FH) players. Twenty players (age = 25.4 ± 5.2 y; body mass = 78.5 ± 9.0 kg; body height = 179.6 ± 7.8 cm) were assessed for body composition, agility, sprint and maximal isometric force in squat (ISQ). The pro-agility test (PRO) and 30-m sprint (SPRINT) were used for agility and speed assessments, respectively. In addition, the pennation angle (PA), fascicle length (FL) and muscle thickness (MT) of the vastus lateralis were assessed via B-mode ultrasound. Large positive correlations were found between PRO and both PA and MT (r = 0.62; p = 0.006 and r = 0.51; p = 0.032, respectively). Moreover, SPRINT was positively correlated with PA and negatively correlated with FL (r = 0.50, p = 0.046; and r = −0.50; p = 0.034, respectively). Large positive correlations were also detected between body fat and both PRO and SPRINT (r = 0.58; p = 0.012 and r = 0.61; p = 0.009, respectively), indicating detrimental effects of the body fat on specific performances. The present findings showed the existence of large relationships between the muscle architecture of the vastus lateralis and physical characteristics related to elite performance in FH. Low PA and long FL of the vastus lateralis appear important parameters for agility and sprint performances. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Muscle Morphology: The Role in Human Body Performance-Functionality and Training Induced Adaptations)

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12 pages, 690 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Inter-Repetition Rest vs. Traditional Strength Training on Lower Body Strength, Rate of Force Development, and Muscle Architecture

by Nikolaos Zaras, Angeliki-Nikoletta Stasinaki, Polyxeni Spiliopoulou, Thomas Mpampoulis, Marios Hadjicharalambous and Gerasimos Terzis

Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(1), 45; https://doi.org/10.3390/app11010045 - 23 Dec 2020

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 5501

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to investigate the effect of seven weeks inter-repetition rest vs. traditional strength training on lower body strength, rate of force development (RFD), and vastus lateralis (VL) muscle architecture. Sixteen male participants were assigned into two groups: the inter-repetition rest (IRRG) and the traditional (TG) group. Both groups performed the leg press exercise with four sets of six maximum repetitions (RM) for two training sessions per week. IRRG added a 20 s inter-repetition rest period between single repetitions. Before and after the training period, 1-RM in leg press, isometric leg press RFD, and peak force (PF), VL muscle architecture, vastus intermedius (VI) thickness, and quadriceps’ cross sectional area (CSA) with ultrasonography, were measured. Two way ANOVA for repeated measures was used for statistics. One-RM strength increased similarly for both groups (p < 0.05), while percentage increases in RFD were greater for IRRG compared to TG (p < 0.05). Isometric PF was increased similarly for both groups (p < 0.05). VL and VI thickness as well as CSA of the quadriceps increased similarly in both groups, while VL fascicle length increased more following IRRG compared to TG (IRRG: 4.8 ± 6.1% vs. TG: −3.9 ± 5.4%, p = 0.001). These results suggest that 20 s inter-repetition rest during strength training may effectively increase lower body explosive strength and muscle fascicle length without compromising muscle hypertrophy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Muscle Morphology: The Role in Human Body Performance-Functionality and Training Induced Adaptations)

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Review

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21 pages, 12198 KiB

Open AccessReview

The Effects of Resistance Training on Architecture and Volume of the Upper Extremity Muscles: A Systematic Review of Randomised Controlled Trials and Meta-Analyses

by Gokhan Yagiz, Esedullah Akaras, Hans-Peter Kubis and Julian Andrew Owen

Appl. Sci. 2022, 12(3), 1593; https://doi.org/10.3390/app12031593 - 2 Feb 2022

Cited by 42 | Viewed by 9207

Abstract

To systematically review the effects of exercise on fascicle geometry and muscle size parameters of the upper extremity muscles, the CENTRAL, CINAHL, PubMed and OpenGrey databases were searched on 31 July 2021. Finally, 17 randomised controlled trials (RCTs) were included in this systematic review. High-intensity bench press training (g = 1.03) and 12 RM bench press exercises (g = 1.21) showed a large effect size on increasing pectoralis major muscle size. In the elbow extensors, large effects were reported for an increase in muscle size with isometric maximal voluntary co-contraction training (g = 1.97), lying triceps extension exercise (g = 1.25), and nonlinear periodised resistance training (g = 2.07). In addition, further large effects were achieved in the elbow flexors via traditional elbow flexion exercises (g = 0.93), concentric low-load forearm flexion-extension training (g = 0.94, g = 1), isometric maximal voluntary co-contraction training (g = 1.01), concentric low-load forearm flexion-extension training with blood flow restriction (g = 1.02, g = 1.07), and nonlinear periodised resistance training (g = 1.13, g = 1.34). Regarding the forearm muscles, isometric ulnar deviation training showed a large effect (g = 2.22) on increasing the flexor carpi ulnaris and radialis muscle size. Results show that these training modalities are suitable for gaining hypertrophy in the relevant muscles with at least four weeks of training duration. Future RCTs should investigate the effects of exercise modalities on the triceps brachii fascicle geometry, the infraspinatus muscle thickness (MT) and the subscapular MT due to their associations with sports performance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Muscle Morphology: The Role in Human Body Performance-Functionality and Training Induced Adaptations)

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19 pages, 3441 KiB

Open AccessReview

The Effects of Exergames on Muscle Architecture: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

by Nami Shida, Gokhan Yagiz and Takumi Yamada

Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(21), 10325; https://doi.org/10.3390/app112110325 - 3 Nov 2021

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 4236

Abstract

Muscle architectural parameters play a crucial role in the rate of force development, strength, and sports performance. On the other hand, deteriorated muscle architectural parameters are associated with injuries, sarcopenia, mortality, falls, and fragility. With the development of technology, exergames have emerged as a complementary tool for physical therapy programs. The PRISMA 2020 statement was followed during the systematic review and meta-analysis. CENTRAL, CINAHL, PROQUEST, PubMed, and OpenGrey databases were searched last time on 22 September 2021. In total, five controlled trials were included in the systematic review. Twelve weeks of virtual dance exercise (Dance Central game for Xbox 360^®) showed a medium effect on the improvement of hamstrings (g = 0.55, 95% CI (−0.03, 1.14), I² = 0%) and the quadriceps femoris muscle cross-sectional area (g = 0.58, 95% CI (0.1, 1.00), I² = 0%) in community-dwelling older women. Additionally, a four-week virtual balance-training program (the ProKin System) led to significant increments in the cross-sectional areas of individual paraspinal muscles (14.55–46.81%). However, previously investigated exergame programs did not show any medium or large effects on the architectural parameters of the medial gastrocnemius muscle in community-dwelling older women. Distinct exergame programs can be used as a complementary therapy for different prevention and rehabilitation programs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Muscle Morphology: The Role in Human Body Performance-Functionality and Training Induced Adaptations)

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