Phase-contrast MRI reveals mechanical behavior of superficial and deep aponeuroses in human medial gastrocnemius during isometric contraction.

ABSTRACT: The behavior of the entire medial gastrocnemius (MG) superficial and deep aponeurosis structure was investigated with velocity-encoded phase-contrast, spin-tag, and three-dimensional morphometric magnetic resonance imaging. The displacements and strain of both these aponeuroses, muscle length, and the cross-sectional segment length of the deep aponeurosis were measured during isometric plantarflexion at 20% and 40% of maximal voluntary contraction (MVC). The length of the entire MG shortened during 20% and 40% MVC. All regions of interest in both aponeuroses moved proximally. Positive strain (lengthening) occurred in both ends of the deep aponeurosis and in the proximal region of the superficial aponeurosis. In contrast, negative strain (shortening) was observed in the middle region of the

SUBMITTER: Kinugasa R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2576031 | biostudies-literature | 2008 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature