Mono- versus biarticular muscle function in relation to speed and gait changes: in vivo analysis of the goat triceps brachii.

ABSTRACT: The roles of muscles that span a single joint (monoarticular) versus those that span two (biarticular) or more joints have been suggested to differ. Monoarticular muscles are argued to perform work at a joint, whereas biarticular muscles are argued to transfer energy while resisting moments across adjacent joints. To test these predictions, in vivo patterns of muscle activation, strain, and strain rate were compared using electromyography and sonomicrometry in two major elbow extensors, the long and lateral heads of the triceps brachii of goats (Capra hircus), across a range of speed (1-5 m s(-1)) and gait. Muscle recordings were synchronized to limb kinematics using high-speed digital video imaging (250 Hz). Measurements obtained from four goats (25-45 kg) showed that the monoarticular la

SUBMITTER: Carroll AM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2756224 | biostudies-literature | 2009 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature