Pre-Power-Stroke Cross-Bridges Contribute To Force During Stretch Of Skeletal Muscle Myofibrils

Main Category: Sports Medicine / Fitness
Also Included In: Biology / Biochemistry
Article Date: 30 Jul 2008 - 2:00 PDT

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When muscles are stretched while activated they produce large forces that cannot be readily explained by the current models of muscle contraction. The current experiments investigated the mechanisms behind stretch forces, and its association with the molecular basis of contraction. After performing experiments with sub-cellular muscle structures (i.e. myofibrils) it was concluded that muscle stretch changes the characteristics of muscle molecules while working to produce force. The result is important as stretch forces are behind several aspects of the everyday life, including muscle damage, walking downstairs, and landing from jumping.

Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences

Proceedings B is the Royal Society's flagship biological research journal, dedicated to the rapid publication and broad dissemination of high-quality research papers, reviews and comment and reply papers. The scope of journal is diverse and is especially strong in organismal biology.

Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences