Transmission of muscle force to fascia during exercise. Issue 1 (January 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Findley, Thomas; Chaudhry, Hans; Dhar, Sunil
• Is Part Of: Journal of bodywork and movement therapies. Volume 19:Issue 1(2015:Jan.)
• Page Start: 119
• Page End: 123
• Publication Date: 2015-01
• Subjects: Massage -- Periodicals; Exercise therapy -- Periodicals; Manipulation (Therapeutics) -- Periodicals; Electronic journals; 615.82
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jbmt.2014.08.010
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1360-8592

Abstract

<abstract xml:lang="en" abstract-type="author" id="abs0010"> <title id="sectitle0010">Summary</title> <sec> <title id="sectitle0015">Objective</title> <p id="abspara0010">As the muscle contracts, fibers get thicker, forcing the fascial tubular layers surrounding the muscle (endomysium, perimysium and epimysium) to expand in diameter and hence to shorten in length. We develop a mathematical model to determine the fraction of force generated by extremity muscles during contraction that is transmitted to the surrounding tubes of fascia.</p> </sec> <sec> <title id="sectitle0020">Methods</title> <p id="abspara0015">Theory of elasticity is used to determine the modulus of elasticity, radial strain and the radial stress transmitted to the fascia.</p> </sec> <sec> <title id="sectitle0025">Results</title> <p id="abspara0020">Starting with published data on dimensions of muscle and muscle force, we find radial stress is 50% of longitudinal stress in the soleus, medial gastrocnemius, and elbow flexor and extensor muscles.</p> </sec> <sec> <title id="sectitle0030">Conclusion</title> <p id="abspara0025">Substantial stress is transmitted to fascia during muscular exercise, which has implications for exercise therapies if they are designed for fascial as well as muscular stress. This adds additional perspective to myofascial force transmission research.</p> </sec> </abstract>