Stiffness of knee extensors in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy

The series elastic component (SEC) of Hill's muscle model is sensitive to a modification in muscle functional demand. In this study, SEC stiffness was quantified from quick‐released movements in knee extensors of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) boys to look for possible modifications with the stage of disease. A SEC stiffness index (SI) was defined and was found significantly lower for controls than for DMD. Moreover, a linear relationship was established between mean SI and knee extensors involvement. This suggests a role for this parameter, together with other functional tests, for following patients with DMD. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Muscle Nerve 21: 1772–1774, 1998

[1]  F Goubel,et al.  A mechanical device for studying mechanical properties of human muscles in vivo. , 1997, Journal of biomechanics.

[2]  R. H. Edwards,et al.  Methods of measuring muscle strength and fatigue. , 1977, Physiotherapy.

[3]  R. D. Woittiez,et al.  Passive resistance of the human knee: the effect of remobilization. , 1986, Journal of biomedical engineering.

[4]  A. Hill.  The heat of shortening and the dynamic constants of muscle , 1938 .

[5]  A. Huxley,et al.  Proposed Mechanism of Force Generation in Striated Muscle , 1971, Nature.

[6]  I. Nonaka,et al.  The significance of type 2C muscle fibers in duchenne muscular dystrophy , 1981, Muscle & nerve.

[7]  C. D. Bell,et al.  Histopathological changes in Duchenne muscular dystrophy. , 1968, Journal of the neurological sciences.

[8]  Par F. Goubel,et al.  Évaluation De L Élasticité Du Muscle in Situ Par Une Méthode De Quick-Release , 1973 .

[9]  S. Cannon,et al.  The mechanical behavior of active human skeletal muscle in small oscillations. , 1982, Journal of biomechanics.

[10]  B. R. Jewell,et al.  An analysis of the mechanical components in frog's striated muscle , 1958, The Journal of physiology.

[11]  F Goubel,et al.  Changes in elastic characteristics of human muscle induced by eccentric exercise. , 1990, Journal of biomechanics.

[12]  M. Brooke,et al.  Clinical trial in duchenne dystrophy. I. The design of the protocol , 1981, Muscle & nerve.

[13]  P. Berck,et al.  Relationship of manual muscle testing to objective strength measurements , 1989, Muscle & nerve.

[14]  Martyn R. Shorten,et al.  Muscle Elasticity and Human Performance , 1987 .