Mechanics and energetics of the stretch-shortening cycle: a stimulating discussion

The target article about stretch-shortening cycles was triggered by controversies on this topic among biomechanists and exercise physiologists and by the difficulties in relating knowledge obtained at different levels of organization. The purpose of the article was to stimulate a dialogue between scientists in different fields. We are therefore very pleased that so many distinguished experts from various disciplines responded with constructive, engaging commentaries. Before reacting to specific points addressed by the commentators, we will attempt to clarify a few points that seem to have caused confusion.

[1]  G J van Ingen Schenau,et al.  Isokinetic plantar flexion: experimental results and model calculations. , 1990, Journal of biomechanics.

[2]  N. Hogan,et al.  Does the nervous system use equilibrium-point control to guide single and multiple joint movements? , 1992, The Behavioral and brain sciences.

[3]  G J Van Ingen Schenau,et al.  A new skate allowing powerful plantar flexions improves performance. , 1996, Medicine and science in sports and exercise.

[4]  D. Burke,et al.  Does the nervous system depend on kinesthetic information to control natural limb movements , 1992 .

[5]  D R Wilkie,et al.  The effect of the performance of work on total energy output and metabolism during muscular contraction , 1974, The Journal of physiology.

[6]  P R Cavanagh,et al.  Power equations in endurance sports. , 1990, Journal of biomechanics.

[7]  C. T. Farley,et al.  Energetics of walking and running: insights from simulated reduced-gravity experiments. , 1992, Journal of applied physiology.

[8]  G. V. I. Schenau An alternative view of the concept of utilisation of elastic energy in human movement , 1984 .

[9]  Elastic energy and muscle potentiation, a continuing discussion: A reply to Hof and van den Berg , 1986 .

[10]  R Jacobs,et al.  The control of mono‐articular muscles in multijoint leg extensions in man. , 1995, The Journal of physiology.

[11]  G. V. I. Schenau Proposed actions of bi-articular muscles and the design of hindlimbs of bi- and quadrupeds , 1994 .

[12]  M. J. Myers,et al.  Effect of limb mass and its distribution on the energetic cost of running. , 1985, The Journal of experimental biology.

[13]  N A Curtin,et al.  Power and efficiency: how to get the most out of striated muscle. , 1993, Advances in experimental medicine and biology.

[14]  R Jacobs,et al.  Function of mono- and biarticular muscles in running. , 1993, Medicine and science in sports and exercise.

[15]  E. Gorter,et al.  Muscular Contraction , 1926, Nature.

[16]  J Harlaar,et al.  Evaluation of moment-angle curves in isokinetic knee extension. , 1993, Medicine and science in sports and exercise.

[17]  G. J. van Ingen Schenau,et al.  Force, velocity and energy flow during the overarm throw in female handball players. , 1985, Journal of biomechanics.

[18]  M. Bobbert,et al.  An estimation of power output and work done by the human triceps surae muscle-tendon complex in jumping. , 1986, Journal of biomechanics.

[19]  G. Cavagna,et al.  MECHANICAL WORK IN RUNNING. , 1964, Journal of applied physiology.

[20]  N A Curtin,et al.  The efficiency of energy conversion by swimming muscles of fish. , 1993, Advances in experimental medicine and biology.

[21]  A. V. van Soest,et al.  Why is countermovement jump height greater than squat jump height? , 1996, Medicine and science in sports and exercise.

[22]  Rall Ja,et al.  Energetic aspects of skeletal muscle contraction: implications of fiber types. , 1985 .

[23]  H. M. Toussaint,et al.  Positive work as a function of eccentric load in maximal leg extension movements , 2004, European Journal of Applied Physiology and Occupational Physiology.

[24]  M. Yeadon,et al.  Mechanical analysis of the landing phase in heel-toe running. , 1992, Journal of biomechanics.

[25]  M. Bobbert,et al.  Coordination in vertical jumping. , 1988, Journal of biomechanics.

[26]  A J van Soest,et al.  The role of series elastic structures in prestretch-induced work enhancement during isotonic and isokinetic contractions. , 1990, The Journal of experimental biology.

[27]  C. Barclay,et al.  Efficiency of fast- and slow-twitch muscles of the mouse performing cyclic contractions. , 1994, The Journal of experimental biology.

[28]  A P Yoganathan,et al.  Numerical simulation of steady turbulent flow through trileaflet aortic heart valves--I. Computational scheme and methodology. , 1985, Journal of biomechanics.

[29]  G. J. van Ingen Schenau,et al.  Electromechanical delay during knee extensor contractions. , 1991, Medicine and science in sports and exercise.

[30]  J. Duysens,et al.  Increased amplitude of cutaneous reflexes during human running as compared to standing , 1993, Brain Research.

[31]  G. J. van Ingen Schenau,et al.  The control of multi-joint movements relies on detailed internal representations , 1995 .

[32]  M. Bobbert,et al.  Drop jumping. I. The influence of jumping technique on the biomechanics of jumping. , 1987, Medicine and science in sports and exercise.

[33]  Simon C. Gandevia,et al.  Kinesthesia and unique solutions for control of multijoint movements , 1992, Behavioral and Brain Sciences.

[34]  J A Rall,et al.  Energetic aspects of skeletal muscle contraction: implications of fiber types. , 1985, Exercise and sport sciences reviews.

[35]  U. Proske,et al.  Measurements of muscle stiffness and the mechanism of elastic storage of energy in hopping kangaroos. , 1978, The Journal of physiology.

[36]  M. Bobbert,et al.  Mechanical output from individual muscles during explosive leg extensions: the role of biarticular muscles. , 1996, Journal of biomechanics.

[37]  M. Hildebrand,et al.  Energy of the oscillating legs of a fast‐moving cheetah, pronghorn, jackrabbit, and elephant , 1985, Journal of morphology.

[38]  Maarten F. Bobbert,et al.  From twitch to tetanus: performance of excitation dynamics optimized for a twitch in predicting tetanic muscle forces , 1996, Biological Cybernetics.