Muscles are the actuators of the human body. They convert energy into movement, from heartbeats to sporting activities. To achieve this, muscle function relies on an elaborate interplay between contractile elements and connective tissue, each of which is regulated by a number of properties. Intrinsic and acquired properties condition the expression of a skeletal muscle’s mechanical potential. With a broad range of talks, this session offers an interesting insight into these properties. World-class scientists will present their latest findings on muscle function in the context of stretching, injury mechanisms and adaptations to resistance training:

• Frequency of regular exercise affects the time until change in muscle viscoelasticity during static stretching. Okamura, N., Tsukune, M., Kobayashi, Y., Fujie, M.G. (Japan)
• Acute effects of muscle length during the contraction phase of contract-relax stretching on muscle-tendon mechanics. Kay, A., Dods, S., Blazevich, A. (United Kingdom)
• Computed passive tensile test to failure of the muscle-tendon complex using a discrete element model. Roux, A., Lecompte, J., Iordanoff, I., Laporte, S. (France)
• Laterality of the morphological properties of the vastus lateralis muscle in non-unilateral sport activities. Marzilger, R., Bohm, S., Schroll, A., Legerlotz, K., Arampatzis, A. (Germany)
• Differential tendinous tissue adaptations after conventional vs. explosive strength training. Massey, G.J., Balshaw, T.G., Maden-Wilkinson, T.M., Tillin, N.A., Folland, J.P. (United Kingdom)

Ultrasound images of a muscle (medial gastrocnemius) isometric contraction. Aponeuroses are highlighted in blue and a fascicle in red.

We hope that the session will bring together scientists, coaches and clinicians interested in physiological and mechanical factors affecting muscle function and adaptive capacity.

The oral session [OP-BN06] Muscle function will start 18:00 Friday 26th June in Lecture room “Live 8”.

Post by Olivier Seynnes, Norwegian School of Sport Sciences, Norway

Lauri Stenroth, University of Jyväskylä, Finland