Transmission of muscle force to fascia during exercise

Thomas Findley, Hans Chaudhry, Sunil Dhar

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

36 Scopus citations

Abstract

Objective: 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. Methods: Theory of elasticity is used to determine the modulus of elasticity, radial strain and the radial stress transmitted to the fascia. Results: 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. Conclusion: 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.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)119-123
Number of pages5
JournalJournal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies
Volume19
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 1 2015

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Complementary and Manual Therapy
  • Physical Therapy, Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation
  • Rehabilitation
  • Complementary and alternative medicine

Keywords

  • Ankle muscles
  • Elbow muscles
  • Exercise
  • Fascia
  • Force transmission

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Transmission of muscle force to fascia during exercise'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this