The mechanical characteristics play a crucial role in sustaining daily life activities and facilitating participation in sport activities and exercises demanding a diverse range of motion. Furthermore, it is postulated that the mechanical composition of the muscle could impact the minimal energy expenditure, perceived exertion, and risk of injury during physical activities. This study aims to examine the effects of various exercise approaches, including aerobic exercise, strength training, and whole-body vibration, on the passive mechanical properties of muscle tissue.
Exercise applications are utilized in the maintenance of functional status, enhancement of performance, and prevention of injuries in healthy individuals while also serving therapeutic purposes in pathological conditions. Exercise programs implemented in both healthy individuals and those with disabilities have the potential to offer clinical and functional benefits, leading to physiological changes and mechanical adaptations within the muscle.The enhancement of muscle strength, endurance, and functional performance is observed in accordance with the individuals' physical fitness level and the type of exercise program undertaken. One additional determinant influencing performance is the passive mechanical properties of the muscle. The phrase "passive mechanical properties" denotes the mechanical properties exhibited by skeletal muscles in a state of quiescence, i.e., devoid of voluntary contraction. The passive mechanical properties of muscle encompass properties such as muscle tone, stiffness, thickness, and elasticity. Furthermore, it is postulated that the mechanical composition of the muscle could impact the minimal energy expenditure, perceived exertion, and risk of injury during physical activities. When implemented in either isolated or combined programs, exercises focusing on strengthening, stretching, and aerobic activities can have an impact on muscle mechanics.8,9 Within scholarly literature, there exist investigations that suggest a limited impact on the mechanical properties of muscles following exercise, alongside findings that demonstrate consistent exercise does not induce alterations in muscle stiffness. Within academic discourse, it is established that power, force, and movement speed represent pivotal elements in elucidating superior performance at an advanced level. Physical fitness parameters, as demonstrated determinants of performance, exhibit direct correlation with muscle structure. The aim of this study was to examine the impact of various exercise approaches, including aerobic, strength training, and whole-body vibration, on passive mechanical properties of muscle tissue. Additionally, the study sought to assess how potential alterations in muscle mechanics might manifest in terms of performance outcomes.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
OTHER
Masking
DOUBLE
Enrollment
40
The participants underwent a prescribed exercise protocol involving both static and dynamic exercises on the designated platform. Specifically, static squats at a 30º angle, dynamic deep squats ranging from 30 to 60º, toe raises, weight transfer maneuvers during squats, as well as static and dynamic squat exercises performed unilaterally were implemented as part of the program
The participants assigned to the aerobic exercise group were directed to engage in running activity on a conventional treadmill. The participants engaged in aerobic exercise, specifically moderate-to-high-intensity running at 65-80% of their maximal heart rate, for durations of 30-45 minutes per session, three times weekly. Heart rate was monitored with a portable pulse oximetry device.
Strengthening group, participants engaged in various lower extremity strengthening activities such as straight leg raises, abduction and adduction movements, knee flexion-extension, ankle plantar-dorsiflexion exercises. These exercises were performed both on a bed and in standing positions, utilizing resistance exercise bands.
Bursa Uludag University
Bursa, Nilüfer, Turkey (Türkiye)
Muscle Strength
Isokinetic testing and rehabilitation systems were utilized to assess muscle strength. An assessment was conducted on the concentric and eccentric forces exerted on the quadriceps femoris and hamstring muscles in the dominant lower extremity. The assessment of concentric strength was conducted within the knee flexion range of 0-90 degrees, while the evaluation of eccentric strength was undertaken in the knee flexion range of 10-90 degrees at a velocity of 60º/sec. The peak torque values acquired from the experiment were utilized as the basis for the analysis.
Time frame: Baseline and at Week 4
Horizontal Jump
Test was conducted unilaterally on the dominant lower extremity. Horizontal jump was repeated three times and the average of the measurement results was recorded.
Time frame: Baseline and at Week 4
Muscle Stiffness
Changes in muscle stiffness were evaluated through shear wave elastography. The alterations in the stiffness properties of the muscle were documented utilizing an ultrasound device. Measurements were conducted on the dominant lower extremity to evaluate alterations in the muscle stiffness of the quadriceps muscles (vastus medialis obliquus, rectus femoris) and hamstring muscles (biceps femoris, semimembranosus).
Time frame: Baseline and at Week 4
Muscle Thickness
Changes in muscle thickness were evaluated through shear wave elastography. The alterations in the thickness properties of the muscle were documented utilizing an ultrasound device. Measurements were conducted on the dominant lower extremity to evaluate alterations in the muscle thickness of the quadriceps muscles (vastus medialis obliquus, rectus femoris) and hamstring muscles (biceps femoris, semimembranosus).
Time frame: Baseline and at Week 4
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