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Mechanics of Muscle Injury Induced by Lengthening Contraction

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Abstract

Skeletal muscle is composed of two primary structural components, contractile myofibrils and extracellular matrix (ECM). The myofibrils adhere to the surrounding endomysium through the basal lamina, sarcolemma and dystrophin, and dystrophin associated glycoprotein (DAG). In this study, a novel shear lag type model is developed to investigate the mechanics of injury to the single muscle fiber due to lengthening contractions. A single muscle fiber is considered as a composite system with reinforced by the contractile myofibrils. The lateral linkages between myofibril and endomysium is modeled as a zero thickness coating layer, that could be injured under high interfacial shear stress. The results shows that the degree of the muscle injury is correlated to the magnitude of the passive stretch during the contraction. Dystrophic muscles are more susceptible to contraction induced injury due to lack of DAG complex in lateral linkage.

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Author notes

  1. Yingxin Gao

    Present address: Sibley School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853-7501, USA

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109-2125, USA

    Yingxin Gao & Alan S. Wineman

  2. Department of Aerospace Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109-2125, USA

    Anthony M. Waas

Authors
  1. Yingxin Gao
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  2. Alan S. Wineman
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  3. Anthony M. Waas
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Correspondence to Anthony M. Waas.

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Gao, Y., Wineman, A.S. & Waas, A.M. Mechanics of Muscle Injury Induced by Lengthening Contraction. Ann Biomed Eng 36, 1615–1623 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10439-008-9547-3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10439-008-9547-3

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