Loading...
Characterization of plantarflexor muscular capacity: joint angle and velocity affect joint torque
Turner, Caroline R. Feldman, William J. Dietz, Lindsay M. Grote, Kyle M. Silverman, Anne K. Knaus, Katherine R.
Turner, Caroline R.
Feldman, William J.
Dietz, Lindsay M.
Grote, Kyle M.
Silverman, Anne K.
Knaus, Katherine R.
Citations
Altmetric:
Advisor
Editor
Date
Date Issued
2026-04
Date Submitted
Keywords
Files
Research Projects
Organizational Units
Journal Issue
Embargo Expires
Abstract
Characterizing an individual’s muscular capacity to produce force can provide insight to their ability to perform functional movements. We aim to characterize muscle forces in lower limb joints to quantify relationships with physical performance metrics. Muscle force is dependent on these contributors: muscle length, velocity, and activation. Plantarflexor muscle length and velocity vary depending on the ankle joint motion, affecting plantarflexor muscle force. If the ankle joint angle is smaller (dorsiflexed), the longer the plantarflexor muscles are, and vice versa. Knowing this, we can determine how these joint angles effect maximum plantarflexor torque and furthermore, if these trends correlate to joint angles observed when the muscle is contracting at different velocities. This study aims to answer the question: how does ankle torque from plantarflexor muscle force differ with joint angle position and velocity? As part of a broader study of movement, exercise, and muscular capacity, two participants (3M/3F, 6 right leg dominant) completed maximum voluntary isometric contraction tests as well as maximum effort isokinetic tests of the dominant ankle using a HumacNorm Dynamometer (CSMi). The dynamometer was used to measure the joint torques from a participant, as well as prescribe joint angles (-10°, 0°, and 15°) and angular velocities for isometric (0°/s) and isokinetic tests (60°/s and -60°/s). Preliminary results indicate that there is a dependence of velocity and joint angle muscle torque output. These findings provide an initial understanding of this relationship, and further participant data will be used to confirm whether the observed patterns reflect a true trend.
Associated Publications
Rights
Copyright of the original work is retained by the author.