Assessing the role of Ca2+ in skeletal muscle fatigue using a multi-scale continuum model

The Calcium ion Ca2+ plays a critical role as an initiator and preserving agent of the cross-bridge cycle in the force generation of skeletal muscle. A new multi-scale chemo-mechanical model is presented in order to analyze the role of Ca2+ in muscle fatigue and to predict fatigue behavior. To this end, a cross-bridge kinematic model was incorporated in a continuum based mechanical model, considering a thermodynamic compatible framework. The contractile velocity and the generated active force were directly related to the force-bearing states that were considered for the cross-bridge cycle. In order to determine the values of the model parameters, the output results of an isometric simulation were initially fitted with experimental data obtained for rabbit Extensor Digitorum Longus muscle. Furthermore, a simulated force-velocity curve under concentric contractions was compared with reported experimental results. Finally, by varying the Ca2+ concentration level and its kinetics in the tissue, the model was able to predict the evolution of the active force of an experimental fatigue protocol. The good agreement observed between the simulated results and the experimental outcomes proves the ability of the model to reproduce the fatigue behavior and its applicability for more detailed multidisciplinary investigations related to chemical conditions in muscle performance

Postural control learning dynamics in Parkinson's disease: Early improvement with plateau in stability, and continuous progression in flexibility and mobility

Background: Balance training improves postural control in Parkinson's disease (PD). However, a systematic approach for the development of individualized, optimal training programs is still lacking, as the learning dynamics of the postural control in PD, over a training program, are poorly understood. Objectives: We investigated the learning dynamics of the postural control in PD, during a balance-training program, in terms of the clinical, posturographic, and novel model-based measures. Methods: Twenty patients with PD participated in a balance-training program, 3 days a week, for 6 weeks. Clinical tests assessed functional balance and mobility pre-training, mid-training, and post-training. Center-of-pressure (COP) was recorded at four time-points during the training (pre-, week 2, week 4, and post-training). COP was used to calculate the sway measures and to identify the parameters of a patient-specific postural control model, at each time-point. The posturographic and model-based measures constituted the two sets of stability- A nd flexibility-related measures. Results: Mobility- A nd flexibility-related measures showed a continuous improvement during the balance-training program. In particular, mobility improved at mid-training and continued to improve to the end of the training, whereas flexibility-related measures reached significance only at the end. The progression in the balance- A nd stability-related measures was characterized by early improvements over the first 3 to 4 weeks of training, and reached a plateau for the rest of the training. Conclusions: The progression in balance and postural stability is achieved earlier and susceptible to plateau out, while mobility and flexibility continue to improve during the balance training. © 2020 The Author(s)

Ail Analytical Model of Pauwels 9 Functional Adaptation Mechanism in Bone

In this paper it is argued and partially demonstrated that the features of Pauwel

An analytical investigation of a 2D-PPMs hollow infinite cylinder under thermo-electro-mechanical (TEM) loadings

The analytical solution of steady-state asymmetric thermo-electro-mechanical loads of a hollow thick infinite cylinder made of porous piezoelectric materials (2D-PPMs) based on two-dimensional equations of thermoelasticity is considered. The general form of thermal and mechanical boundary conditions is considered on the inside and outside surfaces. A direct method is used to solve the heat conduction equation and the non-homogenous system of partial differential Navier equations using the complex Fourier series and the powerexponential law functions method. The material properties are assumed to depend on the radial and circumferential variable and are expressed as power-exponential law functions along the radial and circumferential direction