Research Article

Passive Mechanical Properties of Human Medial Gastrocnemius and Soleus Musculotendinous Unit

Table 1

Characteristic variables associated with mechanical properties of gastrocnemius and soleus aspects of the Achilles tendon in the passive condition. Significant differences between GM and SOL aspects were denoted in bold.

Variables ()GM aspect of ATSOL aspect of AT

Slack length (mm)205.01 (22.19)159.32 (24.85)
Ankle angle at the slack length (°)-10.96 (3.48)-8.50 (4.03)
Moment arm at (mm)29.58 (5.06)32.46 (7.46)
Moment arm at (mm)30.35 (6.42)31.39 (6.42)
MTJ CSA at (mm2)36.16 (11.78)45.61 (20.00)
Maximal passive force (N)99.89 (39.50)174.59 (79.54)
Maximal passive tendon stress (MPa)2.96 (1.50)4.90 (1.88)
Maximal tendon strain (%)6.96 (0.79)8.13 (0.90)
Tendon stiffness (Nmm-1)23.18 (13.46)31.57 (13.26)
MTU elongation (mm)37.32 (4.15)37.33 (4.17)
Tendon elongation (mm)19.13 (2.91)19.21 (3.76)
Muscle elongation (mm)18.19 (2.23)18.12 (4.50)
Peak ankle torque during MVC at (Nm)100.72 (30.01)100.72 (30.01)
Peak force during MVC at (N)1089.24 (320.11)1309.08 (502.69)

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