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Fig. 3 | Journal of NeuroEngineering and Rehabilitation

Fig. 3

From: Skeletal muscle mechanics, energetics and plasticity

Fig. 3

a Operating ranges of the wrist motors on the isometric sarcomere length-tension relation, Extensors operated primarily on the plateau region while the flexors operated predominantly along the ascending and steep ascending limbs. Lines at end of shaded areas represent the standard error for the data set. (Data presented for flexion-extension in neutral forearm rotation.) Mean sarcomere operating ranges were determined independently of the ensemble average muscle force- and torque-joint angle relations. Operating ranges when plotted against the isometric force-length relation may deviate slightly from the ensemble average force-joint angle relations. (From: [15]). b Sarcomere length operating range of the multifidus plotted on the human skeletal muscle sarcomere length tension curve (black line). Blue circles represent average sarcomere length obtained via biopsy in prone (n = 8) or lumbar flexion (n = 5). These data demonstrate that the multifidus muscle operates on the ascending limb of the length tension curve and becomes intrinsically stronger as the spine in flexed (arrow). (From: [16])

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