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An evaluation of gastrocnemius muscle structure and function in endurance runners and low physical activity individuals
Includes abstract.
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| Other Authors: | |
| Format: | Thesis |
| Language: | English |
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Division of Physiotherapy
2014
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| _version_ | 1867613177092505600 |
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| access_status_str | Open Access |
| author | Buchholtz, Kim |
| author2 | Burgess, Theresa |
| author_browse | Buchholtz, Kim Burgess, Theresa |
| author_facet | Burgess, Theresa Buchholtz, Kim |
| author_sort | Buchholtz, Kim |
| collection | Thesis |
| description | Includes abstract. |
| format | Thesis |
| id | oai:open.uct.ac.za:11427/3005 |
| institution | University of Cape Town (South Africa) |
| language | eng |
| last_indexed | 2026-06-10T12:31:58.458Z |
| license_str | Not specified — see source repository |
| provenance_str_mv | Harvested via OAI-PMH from UCTD — University of Cape Town Open Access Repository |
| publishDate | 2014 |
| publishDateRange | 2014 |
| publishDateSort | 2014 |
| publisher | Division of Physiotherapy |
| publisherStr | Division of Physiotherapy |
| record_format | dspace |
| source_str | UCTD — University of Cape Town Open Access Repository |
| spelling | oai:open.uct.ac.za:11427/3005 An evaluation of gastrocnemius muscle structure and function in endurance runners and low physical activity individuals Buchholtz, Kim Burgess, Theresa Lambert, Mike Bosch, Andrew Sports Physiotherapy Includes abstract. Includes bibliographical references. Distance running has become increasingly popular in recreational runners. The gastrocnemius is the main muscle used for propulsion in running, and may be at risk for injury due to its morphology. In previous studies, changes in the morphology and architecture of the gastrocnemius muscle have been evident following training, but it is unclear whether these changes are related to training or youth. Previous studies of runners have shown a decrease in gastrocnemius and soleus flexibility, as well as changes in the fascicle length and pennation angle. Gastrocnemius volume has not been compared in low physical activity and active participants. Physiological cross sectional area, based on volume and fascicle length measurements may also provide valuable information about the muscle’s ability to produce force. Ultrasound may be a useful tool in assessing potential training adaptations in the morphology and architecture of the gastrocnemius muscle. The aim of this cross-sectional descriptive study was to assess the differences in architecture and function of the gastrocnemius in endurance runners compared to low physical activity participants. (a) To assess differences in calf function and flexibility between endurance runners and low physical activity individuals, and between male and female participants; (b) To determine differences in gastrocnemius muscle architecture and composition between endurance runners versus low physical activity individuals, and between males and females; and (c) To determine whether there are any relationships between training factors and the structure and function of the gastrocnemius muscle. Thirty participants between 20 and 45 years old were recruited for this study and allocated to groups based on their level of physical activity. The low physical activity group (n = 14) were not participating in any regular physical activity, while the endurance running group (n = 16) were running a minimum of 40 km.wk-1, and had participated in at least one full marathon (42.2 km) in the previous six months. All participants completed informed consent, a physical activity and training questionnaire, and a Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire (PAR-Q) at the first session. The first session also included body composition measurements; ultrasound imaging to measure gastrocnemius length, thickness, fascicle length, pennation angle and volume; and familiarisation with all physical tests. Physical tests were conducted in the second session, including gastrocnemius and soleus flexibility, calf raise endurance and vertical jump height to assess the function of the components of the triceps surae. There were no significant differences between low physical activity and running groups for gastrocnemius thickness, fascicle length, pennation angle and gastrocnemius length. Gastrocnemius volume (p = 0.02) and physiological cross sectional area (p = 0.01) were significantly greater in the running group compared to the low physical activity group. There were no significant differences between low physical activity and running groups in flexibility or vertical jump height, although male participants had significantly decreased gastrocnemius muscle flexibility (p = 0.046) and significantly greater vertical jump heights (p = 0.01) than females. Calf raise endurance was significantly greater in the running group than in the low physical activity group (p = 0.03). Endurance running leads to specific adaptations in participants in both structure and function. While ultrasound appears to be a reliable measure for assessing architectural components of the gastrocnemius muscle in both active and inactive populations, further cadaver studies may provide valuable information on muscle architecture. 2014-07-28T14:36:40Z 2014-07-28T14:36:40Z 2013 Master Thesis Masters MPhil http://hdl.handle.net/11427/3005 eng application/pdf Division of Physiotherapy Faculty of Health Sciences University of Cape Town |
| spellingShingle | Sports Physiotherapy Buchholtz, Kim An evaluation of gastrocnemius muscle structure and function in endurance runners and low physical activity individuals |
| thesis_degree_str | Master's |
| title | An evaluation of gastrocnemius muscle structure and function in endurance runners and low physical activity individuals |
| title_full | An evaluation of gastrocnemius muscle structure and function in endurance runners and low physical activity individuals |
| title_fullStr | An evaluation of gastrocnemius muscle structure and function in endurance runners and low physical activity individuals |
| title_full_unstemmed | An evaluation of gastrocnemius muscle structure and function in endurance runners and low physical activity individuals |
| title_short | An evaluation of gastrocnemius muscle structure and function in endurance runners and low physical activity individuals |
| title_sort | evaluation of gastrocnemius muscle structure and function in endurance runners and low physical activity individuals |
| topic | Sports Physiotherapy |
| url | http://hdl.handle.net/11427/3005 |
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