The article discusses the combined effect of elastic energy and myoelectrical potentiation during stretch-shortening cycle exercise on muscle function. It also explores the role of tendon elasticity, muscle-tendon interaction, and joint angle configuration on muscle performance.

The study of muscle-tendon mechanics is crucial to understanding the physiology of movement. In particular, the stretch-shortening cycle in which an active muscle undergoes a stretch before a rapid shortening, is a fundamental movement pattern that is critical to athletics and daily activities. To better comprehend the mechanics of the stretch-shortening cycle, researchers have undertaken this study to measure the length changes of tendons during the cycle in rat soleus, an important muscle for locomotion. Their findings could reveal valuable insights into the mechanics of muscle-tendon interactions and could eventually lead to improvements in athletic performance and rehabilitation techniques. In this article, we will delve into the details of this new scientific report, “Measurements of tendon length changes during stretch–shortening cycles in rat soleus,” published in Scientific Reports, and discuss the potential implications of these findings.


The following scientific articles cover various aspects of the stretch-shortening cycle exercise and its effects on muscle function. Bosco et al. (1982) discuss the combined effect of elastic energy and myoelectrical potentiation during this exercise, while Cavagna et al. (1968) investigate the positive work done by a previously stretched muscle. Komi (2000) and Komi (1984) both examine the stretch-shortening cycle as a powerful model for studying normal and fatigued muscle and its physiological and biomechanical correlates. Svantesson et al. (1991) use a Kin-Com dynamometer to study the stretch-shortening cycle during plantar flexion, and Dietz et al. (1979) investigate the neuronal mechanisms of human locomotion. Nichols and Houk (1973) look at reflex compensation for variations in the mechanical properties of a muscle, while Finni et al. (2001) and Ishikawa et al. (2006) examine concentric force enhancement during movement and the contribution of tendinous tissue to force enhancement during stretch-shortening cycle exercise. Kawakami et al. (2002) investigate the importance of tendon elasticity during counter-movement exercise, while Bobbert and Casius (2005) and Bobbert et al. (1996) explain the effect of a countermovement on jump height and why countermovement jump height is greater than squat jump height. Ettema et al. (1990) and Edman et al. (1982) investigate the potentiating effect of prestretch on the contractile performance of muscles, while Joumaa et al. (2008) look at residual force enhancement in myofibrils and sarcomeres. Fukutani et al. (2020) and Kubo et al. (2000) both examine in vivo muscle-tendon interaction and its relationship to enhanced performance during stretch-shortening cycle exercise, and Alexander (2002) looks at tendon elasticity and its role in muscle function. Bernabei et al. (2017) investigate adaptations of locomotor neural drive in response to enhanced intermuscular connectivity between muscles, while Griffiths (1991) examines shortening of muscle fibers during stretch of the active muscle and the role of tendon compliance. Ishikawa et al. (2005) and Sano et al. (2013) examine muscle-tendon interaction and elastic energy usage during human walking and running, respectively. Hill (1938) discusses the heat of shortening and the dynamic constants of muscle, while Roberts et al. (1997) investigate muscular force in running turkeys and the economy of minimizing work. Fukunaga et al. (2001) looks at the in vivo behavior of the human muscle tendon during walking, while Fukutani et al. (2017) and Fukutani et al. (2019) examine the relationship between joint torque and muscle fascicle shortening and the contribution of the Achilles tendon to force potentiation in a stretch-shortening cycle, respectively. Novak et al. (2010), Lichtwark et al. (2007), Finni et al. (2018), and Maas et al. (2020) all investigate variations in muscle fiber composition, muscle fascicle and series elastic element length changes, and displacement and strain within the Achilles tendon during exercise. Lastly, Gordon et al. (1966) discuss the variation in isometric tension with sarcomere length in vertebrate muscle fibers, while Dawson and Taylor (1973) examine the energetic cost of locomotion in kangaroos.


In conclusion, the study of tendon length changes during stretch-shortening cycles in rat soleus provides valuable insights into the mechanical properties of tendons and how they contribute to muscle function. The findings suggest that the length of tendons plays a significant role in both the force generation and energy storage capabilities of muscle during certain actions. The study not only advances our understanding of the biomechanics of tendons but also has potential implications for the development of treatments for conditions such as tendinopathy. Further research in this area can open up new avenues for improving athletic performance and preventing injury. Overall, the study showcases the importance of interdisciplinary research in advancing our understanding of the complex mechanisms that underlie human movement.