spacer gif spacer gif spacer gif spacer gif spacer gif
 QUICK SEARCH:   [advanced]


spacer gif
     Home     Help     Feedback     Subscriptions     Archive     Search     Table of Contents    

This Article
Right arrow Full Text (PDF)
Right arrow Alert me when this article is cited
Right arrow Alert me if a correction is posted
Services
Right arrow Email this article to a friend
Right arrow Similar articles in this journal
Right arrow Alert me to new issues of the journal
Right arrow Download to citation manager
Right arrow reprints & permissions
Citing Articles
Right arrow Citing Articles via HighWire
Right arrow Citing Articles via Google Scholar
Google Scholar
Right arrow Articles by Josephson, R. K.
Right arrow Search for Related Content
PubMed
Right arrow Articles by Josephson, R. K.
Journal of Experimental Biology 114,493-512 (1985)
Published by Company of Biologists 1985


Mechanical Power output from Striated Muscle during Cyclic Contraction

Robert K. Josephson 1

1 The School of Biological Sciences, University of California, Irvine, CA 92717, U.S.A.

1. The mechanical power output of a synchronous insect muscle was determined by measuring tension as the muscle was subjected to sinusoidal length change and stimuli which occurred at selected phases of the length cycle. The area of the loop formed by plotting muscle tension against length over a full cycle is the work done on that cycle; the work done times the cycle frequency is the mechanical power output. The muscle was a flight muscle of the tettigoniid Neoconocephalus triops. The measurements were made at the normal wing-stroke frequency for flight (25 Hz) and operating temperature (30°C).

2. The power output with a single stimulus per cycle, optimal excursion amplitude, and optimal stimulus phase was 1.52 J kg-1 cycle-1 or 37W kg-1. The maximum power output occurs at a phase such that the onset of the twitch coincides with the onset of the shortening half of the length cycle. The optimum excursion amplitude was 5.5% rest length; with greater excursion, work output declined because of decreasing muscle force associated with the more rapid shortening velocity.

3. Multiple stimulation per cycle increases the power output above that available with twitch contractions. In this muscle, the maximum mechanical power output at 25 Hz was 76 W kg-1 which was achieved with three stimuli per cycle separated by 4-ms intervals and an excursion amplitude of 6.0% rest length.

4. The maximum work output during the shortening of an isotonic twitch contraction was about the same as the work done over a full sinusoidal shortening-lengthening cycle with a single stimulus per cycle and optimum excursion amplitude and phase.

Key words: Muscle mechanics, insect muscle, work.

Accepted on August 7, 1984




This article has been cited by other articles:


Home page
J. Exp. Biol.Home page
R. E. Shadwick and D. A. Syme
Thunniform swimming: muscle dynamics and mechanical power production of aerobic fibres in yellowfin tuna (Thunnus albacares)
J. Exp. Biol., May 15, 2008; 211(10): 1603 - 1611.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
J. Exp. Biol.Home page
E. A. Jones, A. S. Jong, and D. J. Ellerby
The effects of acute temperature change on swimming performance in bluegill sunfish Lepomis macrochirus
J. Exp. Biol., May 1, 2008; 211(9): 1386 - 1393.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Am. J. Physiol. Regul. Integr. Comp. Physiol.Home page
F. Seebacher and R. S. James
Plasticity of muscle function in a thermoregulating ectotherm (Crocodylus porosus): biomechanics and metabolism
Am J Physiol Regulatory Integrative Comp Physiol, March 1, 2008; 294(3): R1024 - R1032.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
J. Exp. Biol.Home page
B. W. Tobalske and A. A. Biewener
Contractile properties of the pigeon supracoracoideus during different modes of flight
J. Exp. Biol., January 15, 2008; 211(2): 170 - 179.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
J. Exp. Biol.Home page
B. C. W. Tanner, M. Regnier, and T. L. Daniel
A spatially explicit model of muscle contraction explains a relationship between activation phase, power and ATP utilization in insect flight
J. Exp. Biol., January 15, 2008; 211(2): 180 - 186.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
J. Exp. Biol.Home page
J. L. Kendall, K. S. Lucey, E. A. Jones, J. Wang, and D. J. Ellerby
Mechanical and energetic factors underlying gait transitions in bluegill sunfish (Lepomis macrochirus)
J. Exp. Biol., December 15, 2007; 210(24): 4265 - 4271.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
J. Exp. Biol.Home page
R. J. Schilder and J. H. Marden
Parasites, proteomics and performance: effects of gregarine gut parasites on dragonfly flight muscle composition and function
J. Exp. Biol., December 15, 2007; 210(24): 4298 - 4306.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
J. Exp. Biol.Home page
D. J. Ellerby and G. N. Askew
Modulation of flight muscle power output in budgerigars Melopsittacus undulatus and zebra finches Taeniopygia guttata: in vitro muscle performance
J. Exp. Biol., November 1, 2007; 210(21): 3780 - 3788.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
J. Exp. Biol.Home page
D. J. Ellerby and G. N. Askew
Modulation of pectoralis muscle function in budgerigars Melopsitaccus undulatus and zebra finches Taeniopygia guttata in response to changing flight speed
J. Exp. Biol., November 1, 2007; 210(21): 3789 - 3797.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
J. Exp. Biol.Home page
E. A. Jones, K. S. Lucey, and D. J. Ellerby
Efficiency of labriform swimming in the bluegill sunfish (Lepomis macrochirus)
J. Exp. Biol., October 1, 2007; 210(19): 3422 - 3429.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
J. Exp. Biol.Home page
C. T. Richards and A. A. Biewener
Modulation of in vivo muscle power output during swimming in the African clawed frog (Xenopus laevis)
J. Exp. Biol., September 15, 2007; 210(18): 3147 - 3159.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
J. Exp. Biol.Home page
M. Trinh and D. A. Syme
Effects of stretch on work and efficiency of frog (Rana pipiens) muscle
J. Exp. Biol., August 15, 2007; 210(16): 2843 - 2850.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Integr. Comp. Biol.Home page
K. Nishikawa, A. A. Biewener, P. Aerts, A. N. Ahn, H. J. Chiel, M. A. Daley, T. L. Daniel, R. J. Full, M. E. Hale, T. L. Hedrick, et al.
Neuromechanics: an integrative approach for understanding motor control
Integr. Comp. Biol., July 1, 2007; 47(1): 16 - 54.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
J. Exp. Biol.Home page
A. Herrel, R. S. James, and R. Van Damme
Fight versus flight: physiological basis for temperature-dependent behavioral shifts in lizards
J. Exp. Biol., May 15, 2007; 210(10): 1762 - 1767.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
J. Exp. Biol.Home page
S. Van Wassenbergh, A. Herrel, R. S. James, and P. Aerts
Scaling of contractile properties of catfish feeding muscles
J. Exp. Biol., April 1, 2007; 210(7): 1183 - 1193.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
J. Exp. Biol.Home page
J. M. Donley, R. E. Shadwick, C. A. Sepulveda, and D. A. Syme
Thermal dependence of contractile properties of the aerobic locomotor muscle in the leopard shark and shortfin mako shark
J. Exp. Biol., April 1, 2007; 210(7): 1194 - 1203.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
J. Exp. Biol.Home page
C. Guschlbauer, H. Scharstein, and A. Buschges
The extensor tibiae muscle of the stick insect: biomechanical properties of an insect walking leg muscle
J. Exp. Biol., March 15, 2007; 210(6): 1092 - 1108.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
J. Exp. Biol.Home page
A. N. Ahn, K. Meijer, and R. J. Full
In situ muscle power differs without varying in vitro mechanical properties in two insect leg muscles innervated by the same motor neuron
J. Exp. Biol., September 1, 2006; 209(17): 3370 - 3382.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
J. Exp. Biol.Home page
T. G. West, P. H. Donohoe, J. F. Staples, and G. N. Askew
Tribute to R. G. Boutilier: The role for skeletal muscle in the hypoxia-induced hypometabolic responses of submerged frogs
J. Exp. Biol., April 1, 2006; 209(7): 1159 - 1168.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
J. Exp. Biol.Home page
C. P. H. Elemans, I. L. Y. Spierts, M. Hendriks, H. Schipper, U. K. Muller, and J. L. van Leeuwen
Syringeal muscles fit the trill in ring doves (Streptopelia risoria L.)
J. Exp. Biol., March 1, 2006; 209(5): 965 - 977.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
J. Appl. Physiol.Home page
D. A. Syme, K. Evashuk, B. Grintuch, E. L. Rezende, and T. Garland Jr.
Contractile abilities of normal and "mini" triceps surae muscles from mice (Mus domesticus) selectively bred for high voluntary wheel running
J Appl Physiol, October 1, 2005; 99(4): 1308 - 1316.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
J. Exp. Biol.Home page
M. S. Tu and T. L. Daniel
Submaximal power output from the dorsolongitudinal flight muscles of the hawkmoth Manduca sexta
J. Exp. Biol., December 15, 2004; 207(26): 4651 - 4662.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
J. Physiol.Home page
C. J. Barclay and C. L. Weber
Slow skeletal muscles of the mouse have greater initial efficiency than fast muscles but the same net efficiency
J. Physiol., September 1, 2004; 559(2): 519 - 533.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Am. J. Physiol. Regul. Integr. Comp. Physiol.Home page
D. A. Syme and D. M. Tonks
Fatigue and recovery of dynamic and steady-state performance in frog skeletal muscle
Am J Physiol Regulatory Integrative Comp Physiol, May 1, 2004; 286(5): R916 - R926.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
J. Exp. Biol.Home page
T. Kohlsdorf, R. S. James, J. E. Carvalho, R. S. Wilson, M. Dal Pai-Silva, and C. A. Navas
Locomotor performance of closely related Tropidurus species: relationships with physiological parameters and ecological divergence
J. Exp. Biol., March 1, 2004; 207(7): 1183 - 1192.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
J. Exp. Biol.Home page
R. J. Schilder and J. H. Marden
A hierarchical analysis of the scaling of force and power production by dragonfly flight motors
J. Exp. Biol., February 15, 2004; 207(5): 767 - 776.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
J. Appl. Physiol.Home page
Rob. S. James, R. S. Wilson, and G. N. Askew
Effects of caffeine on mouse skeletal muscle power output during recovery from fatigue
J Appl Physiol, February 1, 2004; 96(2): 545 - 552.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
J. Exp. Biol.Home page
T. L. Hedrick, B. W. Tobalske, and A. A. Biewener
How cockatiels (Nymphicus hollandicus) modulate pectoralis power output across flight speeds
J. Exp. Biol., April 15, 2003; 206(8): 1363 - 1378.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
J. Appl. Physiol.Home page
G. N. Askew, V. M. Cox, J. D. Altringham, and D. F. Goldspink
Mechanical properties of the latissimus dorsi muscle after cyclic training
J Appl Physiol, August 1, 2002; 93(2): 649 - 659.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
J. Exp. Biol.Home page
G. N. Askew and R. L. Marsh
Muscle designed for maximum short-term power output: quail flight muscle
J. Exp. Biol., August 1, 2002; 205(15): 2153 - 2160.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
J. Exp. Biol.Home page
S. L. Katz
Design of heterothermic muscle in fish
J. Exp. Biol., August 1, 2002; 205(15): 2251 - 2266.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
J. Exp. Biol.Home page
I. A. Johnston and G. K. Temple
Thermal plasticity of skeletal muscle phenotype in ectothermic vertebrates and its significance for locomotory behaviour
J. Exp. Biol., August 1, 2002; 205(15): 2305 - 2322.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
J. Exp. Biol.Home page
H. Fischer, H. Wolf, and A. Buschges
The locust tegula: kinematic parameters and activity pattern during the wing stroke
J. Exp. Biol., June 1, 2002; 205(11): 1531 - 1545.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
J. Exp. Biol.Home page
R. S. Wilson, R. S. James, and R. Van Damme
Trade-offs between speed and endurance in the frog Xenopus laevis: a multi-level approach
J. Exp. Biol., April 15, 2002; 205(8): 1145 - 1152.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
J. Exp. Biol.Home page
C. N. Balint and M. H. Dickinson
The correlation between wing kinematics and steering muscle activity in the blowfly Calliphora vicina
J. Exp. Biol., March 14, 2002; 204(24): 4213 - 4226.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
J. Exp. Biol.Home page
T. M. Thys, J. M. Blank, D. J. Coughlin, and F. Schachat
Longitudinal variation in muscle protein expression and contraction kinetics of largemouth bass axial muscle
J. Exp. Biol., March 14, 2002; 204(24): 4249 - 4257.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
J. Exp. Biol.Home page
J. H. Marden, G. H. Fitzhugh, M. Girgenrath, M. R. Wolf, and S. Girgenrath
Alternative splicing, muscle contraction and intraspecific variation: associations between troponin T transcripts, Ca2+ sensitivity and the force and power output of dragonfly flight muscles during oscillatory contraction
J. Exp. Biol., March 12, 2002; 204(20): 3457 - 3470.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
J. Exp. Biol.Home page
C. L. Harwood, I. S. Young, and J. D. Altringham
How the efficiency of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) ventricular muscle changes with cycle frequency
J. Exp. Biol., March 1, 2002; 205(5): 697 - 706.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
J. Exp. Biol.Home page
A. N. Ahn and R. J. Full
A motor and a brake: two leg extensor muscles acting at the same joint manage energy differently in a running insect
J. Exp. Biol., February 1, 2002; 205(3): 379 - 389.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
J. Exp. Biol.Home page
D. A. Syme and R. E. Shadwick
Effects of longitudinal body position and swimming speed on mechanical power of deep red muscle from skipjack tuna (Katsuwonus pelamis)
J. Exp. Biol., January 15, 2002; 205(2): 189 - 200.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
J. Exp. Biol.Home page
R. K. Josephson, J. G. Malamud, and D. R. Stokes
The efficiency of an asynchronous flight muscle from a beetle
J. Exp. Biol., January 12, 2001; 204(23): 4125 - 4139.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
J. Exp. Biol.Home page
G. N. Askew and R. L. Marsh
The mechanical power output of the pectoralis muscle of blue-breasted quail (Coturnix chinensis): the in vivo length cycle and its implications for muscle performance
J. Exp. Biol., January 11, 2001; 204(21): 3587 - 3600.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
J. Exp. Biol.Home page
G. N. Askew, R. L. Marsh, and C. P. Ellington
The mechanical power output of the flight muscles of blue-breasted quail (Coturnix chinensis) during take-off
J. Exp. Biol., January 11, 2001; 204(21): 3601 - 3619.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
J. Exp. Biol.Home page
D. J. Ellerby, I. L. Y. Spierts, and J. D. Altringham
Fast muscle function in the European eel (Anguilla anguilla L.) during aquatic and terrestrial locomotion
J. Exp. Biol., January 7, 2001; 204(13): 2231 - 2238.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
J. Exp. Biol.Home page
D. J. Ellerby and J. D. Altringham
Spatial variation in fast muscle function of the rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss during fast-starts and sprinting
J. Exp. Biol., January 7, 2001; 204(13): 2239 - 2250.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
J. Exp. Biol.Home page
D. Ellerby, I. Spierts, and J. Altringham
Slow muscle power output of yellow- and silver-phase European eels (Anguilla anguilla L.): changes in muscle performance prior to migration
J. Exp. Biol., January 4, 2001; 204(7): 1369 - 1379.
[Abstract] [PDF]


Home page
J. Exp. Biol.Home page
L. Rome and D. Swank
The influence of thermal acclimation on power production during swimming. I. In vivo stimulation and length change pattern of scup red muscle
J. Exp. Biol., January 2, 2001; 204(3): 409 - 418.
[Abstract] [PDF]


Home page
J. Exp. Biol.Home page
M. Williamson, K. Dial, and A. Biewener
Pectoralis muscle performance during ascending and slow level flight in mallards (Anas platyrhynchos)
J. Exp. Biol., January 2, 2001; 204(3): 495 - 507.
[Abstract] [PDF]


Home page
Am. J. Physiol. Heart Circ. Physiol.Home page
J. Baxi, C. J. Barclay, and C. L. Gibbs
Energetics of rat papillary muscle during contractions with sinusoidal length changes
Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol, May 1, 2000; 278(5): H1545 - H1554.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
ScienceHome page
M. H. Dickinson, C. T. Farley, R. J. Full, M. A. Koehl, R. Kram, and S. Lehman
How Animals Move: An Integrative View
Science, April 7, 2000; 288(5463): 100 - 106.
[Abstract] [Full Text]


Home page
J. Exp. Biol.Home page
R. Josephson, J. Malamud, and D. Stokes
Power output by an asynchronous flight muscle from a beetle
J. Exp. Biol., January 9, 2000; 203(17): 2667 - 2689.
[Abstract] [PDF]


Home page
J. Exp. Biol.Home page
N. Curtin, R. Woledge, and Q Bone
Energy storage by passive elastic structures in the mantle of sepia officinalis
J. Exp. Biol., January 3, 2000; 203(5): 869 - 878.
[Abstract] [PDF]


Home page
J. Exp. Biol.Home page
D. Coughlin
Power production during steady swimming in largemouth bass and rainbow trout
J. Exp. Biol., January 2, 2000; 203(3): 617 - 629.
[Abstract] [PDF]


Home page
J. Exp. Biol.Home page
L. Rome, D. Swank, and D. Coughlin
The influence of temperature on power production during swimming. II. Mechanics of red muscle fibres in vivo
J. Exp. Biol., January 1, 2000; 203(2): 333 - 345.
[Abstract] [PDF]


Home page
J. Exp. Biol.Home page
T. Daniel and M. Tu
Animal movement, mechanical tuning and coupled systems
J. Exp. Biol., January 12, 1999; 202(23): 3415 - 3421.
[Abstract] [PDF]


Home page
J. Exp. Biol.Home page
M Girgenrath and R. Marsh
Power output of sound-producing muscles in the tree frogs Hyla versicolor and Hyla chrysoscelis
J. Exp. Biol., January 11, 1999; 202(22): 3225 - 3237.
[Abstract] [PDF]


Home page
J. Exp. Biol.Home page
S. Katz, R. Shadwick, and H. Rapoport
Muscle strain histories in swimming milkfish in steady and sprinting gaits
J. Exp. Biol., January 3, 1999; 202(5): 529 - 541.
[Abstract] [PDF]


Home page
J. Neurophysiol.Home page
W. D. Chapple
Regulation of Muscle Stiffness During Periodic Length Changes in the Isolated Abdomen of the Hermit Crab
J Neurophysiol, September 1, 1997; 78(3): 1491 - 1503.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
J. Appl. Physiol.Home page
R. S. James, V. M. Cox, I. S. Young, J. D. Altringham, and D. F. Goldspink
Mechanical properties of rabbit latissimus dorsi muscle after stretch and/or electrical stimulation
J Appl Physiol, August 1, 1997; 83(2): 398 - 406.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
ScienceHome page
L. Rome, D Swank, and D Corda
How fish power swimming
Science, July 16, 1993; 261(5119): 340 - 343.
[Abstract] [PDF]




© The Company of Biologists Ltd 1985