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The Journal of Experimental Biology 204, 2239-2250 (2001)
© 2001 The Company of Biologists Limited

Spatial variation in fast muscle function of the rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss during fast-starts and sprinting

D. J. Ellerby^* and J. D. Altringham

School of Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK

*Author for correspondence at present address: Department of Biology, 414 Mugar, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115, USA (e-mail: dellerby{at}lynx.neu.edu)

Accepted April 17, 2001

Fish fast-starts and sprints are rapid kinematic events powered by the lateral myotomal musculature. A distinction can be made between fast-starts and sprint-swimming activity. Fast-starts are kinematic events involving rapid, asymmetrical movements. Sprints involve a series of symmetrical, high-frequency tailbeats that are kinematically similar to lower-frequency, sustained swimming. The patterns of muscle recruitment and strain associated with these swimming behaviours were determined using electromyography and sonomicrometry. Axial patterns of fast muscle recruitment during sprints were similar to those in slow muscle in that the duration of electromyograhic (EMG) activity decreased in a rostro-caudal direction. There was also an axial shift in activity relative to the strain cycle so that activity occurred relatively earlier in the caudal region. This may result in caudal muscle performing a greater proportion of negative work and acting as a power transmitter as well as a power producer. The threshold tailbeat frequency for recruitment of fast muscle differed with location in the myotome. Superficial muscle fibres were recruited at lower tailbeat frequencies and shortening velocities than those deeper in the musculature. During sprints, fast muscle strain ranged from ±3.4%l₀ (where l₀ is muscle resting length) at 0.35FL (where FL is fork length) to ±6.3%l₀ at 0.65FL. Fast-starts involved a prestretch of up to 2.5%l₀ followed by shortening of up to 11.3%l₀. Stage 1 EMG activity began simultaneously, during muscle lengthening, at all axial locations. Stage 2 EMG activity associated with the major contralateral contraction also commenced during lengthening and proceeded along the body as a wave. Onset of muscle activity during lengthening may enhance muscle power output.

Key words: fast muscle, rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss, fast-start, electromyography, sonomicrometry, swimming, locomotion.

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