Skeletal Muscle Mechanics

Skeletal Muscle Mechanics: From Mechanisms to Function summarises the variety of approaches used by today's scientist to understand muscle function and the mechanisms of contraction. This book contains research by leading scientists from numerous fields using many different scientific techniques. Topics covered include: * Cellular and molecular mechanisms of skeletal muscle contraction * Historical perspective of muscle research * The newest developments in techniques for the determination of the mechanical properties of single cross-bridges * Theoretical modelling of muscle contraction and force production * Multifaceted approaches to determine the in vivo function of skeletal muscle This state-of-the-art account is written by internationally recognised authors and will be a valuable resource to researchers of biomechanics in sports science and exercise physiology. "I expect this book to be excellent and timely." Professor R. McNeill Alexander FRS, School of Biology, University of Leeds, UK

Partial table of contents: MECHANISMS OF MUSCLE CONTRACTION. Considerations on the Mechanisms of Muscular Contraction (W. Herzog). Cross-bridge Action: Present Views, Prospects, and Unknowns (A. Huxley). THEORETICAL MODELLING OF MUSCLE AND MUSCLE CONTRACTION. Considerations on the Theoretical Modelling of Skeletal Muscle Contraction (W. Herzog). The Two-state Cross-bridge Model as a Link Between Molecular and Macroscopic Muscle Mechanics (G. Zahalak). Three-dimensional Geometric Model of Skeletal Muscle (R. Lemos, et al.). IN VIVO MUSCLE FUNCTION (HUMAN). Considerations on In Vivo Muscle Function (W. Herzog). In Vivo Mechanics of Maximum Isometric Muscle Contraction in Man: Implications for Modelling-based Estimates of Muscle Specific Tension (C. Maganaris & V. Baltzopoulos). Muscle Inhibition and Functional Deficiencies Associated with Knee Pathologies (E. Suter & W. Herzog). Effects of Ageing on Eccentric and Concentric Muscle Torque Production in Lower and Upper Limbs (A. Vandervoort, et al.). IN VIVO MUSCLE FUNCTION (ANIMAL). In Vivo Function and Functional Design in Steady Swimming Fish Muscle (S. Katz & R. Shadwick). Visco-Elastic Properties of Cardiac Trabeculae: Re-examination of Diastole (B. Stuyvers, et al.). Index.