Biomechanics of Skeletal Muscle(Hamill ch 4, Cram Ch 2,

pp 43-64) Properties of muscle-tendon function

- Extensibility and elasticity• Elastic and contractile components

- Irritability and the ability to develop tension Structural Org of Skeletal Muscle Motor Unit

Biomechanics of Skeletal Muscle The motor unit and Electromyography (Figure from

lab)- motoneuron & all innervated fibers- Fiber types I (SO), IIA (FOG), IIB (FG)

Muscle Fiber Type Selective recruitment of fiber types – size

principle:• SO FOG FG

Recruitment proceeds from smallest fibers to largest (the size principle)

Muscle Fiber Types

Methodology article:DeLuca, Carlo J. (1997) The use of surface Electromyography in biomechanics. J Appl Biomech, 19:135-163.

Review Article:Morrish, G. (1999) Surface electromyographyMethods of analysis, reliability, and main applicationsPhysical and Rehabilitation Medicine, 11:171-205.

EMG website assignment: EMG Tutorials and Whitepapers