Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 15, 2026

Ex Vivo Assessment of Contractility, Fatigability and Alternans in Isolated Skeletal Muscles
Published on: November 1, 2012
In Vivo Electrical Stimulation for the Assessment of Skeletal Muscle Contractile Function in Murine Models
Kaio F Vitzel1, Marco A Fortes2, Gabriel Nasri Marzuca-Nassr3
1School of Health Sciences, College of Health, Massey University, Auckland, New Zealand. k.vitzel@massey.ac.nz.
Abstract:
Skeletal muscle electrical stimulation is commonly used for clinical purposes, assisting recovery, preservation, or even improvement of muscle mass and function in healthy and pathological conditions. Additionally, it is a useful research tool for evaluation of skeletal muscle contractile function. It may be applied in vitro, using cell culture or isolated fibers/muscles, and in vivo, using human subjects or animal models (neuromuscular electrical stimulation - NMES). This chapter focuses on the electrical stimulation of the sciatic nerve as a research method for evaluation of the contractile properties of murine hind limb muscles. Variations of this protocol allow for the assessment of muscle force, fatigue resistance, contraction and relaxation times, and can be used as a model of contraction-induced muscle injury, reactive oxygen species production, and muscle adaptation to contractile activity.
Related Concept Videos
Classification of Skeletal Muscle Fibers
Slow-Twitch Muscle Fibers
Slow oxidative, muscle fibers appear red due to large numbers of capillaries and high levels of...
Overview of Skeletal Muscle
Relaxation of Skeletal Muscles
When an action potential reaches the axon terminal, it depolarizes the membrane and opens voltage-gated sodium channels. Sodium ions enter the cell, further depolarizing the presynaptic membrane. This depolarization causes voltage-gated calcium channels to open....
The Functions of the Skeletal System
Disorders of the Skeletal Muscle
Musculoskeletal disorders
Musculoskeletal disorders involve injuries and conditions affecting the skeletal muscles and associated connective tissues. These disorders can arise from acute biomechanical stresses or chronic overuse and can occur across different age groups. Common injuries include sprains, fractures, and muscular strains, often resulting from...
Naming Skeletal Muscles
The key factors used in naming muscles include:

