[Changes in muscle power following tendon lengthening and tendon transfer]
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 25, 2026

Myo-mechanical Analysis of Isolated Skeletal Muscle
Published on: February 22, 2011
1Kinder- und Neuroorthopädische Universitätsklinik, Kinderspital, Basel.
Abstract:
Each muscle consists of a tendon, the aponeuroses and the muscle fibers. Because of the anatomical architecture a force functionally adapted to the joint motion is generated by the muscle. If the functional length changes, the muscle adapts by altering the number of sarcomeres in a series. If the tendon is elongated without changing the functional range of motion at which the muscle is active on the joint, the passive tension is decreased. As a result, the number of sarcomeres in a series is reduced. The muscle produces less force and the range of active force production is narrowed. If by elongating the tendon, however, the functional range of motion of the muscle at the joint is moved and the tension remains unchanged, the muscle force can be preserved. A tendon transfer affects the muscle in a similar way. If the length of the muscle (and the tension) remains unchanged, the muscle force will be preserved. This prerequisite is fulfilled even better the more the architecture of the replacing muscle equals what is being replaced.
Related Concept Videos
Motor Unit Stimulation
The latent period of contraction marks the onset of excitation-contraction coupling, when the action potential propagates across the sarcolemma, preparing the muscle fibers for contraction. As the fibers enter the contraction phase, the...
Muscle Stimulation Frequency
Wave summation
At low firing rates, motor neurons induce individual twitch contractions in muscle fibers. These twitches...
Isotonic and Isometric Muscle Contractions
Isotonic contractions
Isotonic contractions occur when a muscle changes length while the...
Exercise and Muscle Performance
Endurance exercises
Endurance exercises involve running, swimming, or cycling, which require repetitive movements with low force output. When a person engages in endurance exercise, a few noticeable changes occur in their skeletal muscles. For instance, the number of capillaries...
Alterations in Muscle Tone ll

