Modeling red muscle power output during steady and unsteady swimming in largemouth bass

We recorded electromyograms of slow-twitch (red) muscle fibers and videotaped swimming in the largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) during cruise, burst-and-glide, and C-start maneuvers. By use of in vivo patterns of stimulation and estimates of strain, in vitro power output was measured at 20 degrees C with the oscillatory work loop technique on slow-twitch fiber bundles from the midbody area near the soft dorsal fin. Power output increased slightly with cycle frequency to a plateau of approximately 10 W/kg at 3-5 Hz, encompassing the normal range of tail-beat frequencies for steady swimming (approximately 2-4 Hz). Power output declined at cycle frequencies simulating unsteady swimming (burst-and-glide, 10 Hz; C-start, 15 Hz). However, activating the muscle at 10 Hz did significantly increase the net work done compared with the work produced by the inactive muscle (work done by the viscous and elastic components). Thus this study provides further insight into the apparently paradoxical observation that red muscle can contribute little or no power and yet continues to show some recruitment during unsteady swimming. Comparison with published values of power requirements from oxygen consumption measurements indicates a limit to steady swimming speed imposed by the maximum power available from red muscle.