Measurements Utilized

in vitro mechanics

Measurement Muscles studied Parameters assessed
Maximum tetanic force EDL, Soleus, Diaphragm Force generating capacity 
Eccentric Contraction EDL, Soleus, Diaphragm Susceptibility to contractile damage
Force-frequency profile EDL, Soleus, Diaphragm Calcium handling shifts
Fatigue index EDL, Soleus, Diaphragm Fiber type and metabolic shifts
Passive force EDL, Soleus, Diaphragm Fibrotic composition

in situ mechanics

Measurement Muscles studied Parameters assessed
Maximum tetanic force Tibialis Anterior Force generating capacity
Eccentric Contraction Tibialis Anterior Susceptibility to contractile damage
Force-frequency profile Tibialis Anterior Calcium handling shifts

Whole animal manipulations

Measurement Muscles studied Parameters assessed
Hindlimb suspension Soleus, gastrocnemius, plantaris Model for disuse atrophy
Free-wheel running Whole animal Voluntary exercise
Weighted wheel running Whole animal Voluntary training
Downhill treadmill running Whole animal, diaphragm Induction of contractile damage
Treadmill Run to exhaustion Whole animal Endurance
TD NMR Whole animal Body Composition
Plethysomography (with DD Fuller Laboratory) Whole animal, diaphragm Respiratory Function

Dye uptake Studies

Measurement Muscles studied Parameters assessed
Procion Orange In vitro mechanics muscles Sarcolemmal susceptibility to injury
Evan’s Blue Dye Whole animal Ongoing membrane damage and necrosis

Other

Measurement Muscles studied Parameters assessed
Blood –  Creatine Kinase levels Whole animal Ongoing membrane leakiness
Blood – Glucose Whole animal Metabolic homeostasis