Inter-muscular networks of synchronous muscle fiber activation

Abstract

Skeletal muscles continuously coordinate to facilitate a wide range of movements. Muscle fiber composition and timing of activation account for distinct muscle functions and dynamics necessary to fine tune muscle coordination and generate movements. Here we address the fundamental question of how distinct muscle fiber types dynamically synchronize and integrate as a network across muscles with different functions. We uncover that physiological states are characterized by unique inter-muscular network of muscle fiber cross-frequency interactions with hierarchical organization of distinct sub-networks and modules, and a stratification profile of links strength specific for each state. We establish how this network reorganizes with transition from rest to exercise and fatigue—a complex process where network modules follow distinct phase-space trajectories reflecting their functional role in movements and adaptation to fatigue. This opens a new area of research, Network Physiology of Exercise, leading to novel network-based biomarkers of health, fitness and clinical conditions.