Speed-specific optimal contractile conditions of the human soleus muscle from slow to maximum running speed

Abstract

The soleus is the main muscle for propulsion during human running but its operating behavior across the spectrum of physiological running speeds is currently unknown. This study experimentally investigated the soleus muscle activation patterns and contractile conditions for force generation, power production and efficient work production (i.e. force–length potential, force–velocity potential, power–velocity potential and enthalpy efficiency) at seven running speeds (3.0 m s−1 to individual maximum). During submaximal running (3.0–6.0 m s−1), the soleus fascicles shortened close to optimal length and at a velocity close to the efficiency maximum, two contractile conditions for economical work production. At higher running speeds (7.0 m s−1 to maximum), the soleus muscle fascicles still operated near optimum length, yet the fascicle shortening velocity increased and shifted towards the optimum for mechanical power production with a simultaneous increase in muscle activation, providing evidence for three cumulative mechanisms to enhance mechanical power production. Using the experimentally determined force–length–velocity potentials and muscle activation as inputs in a Hill-type muscle model, a reduction in maximum soleus muscle force at speeds ≥7.0 m s−1 and a continuous increase in maximum mechanical power with speed were predicted. The reduction in soleus maximum force was associated with a reduced force–velocity potential. The increase in maximum power was explained by an enhancement of muscle activation and contractile conditions until 7.0 m s−1, but mainly by increased muscle activation at high to maximal running speed.