Motor Units and Neural Drive Across Calf Muscles

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Gabriel Fernandes and His Work 03:51 Exploring the Role of the Soleus in Achilles Tendinopathy 11:56 Investigating the Lateral Gastrocnemius and Its Implications 18:30 Understanding Muscle Fatigue and Endurance in Running 34:14 Practical Applications for Rehabilitation and Training 37:49 Cortical Inhibition and Tendinopathy 39:27 Deficits in Endurance and Peak Force 40:48 Measuring Muscle Capacity and Joint Angles 43:13 Hypertrophy and Muscle Adaptation 45:57 Atrophy in Calf Muscles 49:23 Rehabilitation Strategies for Lateral Gastroc 53:03 Foot Positioning and Muscle Activation 56:06 Biomechanics of Gait and Muscle Engagement 01:00:47 Neurophysiology and Muscle Recruitment 01:03:14 External Feedback and Muscle Training 01:06:03 E-Stim and Muscle Activation 01:08:10 Subtendinous Mechanics and Foot Positioning 01:10:16 Future Research Directions

Takeaways

Gabriel Fernandes is a physiotherapist with a focus on calf muscles and tendons. Research indicates that the lateral gastrocnemius may play a more significant role in Achilles tendinopathy than previously thought. Cortical inhibition affects muscle force production, particularly in individuals with tendinopathy. Endurance deficits are commonly observed in patients with Achilles tendinopathy, impacting their rehabilitation. Rehabilitation strategies should consider specific muscle contributions and include targeted exercises for the lateral gastrocnemius. Foot positioning during exercises can influence muscle activation and should be tailored to individual needs. Eccentric training may help improve muscle function and reduce inhibition in affected muscles. Neurophysiological assessments can provide insights into muscle drive and function in tendinopathy patients. Future research should explore the relationship between muscle fatigue and tendinopathy more deeply. Collaboration between clinicians and researchers is essential for advancing treatment strategies.

Gabe on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gabephysio/

Achilles Tendon Survey: https://scuau.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_4OsDZUKYLJonUUK?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQMMjU2MjgxMDQwNTU4AAGnIIWMTpSNHXYHoYl8uvHxsmHVZvmbdhlZxeTBwHr31T0SSGCbHJnAhfrF3qY_aem_Qk9ROIvLdIVJlGy8kThOZg

Paper (Selective triceps surae weakness in Achilles tendinopathy: it is time to look beyond the soleus): https://sportrxiv.org/index.php/server/preprint/view/633/1382?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQMMjU2MjgxMDQwNTU4AAGn5a-uyRWns7A2jHfVNnWCoehQ1PIgL7Ggya2Mz-kjgWM_jghd7BzybyM67D4_aem_62cdO-b2oHquLV5Ie8AmpA

Gabe on Twitter: https://x.com/gabephysio

Notes: https://jackedathlete.com/podcast-163-lateral-gastrocnemius-in-achilles-tendinopathy-with-gabriel-fernandes/