• Journal of the Korean Society of Physical Medicine
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• v.17 no.1
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• pp.109-116
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• 2022

PURPOSE: This study compared the effect of performing gastrocnemius stretching with and without the self-myofascial release of the sole on the active and passive ankle dorsiflexion angles and muscle tone of the gastrocnemius muscle in subjects with short gastrocnemius muscle. METHOD: A total of 23 subjects with short gastrocnemius muscles were included in this study. The study participants were divided into two experimental groups. Group A performed gastrocnemius muscle self-stretching exercises only, while group B performed self-myofascial release of the sole using a massage ball after the gastrocnemius muscle self-stretching exercises. For both groups, the active and passive ankle dorsiflexion angles were measured using a goniometer, and the tone of the gastrocnemius muscle was assessed using the MyotonPRO®. RESULTS: Within-group comparison showed that the participants in both groups A and B had significantly increased active and passive ankle dorsiflexion angles and decreased gastrocnemius muscle tone (p < .05) after performing their respective exercises. However, no significant differences in the said criteria were observed between groups A and B (p>.05). CONCLUSION: The results of this study showed that both methods were effective in increasing active and passive dorsiflexion angles and decreasing muscle tone. Thus, it is recommended to tailor gastrocnemius stretching exercises according to the patient's condition. If the patient does not experience discomfort in the plantar fasciae, it is recommended to perform the gastrocnemius stretching exercise only without myofascial release and use a massage ball afterward.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.35 no.1
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• pp.24-30
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• 2023

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of the elastic compression stockings and Kinesio taping on muscle activity and mechanical properties in healthy women during the heel raise exercise that causes muscle fatigue. Methods: Participants were divided into the elastic compression stockings group (ESG, n=8), Kinesio taping group (KTG, n=8), and control group (CG, n=8). All participants performed the heel raise exercise to cause muscle fatigue. Muscle activity, stiffness, and the muscle tone of the gastrocnemius and tibialis anterior were measured before and after the heel raise exercise. Results: In the gastrocnemius, muscle activity was significantly increased after the heel raise exercise in both the ESG and KTG (p<0.05). There was a significant difference in the change in the gastrocnemius muscle activity between the groups (p<0.05). Post hoc analysis showed that the ESG exhibited a significantly greater change in gastrocnemius muscle activity than the CG (p<0.05). The muscle stiffness of the gastrocnemius was significantly decreased after the heel raise exercise in the ESG (p<0.05). The muscle tone of the gastrocnemius was significantly increased after the heel raise exercise in the control group (p<0.05). There were no significant differences in the change in the gastrocnemius stiffness and muscle tone between the groups (p>0.05). In the tibialis anterior, there were no significant differences in muscle activity, stiffness, and muscle tone between and within the groups (p>0.05). Conclusion: Our findings suggest that the use of elastic compression stockings and Kinesio taping during the heel raise exercise are beneficial and delay muscle fatigue in the gastrocnemius.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.29 no.1
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• pp.48-53
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• 2022

Background: The gastrocnemius tightness can easily occur. Gastrocnemius tightness results in gait disturbance. Thus, various interventions have been used to release a tight gastrocnemius muscle and improve gait performance. Moreover, focal muscle vibration (FMV) has recently been extensively researched in terms of tight muscle release and muscle performance. However, no study has investigated the effects of FMV application on medial gastrocnemius architectural changes. Objects: In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of FMV on medial gastrocnemius architecture in persons with limited ankle dorsiflexion. Methods: Thirty one persons with <10° of passive ankle dorsiflexion participated in this study. We excluded persons with acute ankle injury within six months prior to study onset, a history of ankle fracture, leg length discrepancy greater than 2 cm, no history of neurological dysfunction, or trauma affecting the lower limb. The specifications of the FMV motor were as follows: a fixed frequency (fast wave: 150 Hz) and low amplitude (0.3-0.5 mm peak to peak) of vibration; the motor was used to release the medial gastrocnemius for 15 minutes. Each participant completed three trials for 10 days; a 30-second rest period was provided between each trial. Medial gastrocnemius architectural parameters [muscle thickness (MT), fiber bundle length (FBL), and pennation angle (PA)] were measured via ultrasonography. Results: MT significantly decreased after FMV application (p < 0.05). FBL significantly increased from its baseline value after FMV application (p < 0.05). PA significantly decreased from its baseline value after FMV application (p < 0.05). Conclusion: FMV application may be advantageous in reducing medial gastrocnemius excitability following a decrease in the amount of contractile tissue. Furthermore, FMV application can be used as a stretching method to alter medial gastrocnemius architecture.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.31 no.5
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• pp.573-582
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• 2023

Muscle atrophy is characterized by the loss of muscle function. Many efforts are being made to prevent muscle atrophy, and exercise is an important alternative. Methylglyoxal is a well-known causative agent of metabolic diseases and diabetic complications. This study aimed to evaluate whether methylglyoxal induces muscle atrophy and to evaluate the ameliorative effect of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise in a methylglyoxal-induced muscle atrophy animal model. Each mouse was randomly divided into three groups: control, methylglyoxal-treated, and methylglyoxal-treated within aerobic exercise. In the exercise group, each mouse was trained on a treadmill for 2 weeks. On the last day, all groups were evaluated for several atrophic behaviors and skeletal muscles, including the soleus, plantaris, gastrocnemius, and extensor digitorum longus were analyzed. In the exercise group, muscle mass was restored, causing in attenuation of muscle atrophy. The gastrocnemius and extensor digitorum longus muscles showed improved fiber cross-sectional area and reduced myofibrils. Further, they produced regulated atrophy-related proteins (i.e., muscle atrophy F-box, muscle RING-finger protein-1, and myosin heavy chain), indicating that aerobic exercise stimulated their muscle sensitivity to reverse skeletal muscle atrophy. In conclusion, shortness of the gastrocnemius caused by methylglyoxal may induce the dynamic imbalance of skeletal muscle atrophy, thus methylglyoxal may be a key target for treating skeletal muscle atrophy. To this end, aerobic exercise may be a powerful tool for regulating methylglyoxal-induced skeletal muscle atrophy.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.36 no.4
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• pp.238-244
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• 2019

Background: This study aimed to investigate the protective effects of Zanthoxylum bungeanum Maxim pharmacopuncture on disuse muscle atrophy in the gastrocnemius muscle of rats. Methods: Thirty male 250 g Sprague-Dawley rats were distributed randomly into 3 groups. The left hindlimb immobilization was performed with casting tape for 2 weeks, and no treatment was given to the right hindlimb. Rats received pharmacopuncture and were injected daily on the BL57 with either 2 mL of Zanthoxylum bungeanum Maxim aqueous extract (ZM-W group), 1 mL pharmacopuncture of Zanthoxylum bungeanum Maxim ethanol extract (ZM-E group), or 2 mL normal saline (control group). After 2 weeks of immobilization, the weight of the whole gastrocnemius muscle was measured, and the morphology of both the left and the right gastrocnemius muscles were assessed by Hematoxylin and Eosin staining. To investigate the immobilization-induced muscular apoptosis, the immunohistochemical analysis of BAX and Bcl-2 was carried out. Results: ZM-W and ZM-E significantly inhibited the reduction in weight of the left gastrocnemius muscle, the reduction in the left myofibrils, and the cross-sectional area of gastrocnemius, as compared with the control. Moreover, the ZM-W and ZM-E groups showed significantly reduced immunoreactivity for BAX, and increased immunoreactivity of Bcl-2 in left gastrocnemius muscle compared with the control group. Conclusion: These results suggest that Zanthoxylum bungeanum Maxim pharmacopuncture has protective effects against immobilization-induced muscle atrophy by regulating the activity of apoptosis-associated BAX / Bcl-2 proteins in the gastrocnemius muscle.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.23 no.2
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• pp.405-411
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• 2009

This study evaluated the effects of Puerariae Radix on the skeletal muscle atrophy, Muscle atrophy was induced by the sciatic nerve transection in Sprague-Dawley rats, then aqueous-extract of Puerariae Radix was administered for 12 days, Muscle wet weight was measured in soleus, plantaris, and medial gastrocnemius. Muscle fiber type was classified by MHCf immunohistochemistry. Muscle fiber type proportion and cross section area of muscle fiber also was observed in medial gastrocnemius. Bax and Bcl-2 expressions in medial gastrocnemius of the damaged hind limb were evaluated with immunohistochemistry. The results are as follows; Puerariae Radix attenuated muscle atrophy in soleus of the sciatic nerve transectioned rats, but there was statistic significance. Puerariae Radix attenuated significantly atrophy in plantaris at 12 days and in medial gastrocnemius at 8 days and 12 days. Puerariae Radix improved histology of the atrophic changes and increased significantly cross section areas of type-I and type-II muscle fibers in medial gastrocnemius of the sciatic nerve transectioned rats. Puerariae Radix did not affect to muscle fiber type proportion in medial gastrocnemius of the sciatic nerve transectioned rats. Puerariae Radix attenuated significantly Bax positive nuclei but did not affect to Bcl-2 positive muscle fibers in medial gastrocnemius of the sciatic nerve transectioned rats.According to above results, Puerariae Radix may have an anti-atrophy effect on the denervated skeletal muscle through anti-apoptotic effects on muscle fibers.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.31 no.1
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• pp.56-61
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• 2019

Purpose: The spasticity of stroke patients decreases the ankle range of motion and increases the gastrocnemius muscle tone. This study examined the effects of stretching exercise and far infrared irradiation on the ankle function in stroke patients with spasticity. Methods: This study was conducted on 20 stroke patients admitted to Jesaeng General Hospital, who were divided into a study group (stretching exercise with far infrared) and control group (stretching exercise only). The dorsiflexion range of motion was measured using a smartphone and the medial gastrocnemius muscle tone and stiffness were measured using a Myoton pro. Results: With the exception of the non-paretic gastrocnemius muscle tone in the control group, the medial gastrocnemius muscle tone and stiffness decreased significantly in both groups. In both groups, the dorsiflexion range of motion increased significantly. In addition, the experimental group had a significantly higher dorsiflexion range of motion than the control group. On the other hand, there was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of the medial gastrocnemius muscle tone and stiffness. Conclusion: For stroke patients with spasticity, stretching exercises increased the ankle's range of motion and decreased the gastrocnemius muscle tone. The addition of heat therapy further increased the ankle's range of motion. On the other hand, as the sample size was small, future studies should include more subjects.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.35 no.4
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• pp.207-213
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• 2018

Background: The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of Dokhwalgisaeng-tang on immobilization-induced muscle atrophy. Methods: Twenty young male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into 2 groups. The rats in Dokhwalgisaeng-tang group were orally administered Dokhwalgisaeng-tang water extract, and the rats in the control group were given saline only. Hind limb immobilization was performed with casting tape to keep the left ankle joint in a fully extended position. No intervention was performed on the right leg which was used as an intact region. After 2 weeks of immobilization, all animals were sacrificed, and the gastrocnemius muscle was dissected from both legs and weighed. The morphology of the right and the left gastrocnemius muscle in both the Dokhwalgisaeng-tang and the control group was assessed by hematoxylin and eosin staining. The muscle cross sectional area was examined by image analysis (Axiovision LE software). In addition, immunohistochemical staining was carried out using the free-floating method, and the number of apoptotic related proteins were counted (anti-BAX, anti-Bcl-2). Results: Dokhwalgisaeng-tang showed a significant protective effect against the reduction of the left gastrocnemius muscle (weight and muscle cross sectional area) compared with the control group. Moreover, the treatment with Dokhwalgisaeng-tang significantly reduced protein expression of BAX and increased protein expression of Bcl-2 in the gastrocnemius muscle compared with the control group. Conclusion: Dokhwalgisaeng-tang showed protective effects against disuse muscle atrophy, potentially through altered BAX and Bcl-2 protein expression in the gastrocnemius muscle.

• Journal of International Academy of Physical Therapy Research
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• v.9 no.2
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• pp.1486-1489
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• 2018

This study aimed to investigate the influence of walking on crural muscle tone and stiffness in individuals with bilateral pronated foot. This study consisted of 16 healthy male. Subjects were divided into a pronated foot group (n = 8) and a normal foot group (n = 8). The navicular drop test on both foot and muscle tone and stiffness in tibialis anterior muscle, medial gastrocnemius muscle, and peroneus longus muscle of both lower extremities were measured before and after 30 min of walking. In this study, the measured navicular drop test before walking was significantly different between pronated foot group and a normal group(p < .05). After 30 min of walking, significantly, increased medial gastrocnemius muscle stiffness of the non-dominant leg was found in the pronated foot group (p < .05). However, there was no significant difference in medial gastrocnemius muscle stiffness between the two groups (p > .05). Based on this study, pronated foot needs to be managed to prevent the abnormally increased medial gastrocnemius muscle stiffness.

• Journal of Korean Physical Therapy Science
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• v.24 no.3
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• pp.1-11
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• 2017

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of virtual reality based treadmill training on muscle architecture of gastrocnemius in chronic stroke patients. Methods: Thirty chronic stroke patients were randomly assigned to either the virtual reality based treadmill training (VRTT) group (n=15) or treadmill training (TT) group (n=15). Both groups participated in a standard rehabilitation program; in addition, the VRTT group participated in virtual reality based treadmill training for 30 minutes per day, three times per week, for 6 weeks, and TT group participated in treadmill walking training for 30 minutes per day, three times per week, for 6 weeks. Ultrasound image was used for measurement of pennation angle and muscle thickness of the medial gastrocnemius muscle at rest and during maximum voluntary contraction. Results: In the paretic side medial gastrocnemius muscle, greater improvement on the pennation angle and muscle thickness while resting and maximal voluntary contraction were observed in the VRTT group compared with the TT group. Conclusion: Findings of this study demonstrated that the virtual reality based treadmill training has an effect on muscle architecture of medial gastrocnemius in chronic stroke patients.