Conserved mammalian muscle mechanics during eccentric contractions

Abstract Skeletal muscle has a broad range of biomechanical functions, including power generation and energy absorption. These roles are underpinned by the force–velocity relationship, which comprises two distinct components: a concentric and an eccentric force–velocity relationship. The concentric component has been extensively studied across a wide range of muscles with different muscle properties. However, to date, little progress has been made in accurately characterising the eccentric force–velocity relationship in mammalian muscle with varying muscle properties. Consequently, mathematical models of this muscle behaviour are based on a poorly understood phenomenon. Here, we present a comprehensive assessment of the concentric force–velocity and eccentric force–velocity relationships of four mammalian muscles (soleus, extensor digitorum longus, diaphragm and digastric) with varying biomechanical functions, spanning three orders of magnitude in body mass (mouse, rat and rabbits). The force–velocity relationship was characterised using a hyperbolic‐linear equation for the concentric component a hyperbolic equation for the eccentric component, at the same time as measuring the rate of force development in the two phases of force development in relation to eccentric lengthening velocity. We demonstrate that, despite differences in the curvature and plateau height of the eccentric force–velocity relationship, the rates of relative force development were consistent for the two phases of the force–time response during isovelocity lengthening ramps, in relation to lengthening velocity, in the four muscles studied. Our data support the hypothesis that this relationship depends on cross‐bridge and titin activation. Hill‐type musculoskeletal models of the eccentric force–velocity relationship for mammalian muscles should incorporate this biphasic force response. image Key points The capacity of skeletal muscle to generate mechanical work and absorb energy is underpinned by the force–velocity relationship. Despite identification of the lengthening (eccentric) force–velocity relationship over 80 years ago, no comprehensive study has been undertaken to characterise this relationship in skeletal muscle. We show that the biphasic force response seen during active muscle lengthening is conserved over three orders of magnitude of mammalian skeletal muscle mass. Using mice with a small deletion in titin, we show that part of this biphasic force profile in response to muscle lengthening is reliant on normal titin activation. The rate of force development during muscle stretch may be a more reliable way to describe the forces experienced during eccentric muscle contractions compared to the traditional hyperbolic curve fitting, and functions as a novel predictor of force–velocity characteristics that may be used to better inform hill‐type musculoskeletal models and assess pathophysiological remodelling.