Characterization of load-length-velocity relationships of nine different skeletal muscles

A three-dimensional characterization of muscle load, length and velocity wa s obtained from nine muscles in the cat's hind limb through contractions wh ere the muscles shortened against inertial-gravitational loads. A model bas ed on the load-length characteristic and second-order dynamics describes sh ortening velocity related to load and length under these conditions. We con clude that this model describes well contraction velocity as function of le ngth and load under inertial-gravitational load conditions, with correlatio n coefficients higher than 0.9 in most of the tested muscles. (C) 2000 Else vier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.