An increase in serial sarcomere number induced via weighted downhill running improves work loop performance in the rat soleus
Increased serial sarcomere number (SSN) has been observed in rats via downhill running training due to the emphasis on active lengthening contractions; however, little is known about the influence on dynamic contractile function. Therefore, we employed 4 weeks of weighted downhill running training in rats, then assessed soleus SSN and work loop performance. We hypothesized trained rats would produce greater net work output during faster, higher-strain work loops due to a greater SSN. Thirty-one Sprague-Dawley rats were assigned to a control or training group. Weight was added during downhill running via a custom-made vest, progressing from 5-15% body mass. Following sacrifice, the soleus was dissected, and a force-length relationship was constructed. Work loops (active shortening followed by passive lengthening) were then performed about optimal muscle length (LO) at 1.5-3-Hz cycle frequencies and 1-7-mm strains to assess net work output. Muscles were then fixed in formalin at LO. Fascicle lengths and sarcomere lengths were measured and used to calculate SSN. Intramuscular collagen content and crosslinking were quantified via a hydroxyproline content and pepsin-solubility assay. Trained rats had longer fascicle lengths (+13%), greater SSN (+8%), greater specific active forces (+50%), and lower passive forces (-45-62%) than controls (P<0.05). There were no differences in collagen parameters (P>0.05). Net work output was greater (+101-424%) in trained than control rats for the 1.5-Hz loops at 1, 3, and 5-mm strains (P<0.05) and showed relationships with fascicle length (R2=0.14-0.24, P<0.05). These results suggest training-induced longitudinal muscle growth may improve dynamic performance.