The energy of muscle contraction. II. Transverse compression and work

Abstract

In this study we reproduced this compression-induced reduction in muscle force through the use of a three-dimensional finite element model of contracting muscle. The model used the principle of minimum total energy and allowed for the redistribution of energy through different strain energy-densities; this allowed us to determine the importance of the strain energy-densities to the transverse forces developed by the muscle. Furthermore, we were able to study how external work done on the muscle by transverse compression affects the internal work and strain-energy distribution of the muscle.