The influence of velocity of length change on tension development in skeletal muscle: model calculations and experimental results.

Force responses obtained during constant velocity length changes on skeletal muscle tissue are simulated by means of two cross-bridge models proposed by Huxley and Simmons (1971, Nature 233, 533-538) and by Julian et al. (1974, Biophys. J. 14, 546-562). An implicit method was used for the numerical approximation in the simulations. The simulated force transients due to constant velocity length changes are found to be in qualitative agreement with re-investigated experimental results obtained from the whole sartorius muscle of the frog. A non-linear tension transient is observed, dependent both on amplitude and on velocity of release revealing an inflexion which gives the transient a shoulder shape. When velocity is increased the inflexion occurs earlier and at a lower tension value. A non-linear transient is observed during stretches performed at moderate velocities. Force responses are found to deviate concavely downwards from a linear time course. Simulations, however, predict a rather linear tension transient for comparable velocities. Implications of the experimental findings are discussed for both models.