Muscle has important metabolic functions, but this article will focus on its mechanical properties. We describe the mechanism by which a muscle generates force, examine the contractile properties of muscle, and discuss the measurement of whole body muscle force (and power) in health and disease.
Carolyn A Greig PhD is a Senior Research Fellow in the Dept. of Clinical and Surgical Sciences (Geriatric Medicine) at The University of Edinburgh Royal Infirmary, Edinburgh, UK. Conflicts of interest: none declared
David A Jones PhD is a Professor of Muscle Physiology at the Institute for Biomedical Research into Human Movement and Health (IRM), Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, UK. Conflicts of interest: none declared
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