Modelling Muscle Power Output in a Swimming Fish

Abstract

Intact, electrically excitable fibre bundles were isolated from the fast and slow myotomal muscle of the bullrout (Myoxocephalus scorpius L.). Power output was measured under conditions simulating their activity in a fish swimming at different speeds. Preparations were subjected to sinusoidal length changes of ±5% of resting length, and stimulated briefly during each cycle. The number and timing of stimuli were adjusted at each cycle frequency to maximise power output. Maximum power was produced at 5–7 Hz for fast fibres (25–35 W kg−1) and 2 Hz for slow fibres (5–8 Wkg−1). Under these conditions, pre-stretch of active muscle provides an important mechanism for storing potential energy for release during the shortening part of the cycle.