Development of a new model of muscle mechanics – in vivo mechanics of a single muscle

Project Description:

The goal of this project is to develop and validate a new phenomenological model of muscle contraction—the Active Spring Muscle Model (ASMM)—through in vivo experiments on single muscles in small animals (mouse/rat).

Although the sliding filament model of actin and myosin has long provided the foundation for understanding muscle contraction, it has limited capacity to explain the complex mechanical behaviour of muscles under dynamic conditions, particularly during eccentric contractions when muscles act as efficient brakes with minimal energy use. The ASMM aims to overcome these limitations by incorporating titin—a giant elastic protein that links the actin and myosin filaments—as an additional active, spring-like element. This novel approach could explain several long-standing gaps in our understanding of real muscle behaviour.

In this project, we will conduct in vivo single-muscle experiments using a controlled mouse or rat muscle preparation to record force–length–velocity characteristics during dynamic contractions, including eccentric and locomotion-like stimulation patterns. The resulting data will be used to construct and validate the mechanical model of muscle contraction.

Techniques and Skills:

The project will involve:

• In vivo small-animal muscle preparation and mechanical testing
• Data acquisition and signal processing
• Development and validation of a mechanical muscle model using MATLAB or Python

Candidates with prior wet-lab experience, particularly in animal physiology, biomechanics, or related fields, are highly encouraged to apply. The project requires a combination of experimental and computational skills and will provide training in both.

Eligibility Requirements:

An Undergraduate Honours degree with a minimum classification of 2.1 (or equivalent) in a science, life science, clinical, or engineering discipline. English Language qualification is required for international students.

To find out more about studying for a PhD at the University of Birmingham, including full details of research in the School, available funding opportunities, and guidance on making your application, please visit:

www.birmingham.ac.uk/drp