Thermodynamical framework for modeling chemo-mechanical coupling in muscle contraction – Formulation and preliminary results

International audienceWe propose a muscle chemo-mechanical model by which cross-bridges in sarcomeres are considered as special chemical entities having internal mechanical variables pertaining to the actual geometric configuration. This provides a thermodynamical basis for modeling the complex interplay of chemical and mechanical phenomena at the sarcomere level. Important motivations for this modeling choice include the ability to represent (i) the so-called power-stroke phenomenon and (ii) short-time responses of a muscle, e.g. to load steps, and we will present some corresponding numerical simulations