In vivo strength of anterior crural muscles

Stimulating nerve cuffs were constructed and placed around the common peroneal nerve of the left leg as previously described (Warren et al. 1998). During each strength test, the proximal end of the nerve cuff was externalized in the dorsal cervical region and connected to a stimulator. While under anaesthesia, peak isometric torque of the left anterior crural muscles was measured using a miniature dynamometer as previously described (Warren et al. 1999a, 2007); the TA muscle contributes 89% of the isometric torque produced by the anterior crural muscles in the uninjured condition (Warren et al. 1998). Strength was assessed in each mouse immediately prior to injury, immediately post‐injury, and at 3, 7, 14, 21, 28, 35 and 42 days post‐injury.