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PubMed1991

Acoustic myography for investigating human skeletal muscle fatigue.

Sounds produced during voluntary isometric contractions of the quadriceps muscle were studied by acoustic myography (AMG) in five healthy adults. With the subject seated, isometric force, surface electromyography (EMG), and AMG were recorded over rectus femoris, and the EMG and AMG signals were integrated (IEMG and IAMG). Contractions lasting 5 s each were performed at 10, 25, 50, 60, 75, and 100% of maximum voluntary contraction (MVC) force. Fatigue was then induced by repeated voluntary contractions (10 s on, 10 s off) at 75% MVC until only 40% MVC could be sustained. After 15 min of rest, the different force levels were again tested in relation to the fresh MVC. Both before and after fatiguing activity the relationships between force and IEMG [r = 0.99 +/- 0.01 (SD), n = 10] and force and IAMG (r = 0.98 +/- 0.02) were linear. After activity, however, the slopes of the regression lines for force and IEMG increased (P less than 0.01) but those for force and IAMG remained the same (P greater than 0.05). The present results clarify the relationship between AMG and isometric force in fatigued muscle without the problem of fatigue-induced tremor, which hampered previous studies of prolonged activity. This study contributes to the validation of AMG and shows that it is a potentially useful method for noninvasive assessment of force production and fatigue. Further studies to establish the origin of AMG activity are required before AMG can be accepted for use in neuromuscular physiology or rehabilitation.

Acoustics↗

PubMed1999

Central and peripheral contributions to muscle fatigue in humans during sustained maximal effort.

The purpose of this study was to estimate the relative contributions of central and peripheral factors to the development of human muscle fatigue. Nine healthy subjects [five male, four female; age = 30 (2) years, mean (SE)] sustained a maximum voluntary isometric contraction (MVC) of the ankle dorsiflexor muscles for 4 min. Fatigue was quantitated as the fall in MVC. Three measures of central activation and one measure of peripheral activation (compound muscle action potential, CMAP) were made using electromyography (EMG) and electrical stimulation. Measures of intramuscular metabolism were made using magnetic resonance spectroscopy. After exercise, MVC and electrically stimulated tetanic contraction (50 Hz, 500 ms) forces were 22.2 (3.7)% and 37.3 (7.1)% of pre-exercise values, respectively. The measures of central activation suggested some central fatigue during exercise: (1) the central activation ratio [MVC/(MVC + superimposed tetanic force)] fell from 0.94 (0.03) to 0.78 (0.09), (2) the MVC/tetanic force ratio fell from 2.3 (0.7) to 1.3 (0.7), and (3) the integral of the EMG (iEMG) signal decreased to 72.6 (9.1)% of the initial value, while the CMAP amplitude was unchanged. Intramuscular pH was associated by regression with the decline in MVC force (and therefore fatigue) and iEMG. The results indicate that central factors, which were not associated with altered peripheral excitability, contributed approximately 20% to the muscle fatigue developed, with the remainder being attributable to intramuscular (i.e., metabolic) factors. The association between pH and iEMG is consistent with proton concentration as a feedback mechanism for central motor drive during maximal effort.

Adult↗

PubMed1992

Electromyographic signs of shoulder muscle fatigue in repetitive arm work paced by the Methods-Time Measurement system.

Surface electromyographic (EMG) recordings from the lateral and cervical portions of the descending trapezius muscle and from the infraspinatus muscle were assessed for six female subjects performing a standardized repetitive work simulation task for 1 h. The work pace was determined according to the Methods-Time Measurement system to 2466 cycles.h-1. The variation in load levels were high and indicated dynamic muscle activity. A decrease in the EMG mean power frequency and an increase in the root-mean-square amplitudes, both indicating muscle fatigue, developed in all muscles of most of the subjects. EMG signs of fatigue, analyzed separately for each 5-min period, showed variable fatigue patterns both between muscles and between subjects. It is therefore suggested that dynamic work movements do not protect the muscles of the shoulder and neck from fatiguing processes in highly repetitive work with short cycle times.

Adult↗

PubMed2005

[Effect of change of plasma K+ and pH value induced by exercise on muscle fatigue and surface EMG].

OBJECTIVE: This study was undertaken to explore the relationship between plasma K+, H+ and muscle fatigue as well as electromyogram changes. METHODS: Fourteen male students enrolled as the subjects of this study performed two exercise tests of different intensity (200 W; 120 W) on a cycle ergometer till being fatigued. The plasma K+, pH value and electromyography (EMG) of active and inactive muscles during 10 s isometric contraction fixed load were measured before exercise and at 0, 5, 10, 20 minutes after exercise. RESULTS: Both plasma K+ and mean power frequency (MPF) of the active muscles changed significantly (P<0.01) after exercise, but recovered in 20 minutes and were highly negatively correlated. Plasma pH at 20 minutes after 200 W exercise was significantly lower than that at rest (P<0.01), but did not change after 120 W exercise, and no correlation was found between pH and EMG. Integral electromyography (IEMG) of inactive muscles at 20 minutes after 120 W exercise was significantly lower than that at rest (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: The results showed that high extra cellular K+ concentration for exercise is one of the main factors inducing fatigue and MPF decrease of the active muscles as well as IEMG decrease of the inactive muscle, but H+ is not a main factor for fatigue and it has no direct effect on EMG.

Adult↗

PubMed2002

Effects of postural muscle fatigue on the relation between segmental posture and movement.

The purpose of this study was to examine whether fatigue of postural muscles might influence the coordination between segmental posture and movement. Seven healthy adults performed series of fifteen fast wrist flexions and extensions while being instructed to keep a dominant upper limb posture as constant as possible. These series of voluntary movements were performed before and after a fatiguing submaximal isometric elbow flexion, and also with or without the help of an elbow support. Surface EMG from muscles Deltoïdeus anterior, Biceps brachii, Triceps brachii, Flexor carpi ulnaris, Extensor carpi radialis were recorded simultaneously with wrist, elbow and shoulder accelerations and wrist and elbow displacements. Fatigue was evidenced by a shift of the elbow and shoulder muscles EMG spectra towards low frequencies. Kinematics of wrist movements and corresponding activations of wrist prime-movers, as well as the background of postural muscle activation before wrist movement were not modified. There were only slight changes in timing of postural muscle activations. These data indicate that postural fatigue induced by a low-level isometric contraction has no effect on voluntary movement and requires no dramatic adaptation in postural control.

Adult↗

PubMed2005

A comparison of inspiratory muscle fatigue following maximal exercise in moderately trained males and females.

Exercise-induced inspiratory muscle fatigue (IMF) has been reported in males but there are few reports of IMF in females. It is not known if a gender difference exists for inspiratory muscle strength following heavy exercise, as is reported in locomotor muscles. Therefore, the relationship between fatigue and subsequent recovery of maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP) following exercise to maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max) was examined in a group of moderately trained males and females. Eighteen males (23+/-3 years; mean +/- SD) and 16 females (23+/-2 years) completed ten MIP and ten maximal handgrip (HG) strength maneuvers to establish baseline. Post-exercise MIP and HG were assessed successively immediately following a progressive intensity VO2max test on a cycle ergometer and at 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 10, and 15 min. VO2max, relative to fat-free mass was not statistically different between males (62+/-7 ml kg(-1) min(-1)) and females (60+/-8 ml kg(-1) min(-1)). Males had higher absolute MIP values than females at all time intervals (P<0.05). Immediately following exercise, MIP was significantly reduced in both genders (M=83+/-16%; F=78+/-15% of baseline) but HG values were not different than resting values. MIP values remained depressed for both males and females throughout the 15 min (P<0.05). Differences for MIP between males and females were not statistically significant at any measurement time (P>0.05). The findings in this study conclude that IMF, observed immediately following maximal exercise, demonstrated the same pattern of recovery for both genders.

Adult↗

PubMed2006

Supraspinal fatigue does not explain the sex difference in muscle fatigue of maximal contractions.

Young women are less fatigable than young men for maximal and submaximal contractions, but the contribution of supraspinal fatigue to the sex difference is not known. This study used cortical stimulation to compare the magnitude of supraspinal fatigue during sustained isometric maximal voluntary contractions (MVCs) performed with the elbow flexor muscles of young men and women. Eight women (25.6 +/- 3.6 yr, mean +/- SD) and 9 men (25.4 +/- 3.8 yr) performed six sustained MVCs (22-s duration each, separated by 10 s). Before the fatiguing contractions, the men were stronger than the women (75.9 +/- 9.2 vs. 42.7 +/- 8.0 N.m; P < 0.05) in control MVCs. Voluntary activation measured with cortical stimulation before fatigue was similar for the men and women during the final control MVC (95.7 +/- 3.0 vs. 93.3 +/- 3.6%; P > 0.05) and at the start of the fatiguing task (P > 0.05). By the end of the six sustained fatiguing MVCs, the men exhibited greater absolute and relative reductions in torque (65 +/- 3% of initial MVC) than the women (52 +/- 9%; P < 0.05). The increments in torque (superimposed twitch) generated by motor cortex stimulation during each 22-s maximal effort increased with fatigue (P < 0.05). Superimposed twitches were similar for men and women throughout the fatiguing task (5.5 +/- 4.1 vs. 7.3 +/- 4.7%; P > 0.05), as well as in the last sustained contraction (7.8 +/- 5.9 vs. 10.5 +/- 5.5%) and in brief recovery MVCs. Voluntary activation determined using an estimated control twitch was similar for the men and women at the start of the sustained maximal contractions (91.4 +/- 7.4 vs. 90.4 +/- 6.8%, n = 13) and end of the sixth contraction (77.2 +/- 13.3% vs. 73.1 +/- 19.6%, n = 10). The increase in the area of the motor-evoked potential and duration of the silent period did not differ for men and women during the fatiguing task. However, estimated resting twitch amplitude and the peak rates of muscle relaxation showed greater relative reductions at the end of the fatiguing task for the men than the women. These results indicate that the sex difference in fatigue of the elbow flexor muscles is not explained by a difference in supraspinal fatigue in men and women but is largely due to a sex difference of mechanisms located within the elbow flexor muscles.

Adult↗

PubMed2004

Intra-rater reliability of electromyographic recordings and subjective evaluation of neck muscle fatigue among helicopter pilots.

UNLABELLED: The aim was to evaluate the reliability of a method of measuring neck muscle fatigue among helicopter pilots. METHOD: Surface EMG from three areas in the neck region, bilaterally, was recorded among 10 male helicopter pilots while they were performing isometric contractions in flexion and extension for 45 s, sustaining a force representing 75% of maximum strength in a seated position. Perceived fatigue was rated using the Borg CR-10 scale. The test was repeated twice the first day and then two additional times with one-week intervals. Variables analyzed were the slope of the median frequency change, the normalized slope, and the ratings after 15, 30 and 45 s; and also the initial median frequency (IMDF). The intra-class correlation (ICC) and the measurement error (S(w)), intra- and inter-day were calculated statistically. RESULTS: The best reliability for the slope was found for the 45 s intra-day analysis taking all measurements into account (ICC 0.65-0.83). The reliability after 30 s was poorer but still acceptable (ICC 0.52-0.71). For the subjective ratings, the highest reliability was found after 30 s inter-day (ICC 0.86-0.88). IMDF showed generally high reliability for the intra-day analyses (ICC 0.63-0.80). CONCLUSION: The method is reliable for use in further research. Since performing a contraction of 75% of maximum was quite strenuous, we recommend that the protocol be shortened to 30 s.

Adult↗

PubMed2000

Effect of resistance training on muscle fatigue and recovery in intact rats.

PURPOSE: To examine the effect of resistance training on muscle fatigue from intermittent contractions and subsequent recovery in intact rats. METHODS: By using electrical stimulation, plantar flexor muscles were trained with eccentric and concentric contractions (5 x 10 repetitions, 5 d x wk(-1) for 6 wk) during ankle rotations. By using nerve stimulation, concentric contractions (40) imposed on isometric contractions (stimulation time, 1.9 s; rest period, 13.6 s; intermittent contractions) induced fatigue. During recovery, equivalent contractions were used every 5 min for 30 min. RESULTS: Training increased isometric forces (19% and 23% at ankle positions of 1.57 and 0.70 rad), but muscle weights were not changed. After training, smaller declines in isometric (control, 68.9+/-1.4%; trained, 58.8+/-2.9%) and average concentric force (control, 71.6+/-0.7%; trained, 65.5+/-2.8%) occurred from fatigue. Recovery for 5 min returned isometric and average concentric force to 61.7+/-2.2% and 65.1+/-2.5% of initial values for controls and 76.9+/-2.2% and 77.1+/-2.2% after training. After recovery for 30 min, these forces were 87.6+/-0.7% and 89.2+/-1.1% of initial values for controls and recovered almost completely (94.2+/-1.3% and 94.6+/-1.6%) in trained muscles. During fatigue, the decline in force during successive concentric contractions was larger after training (from 19.7+/-1.1% to 50.1+/-2.0%; controls, from 19.9+/-2.0% to 41.7+/-1.4%). Recovery of this decline in force was training-independent and complete within 5 min. CONCLUSIONS: Rat plantar flexor muscles adapt to 6 wk of 5 d x wk(-1) resistance training with: 1) increased isometric force, 2) smaller losses in isometric and average concentric force during fatigue, 3) larger force decline during concentric contractions during fatigue, and 4) improved recovery following fatigue. Different mechanisms might account for the recovery of the average concentric force and the decline in force during concentric contractions.

Animals↗

PubMed1987

Electromyographic evaluation of back muscle fatigue with repeated sustained contractions of different strengths.

The aim of the study was to obtain information on changes in surface electromyograms from the lumbar erector spinae muscles during fatiguing isometric contractions. Four male subjects held different target extension forces to fatique in a prone position under carefully controlled biomechanical conditions. Standard deviations of the distribution of EMG amplitudes (RMS values), autoregressive (AR) time series models of the 15th order and spectral densities were computed. At lower force levels, i.e., at about 50 to 100 Nm or 20-40% of estimated maximum voluntary contraction force (MVC), RMS values significantly decreased over time; at the highest level examined (on average 162 Nm), they increased. Over all force levels, the explained variances of AR models increased and mean power frequencies (MPF) decreased with increasing force. The first and second AR coefficients also exhibited significant changes, depending on both contraction time and strength. The AR time series structure of EMGs during short isometric test contractions at the lowest force level within 30 s after the failure point clearly indicated muscle fatigue and some differences remained in their dependence on the preceding force. The results suggest a concept of 'selective fatigue', and provide a basis for refined electromyographic evaluation of back muscle fatigue. Such an evaluation has to consider the force history preceding the failure point, or serious errors become unavoidable. The increase in RMS values does not constitute a criterion of back muscle fatigue at low force levels. AR time series models are recommended for the description of fatigue-induced electromyographic changes.

Adult↗

PubMed2006

Effects of arterial oxygen content on peripheral locomotor muscle fatigue.

The effect of arterial O2 content (Ca(O2)) on quadriceps fatigue was assessed in healthy, trained male athletes. On separate days, eight participants completed three constant-workload trials on a bicycle ergometer at fixed workloads (314 +/- 13 W). The first trial was performed while the subjects breathed a hypoxic gas mixture [inspired O2 fraction (Fi(O2)) = 0.15, Hb saturation = 81.6%, Ca(O2) = 18.2 ml O2/dl blood; Hypo] until exhaustion (4.5 +/- 0.4 min). The remaining two trials were randomized and time matched with Hypo. The second and third trials were performed while the subjects breathed a normoxic (Fi(O2) = 0.21, Hb saturation = 95.0%, Ca(O2) = 21.3 ml O2/dl blood; Norm) and a hyperoxic (Fi(O2) = 1.0, Hb saturation = 100%, Ca(O2) = 23.8 ml O2/dl blood; Hyper) gas mixture, respectively. Quadriceps muscle fatigue was assessed via magnetic femoral nerve stimulation (1-100 Hz) before and 2.5 min after exercise. Myoelectrical activity of the vastus lateralis was obtained from surface electrodes throughout exercise. Immediately after exercise, the mean force response across 1-100 Hz decreased from preexercise values (P < 0.01) by -26 +/- 2, -17 +/- 2, and -13 +/- 2% for Hypo, Norm, and Hyper, respectively; each of the decrements differed significantly (P < 0.05). Integrated electromyogram increased significantly throughout exercise (P < 0.01) by 23 +/- 3, 10 +/- 1, and 6 +/- 1% for Hypo, Norm, and Hyper, respectively; each of the increments differed significantly (P < 0.05). Mean power frequency fell more (P < 0.05) during Hypo (-15 +/- 2%); the difference between Norm (-7 +/- 1%) and Hyper (-6 +/- 1%) was not significant (P = 0.32). We conclude that deltaCa(O2) during strenuous systemic exercise at equal workloads and durations affects the rate of locomotor muscle fatigue development.

Adult↗

PubMed1996

[Detection of muscle fatigue with electromyography].

During fatiguing contractions of muscles typical changes in the surface electromyogram (EMG) are found, like an increase in the EMG amplitude and a shift of the frequency spectrum towards lower values. Such changes can be used to indicate the occurrence of muscular fatigue. It has to be considered that EMG changes not only depend on muscular fatigue but also on the contraction force of the muscle under test. Suitable methods are shown which can, according to this condition, be applied for the determination of muscular fatigue occurring during occupational work.

Electromyography↗

PubMed1994

Characteristics of muscle fatigue in patients with myofascial pain-dysfunction syndrome.

The purpose of this study was to compare the properties of muscle fatigue in the masseter and temporalis muscles of normal individuals and those with myofascial pain-dysfunction syndrome (MPD). The MPD muscle is presumed to have different characteristics of fatigue than its healthy counterpart; these characteristics can be quantitated using standard electromyogram (EMG) signal-processing techniques. A total of 18 patients diagnosed as having MPD comprised the experimental group and 15 adults with no history or present symptoms of temporomandibular joint pain and dysfunction served as controls. Surface EMG recordings were made for both the masseter and anterior temporalis muscles while the subject held an incisal bite force level of 10 N for as long as possible. The EMG data were transferred to a microcomputer where the power-density spectrum of the signals were calculated for 2-s samples at 10-s intervals. The mean power frequency (MPF) and power (root mean square, r.m.s.) of the signals were calculated from the power-density spectra. Results showed: (1) the endurance times were significantly shorter for the MPD patients; (2) the masseter was not active in three of 17 MPD patients; (3) decreases in MPF over time were significantly greater for the MPD patients than normal subjects; (4) increases in r.m.s. power were significantly greater over time for the MPD patients; (5) bandwidths of the power-density spectra were similar for the two groups. The implication of these results is the MPD muscle is not in a state of constant fatigue, as is currently believed, but rather demonstrates accelerated fatigue.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2004

The effects of rest interval length and training on quadriceps femoris muscle. Part I: knee extensor torque and muscle fatigue.

AIM: The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of rest interval on quadriceps femoris (QF) muscle strength and fatigue during short-term, high-intensity training. METHODS: Fifteen healthy males were assessed for isokinetic QF strength, via peak torque (PT), work (WK) and power (PW), at a pre-set angular velocity of 180 deg x s(-1). Quadriceps femoris muscle fatigue was evaluated as the decline in isokinetic work and power (slope) across 30 maximal concentric contractions. Subjects were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 groups: Group 1 (short rest interval), Group 2 (long rest interval), and Group 3 (control-no training). Subjects in Group 1 received a rest period of 40 s in between exercise sets corresponding to a 2:1 rest:work ratio. Subjects in Group 2 received a rest period of 160 s corresponding to an 8:1 rest:work ratio. Groups 1 and 2 performed isokinetic knee extension contractions at 180 deg x s(-1) 2 days per week for 6 weeks. RESULTS: The results demonstrated a significant increase in QF muscle PT across the 6 week training period in the long rest interval group, and no significant changes in the short rest interval and control groups. Quadriceps femoris muscle work and power were observed to not change significantly across the training period in all 3 groups. The reduction in QF muscle work across the single set of 30 repetitions was observed to decrease significantly in the control group across the 6 week duration; no other significant changes in QF muscle fatigue for work and power were observed. CONCLUSION: The major findings of this study suggests that the possibility of different physiological mechanisms of adaptation exist for QF muscle peak torque, work and power, while changes in muscle fatigue resistance may be present when assessed across multiple, rather than a single, bouts of activity.

Adaptation, Physiological↗

PubMed2003

Forceplate and accelerometer measures for evaluating the effect of muscle fatigue on postural control during one-legged stance.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The control of balance is vital in many sporting activities as well as in activities of daily life. In order to treat deficiencies properly valid and reliable methods are needed to evaluate different aspects of stability. Muscle fatigue has been proposed to cause a change in postural control strategy, and the use of different tools and variables might therefore elucidate these changes. The aims of the present study were: to investigate if forceplate and accelerometer measurements about postural control during one-legged stance indicate changes in postural control strategy after fatiguing exercise; and to investigate the correlation between forceplate and accelerometer measurements obtained before and after fatiguing exercise. METHOD: The study used an experimental design. Twenty-three healthy women (mean age 26.8 years; range 20-34 years) were studied. Forceplate and accelerometer data were obtained simultaneously and consisted of measures of centre of pressure movements and horizontal trunk acceleration in medio-lateral and antero-posterior directions. The calf muscles of the right leg were fatigued by repeated heel rises. RESULTS: The average amplitude of centre of pressure movements and trunk acceleration increased, whereas the average velocity of centre of pressure movements decreased during fatigue. These changes indicate a change of movement strategy. Moderate correlation between trunk acceleration and centre of pressure movements was seen, confirming the link between the variables, but indicating that different aspects of the ability to control balance were measured. CONCLUSIONS: Calf muscle fatigue has a short-lasting effect on body balance, with measurements indicating a change in postural control strategy. Different tools and variables are needed to identify different balance control strategies. The procedures used in the present study may be modified to identify subjects with inadequate capacity to choose between balance control strategies; they are also applicable in clinical settings outside a laboratory environment.

Acceleration↗

PubMed1991

Dihydropyridine effects on skeletal muscle fatigue.

1. The purpose of this investigation was to determine if alterations in extracellular calcium (Ca2+) influx by the dihydropyridine derivatives Bay K 8644 and nifedipine affected skeletal muscle fatigue. 2. Tetanic contractions (80 Hz, 100 msec) of frog sartorius muscles were evoked every sec for 3 min. Muscles were fatigued in normal Ringer's solution (NR), in NR containing 1 microM nifedipine of 10 microM Bay K 8644 or in low Ca2+ Ringer's. 3. In each case, the experimental conditions increased the rate and magnitude of fatigue. Rate constants of fatigue obtained during Bay K 8644, nifedipine and low Ca2+ conditions (-.0122 +/- .0016, -.0397 +/- 0022 and 0.0169 +/- .0064 sec-1, respectively) were significantly greater than NR (-.0104 +/- .0006 sec-1, p less than .05). In addition, tetanic forces developed at the end of the stimulation period under the experimental conditions (3.90 +/- 0.81, 1.21 +/- 1.40 and 2.04 +/- 1.10% of initial) were significantly less than NR (7.18 +/- 1.27%, p less than .05). 4. Caffeine contracture forces (10 mM) evoked immediately after stimulation were not significantly different between conditions. 5. These results suggest that alterations in sarcolemmal Ca2+ exchange has some influence on the fatigue process.

3-Pyridinecarboxylic acid, 1,4-dihydro-2,6-dimethy↗

PubMed1991

Intermittent isometric activity: its effect on muscle fatigue in postpolio subjects.

Symptomatic postpolio patients report improved function when they pace their activities, but this has never been objectively assessed. The purpose of this study was to determine whether seven symptomatic postpolio subjects would (1) have less evidence of local muscle fatigue and recover strength more readily when they pace their activity (via work-rest intervals) than when they work at a constant rate to exhaustion, and (2) be able to perform more work with less fatigue by pacing. Subjects were evaluated on three separate days with at least one week between tests. On the first test day (constant exercise), isometric peak torque (MVC) of the quadriceps was determined and an isometric endurance test was performed to exhaustion at 40% of MVC. Thirty seconds after exhaustion the subject performed an MVC. One psychophysiologic and two electrophysiologic variables associated with fatigue were measured during the testing procedure. Work capacity (TTI) was determined as torque x time. In test 2 (quartile exercise), the same TTI was performed at 40% of MVC, but in this instance the work was performed in quartiles with two-minute rest breaks between work quartiles rather than continuously to exhaustion. In test 3 (interval exercise), exercise was performed at 40% of MVC in 20-second bouts with two-minute rest breaks until rating of perceived exertion exceeded 17 (very hard), or until six-minutes of work were performed. Analyses demonstrated that both work-rest interval programs resulted in less evidence of local muscle fatigue, increased capacity to perform work, and increased ability to recover strength after activity in symptomatic postpolio patients.

Adult↗

PubMed2001

Monitoring of muscle fatigue during isokinetic exercise.

The aim of this study was to evaluate and clarify the usefulness of different spectral characteristics of myoelectrical activity in the follow-up of development of muscle fatigue. Vastus lateralis (part of quadriceps) muscle loaded in a simple isokinetic exertion test was used as a model. Twelve, well trained athletes served as study subjective to minimize the inter-individual variations. They went through one-minute test with isokinetic device at the range of 90 degrees extension and flexion at the level of their maximal force. The myoelectrical signals were registered from middle of the vastus lateralis muscle by a computerized fast Fourier transform analyzing system based on 80286 and 80287 microprocessors and using surface electrodes. Mean power frequency (MPF) was 65.6 (SE=Standard Error, 1.6) Hz, median frequency (MF) 55.8 Hz and zero crossing rate (ZCR) 92.5 (SE 1.5) during first performance. All these parameters decreased apparently linearly and significantly from the beginning of the test (P<0.001). The decrease rate of ZCR was fastest and MF slowest. The area of power spectrum (PSA) was 1753 (SE 320) units during first performance, and it increased markedly with slightly accelerating rate during the test. In conclusion, for the evaluation of the muscular performance during the development of fatigue it is beneficial to monitor simultaneously MPF, MF and ZCR.

Adult↗