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Variability of cardiovascular and plasma noradrenaline responses to sustained isometric contraction in normal human subjects.

1. Eight healthy adult males underwent three sustained isometric contractions at 30% of maximal voluntary contraction for 3 min, within a 9 day period. 2. The study focuses on the inter-individual and day-to-day intra-individual variability of cardiovascular and plasma noradrenaline responses to sustained isometric contraction. 3. The results of this study indicate that inter-individual variability is generally greater than intra-individual variability. Diastolic blood pressure was the most sensitive as well as the least variable cardiovascular parameter measured. 4. The variability of plasma noradrenaline levels in both the basal and the stimulated state was high. The present study suggests that it is preferable to determine the 'true' noradrenaline peak after the release of handgrip, as this is associated with a lower variability than the plasma noradrenaline peak taken at the time of the release of handgrip.

Adult↗

Muscle afferent inputs to cardiovascular control during isometric exercise vary with muscle group in patients with chronic heart failure.

It is not known whether the contribution of the muscle metaboreflex to the cardiovascular response to isometric exercise varies between different muscles in patients with CHF (chronic heart failure) or whether this depends upon muscle fibre type and training status. To resolve these issues BP (blood pressure) and HR (heart rate) responses were recorded in seven stable CHF patients (ejection fraction 30-40%; age 67+/-3 years) and in six healthy AMA (age-matched active) subjects. The experimental protocol consisted of 2 min of ischaemic isometric exercise at 30% maximum voluntary force, performed in separate trials by the calf plantar flexors (CALF) and handgrip muscles (FOREARM). To isolate the muscle metaboreflex a subsequent period of PECO (post-exercise circulatory occlusion) was performed following exercise. FOREARM and CALF produced similar increases in BP in both the AMA subjects and CHF patients. CHF patients elicited a significantly lower diastolic BP during PECO following CALF in comparison with that following FOREARM (5+/-5 compared with 12+/-3 mmHg respectively). A similar result was seen in AMA subjects. It may be that even the limited weight-bearing locomotor role of the calf muscles constitutes a conditioning stimulus in CHF patients, which leads to desensitization of the muscle metaboreflex, thus producing an attenuated BP elevation. We conclude that it would be incorrect to make general statements about muscle chemoreflex inputs to cardiovascular control in CHF patients based upon measurements made on only one muscle group and without reference to muscle fibre type and training status.

Aged↗

Human arterial responses to isometric exercise: the role of the muscle metaboreflex.

The effects of exercise on the distensibility of large and medium-sized arteries are poorly understood, but can be attributed to a combination of local vasodilator effects of exercise opposed by sympathetic vasoconstrictor tone. We sought to examine this relationship at the conduit artery level, with particular reference to the role of the sympatho-excitatory muscle metaboreflex. The effect of maintained muscle metaboreflex activation on a previously passive or exercised limb femoral artery was investigated. A total of ten healthy volunteers performed 2 min of isometric ankle plantar-flexion at 40% MVC (maximal voluntary force), in conjunction with 2 min of either non-ischaemic isometric HG (handgrip; control condition) or IHG (ischaemic HG) at 40% MVC. IHG was followed by 2 min of PECO (post-exercise circulatory occlusion) to maintain muscle metaboreflex activation. FTPWV [femoral-tibial PWV (pulse wave velocity)] was measured in the exercised or contralateral limb at baseline and immediately following calf exercise. BP (blood pressure) and HR (heart rate) were measured continuously throughout. In the HG condition, BP and HR returned promptly to baseline post-exercise, whereas exercised leg FTPWV was decreased (less stiff) by 0.6 m/s (P<0.05) and the non-exercised leg PWV was not changed from baseline. PECO caused a sustained increase in BP, but not HR, in the IHG condition. Contralateral leg PWV increased (stiffened) during PECO by 0.9 m/s (P<0.05), whereas exercised limb FTPWV was not changed from baseline. In conclusion, muscle metaboreflex activation causes a systemic stiffening of the arterial tree, which can overcome local exercise-induced decreases in arterial PWV.

Adult↗

Effects of strength and endurance training on isometric muscle strength and walking speed in elderly women.

The separate effects of 18 weeks of intensive strength and endurance training on isometric knee extension (KE) and flexion (KF) strength and walking speed were studied in 76- to 78- year-old women. Maximal voluntary isometric force for both KE and KF was measured in a sitting position on a custom-made dynamometer chair at a knee angle of 60 degrees from full extension. Maximal walking speed was measured over a distance of 10 m. The endurance-trained women increased KE torque and KE torque/body mass after the first 9 weeks of training when compared with the controls. when comparing the baseline, 9 week and 18 week measurements within the groups separately, both the endurance- and strength-training groups increased KE torque, KE torque/body mass and walking speed. Individual changes in KE torque/body mass before and after 18 weeks of training averaged 19.1% in the strength group, 30.9% in the endurance group and 2.0% in the controls. This study indicates that in elderly women the effects of physical training on muscle strength and walking speed occur after endurance as well as strength training. The considerable interindividual variation in change of muscle performance is also worth noticing.

Aged↗

Is post-tetanic potentiation, low frequency fatigue (LFF) and pre-contractile depression (PCD) coexistent in intermittent isometric exercises of maximal intensity?

The aim of our experiment was to test the hypothesis that the performance of maximal isometric exercise every 20 s would reduce the intermediate frequency force, i.e. the force that appears while stimulating the muscle at 15 and 20 Hz, and would produce less decrease the force at 10 and 50 Hz, while Pt would increase. Such changes in stimulated force should demonstrate the coexistence of potentiation, low frequency fatigue (LFF) and 'post-contractile depression' (PCD). The quadriceps muscle of 14 healthy men (aged 19-37 years) was studied. The results have shown, that during isometric exercise of maximal intensity there was significant (P < 0.05) decrease in P15 and P20, increase in Pt, however, MVC and P10 and P50 was unchanged (P > 0.05). LFF manifested itself most significantly which is evident from decrease in P20/P50. During recovery after work there was significant increase in LFF and decrease in P50 which is indicative of the manifestation of PCD. Besides, there was significant (P < 0.05) decrease immediately after exercise in RTP20 and RTP50, while no changes in T50 and RT. There were no significant changes (P > 0.05) however, either in RTP20 and RTP50 or in T50 and RT 20 min after exercise if compared to the initial and immediately post-exercise values.

Adult↗

Mechanisms underlying the reduction of isometric force in skeletal muscle fatigue.

A decline of isometric force production is one characteristic of skeletal muscle fatigue. In fatigue produced by repeated short tetani, this force decline can be divided into two components: a reduction of the cross-bridges' ability to generate force, which comes early; and a reduction of the sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ release, which develops late in fatigue. Acidification due to lactic acid accumulation has been considered as an important cause of the reduced cross-bridge force production. However, in mammalian muscle it has been shown that acidification has little effect on isometric force production at physiological temperatures. By exclusion, in mammalian muscle fatigue, the reduction of force due to impaired cross-bridge function would be caused by accumulation of inorganic phosphate ions, which results from phosphocreatine breakdown. The reduction of sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ release in late fatigue correlates with a decline of ATP and we speculate that the reduced Ca2+ release is caused by a local increase of the ADP/ATP ratio in the triads.

Animals↗

The relationship between dentofacial morphology and the isometric jaw-opening and closing muscle function as evaluated by electromyography.

The purpose of this study was to clarify the relationship between the dentofacial morphology and masticatory muscle function in both isometric jaw-opening and closing. The subjects consisted of 26 male adults without masticatory dysfunction. Electromyograms were obtained from the digastric and masseter muscles to evaluate their muscle activities. The sum energy, median frequency, and equilibrium index were calculated as parameters of the muscle activity. A correlation analysis was performed between the parameters for the muscle activity and the dentofacial morphology on lateral roentgenographic cephalograms. The sum energy in the jaw-closing muscle showed a significant relationship with the gonial angle, mandibular length, and facial height, but not in the jaw-opening muscle. A median frequency in the jaw-opening muscle showed a significant relationship with size and position of the mandible, and also that in the jaw-closing muscle with the mandibular plane angle, facial height, and mandibular body length. Furthermore, the equilibrium index of the median frequency was related to the facial height, mandibular length, and inclination of the mandibular incisor. In conclusion, the dentofacial morphology was found to be closely related to the muscle activity not only of the jaw-closing muscle but also of the jaw-opening muscle during isometric muscle contraction.

Adult↗

The effects of isometric exercise on maximum voluntary bite forces and jaw muscle strength and endurance.

The effects of training and exercise on the strength and endurance of limb muscles has been investigated extensively, but the response of the jaw muscles to exercise remains poorly known. The purpose of this study was to determine whether short-term isometric training increases strength and endurance of the superficial masseter and anterior temporalis muscles. Maximum and submaximum voluntary bite forces and corresponding electromyographic (EMG) activity were measured in 28 young adults, randomly divided into exercise and non-exercise (control) groups. Subjects in the exercise group performed isometric clenches against a soft maxillary splint for five 1-min sessions per day over a 6-week period. After exercise, subjects increased their maximum bite forces by 37%, but control subjects' bite forces also increased by 25%. After exercise, EMG levels per unit of bite force generally decreased, but similar decreases were also seen in the non-exercised controls. Masseter muscle activity levels during standardized 10-kg bites decreased after 6 weeks of exercise. Fatigue resistance increased significantly with exercise but did not differ significantly from control values after 6 weeks of exercise. The results of this study indicate that increases in maximum bite force can be easily produced with training, but that actual strengthening of the jaw muscles is more difficult to achieve.

Adult↗

Effect of fatigue on torque output and electromyographic measures of trunk muscles during isometric axial rotation.

OBJECTIVES: To examine the changes in torque output resulting from fatigue, as well as changes in electromyographic measures of trunk muscles during isometric axial rotation and to compare these changes between directions of axial rotation. DESIGN: Subjects performed fatiguing right and left isometric axial rotation of the trunk at 80% of maximum voluntary contraction while standing upright. SETTING: A rehabilitation center. PARTICIPANTS: Twenty-three men with no history of back pain. INTERVENTIONS: Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Surface electromyographic signals were recorded from 6 trunk muscles bilaterally. The primary torque in the transverse plane and the coupling torques in sagittal and coronal planes were also measured. RESULTS: During the fatiguing axial rotation contraction, coupling torques of both sagittal and coronal planes were slightly decreased and no difference was found between directions of axial rotation. Decreasing median frequency and an increase in electromyographic amplitude were also found in trunk muscles with different degrees of changes in individual muscles. There were significant differences (P<.05) between right and left axial rotation exertions in median frequency slope of external oblique, internal oblique, latissimus dorsi, and iliocostalis lumborum muscles, but no such difference was found in median frequency slope of rectus abdominis and multifidus muscles. This could be attributed to different functional roles among the muscles. Similar differences (P<.05) between right and left axial rotation in median frequency slope were also detected in the electromyographic amplitude slope of the trunk muscles. Coefficient of variation of the torque output and electromyographic activation in most of the trunk muscles increased during the fatigue process. CONCLUSION: The changing coupling torque, different fatigue rate, and activation changes of trunk muscles, as well as the increase in variability during fatiguing axial rotation exertion, could affect the internal loading and stability of the spine; this needs to be further quantified in future studies.

Abdominal Muscles↗

Maximal voluntary eccentric, isometric and concentric torque recovery following a concentric isokinetic exercise.

To examine neuromuscular fatigue and recovery following an isokinetic fatiguing exercise, nine active females performed a fatiguing exercise comprising of ten sets of ten maximal concentric knee extensions. Before (pre-test), five minutes (post-test), 24 h and 48 h after the fatiguing exercise, maximal voluntary eccentric (-1.05 rad x s(-1); -2.09 rad x s(-1)), isometric (0 rad x s(-1)) and concentric (1.05 rad x s(-1); 2.09 rad x s(-1)) torque were measured. In order to distinguish central from peripheral factors involved in torque decrement, activation level (twitch interpolation technique) and twitch contractile properties were recorded. During the course of the fatiguing exercise, concentric torque was significantly lower during the 3rd set than pre-test (-5.6 +/- 12.3 %) and further decreased to the 10th (-10.3 +/- 9.5 %). Eccentric and isometric torques were significantly lower during post-test than pre-test (-16.8 +/- 8.8 % at -2.09 rad x s(-1), -15.1 +/- 7.4 % at -1.05 rad x s(-1), and -10.4 +/- 5.9 % at 0 rad x s(-1); p < 0.05), while concentric torque was not significantly modified. Voluntary activation, peak twitch torque, twitch maximal rates of force development and relaxation were also significantly declined (p < 0.05) at post-test. Twenty-four hours later, all the measured parameters were close to their pre-fatigue values. The present results reveal that the best way to test concentric-induced alteration of neuromuscular function was to use stressful testing conditions, such as eccentric contractions.

Adult↗

The effects of a sensorimotor training and a strength training on postural stabilisation, maximum isometric contraction and jump performance.

Previous studies revealed that adaptations following sensorimotor training, performed to improve functional joint or postural stability, were characterized by improvements in the rate of force development during maximum voluntary isometric contraction. In classical strength training studies using intense loads it has been shown that improvements in rate of force development is mainly due to adaptations in the intramuscular coordination. The purpose of the present study was to compare possible neuromuscular adaptations in two training groups following either sensorimotor or classical strength training over a period of four weeks. Additionally a control group was investigated to contrast the adaptations seen after training. Postural stability, maximum voluntary isometric contraction and performance in squat-jump and in drop-jump were measured before and after training. The results confirmed the positive effects of both training regimen on rate of force development and on maximum strength during maximum voluntary contraction as well as on jump performance, while only the improvements after the strength training were significant. Strength training reduced iMEG, while it was enhanced after sensorimotor training in most testing situations. Strength training had positive effects also on concentric contractions like squat-jump. The sensorimotor training improved performance in reactive drop-jump by enhanced neuromuscular activity immediately after ground contact. It is concluded that classical strength training with high loads basically improves the mechanical efficiency of the efferent drive on the motoneurons, whereas sensorimotor training alters the afferent input on the central nervous system. Both adaptations yield to specific effects during force development.

Adult↗

Cardiovascular response during upright isometric dead lift in young, older, and elderly healthy men.

Isometric exercises raise the mean arterial blood pressure and impose serious stress on left ventricular function. It may be more dangerous for older than for younger people. The effect of aging on blood pressure response was studied in 75 subjects, 25 normal young men aged 25 +/- 4 years, 25 older men aged 51 +/- 3.2 years, and 25 elderly men aged 68 +/- 4 years, during upright isometric dead lift at 30% maximal voluntary effort for 3 min. The heart rate, systolic blood pressure, and diastolic blood pressure were measured during the 3rd min of dead lift contraction. Tension exerted was significantly lower in the older group (33 +/- 4 kg) and lowest in the elderly group (26.9 +/- 6 kg) compared with the young group (43 +/- 8 kg). All groups showed similar and significant increases in heart rate, systolic and diastolic blood pressure during dead lift (p less than 0.01). These data indicate a similar pattern of blood pressure response to acute pressure overload in young, older, and elderly normal men.

Adult↗

[Analysis of isokinetic and isometric muscle function after arthroscopic anterior cruciate ligament repair].

Following anterior cruciate ligament replacement plasty performed via arthroscopy, isokinetic and isometric power data were measured at the beginning and end of a sports therapy treatment course. Evaluation yielded surprising results that were partly contradictory to those communicated in current literature. Besides the dependence of force values on preset velocities of motion in dynamic measurements (isokinetics) or in static measurements (isometrics), markedly lower losses of power than expected were measured in the involved extremity on repeated power application. Possible reasons are discussed on the basis of specific innervation criteria and polymodal reflexes. We assume that muscle potential is not yet fully available after surgical intervention, due to reflexive modulations of power realisation, so that the joint and especially the anterior cruciate ligament are thus protected from damage.

Adult↗

Hemodynamic effects of isometric exercise in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: comparison with normal subjects.

BACKGROUND: We assessed the hemodynamic effects of isometric exercise by an ambulatory radionuclide monitoring device (VEST) that measured left ventricular function in patients who had hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), with and without significant left ventricular outflow-tract obstruction at rest, compared with control subjects. METHODS AND RESULTS: We studied 10 patients with obstructive HCM, 25 patients with nonobstructive HCM, and 11 control subjects. During VEST monitoring, all patients gripped a dynamometer at 75% of maximal strength for up to 5 minutes. End-diastolic, end-systolic, and stroke volumes; cardiac output; and systemic vascular resistance were expressed as a percentage of baseline. The mean exercise duration was similar among the 3 groups. During handgrip, heart rate, systolic blood pressure, and cardiac output increased significantly and similarly in the 3 groups. There was a significant difference in the lung activity between obstructive and nonobstructive HCM patients and control subjects (P <.001), with a fall in control subjects and no change in HCM patients, irrespective of obstruction. Control subjects showed a decrease in end-systolic volume (P =.02) and an increase in ejection fraction (P =.003) and stroke volume (P =.009), whereas these parameters did not change in HCM patients, irrespective of obstruction. Systemic vascular resistance increased in obstructive (P =.02) and nonobstructive (P <.01) HCM patients but did not change in control subjects. CONCLUSIONS: Isometric exercise causes an abnormal and similar adaptation to load changes in obstructive and nonobstructive HCM patients, as compared with control subjects.

Cardiomyopathy, Hypertrophic↗

Respective effects of anabolic/androgenic steroids and physical exercise on isometric contractile properties of regenerating skeletal muscles in the rat.

We examined the respective effects of anabolic-androgenic steroids and physical exercise on the contractile properties of regenerating fast and slow hindlimb skeletal muscles. Degeneration/regeneration of the left extensor digitorum longus muscles (EDL) and soleus of young Wistar male rats was induced by a snake venom (Notechis scutatus scutatus) injection. During muscle regeneration, experimental rats were either treated with nandrolone (NAN, nortestosterone, im, 2 mg X kg(-1) X week(-1), or endurance exercised on a treadmill (EXE, 60 min x day(-1), 10-40 m X min(-1). Twenty-one days after injury, isometric contractile properties of regenerating muscles were studied in situ. Neither the nandrolone treatment nor the physical exercise program was able to change significantly muscle contraction parameters both in twitch and tetanus in both regenerating EDL and soleus (p > 0.05). However, we observed a greater peak twitch tension in NAN versus grouped control and EXE EDL (p < 0.01). In conclusion, endurance exercise program or anabolic-androgenic steroid (nortestosterone) treatment did not significantly improve isometric contractile properties of regenerating slow and fast muscles in the male young rats.

Anabolic Agents↗

A rat model of progressive isometric strength training.

This study presents an isometric model of strength resistance training in rats. Seven rats were trained for five weeks with increasing load, once a day for six days per week while seven rats served as control group. Mechanical strength of the hindlimb muscle group was measured on anaesthetised rats with a force transducer linked to the Achilles tendon after electrical stimulation of the sciatic nerve. Training resulted in a 74 +/- 2% strength gain in experimental (E) vs control (C) rats and in a reduction of fatigability with no change in gastrocnemius, soleus and extensor digitorum longus weights. The fibres composition of the gastrocnemius showed a 50% increase of IIA fibres and a 17% fall of IIB fibres. Consequently, this new model of isometric training is suitable for physiological studies.

Animals↗

Interfering effects of the task demands of grip force and mental processing on isometric shoulder strength and muscle activity.

The purpose of this study was to examine the interfering effects of physical and mental tasks on shoulder isometric strength in different postures. Fifteen volunteers (seven women, eight men) performed a series of isometric shoulder exertions at 30 degrees , 60 degrees and 90 degrees of both shoulder flexion and abduction alone and with the addition of a 30% grip force, a mental task (Stroop test) and both additional tasks simultaneously. The shoulder tasks were completed either at maximal intensity, or while maintaining a shoulder posture without any additional effort. Surface electromyography (EMG) from seven muscles of the shoulder girdle and shoulder moment were collected for each 6 s shoulder exertion. When normalized to maximum exertion, no differences were found between genders and no differences existed between conditions when subjects maintained each posture without exerted force. In the maximal shoulder exertion trials, an increase in shoulder angle (in either plane) resulted in an increase in EMG in most muscles, while shoulder moment decreased in flexion and remained constant in abduction. Shoulder moments and muscle activation were greatest in the shoulder exertion alone condition followed by adding a 30% grip and the Stroop test, with the addition of both tasks further reducing the exerted shoulder moment and EMG. However, muscle activity did not always decrease with shoulder strength and remained elevated, indicating a complex coactivation pattern produced by an interfering role of the tasks. Overall, it was found that a mental task can have the same or greater effect as a concurrent grip and should be considered when assessing muscular loading in the workplace, as typical biomechanical modelling may underestimate internal loads. The results not only provide valuable shoulder strength data but also practical strength values, depending on additional tasks.

Adult↗

The influence of age on isometric endurance and fatigue is muscle dependent: a study of shoulder abduction and torso extension.

The present study examined differences in isometric muscle capacity between older (55-65 years) and younger (18 - 25 years) individuals. A total of 24 younger and 24 older participants (gender balanced within each group) performed sustained shoulder abductions and torso extensions to exhaustion at 30%, 50% and 70% of individual maximal voluntary contraction (MVC). Along with endurance time, manifestations of localized fatigue were determined based on changes in surface electromyographic signals obtained from the shoulder (middle deltoid) and the torso (multifidus and longissimus thoracis) muscles. Strength recovery was monitored using post-fatigue MVCs over a 15-min period. Compared to the younger group, older individuals exhibited lower muscular strength, longer endurance time and slower development of local fatigue. Age effects on fatigue were typically moderated by effort level, while effects of gender appeared to be marginal. Non-linear relationships between target joint torque and endurance time were observed, with effects of age differing between shoulder abduction and torso extension. Overall, the effects of age on endurance and fatigue were more substantial and more consistent for the shoulder muscle than for the torso muscles and were likely related to differences in muscle fibre type composition. For strength recovery rates, no significant age or gender effects were found in either experiment. In summary, this study suggests that differences in isometric work capacity do exist between older and younger individuals, but that this effect is influenced by effort level and the muscle tested.

Adult↗