Evaluation of musculotendinous stiffness in prepubertal children and adults, taking into account muscle activity.

Musculotendinous (MT) stiffness of the triceps surae (TS) muscle group was quantified in 28 prepubertal children (7-10 yr) by using quick-release movements at different levels of submaximal contractions. Surface electromyograms (EMG) of each part of the TS and of the tibialis anterior were also recorded. A stiffness index, defined as the slope of the angular stiffness-torque relationship (SIMT-Torque), was used to quantify changes in MT stiffness with age. Results showed a significant decrease in SIMT-Torque with age, ranging from 4.02 +/- 0.29 to 2.88 +/- 0.31 rad-1 for the youngest to the oldest children. Because an increase in stiffness with age was expected due to the maturation of elastic tissues, overactivation of the TS was suspected to contribute to the higher SIMT-Torque values found in the youngest children. TS EMG-torque analyses confirmed that neuromuscular efficiency was significantly lower for the 7- or 8-yr-old children compared with 10-yr-old children, notably due to a higher degree of tibialis anterior coactivation found in the youngest children. Thus the stiffness index originally defined as the slope of the angular stiffness-EMG relationship increased significantly with age toward adult values. The results underlined the necessity to take into account the capacities of muscle activation to quantify changes in elastic properties of muscles, when those capacities are suspected to be altered.     

Quadriceps neuromuscular function and self-reported functional ability in knee osteoarthritis

The purposes of this study were to determine 1) the relationships of self-reported function scores in patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA) to both maximal isometric torque and to isotonic power at a variety of loads, and 2) the degree to which muscle volume (MV) or voluntary activation (VA) are associated with torque and power measures in this population. Isometric maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) torque and isotonic power [performed at loads corresponding to 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50% MVC, and a minimal load ("Zero Load")] were measured in 40 participants with knee OA. Functional ability was measured with the Western Ontario and McMaster Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) function subscale. MV was determined with magnetic resonance imaging, and VA was measured with the interpolated twitch technique. In general, power measured at lower loads (Zero Load and 10-30% MVC, r(2) = 0.21-0.28, P < 0.05) predicted a greater proportion of the variance in function than MVC torque (r(2) = 0.18, P < 0.05), with power measured at Zero Load showing the strongest association (r(2) = 0. 28, P < 0.05). MV was the strongest predictor of MVC torque and power measures in multiple regression models (r(2) = 0.42-0.72). VA explained only 6% of the variance in MVC torque and was not significantly associated with power at any load (P > 0.05). Quadriceps MVC torque and power are associated with self-reported function in knee OA, but muscle power at lower loads is more predictive of function than MVC torque. The variance in MVC torque and power between participants is due predominantly to differences in MV and has little to do with deficits in VA.     

Tendon elongation influences the amplitude of interpolated doublets in the assessment of activation in elderly men.

This study investigated the influence of tendon elongation (TE) on postcontraction doublet (PCD) torque in the assessment of activation in the plantar flexors of nine elderly men (EM, age 73.7 +/- 3.6 yr) and nine young men (YM, age 24.7 +/- 4.7 yr). Plantar flexion maximal voluntary contractions (MVC) and activation were assessed at ankle joint angles of -20 degrees (dorsiflexion), 0 degrees , and 20 degrees (plantar flexion). Across the ankle joint angles tested, compared with YM, the EM had a 36-49% lower plantar flexion MVC (P < 0.01), TE was greater by 25-31% (P < 0.01), and electromechanical delay was 65-108% greater (P < 0.01). Activation (PCD torque to interpolated doublet torque) was 15% lower in EM compared with YM at -20 degrees (P < 0.05), but no different at 0 and 20 degrees . In the EM, PCD torque relative to MVC torque was significantly lower at 20 degrees compared with 0 degrees (P < 0.05). Electromechanical delay was positively correlated with TE (R(2) = 0.489, P < 0.01). In conclusion, this investigation demonstrates that, although a negative association exists between TE and PCD torque, the consequence of a greater TE on the estimation of activation in EM is negligible. This is due to a greater influence of ankle joint angle on the occlusion of a superimposed doublet, which counteracts the lesser influence of joint angle on TE and PCD torque. However, a greater TE in EM was found to significantly increase electromechanical delay, which is expected to influence the time needed for postural readjustments.     

Postactivation potentiation in a human muscle: effect on the rate of torque development of tetanic and voluntary isometric contractions.

Postactivation potentiation (PAP), a mechanism by which the torque of a muscle twitch is increased following a conditioning contraction, is well documented in muscular physiology, but little is known about its effect on the maximal rate of torque development and functional significance during voluntary movements. The objective of this study was to investigate the PAP effect on the rate of isometric torque development of electrically induced and voluntary contractions. To that purpose, the electromechanical responses of the thumb adductor muscles to a single electrical stimulus (twitch), a train of 15 pulses at 250 Hz (HFT(250)), and during ballistic (i.e., rapid torque development) voluntary contractions at torque levels ranging from 10 to 75% of maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) were recorded before and after a conditioning 6-s MVC. The results showed that the rate of torque development was significantly (P < 0.001) increased after the conditioning MVC, but the effect was greater for the twitch ( approximately 200%) compared with the HFT(250) ( approximately 17%) or ballistic contractions (range: 9-24%). Although twitch potentiation was maximal immediately after the conditioning MVC, maximal potentiation for HFT(250) and ballistic contractions was delayed to 1 min after the 6-s MVC. Furthermore, the similar degree of potentiation for the rate of isometric torque development between tetanic and voluntary ballistic contractions indicates that PAP is not related to the modality of muscle activation. These observations suggest that PAP may be considered as a mechanism that can influence our contractions during daily tasks and can be utilized to improve muscle performance in explosive sports.     

Torque potentiation and myosin light-chain phosphorylation in human muscle following a fatiguing contraction

Indices of electrically stimulated and maximal voluntary isometric muscle torgue and the phosphate content of myosin phosphorylatable light chains (P light chains) were studied during recovery following a 60-s maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVC) in 21 human subjects. Analysis of muscle biopsy samples revealed that immediately after the 60-s MVC there were significant decreases in ATP (-15%) and phosphocreatine (-82%), and lactate concentration increased by 17-fold. All indices of muscle torque production were reduced by the 60-s MVC, but the twitch torque and torque at 10 Hz were relatively less reduced compared with the torque at 20 and 50 Hz or a 1-s MVC. Between 3 and 6 min of recovery, twitch torque and torque at 10 Hz stimulation were significantly potentiated, reaching peak values of 125 and 134%, respectively, compared with rest. Phosphate content of the fast and two slow P light chains was significantly increased over rest levels immediately after and 4 min after the 60-s MVC. These results suggest that myosin P light-chain phosphorylation could provide a mechanism to increase human muscle torque under conditions of submaximal contractile element activation following fatigue.     

The repeated-bout effect: influence on biceps brachii oxygenation and myoelectrical activity

This study investigated biceps brachii oxygenation and myoelectrical activity during and following maximal eccentric exercise to better understand the repeated-bout effect. Ten men performed two bouts of eccentric exercise (ECC1, ECC2), consisting of 10 sets of 6 maximal lengthening contractions of the elbow flexors separated by 4 wk. Tissue oxygenation index minimum amplitude (TOI(min)), mean and maximum total hemoglobin volume by near-infrared spectroscopy, torque, and surface electromyography root mean square (EMG(RMS)) during exercise were compared between ECC1 and ECC2. Changes in maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVC) torque, range of motion, plasma creatine kinase activity, muscle soreness, TOI(min), and EMG(RMS) during sustained (10-s) and 30-repeated isometric contraction tasks at 30% (same absolute force) and 100% MVC (same relative force) for 4 days postexercise were compared between ECC1 and ECC2. No significant differences between ECC1 and ECC2 were evident for changes in torque, TOI(min), mean total hemoglobin volume, maximum total hemoglobin volume, and EMG(RMS) during exercise. Smaller (P < 0.05) changes and faster recovery of muscle damage markers were evident following ECC2 than ECC1. During 30% MVC tasks, TOI(min) did not change, but EMG(RMS) increased 1-4 days following ECC1 and ECC2. During 100% MVC tasks, EMG(RMS) did not change, but torque and TOI(min) decreased 1-4 days following ECC1 and ECC2. TOI(min) during 100% MVC tasks and EMG(RMS) during 30% MVC tasks recovered faster (P < 0.05) following ECC2 than ECC1. We conclude that the repeated-bout effect cannot be explained by altered muscle activation or metabolic/hemodynamic changes, and the faster recovery in muscle oxygenation and activation was mainly due to faster recovery of force.     

Gender comparisons of mechanomyographic amplitude and mean power frequency versus isometric torque relationships

This study compared the patterns of mechanomyographic (MMG) amplitude and mean power frequency vs. torque relationships in men and women during isometric muscle actions of the biceps brachii. Seven men (mean age 23.9 +/- 3.5 yrs) and 8 women (mean 21.0 +/- 1.3 yrs) performed submaximal to maximal isometric muscle actions of the dominant forearm flexors. Following determination of the isometric maximum voluntary contraction (MVC), they randomly performed submaximal step muscle actions in 10% increments from 10% to 90% MVC. Polynomial regression analyses indicated that the MMG amplitude vs. isometric torque relationship for the men was best fit with a cubic model (R(2) = 0.983),,where MMG amplitude increased slightly from 10% to 20% MVC, increased rapidly from 20% to 80% MVC, and plateaued from 80% to 100% MVC. For the women, MMG amplitude increased linearly (r(2) = 0.949) from 10% to 100% MVC. Linear models also provided the best fit for the MMG mean power frequency vs. isometric torque relationship in both the men (r(2) = 0.813) and women (r(2) = 0.578). The results demonstrated gender differences in the MMG amplitude vs. isometric torque relationship, but similar torque-related patterns for MMG mean power frequency. These findings suggested that the plateau in MMG amplitude at high levels of isometric torque production for the biceps brachii in the men, but not the women, may have been due to greater isometric torque, muscle stiffness, and/or intramuscular fluid pressure in the men, rather than to differences in motor unit activation strategies for modulating isometric torque production.     

Assessment of eccentric exercise-induced muscle damage of the elbow flexors by tensiomyography

Exercise induced muscle damage (EIMD) impairs maximal torque production which can cause a decline in athletic performance and/or mobility. EIMD is commonly assessed by using maximal voluntary contraction (MVC), creatine kinase (CK) and muscle soreness. We propose as an additional technique, tensiomyography (TMG), recently introduced to measure mechanical and muscle contractile characteristics. The purpose of this study was to determine the validity of TMG in detecting changes in maximal torque following EIMD. Nineteen participants performed eccentric elbow flexions to achieve EIMD on the non- dominant arm and used the dominant elbow flexor as a control. TMG parameters, MVC and rate of torque development (RTD) were measured prior to EIMD and repeated for another six consecutive days. Creatine kinase, muscle soreness and limb girth were also measured during this period. Twenty four hours after inducing EIMD, MVC torque, RTD and TMG maximal displacement had significantly (p<0.01) declined by 37%, 44% and 31%, respectively. By day 6 MVC, RTD and TMG recovered to 12%, 24% and 17% of respective pre-EIMD values. In conclusion, as hypothesised TMG maximal displacement significantly followed other standard EIMD responses. This could therefore be useful in detecting muscle damage from impaired muscle function and its recovery following EIMD.     

Validity of the twitch interpolation technique for the assessment of quadriceps neuromuscular asymmetries

This study examined the validity of the twitch interpolation technique for evaluating side-to-side asymmetries in quadriceps neuromuscular function. Fifty-six subjects with a wide range of asymmetries (19 healthy, 24 with unilateral and 13 with bilateral anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction) took part in the study. Supramaximal electrical paired stimuli were delivered to the quadriceps muscle during and immediately after a maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) of the knee extensors (twitch interpolation technique). MVC torque, voluntary activation and resting doublet-evoked torque were measured separately for the two sides, and percent side-to-side asymmetries were calculated for each parameter. MVC torque asymmetry was plotted against voluntary activation asymmetry and doublet-evoked torque asymmetry, and a multiple regression analysis was also conducted. Significant positive correlations were observed between MVC torque asymmetry and both voluntary activation asymmetry (r = 0.40; p = 0.002) and doublet-evoked torque asymmetry (r = 0.53; p < 0.001), and their relative contribution to MVC torque asymmetry was comparable (r = 0.64; p < 0.001). These results establish the validity of the twitch interpolation technique for the assessment of neuromuscular asymmetries. This methodology could provide useful insights into the contribution of some neural and muscular mechanisms that underlie quadriceps strength deficits.     

Adaptations in the activation of human skeletal muscle induced by short-term isometric resistance training.

This study employed longitudinal measures of evoked spinal reflex responses (Hoffman reflex, V wave) to investigate changes in the activation of muscle and to determine if there are "linked" neural adaptations in the motor pathway following isometric resistance training. Twenty healthy, sedentary males were randomly assigned to either the trained (n = 10) or control group (n = 10). The training protocol consisted of 12 sessions of isometric resistance training of the plantar flexor muscles over a 4-wk period. All subjects were tested prior to and after the 4-wk period. To estimate changes in spinal excitability, soleus Hoffman (H) reflex and M wave recruitment curves were produced at rest and during submaximal contractions. Recruitment curves were analyzed using the slope method (Hslp/Mslp). Modulation of efferent neural drive was assessed through evoked V wave responses (V/Mmax) at 50, 75, and 100% maximal voluntary contraction (MVC). After 4 weeks, MVC torque increased 20.0 +/- 13.9% (mean +/- SD) in the trained group. The increase in MVC was accompanied by significant increases in the rate of torque development (42.5 +/- 13.3%), the soleus surface electromyogram (60.7 +/- 30.8%), voluntary activation (2.8 +/- 0.1%), and the rate of activation (48.7 +/- 24.3%). Hslp/Mslp was not altered by training; however, V/Mmax increased 57.3 +/- 34.2% during MVC. These results suggest that increases in MVC observed in the first few days of isometric resistance training can be accounted for by an increase in the rate of activation at the onset of muscle contraction. Augmentation of muscle activation may be due to increased volitional drive from supraspinal centers.     

Neuromuscular efficiency of the triceps surae in induced and voluntary contractions: morning and evening evaluations

Variations in force and electromyographic (EMG) activities of skeletal muscles with the time-of-day have been previously described, but not for a postural muscle, submitted to daily postural and locomotor tasks. In this article, mechanical performances, EMGs, and the ratio between these parameters, i.e., the neuromuscular efficiency (NME), were measured on the triceps surae (TS) of eight subjects, two times each day, at 6:00 and 18:00 h. NME was evaluated under different experimental conditions (electrically induced contractions, reflex contractions, maximal and submaximal voluntary isometric contractions, and during a natural movement, a drop jump) to determine whether mechanisms, peripheral or central in origin, were responsible for the eventual changes in NME with time-of-day. To calculate NME in induced conditions (NMEind), a supramaximal electrical stimulus was applied to the tibial nerve, and the maximal M wave of TS (TS Mmax) and the amplitude of the twitch tension (PtMmax) in response to this electrical stimulation were quantified. TS Mmax was significantly lower in the evening (mean gain value -10.7 +/- 5.5%, p < 0.05), whereas PtMmax was not significantly modified. NMEind (PtMmax/TS Mmax) was significantly higher in the evening (mean gain of 17.6 +/- 5.8%, p < 0.05), and this increase was necessarily peripheral in origin. Secondly, maximal tendon taps were applied to the Achilles tendon in order to quantify at the two times-of-day the reflexes in response to a mechanical stimulus. The maximal reflex, TS Tmax/Mmax (%), the peak amplitude of the twitch tension associated to this tendon jerk (PtTmax), and the corresponding NME (NMEreflex = PtTmax/TS Tmax/Mmax) were not affected by time-of-day, indicating that reflex excitability did not present daytime variations when tested under these conditions. Voluntary isometric contractions were required under maximal (MVC) and submaximal (25% MVC) conditions, and the corresponding torques and TS EMG were measured. MVC was higher in the evening (mean gain: 8.6 +/- 2.7%, p < 0.05) and TS EMGmax (normalized with regard to TS Mmax) also increased in the evening but not significantly; thus, NMEMvc was not modified. At 25% of MVC, TS EMG was significantly higher in the evening (mean gain of 23 +/- 13.9%, p <0.05) and a trend for a lower NME25%MVC in the evening was observed, a result probably representative of a higher muscle fatigue state in the evening. Finally, to test the muscle capacities during a natural task, a NME index was calculated during a drop jump (DJ). The NMEDJ was defined as the ratio between jump height and mean amplitude of TS EMG (% of TS Mmax) between the drop and the jump. Both jump height and NMEDJ were significantly higher in the evening (mean gains of 10.9 +/- 4.5% and 15.7 +/- 7.4%, respectively, p <0.05). In conclusion, daytime changes in the efficiency of postural muscles seem to depend on both peripheral and central mechanisms. According to the experimental conditions, NME of the postural muscle could increase, remain constant, or even decrease in the evening, and this result may reflect reverse effects of better contractile capacities and higher fatigue state.     

Early vs. late rate of torque development: Relation with maximal strength and influencing factors

We re-examined the relationship between rate of torque development (RTD) and maximal voluntary contractions (MVC) torque, and investigated some possible neuromuscular determinants of early (≤100 ms) and late (≥200 ms) RTD. Seventeen healthy men performed maximal explosive isometric knee extensions at five joint angles, from which MVC torque, RTD at different time intervals (50–250 ms), and early quadriceps EMG activity (EMG₅₀) were evaluated. Quadriceps muscle thickness (MT) was quantified by longitudinal ultrasonography. The relationship between MVC torque, EMG₅₀ and MT against RTD was assessed with Pearson’s and repeated measures correlation coefficients. Moderate-to-strong correlation coefficients were observed between MVC torque and RTD (r = 0.50–0.88, p < 0.001), with stronger relationships for late RTD than for early RTD. Weak-to-strong correlation coefficients were observed amongst RTD and EMG₅₀ (r = 0.37–0.83, p < 0.001), with stronger relationships for early RTD than for late RTD. Only late RTD was significantly correlated with MT, though only moderately (r = 0.50–0.52, p < 0.05). These findings suggest that early and late knee extension RTD are potentially governed by different neuromuscular factors. Neuromuscular activation seems to have a greater influence on early RTD than on late RTD, and vice versa for muscle mass.     

Antagonist mechanical contribution to resultant maximal torque at the ankle joint in young and older men

A recorded muscular torque at one joint is a resultant torque corresponding to the participation of both agonist and antagonist muscles. This study aimed to examine the effect of aging on the mechanical contributions of both plantar- and dorsi-flexors to the resultant maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) torques exerted at the ankle joint, in dorsi-flexion (DF) and plantar-flexion (PF). The estimation of isometric agonist and antagonist torques by means of an EMG biofeedback technique was made with nine young (mean age 24 years) and nine older (mean age 80 years) men. While there was a non-significant age-related decline in the measured resultant DF MVC torque (?15%; p = 0.06), there was a clear decrease in the estimated agonist MVC torque exerted by the dorsi-flexors (?39%; p = 0.001). The DF-to-PF resultant MVC torque ratio was significantly lower in young than in older men (0.25 vs. 0.31; p = 0.006), whereas the DF-to-PF agonist MVC torque ratio was no longer different between the two populations (0.38 vs. 0.35; p > 0.05). Thus, agonist MVC torques in PF and DF would be similarly affected by aging, which could not be deduced when only resultant torques were examined.     

Neuromuscular fatigue differs with biofeedback type when performing a submaximal contraction.

The aim of the study was to examine alterations in contractile and neural processes in response to an isometric fatiguing contraction performed with EMG feedback (constant-EMG task) when exerting 40% of maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) torque with the knee extensor muscles. A task with a torque feedback (constant-torque task) set at a similar intensity served as a reference task. Thirteen men (26+/-5 yr) attended two experimental sessions that were randomized across days. Endurance time was greater for the constant-EMG task compared with the constant-torque task (230+/-156 s vs. 101+/-32s, P<0.01). Average EMG activity for the knee extensor muscles increased from 33.5+/-4.5% to 54.7+/-21.7% MVC EMG during the constant-torque task (P<0.001), whereas the torque exerted during the constant-EMG task decreased from 42.8+/-3.0% to 17.9+/-5.6% MVC torque (P<0.001). Comparable reductions in knee extensors MVC (-15.7+/-8.7% for the constant-torque task vs. -17.5+/-9.8% for the constant-EMG task, P>0.05) and voluntary activation level were observed at exhaustion. In contrast, excitation-contraction coupling process, assessed with an electrically evoked twitch and doublet, was altered significantly more at the end of the constant-EMG task despite the absence of M-wave changes for both tasks. Present results suggest that prolonged contractions using EMG biofeedback should be used cautiously in rehabilitation programs.     

Postactivation potentiation in a human muscle: effect on the load-velocity relation of tetanic and voluntary shortening contractions.

Recently it was demonstrated that postactivation potentiation (PAP), which refers to the enhancement of the muscle twitch torque as a result of a prior conditioning contraction, increased the maximal rate of torque development of tetanic and voluntary isometric contractions (3). In this study, we investigated the effects of PAP and its decay over time on the load-velocity relation. To that purpose, angular velocity of thumb adduction in response to a single electrical stimulus (twitch), a high-frequency train of 15 pulses at 250 Hz (HFT(250)), and during ballistic voluntary shortening contractions, performed against loads ranging from 10 to 50% of the maximum torque, were recorded before and after a conditioning 6-s maximal voluntary contraction (MVC). The results showed an increase of the peak angular velocity for the different loads tested after the conditioning MVC (P < 0.001), but the effect was greatest for the twitch ( approximately 182%) compared with the HFT(250) or voluntary contractions ( approximately 14% for both contraction types). The maximal potentiation occurred immediately following the conditioning MVC for the twitch, whereas it was reached 1 min later for the tetanic and ballistic voluntary contractions. At that time, the load-velocity relation was significantly shifted upward, and the maximal power of the muscle was increased ( approximately 13%; P < 0.001). Furthermore, the results also indicated that the effect of PAP on shortening contractions was not related to the modality of muscle activation. In conclusion, the findings suggest a functional significance of PAP in human movements by improving muscle performance of voluntary dynamic contractions.     

Normalizing upper trapezius EMG amplitude: Comparison of ramp and constant force procedures

The present study compared three procedures for normalization of upper trapezius surface electromyographic (EMG) amplitudes: (a) a ramp procedure (providing data in per cent of maximal voluntary contraction, MVC); (b) a constant force procedure based on two reference contractions (two-force procedure) (%MVC) and (c) a procedure expressing muscle activation in per cent of a reference voluntary electrical activity (%RVE). The study also evaluated the repeatability of the ramp and the RVE procedures and estimated the force exertion (%MVC) corresponding to the RVE. To illustrate the ergonomic effect of different normalization procedures, trapezius EMG during two work tasks was compared after normalization by the two-force and the RVE procedures. Fifteen subjects participated in the whole study. We found that force estimates obtained by the ramp procedure equation could be translated to force estimates obtained by the two-force procedure by the equation: %MVC_2force = − 0.6 + 0.9*%MVC_ramp, although with a considerable imprecision due to large inter-individual differences. In the ramp procedure, the intra-individual test-retest coefficient of variation (CV) depended on the force level; it was 45% at 5% MVC and 10% at 30% MVC. The CV of the RVE was 15%. The reference contraction used in the RVE procedure corresponded from 13–79% MVC (median 33%MVC). The load reducing effect of an ergonomic intervention was less obvious with the RVE procedure than with the two-force procedure due to a larger inter-individual variation. The advantages and disadvantages of the different procedures are discussed.     

Effects of joint angle and age on ankle dorsi- and plantar-flexor strength.

This study aimed at examining the effects of joint angle and age on the maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) torque, for the agonist and antagonist muscle groups around the ankle, i.e., the dorsi- and plantar-flexors. To this aim, neural and muscular factors were investigated in two groups of healthy men: 11 young (mean age, 24 years) and 18 older (mean age, 78 years). Plantar-flexion (PF) and dorsiflexion (DF) isometric MVC torques were measured in three different ankle joint angles and surface electromyographic activities of the triceps surae and of the tibialis anterior muscles were recorded. The main findings were that the DF-to-PF MVC torque ratio varied with joint angle and age, indicating that aging affected at different rates the two muscle groups: this ratio was always higher in older adults because of the PF strength decline with aging. Furthermore, the DF MVC torque-angle relationship appeared to be especially explained by neural factors, whereas the relationship in PF seemed to be mainly due to muscular parameters. These relationships would not be a discriminating factor between the two age groups. As a consequence, measurements at one ankle joint angle, whatever the angle, are thus enough to examine the differences within age groups and to perform a rapid assessment of the imbalance at the ankle joint.     

Distinct profiles of neuromuscular fatigue during muscle contractions below and above the critical torque in humans

Whether the transition in fatigue processes between "low-intensity" and "high-intensity" contractions occurs gradually, as the torque requirements are increased, or whether this transition occurs more suddenly at some identifiable "threshold", is not known. We hypothesized that the critical torque (CT; the asymptote of the torque-duration relationship) would demarcate distinct profiles of central and peripheral fatigue during intermittent isometric quadriceps contractions (3-s contraction, 2-s rest). Nine healthy men performed seven experimental trials to task failure or for up to 60 min, with maximal voluntary contractions (MVCs) performed at the end of each minute. The first five trials were performed to determine CT [~35-55% MVC, denoted severe 1 (S1) to severe 5 (S5) in ascending order], while the remaining two trials were performed 10 and 20% below the CT (denoted CT-10% and CT-20%). Dynamometer torque and the electromyogram of the right vastus lateralis were sampled continuously. Peripheral and central fatigue was determined from the fall in potentiated doublet torque and voluntary activation, respectively. Above CT, contractions progressed to task failure in ~3-18 min, at which point the MVC did not differ from the target torque (S1 target, 88.7 ± 4.3 N·m vs. MVC, 89.3 ± 8.8 N·m, P = 0.94). The potentiated doublet fell significantly in all trials, and voluntary activation was reduced in trials S1-S3, but not trials S4 and S5. Below CT, contractions could be sustained for 60 min on 17 of 18 occasions. Both central and peripheral fatigue developed, but there was a substantial reserve in MVC torque at the end of the task. The rate of global and peripheral fatigue development was four to five times greater during S1 than during CT-10% (change in MVC/change in time S1 vs. CT-10%: -7.2 ± 1.4 vs. -1.5 ± 0.4 N·m·min(-1)). These results demonstrate that CT represents a critical threshold for neuromuscular fatigue development.     

Mechanomyographic and electromyographic responses of the vastus medialis muscle during isometric and concentric muscle actions

The purpose of this study was to examine the patterns for the mechanomyographic (MMG) and electromyographic (EMG) amplitude and mean power frequency (MPF) vs. torque relationships during submaximal to maximal isometric and isokinetic muscle actions. Seven men (mean +/- SD age, 22.4 +/- 1.3 years) volunteered to perform isometric and concentric isokinetic leg extension muscle actions at 20, 40, 60, 80, and 100% of maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) and peak torque (PT) on a Cybex II dynamometer. A piezoelectric MMG recording sensor was placed between bipolar surface EMG electrodes on the vastus medialis. Polynomial regression and separate 1-way repeated-measures analysis of variance were used to analyze the EMG amplitude, MMG amplitude, EMG MPF, and MMG MPF data for the isometric and isokinetic muscle actions. For the isometric muscle actions, EMG amplitude (R(2) = 0.999) and MMG MPF (R(2) = 0.946) increased to MVC, mean MMG amplitude increased to 60% MVC and then plateaued, and mean EMG MPF did not change (p > 0.05) across torque levels. For the isokinetic muscle actions, EMG amplitude (R(2) = 0.988) and MMG amplitude (R(2) = 0.933) increased to PT, but there were no significant mean changes with torque for EMG MPF or MMG MPF. The different torque-related responses for EMG and MMG amplitude and MPF may reflect differences in the motor control strategies that modulate torque production for isometric vs. dynamic muscle actions. These results support the findings of others and suggest that isometric torque production was modulated by a combination of recruitment and firing rate, whereas dynamic torque production was modulated primarily through recruitment.     

Neuromuscular Efficiency of the Triceps Surae in Induced and Voluntary Contractions: Morning and Evening Evaluations

Variations in force and electromyographic (EMG) activities of skeletal muscles with the time-of-day have been previously described, but not for a postural muscle, submitted to daily postural and locomotor tasks. In this article, mechanical performances, EMGs, and the ratio between these parameters, i.e., the neuromuscular efficiency (NME), were measured on the triceps surae (TS) of eight subjects, two times each day, at 6:00 and 18:00 h. NME was evaluated under different experimental conditions (electrically induced contractions, reflex contractions, maximal and submaximal voluntary isometric contractions, and during a natural movement, a drop jump) to determine whether mechanisms, peripheral or central in origin, were responsible for the eventual changes in NME with time-of-day. To calculate NME in induced conditions (NME_ind), a supramaximal electrical stimulus was applied to the tibial nerve, and the maximal M wave of TS (TS Mmax) and the amplitude of the twitch tension (Pt_Mmax) in response to this electrical stimulation were quantified. TS Mmax was significantly lower in the evening (mean gain value ?10.7 ± 5.5%, p < 0.05), whereas Pt_Mmax was not significantly modified. NME_ind (Pt_Mmax/TS Mmax) was significantly higher in the evening (mean gain of 17.6 ± 5.8%, p < 0.05), and this increase was necessarily peripheral in origin. Secondly, maximal tendon taps were applied to the Achilles tendon in order to quantify at the two times-of-day the reflexes in response to a mechanical stimulus. The maximal reflex, TS Tmax/Mmax (%), the peak amplitude of the twitch tension associated to this tendon jerk (Pt_Tmax), and the corresponding NME (NME_reflex = Pt_Tmax/TS Tmax/Mmax) were not affected by time-of-day, indicating that reflex excitability did not present daytime variations when tested under these conditions. Voluntary isometric contractions were required under maximal (MVC) and submaximal (25% MVC) conditions, and the corresponding torques and TS EMG were measured. MVC was higher in the evening (mean gain: 8.6 ± 2.7%, p < 0.05) and TS EMGmax (normalized with regard to TS Mmax) also increased in the evening but not significantly; thus, NME_MVC was not modified. At 25% of MVC, TS EMG was significantly higher in the evening (mean gain of 23 ± 13.9%, p < 0.05) and a trend for a lower NME_25%MVC in the evening was observed, a result probably representative of a higher muscle fatigue state in the evening. Finally, to test the muscle capacities during a natural task, a NME index was calculated during a drop jump (DJ). The NME_DJ was defined as the ratio between jump height and mean amplitude of TS EMG (% of TS Mmax) between the drop and the jump. Both jump height and NME_DJ were significantly higher in the evening (mean gains of 10.9 ± 4.5% and 15.7 ± 7.4%, respectively, p < 0.05). In conclusion, daytime changes in the efficiency of postural muscles seem to depend on both peripheral and central mechanisms. According to the experimental conditions, NME of the postural muscle could increase, remain constant, or even decrease in the evening, and this result may reflect reverse effects of better contractile capacities and higher fatigue state.