Muscle activation during cycling at different cadences: Effect of maximal strength capacity

The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of maximal strength capacity on muscle activation, during cycling, at three selected cadences: a low cadence (50 rpm), a high cadence (110 rpm) and the freely chosen cadence (FCC). Two groups of trained cyclists were selected on the basis of the different maximal isokinetic voluntary contraction values (MVCi) of their lower extremity muscles as follow: F_min (lower MVCi group) and F_max (higher MVCi group). All subjects performed three 4-min cycling exercises at a power output corresponding to 80% of the ventilatory threshold under the three cadences. Neuromuscular activity of vastus lateralis (VL), rectus femoris (RF) and biceps femoris (BF) was studied quantitatively (integrated electromyography, IEMG) and qualitatively (timing of muscle bursts during crank cycle). Cadence effects were observed on the EMG activity of VL muscle and on the burst onset of the BF, VL and RF muscles. A greater normalized EMG activity of VL muscle was observed for the F_min group than the F_max group at all cadences (respectively F_min vs. F_max at 50 rpm: 17 ± 5% vs. 38 ± 6%, FCC: 22 ± 7% vs. 44 ± 5% and 110 rpm: 21 ± 6% vs. 45 ± 6%). At FCC and 110 rpm, the burst onset of BF and RF muscles of the F_max group started earlier in the crank cycle than the F_min group These results indicate that in addition to the cadence, the maximal strength capacity influences the lower extremity muscular activity during cycling.     

Mechanical muscular power output and work during ergometer cycling at different work loads and speeds

The aim of the study was to calculate the magnitude of the instantaneous muscular power output at the hip, knee and ankle joints during ergometer cycling at different work loads and speeds. Six healthy subjects pedalled a weight-braked cycle ergometer at 0, 120 and 240 W at a constant speed of 60 rpm. The subjects also pedalled at 40, 60, 80 and 100 rpm against the same resistance, giving power outputs of 80, 120, 160 and 200 W respectively. The subjects were filmed with a cine-film camera, and pedal reaction forces were recorded from a force transducer mounted in the pedal. The muscular work for the hip, knee and ankle joint muscles was calculated using a model based upon dynamic mechanics and described elsewhere. The total work during one pedal revolution significantly increased with increased work load but did not increase with increased pedalling rate at the same braking force. The relative proportions of total positive work at the hip, knee and ankle joints were also calculated. Hip and ankle extension work proportionally decreased with increased work load. Pedalling rate did not change the relative proportion of total work at the different joints.     

A comparative analysis of physiological responses at submaximal workloads during different laboratory simulations of field cycling

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationships between heart rate (f_c), oxygen consumption (VO₂), peak force and average force developed at the crank in response to submaximal exercise employing a racing bicycle which was attached to an ergometer (RE), ridden on a treadmill (TC) and ridden on a 400-m track (FC). Eight male trained competitive cyclists rode at three pre-determined work intensities set at a proportion of their maximal oxygen consumption (VO_2max): (1) below lactate threshold [work load that produces a (VO₂) which is 10% less than the lactate threshold VO2 (sub-LT)], (2) lactate threshold VO₂ (LT), and (3) above lactate threshold [workload that produces a VO₂ which is 10% greater than lactate threshold VO₂ (supra-LT)], and equated across exercise modes on the basis off_c. Voltage signals from the crank arm were recorded as FM signals for subsequent representation of peak and average force. Open circuit VO₂ measurements were done in the field by Douglas bag gas collection and in the laboratory by automated gas collection and analysis.f_c was recorded with a telemeter (Polar Electro Sport Tester, PE3000). Significant differences (P < 0.05) were observed: (1) in VO₂ between FC and both laboratory conditions at sub-LT intensity and LT intensities, (2) in peak force between FC and TC at sub-LT intensity, (3) in average force between FC and RE at sub-LT. No significant differences were demonstrated at supra-LT intensity for VO₂. Similarly no significant differences were observed in peak and average force for either LT or supra-LT intensities. These data indicate that equating work intensities on the basis off_c measured in laboratory conditions would overestimate the VO₂ which would be generated in the field and conversely, that usingf_c measured in the laboratory to establish field work intensity would underestimate mechanical workload experienced in the field.     

Alterations in plasma volume, electrolytes and protein during incremental exercise at different pedal speeds

We investigated the effects of pedal speed on changes in plasma volume, electrolytes and protein during incremental exercise. Ten adult males participated in two, 30 minute incremental cycle ergometer exercise tests at room temperature (22° C, rh=56%). Exercise load was increased from 20 to 70% of peak . Five minutes were spent at each of six stages which were equally spaced in exercise intensity. Subjects pedaled at 50 (50 RPM) and 90 (90 RPM) rev · min^–1. Venous blood samples were drawn prior to exercise and during the last minute of each stage. Relative plasma volume changes showed a progressive hemoconcentration during the exercise. There were no significant differences due to pedal speed as plasma volume loss averaged –7.3% during exercise. [Na+], [Cl–], and [K+] increased significantly during exercise but were not influenced by pedal speed. Changes in plasma protein and albumin concentrations indicated that there was a loss of globulin from the vascular volume in both conditions and an addition of albumin to the plasma in 50 RPM. The difference in plasma albumin dynamics was possibly related to an effect of pedal speed on movement of fluid in the lymphatic vessels of the legs.This work was supported in part by Grants from the Theresa Monaco Endowment of the University of Houston College of Education and Nautilus Sports/Medical Industries     

Circadian rhythms during cycling exercise and finger-tapping task

The aim of this study was to follow the circadian fluctuation of the spontaneous pedal rate and the motor spontaneous tempo (MST) in a sample of highly trained cyclists. Ten subjects performed five test sessions at various times of day. During each test session, subjects were required to perform (i) a finger-tapping task, in order to set the MST and (ii) a submaximal exercise on a cycle ergometer for 15 min at 50% of their W_max. For this exercise, pedal rate was freely chosen. Spontaneous pedal rate and heart rate (HR) were measured continuously.

The results demonstrated a circadian variation for mean oral temperature, HR, and MST. Under submaximal exercise conditions, HR showed no significant time-of-day influence although spontaneous pedal rate changed significantly throughout the day. Circadian rhythm of oral temperature and pedal rate were strongly correlated. Moreover, a significant positive correlation was found between MST and pedal rate. Both parameters may be controlled by a common brain oscillator. MST, rest HR, and pedal rate changes follow the rhythm of internal temperature, which is considered to be the major marker in chronobiology, therefore, if there is a relation between MST and pedal rate, we cannot rule out partial dependence of both parameters on body temperature.     

Respiratory responses of elite oarsmen, former oarsmen, and highly trained non-rowers during rowing, cycling and running

The position of the body and use of the respiratory muscles in the act of rowing may limit ventilation and thereby reduce maximal aerobic power relative to that achieved in cycling or running, in spite of the greater muscle mass involved in rowing. This hypothesis was investigated for three groups of male subjects: nine elite senior oarsmen, eight former senior oarsmen and eight highly trained athletes unskilled in rowing. The subjects performed graded exercise to maximal effort on a rowing ergometer, cycle ergometer and treadmill while respiratory minute volume and oxygen consumption were monitored continuously. The VE at a given during intense submaximal exercise (greater than 75% of maximal ) was not significantly lower in rowing compared with that in cycling and treadmill running for any group, which would suggest that submaximal rowing does not restrict ventilation. At maximal effort, and for rowing were less than those for the other types of exercise in all the groups, although the differences were not statistically significant in the elite oarsmen. These data are consistent with a ventilatory limitation to maximal performance in rowing that may have been partly overcome by training in the elite oarsmen. Alternatively, a lower maximal VE in rowing might have been an effect rather than a cause of a lower maximal if maximal was limited by the lower rate of muscle activation in rowing.     

Electromechanical delay estimated by using electromyography during cycling at different pedaling frequencies

The purpose of this study was to propose a new method that can be used to calculate electromechanical delay (EMD) without the measurement of forces. A secondary purpose, as an example of the importance of measuring EMD, was to predict muscle force development events based on the EMG activity of selected muscles during cycling at different pedaling frequencies. EMD was estimated using newly derived equations based on activation dynamics hypothesis. Tibialis anterior (TA) and soleus (SL) muscles of 16 male participants were studied while subjects pedaled at targeted cadences of 60, 80, and 100 revolutions per minute. The estimated EMDs of TA and SL were significantly different from each other with means of 68.1 and 88.7 ms, respectively. The average crank angle for the initiation and time to peak TA contraction was estimated at 75±35° and 26±15° before the crank reached top-dead-center (TDC), while the contraction ended at 31±19° after the TDC on average. The projected starting, peak and end angles of SL contraction activity were 45±18°, 123±13°, and 218±35° after the TDC, respectively. There was no difference among different pedaling cadences observed for these mechanical events. The proposed method was proven to be effective in studying EMD and estimate muscle contraction patterns during cycling.     

Soft tissue artefacts of skin markers on the lower limb during cycling: Effects of joint angles and pedal resistance

Soft tissue artefacts (STA) are a major error source in skin marker-based measurement of human movement, and are difficult to eliminate non-invasively. The current study quantified in vivo the STA of skin markers on the thigh and shank during cycling, and studied the effects of knee angles and pedal resistance by using integrated 3D fluoroscopy and stereophotogrammetry. Fifteen young healthy adults performed stationary cycling with and without pedal resistance, while the marker data were measured using a motion capture system, and the motions of the femur and tibia/fibula were recorded using a bi-plane fluoroscopy-to-CT registration method. The STAs with respect to crank and knee angles over the pedaling cycle, as well as the within-cycle variations, were obtained and compared between resistance conditions. The thigh markers showed greater STA than the shank ones, the latter varying linearly with adjacent joint angles, the former non-linearly with greater within-cycle variability. Both STA magnitudes and within-cycle variability were significantly affected by pedal resistance (p < 0.05). The STAs appeared to be composed of one component providing the stable and consistent STA patterns and another causing their variations. Mid-segment markers experienced smaller STA ranges than those closer to a joint, but tended to have greater variations primarily associated with pedal resistance and muscle contractions. The current data will be helpful for a better choice of marker positions for data collection, and for developing methods to compensate for both stable and variation components of the STA.     

Ultra-weak photon emission during wrist curl and cycling exercises in trained healthy men

Human ultra-weak photon emission (UPE) is related to the activity of respiratory chain and oxygen consumption. Investigations on UPE and its response to exercise are almost non existent. Since human UPE is an indicator of reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, we used exercises as a model to study UPE. To continue the research on the relationship between human UPE and exercise, it was decided to carry out measurements of UPE in response to different exercise modes with 20 healthy male subjects. The performed exercises were wrist curls with a dumbbell and indoor cycling. Regarding wrist curl exercises, 70% of the subjects for the first exercise and 65% for the second exercise did not show any significant changes in UPE. Also, the statistical analysis did not show significant changes of the UPE levels. In terms of cycling exercise, 85% of subjects did not show any significant increase of UPE. The gathered data showed that a majority of the subjects didn't show an increase of the UPE during both types of exercises. Our results imply that the UPE is not only affected by oxygen consumption, but also by the intensity, the type of exercise, and the physiology of the subject.     

Regional distribution of thermal sensitivity to cold at rest and during mild exercise in males

Although several studies have compared thermal sensitivity between body segments, little is known on regional variations within body segments. Furthermore, the effects of exercise on the thermal sensation resulting from a cold stimulus remain unclear. The current experiment therefore aimed to explore inter- and intra-segmental differences in thermal sensitivity to cold, at rest and during light exercise. Fourteen male participants (22.3±3.1 years; 181.6±6.2 cm; 73.7±10.3 kg) were tested at rest and whilst cycling at 30% VO_2 max. Sixteen body sites (front torso=6; back=6; arms=4) were stimulated in a balanced order, using a 20 °C thermal probe (25 cm²) applied onto the skin. Thermal sensations resulting from the stimuli were assessed using an 11-point cold sensation scale (0=not cold; 10=extremely cold). Variations were found within body segments, particularly at the abdomen and mid-back where the lateral regions were significantly more sensitive than the medial areas. Furthermore, thermal sensations were significantly colder at rest compared to exercise in 12 of the 16 body sites tested. Neural and hormonal factors were considered as potential mechanisms behind this reduction in thermal sensitivity. Interestingly, the distribution of cold sensations was more homogenous during exercise. The present data provides evidence that thermal sensitivity to cold varies within body segments, and it is significantly reduced in most areas during exercise.     

Translocation and cycling through roots of recently absorbed nitrogen and sulphur in wheat (Triticum aestivum) during vegetative and generative growth

¹⁵N-Nitrate and ³⁵S-sulphate labelling experiments were performed with spring wheat ( Triticum aestivum L. cv. Timmo) 44. 64, 79, 95 and 115 days after sowing (growth stages arbitrarily denoted I to V). Label was fed to the plants via a fraction of the root system, termed donor root, whereas the rest of the root (receiver root) was fed non-labelled nutrient solution. Net uptake rates for both nitrate and sulphate per unit root weight changed little from growth stage I to IV, but were considerably lower at stage V. On a whole-plant weight basis, uptake declined from stage I to IV, because root contribution to total plant weight declined. Between 80 and 95% of absorbed label was translocated to the shoot at all growth stages. At stage V, up to 30% of absorbed label was recovered in the ears. Labelling of the receiver root indicated that, at all growth stages, 10 to 17% of N and 12 to 32% of S translocated to the shoot was retranslocated to the root. This corresponds to between 35 and 85% of the label actually recovered in the roots. Analysis of ¹⁵N-labelling of xylem sap collected from receiver roots at growth stages I to IV indicated that about half of the reduced N in the sap is derived from cycling through roots of recently assimilated N. Evidence of cycling was also obtained at stage V. Labelled sulphate was the only form of S cycled in the plant, but it accounted for only 1 to 7% of the sulphate in the xylem sap.     

Perceptual and physiological responses to cycling and running in groups of trained and untrained subjects

An interesting aspect, when comparing athletes, is the effect of specialized training upon both physiological performance and perceptual responses. To study this, four groups (with six individuals each) served as subjects. Two of these consisted of highly specialized individuals (racing cyclists and marathon runners) and the other two of non-specialized individuals (sedentary and all-round trained). Cycling on a cycle ergometer and running on a treadmill were chosen as modes of exercise. Variables measured included heart rate, blood lactate and perceived exertion, rated on two different scales. Results show a linear increase of both heart rate and perceived exertion (rated on the RPE scale) in all four groups, although at different absolute levels. Blood lactate accumulation, during cycling and running, differentiates very clearly between the groups. When heart rate and perceived exertion were plotted against each other, the difference at the same subjective rating (RPE 15) between cycling and running amounted to about 15-20 beats.min-1 in the non-specialized groups. The cyclists exhibited almost no difference at all as compared to 40 beats.min-1 for the runners. It can be concluded that specialized training changes both the physiological as well as the psychological response to exercise.     

Electromyographic patterns of lower limb muscles during apprehensive gait in younger and older female adults

ObjectiveInvestigate the influence of apprehensive gait on activation and cocontraction of lower limb muscles of younger and older female adults.MethodsData of 17 younger (21.47 ± 2.06 yr) and 18 older women (65.33 ± 3.14 yr) were considered for this study. Participants walked on the treadmill at two different conditions: normal gait and apprehensive gait. The surface electromyographic signals (EMG) were recorded during both conditions on: rectus femoris (RF), vastus lateralis (VL), vastus medialis (VM), biceps femoris (BF), tibialis anterior (TA), gastrocnemius lateralis (GL), and soleus (SO).ResultsApprehensive gait promoted greater activation of thigh muscles than normal gait (F = 5.34 and p = 0.007, for significant main effect of condition; RF, p = 0.002; VM, p < 0.001; VL, p = 0.003; and BF, p = 0.001). Older adults had greater cocontraction of knee and ankle stabilizer muscles than younger women (F = 4.05 and p = 0.019, for significant main effect of groups; VM/BF, p = 0.010; TA/GL, p = 0.007; and TA/SO, p = 0.002).ConclusionApprehensive gait promoted greater activation of thigh muscles and older adults had greater cocontraction of knee and ankle stabilizer muscles. Thus, apprehensive gait may leads to increased percentage of neuromuscular capacity, which is associated with greater cocontraction and contribute to the onset of fatigue and increased risk of falling in older people.     

杨树落叶前后重金属元素内外迁移循环规律研究

供试元素在杨树各部位的含量和贮量为Ｚｎ＞Ｃｕ＞Ａｓ＞Ｐｂ＞Ｃｄ,并与环境中相应元素浓度呈正相关．落叶时元素的迁移主要发生在叶、枝、根和干之间,叶中８～４８％的Ａｓ、Ｚｎ迁移至主干的皮与材中,而Ｃｕ、Ｐｂ、Ｃｄ贮量均有增加,Ｚｎ、Ａｓ的内循环占总循环量的４０％,Ｃｄ、Ｐｂ、Ｃｕ表现为外循环,占总贮量的１７～２７％．同时分析了植物对土壤重金属污染的净化效率．     

The influence of circadian rhythm on muscle activity and efficient force production during cycling at different pedal rates.

The aim of this study was to examine the pedal rate and chronobiological impacts on muscle activity pattern and propulsive force production during cycling. Ten male competitive cyclists performed at 06:00 and 18:00 h a submaximal exercise on a cycle ergometer at a power output which elicited 50% of their respective W(max). The exercise was divided into 4 periods lasting 5 min each during which subjects were requested to use different pedal rates (free pedal rate, 70, 90 and 120 rev min-1) in random order. The study demonstrated that, under high pedal rate, several muscles exhibited a phase advance of activity. These modifications of temporal organization of muscle activity were not sufficient to keep an identical propulsive torque pattern. Time to peak torque was delayed when pedal rate increased. The effects of circadian fluctuation on electromyographic activity were limited to a later M. rectus femoris burst end and shorter activity duration for M. tibialis anterior at 06:00 h. From the results of this study, it seems that the influence of pedal rate in the range of torque fluctuation would depend on time-of-day of testing. The decrease in torque fluctuation due to pedal rate increase is reinforced when testing in the early morning. Taking this specific variable into consideration, the chronobiological effect increases the impact of pedal rate variations.     

有机-无机态肥氮在微型农业生态系统的转移和循环研究

本文应用~(15)N示踪法研究了有机态和无机态肥料氮在微型农业生态系统中循环的机理,以及配施下各自的功能和相互影响。初步结果表明,在土壤-黑麦草-兔亚系统中,草对硫铵~(15)N利用率达59.36％;以草饲兔,所收集兔粪~(15)N回收率为11.78％,尿为17.98％。兔粪尿N与硫铵N以1:0,0.5:0.5,0.3:0.7和0.1配施种稻,结果表明,在土壤-水稻亚系统中:(1)0.5:0.5配施促进穗头和根系发育;(2)稻株吸收有机态和无机态肥料N的比例,受配施比例的影响;(3)与单施无机肥料氮比较,配施下无机肥料氮利用率未提高或甚至下降;(4)0.3:0.7配比使有机态肥料N利用率提高;(5)0.5:0.5配比,有机肥能明显地促进无机态肥料N从秆向谷运输;(6)有机肥使无机态肥N在土壤中的固化作用增加,从而使无机肥料氮向环境转移量下降。农业生态系统具有多组分和牧食-碎屑复合食物链,氮素再循环指数达0.5,生态稳定性和发育程度优于单一种植系统。     

Quadriceps and hamstrings prelanding myoelectric activity during landing from different heights among male and female athletes

ACL tear is a major concern among athletes, coaches and sports scientists. More than taking the athlete away from training and competition, ACL tear is a risk factor for early-onset of knee osteoarthritis, and, therefore addressing strategies to avoid such injury is pertinent not only for competitive athletes, but for all physically active subjects. Imbalances in the prelanding myoelectric activity of the hamstrings and quadriceps muscles have been linked to ACL injuries. We investigated the effect of landing from different heights on prelanding myoelectric activity of the hamstrings and quadriceps muscles in recreational athletes. Thirty recreational athletes (15 male and 15 female) performed three bilateral drop jumps from two different heights; 20 cm and 40 cm while myoelectric activity of the vastus medialis, rectus femoris, biceps femoris and medial hamstrings were collected. When increasing the height of drop landing tasks prelanding normalized myoelectric activity of the quadriceps was increased by 15–20% but no significant changes were found for the hamstrings. Female athletes exhibited higher activity of the medial hamstrings compared to their male counterparts. We concluded that increasing the height of drop landing tasks is associated with increased myoelectric activity of the quadriceps but not the hamstrings in recreational athletes. These differences in muscle activity may be related to increased risk for ACL injury when the height is increased. Female athletes demonstrated higher recruitment of the medial hamstrings.     

Comparison of muscle force,muscle endurance,and electromyogram activity during an expedition at high altitude

Handgrip force (HF), maximal pinch force (MF), muscle endurance (ME), and the median power frequency (MdPF) of the activity shown in the electromyogram (EMG) were studied at various altitudes in eight normal healthy subjects. MF and ME were measured between the index finger and thumb, and all measurements were obtained at altitudes ranging from 610 to 4860 m during an expedition in the Qinghai Plateau in China. With the change in altitude HF, ME, and MF showed no significant change. Compared to the MdPF at 2260 m on ascent, the MdPF at other altitudes showed a significant decrease (P<0.01). Thus, we conclude that muscle performance (HF, MF, and ME) was not affected by the environment at high altitude. However, MdPF was affected and the mean MdPF at 610 m after the expedition did not recover to initial values of MdPF. We suggest these results may have been affected by fatigue and chronic exposure to the hypobaric hypoxic environment, since the members of the expedition party expressed feelings of sluggishness and fatigue after the expedition.     

Maximal power and torque-velocity relationship on a cycle ergometer during the acceleration phase of a single all-out exercise

Seven subjects pedalled on a Monark cycle ergometer as fast as possible for approximately 7 s against four different resistances which corresponded to braking torques (T _B) equal to 19, 38, 57 and 76 N · m at the crank level. Exercise periods were separated by 5-min recovery periods. Pedal velocity was recorded every 50 ms by means of a disc with 360 slots fixed on the flywheel, passing in front of a photo-electric cell linked to a microcomputer which processed the data. Every 50 ms, the time necessary to perform half a pedal revolution (t _1/2) was computed by adding the 50-ms periods necessary to reach 669 slots (the number of slots corresponding to half a pedal revolution). To measuret _1/2 to an accuracy better than 50 ms, this time was computed by a linear interpolation of the time-slot number relationship. Power (P) was averaged duringt ₁₂ by adding the power dissipated against braking torque and the power necessary to accelerate the flywheel. The torque-velocity (T-) relationship was studied during the acceleration phase of a sprint against a single TB by computing every 50 ms the relationship between and T (N · m), equal to the sum ofT _B and the torque necessary to accelerate the flywheel at the same time. The T- relationships calculated from the acceleration phase of a single all-out exercise were linear and similar to the previously described relationships between peak velocity and braking force. These relationships can be expressed as follows: = _0,acc (1 –T/T _0,acc) where is pedal velocity,T the torque exerted on the crank andT _0,acc and _0,acc have the dimensions of maximal torque and maximal velocity respectively. Based on this model, maximal power (P _max,acc) is calculated as 0.257_{0, acc} T _{0, acc}. Maximal powerP _max,acc measured with the acceleration method was independent of braking torqueT _B and slightly higher thanP _max calculated from the relationship between peak velocity andT _B.