The effects of fatigue on the resultant joint moment, agonist and antagonist electromyographic activity at different angles during dynamic knee extension efforts.

Examination of the effects of fatigue on antagonist function can provide information on the role of antagonists in limiting the resultant joint moment and stabilizing the knee. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine the moment, agonist and antagonist electromyographic (EMG) activity levels at different angular positions during an isokinetic muscular endurance knee extension test. Fifteen healthy males (age 22.6+/-1.9 yr) performed 34 maximal isokinetic concentric efforts of the knee extensors at 120 degrees s(-1). The EMG activity of vastus medialis and biceps femoris was recorded using surface electrodes. The motion ranged from 90 degrees to 0 degrees of knee flexion. The average moment and average EMG (AEMG) at 10-35 degrees, 36-55 degrees and 56-80 degrees angular position intervals were calculated for each repetition. Twenty eight efforts were further analysed. The moment of force demonstrated a decline of 70% at the end of the test. Two-way repeated measures analysis of variance tests indicated that this decline was significant (p < 0.05). No significant effects of angular position on fatigue moment characteristics were found. The agonist (vastus medialis) AEMG during the first repetition demonstrated a significant increase of 40-60% towards the middle part of the test (p < 0.05). In the second part of the test, the VM AEMG at longer muscle lengths was significantly higher compared to the initial efforts whereas the AEMG at short muscle lengths returned to initial values. The antagonist AEMG at all angular positions did not change significantly during the test. The decline in the resultant joint moment could be attributed to the effects of fatigue on the agonist muscle function. The agonist AEMG fatigue-patterns are dependent on the length of the muscle and may be due to alterations in the motor unit recruitment and/or activation failure in the quadriceps muscle. The biceps femoris maintains constant submaximal (21-33% of the maximum) AEMG activity which may play an important role in the stability of the knee joint. The contribution of antagonist activity to the resultant joint moment increases during the last part of an isokinetic concentric muscle endurance test.     

Selected contribution: effect of chronic passive length change on airway smooth muscle length-tension relationship.

The ability of rabbit trachealis to undergo plastic adaptation to chronic shortening or lengthening was assessed by setting the muscle preparations at three lengths for 24 h in relaxed state: a reference length in which applied force was approximately 1-2% of maximal active force (P(o)) and lengths considerably shorter and longer than the reference. Passive and active length-tension (L-T) curves for the preparations were then obtained by electrical field stimulation at progressively increasing muscle length. Classically shaped L-T curves were obtained with a distinct optimal length (L(o)) at which P(o) developed; however, both the active and passive L-T curves were shifted, whereas P(o) remained unchanged. L(o) was 72% and 148% that of the reference preparations for the passively shortened and lengthened muscles, respectively. The results suggest that chronic narrowing of the airways could induce a shift in the L-T relationship of smooth muscle, resulting in a maintained potential for maximal force production.     

Longer muscle lengths recapitulate force suppression in swine carotid artery

Cyclic nucleotide can relax arterial smooth muscle without reductions in myosin regulatory light chain (MRLC) phosphorylation, a process termed force suppression. Smooth muscle contractile force also depends on tissue length. It is not known how tissue length affects force suppression. Swine carotid artery rings were equilibrated at various lengths (as a fraction of L(o), the optimal length for force development). They were then frozen during contractile activation with or without forskolin-induced relaxation. Frozen tissue homogenates were then analyzed for Ser(19)-MRLC phosphorylation and Ser(16)-heat shock protein 20 (HSP20) phosphorylation (HSP20 is the proposed mediator of force suppression). Higher values of MRLC phosphorylation were required to induce a histamine contraction at longer tissue lengths. At 1.4 L(o), the dependence of force on MRLC phosphorylation observed with histamine stimulation alone was shifted to the right, a response similar to that observed during force suppression at 1.0 L(o). The rightward shift in the dependence of force on MRLC phosphorylation seen with histamine stimulation alone at 1.4 L(o) was not associated with increased HSP20 phosphorylation. Addition of forskolin to histamine-stimulated tissues at 1.4 L(o) induced a relaxation associated with increased HSP20 phosphorylation and reduced MRLC phosphorylation, i.e., there was no additional force suppression. At shorter tissue lengths (0.6 L(o)), the dependence of force on MRLC phosphorylation with histamine stimulation alone was steep, a response similar to that observed during normal contractile activation at 1.0 L(o). Addition of forskolin induced force suppression at 0.6 L(o). The sensitivity of swine carotid to the concentration of histamine was greater at longer tissue lengths compared with shorter tissue lengths, suggesting a physiological mechanism to restore optimal tissue length. These data suggest that longer tissue lengths induced a force suppression-like state that was 1) not additive with forskolin and 2) not associated with HSP20 phosphorylation. Further research is required to determine this length-dependent mechanism.     

Effect of resistance training on skeletal muscle-specific force in elderly humans.

This study assessed muscle-specific force in vivo following strength training in old age. Subjects were assigned to training (n = 9, age 74.3 +/- 3.5 yr; mean +/- SD) and control (n = 9, age 67.1 +/- 2 yr) groups. Leg-extension and leg-press exercises (2 sets of 10 repetitions at 80% of the 5 repetition maximum) were performed three times/wk for 14 wk. Vastus lateralis (VL) muscle fascicle force was calculated from maximal isometric voluntary knee extensor torque with superimposed stimuli, accounting for the patella tendon moment arm length, ultrasound-based measurements of muscle architecture, and antagonist cocontraction estimated from electromyographic activity. Physiological cross-sectional area (PCSA) was calculated from the ratio of muscle volume to fascicle length. Specific force was calculated by dividing fascicle force by PCSA. Fascicle force increased by 11%, from 847.9 +/- 365.3 N before to 939.3 +/- 347.8 N after training (P < 0.05). Due to a relatively greater increase in fascicle length (11%) than muscle volume (6%), PCSA remained unchanged (pretraining: 30.4 +/- 8.9 cm(2); posttraining: 29.1 +/- 8.4 cm(2); P > 0.05). Activation capacity and VL muscle root mean square electromyographic activity increased by 5 and 40%, respectively, after training (P < 0.05), indicating increased agonist neural drive, whereas antagonist cocontraction remained unchanged (P > 0.05). The VL muscle-specific force increased by 19%, from 27 +/- 6.3 N/cm(2) before to 32.1 +/- 7.4 N/cm(2) after training (P < 0.01), highlighting the effectiveness of strength training for increasing the intrinsic force-producing capacity of skeletal muscle in old age.     

Contractile properties of feline genioglossus, sternohyoid, and sternothyroid muscles.

Despite a wealth of information about the respiratory behavior of pharyngeal dilator muscles such as the genioglossus, sternohyoid, and sternothyroid muscles, little is known about their contractile and endurance properties. Strips of these muscles (as well as of the diaphragm) were surgically removed from anesthetized cats and studied in vitro at 37 degrees C. The isometric contraction times of the muscles were 38 +/- 1, 31 +/- 1, 28 +/- 2, and 35 +/- 1 ms for genioglossus, sternothyroid, sternohyoid, and diaphragm, respectively. Contraction times were significantly longer for the genioglossus than for the sternohyoid and sternothyroid muscles and significantly longer for the diaphragm than for the sternohyoid muscle. Twitch-to-tetanic ratios were largest for the diaphragm and lowest for the sternohyoid muscle, and the force-frequency relationship of the sternohyoid was most rightward positioned and that of the diaphragm was most leftward positioned. During repetitive stimulation, the decrement in force was greatest for the diaphragm and least for the genioglossus muscle, with the force loss of the two hyoid muscles being intermediate in magnitude. The Burke fatigue index was significantly greater for the genioglossus than for the diaphragm, despite similar tension-time indexes during repetitive stimulation. These data indicate heterogeneity among pharyngeal dilator muscles in their contractile and endurance properties, that certain pharyngeal dilator muscle properties differ from diaphragmatic properties, and that pharyngeal muscles have relatively fast contractile kinetics yet reasonable endurance characteristics.     

The extensive length-force relationship of porcine airway smooth muscle.

The full functional length range of trachealis muscle was measured to identify a precise reference length and to assess the length changes that the myofilament lattice can accommodate. The initial reference length (L(10%)) was that where rest tension equaled 10% of total force (passive tension plus active force). Total force at this length served as a force reference (F(ref) = 219 +/- 12 kPa, N = 7). Muscles initially adapted at L(10%) for 30-60 min had no rest tension when shortened to <0.9 L(10%). Passive tension rose steeply and linearly with slope 11.2 F(ref)/L(10%) at lengths >1.04 L(10%). Rest tension at 1.1 L(10%) declined by <10% over 1 h. The steep slope and stability of rest tension at long lengths suggest that a parameter of the slope could serve as a precise, reproducible reference length. Active force was nearly constant at lengths 0.33-1.0 L(10%) and declined steeply at lengths between 0.1 and 0.2 L(10%), extrapolating to zero at 0.076 L(10%). Muscles visibly reextended during relaxation at lengths <0.25 L(10%). At long lengths, force extrapolated to zero at 1.175 L(10%). The >15-fold length range (0.076-1.175 L(10%)) for force generation and nearly constant force over a greater than threefold length range is likely produced by several structural accommodations, including filament sliding, an increased number of sliding filaments in series, and increased length of passive structures in series with the sliding filaments. Visible reextension during relaxation suggests that the lattice does not undergo plastic adaptations at lengths <25% L(10%) and that lattice plasticity is limited to a three- to fourfold length range.     

Estimation of cat medial gastrocnemius fascicle lengths during dynamic contractions

In typical muscle models, it is often assumed that the contractile element (fascicle) length depends exclusively on the instantaneous muscle-tendon length and the instantaneous muscle force. In order to test whether the instantaneous fascicle length during dynamic contractions can be predicted from muscle-tendon length and force, fascicle lengths, muscle-tendon lengths, and muscle forces were directly measured in cat medial gastrocnemii during isometric and dynamic contractions. Two theoretical muscle models were developed: model A was based on force-time data obtained during the activation phase and model D on force-time data obtained during the deactivation phase of isometric contractions. To test the models, instantaneous fascicle lengths were predicted from muscle-tendon lengths and forces during dynamic contractions that simulated cat locomotion for speeds ranging from 0.4 to 1.6m/s. The theoretically predicted fascicle lengths were compared with the experimentally measured fascicle lengths. It was found that fascicle lengths were not uniquely associated with muscle-tendon lengths and forces; that is, for a given muscle-tendon length and force, fascicle lengths varied depending on the contractile history. Consequently, models A and D differed in fascicle length predictions; model D (maximum average error=8.5%) was considerably better than model A (maximum average error=22.3%). We conclude from this study that it is not possible to predict the exact fascicle lengths from muscle-tendon lengths and forces alone, however, adequate predictions seem possible based on such a model. The relationship between fascicle length and muscle force and muscle-tendon length is complex and highly non-linear, thus, it appears unlikely that accurate fascicle length predictions can be made without some reference contractions in which fascicle length, muscle-tendon length, and force are measured simultaneously.     

Organ culture of frog muscle: maintenance of mass, enzyme levels, and contractile force

This paper describes an organ culture system that maintains frog sartorius muscles in good condition for 5 days. In the absence of serum and insulin, muscles maintained at approximately 93% of resting length atrophied with significant decreases in dry weight, protein content, and contractile force, and in the levels of activity of citrate synthase, lactate dehydrogenase, and creatine kinase. Inclusion of 1.0 mU/ml of insulin in the culture medium prevented the decreases in muscle mass, twitch tension, and citrate synthase activity and minimized the decreases in lactate dehydrogenase, creatine kinase, and tetanic tension. Inclusion of 10% serum, in addition to 1 mU/ml insulin, in the medium did not have clear cut additional benefits. Stretching muscles to 110% of resting length (L0) resulted in marked deterioration with decreases in total protein, enzyme levels, and contractile force. Keeping muscles at approximately 93% L0 was as effective as maintenance at L0 in preventing atrophy and loss of contractile force and enzyme activities. This organ culture procedure, which maintains frog sartorius muscle in good condition without serum for at least 5 days, may provide a useful model for studying the regulatory mechanisms responsible for a variety of adaptations in muscle.     

The timing of the electromyogram in the lateral myotomes of mackerel and saithe at different swimming speeds

Electromyogram (EMG) signals from two points at about 40% L and 65% L ( L = length) in the left latera1 muscle of mackerel ( Scomber scombrus L.) L = 28–33 cm a nd saithe ( Pollachius virens L.) L = 42–50 cm were recorded synchronously with films of steady straight swimming motions. In both species, the duration of EMG activity at both electrodes, remains a constant proportion of the tail cycle period Tat all the tail beat frequencies between 1–8 and 13 Hz. In mackerel and saithe respectively: onset of EMG activity at the front was 74% T and 77% T before the left-most tail blade position and fronl EMG-onset occurred 15% T and 18% T before rear onset. The duration of the EMG burst is longer at the front position (41% T and 47% T ) than at the rear (25% T and 27% T ), At all swimming speeds the wave of electrical activation of the muscle travelled between the two electrodes 25% L apart at a velocity between 1.5 and 1.6 L T ⁻¹. Frequencies of spikes within the burst of EMG activity rose from 30–40 Hz at 2 T s⁻¹ to 50–80 Hz at 8 T s⁻¹. In muscle at 40%L EMG-onset happens at phase 30° just after muscle strain at this point reaches its resting length while lengthening (360°). At 65% L EMG-onset occurs earlier in the strain cycle-350° just before the muscle reaches it resting length while lengthening (360°). This could represent within the length of the fish, a phase shift of up to 90° in the EMG-onset in relation to the muscle strain cycle. These timings are discussed in relation to optimized work output and a single instant of maximum bending moment all along the left side of the body.     

Loss of muscle fibres in a landlocked dwarf Atlantic salmon population

Growth of fast myotomal muscle in teleosts involves the continuous production of muscle fibres until some genetically pre-determined length. The dwarf landlocked (Bleke) population of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.) from Byglands-fjord, Southern Norway mature at about 25 cm fork length and reach a maximum size of only 30 cm in the wild. The maximum diameter (D(max)) of fast muscle fibres in 4-year-old Bleke salmon (25-28 cm fork length) was 118 microm and not significantly different from that found in immature migratory salmon of a similar size. In contrast no evidence for active fibre recruitment was found in the Bleke salmon, such that the maximum fibre number, FN(max), was only 21-30% of that reported in typical farmed and wild migratory populations, respectively. We hypothesise that, once established, the physiological consequences of the dwarf condition led to rapid selection for reduced fibre number, possibly to reduce the maintenance costs associated with ionic homeostasis.     

Measurement of the trunk musculature of active males using CT scan radiography: implications for force and moment generating capacity about the L4/L5 joint

The purpose of this study was to add to the growing database of cross-sectional areas and moment arm lengths of trunk musculature using the methods of computerized tomographic scanning. An attempt was also made to estimate muscle force and moment generating capacity under various reported values of muscle force per unit cross-sectional area. The data were obtained on 13 active men 40.5 +/- 11.9 years of age, 173.8 +/- 5.9 cm tall and 89.1 +/- 11.7 kg body mass. Transverse CT scans were taken at the level of the L4/L5 disc with the subjects supine. Muscle cross-sectional areas were measured from 35 mm slides of the scans using a planimeter and moment arm length in the transverse plane were taken from the centroid of the L4/L5 disc to the centroid of the muscle section. Prior to estimating force and moment generating capacity, areas were corrected, where necessary, for fibre pennation angle to produce a physiological cross-sectional area. The physiological cross-sectional areas (cm2) for one side of the body were (mean +/- S.D.): sacrospinalis (SS) 15.9 +/- 2.5; multifidus (Mu) 4.2 +/- 0.7; psoas (Ps) 17.6 +/- 4.0; rectus abdominis (RA) 7.9 +/- 2.5; external oblique (EO) 9.4 +/- 2.7; internal oblique (IO) 8.1 +/- 2.3; transverse abdominus (TA) 2.9 +/- 1.3. The anterior posterior moment arm lengths were: erector mass (SS and Mu combined) 5.90 +/- 0.52; Ps 0.58 +/- 0.40; R.A. 10.28 +/- 2.07; E.O. (anterior portion) 5.94 +/- 1.39; E.O. (posterior portion) 2.08 +/- 1.39; I.O. (anterior portion) 6.92 +/- 1.63; I.O. (posterior portion) 3.85 +/- 1.54. The corresponding lateral moment arm lengths were: 3.26 +/- 0.36; 4.88 +/- 0.36; 4.35 +/- 1.31; 12.86 +/- 1.93; 13.95 +/- 1.16; 10.77 +/- 2.02; 12.52 +/- 1.26. The maximum force per unit cross-section that human muscles are capable of generating is not well defined. However, assuming an intermediate value of 50 N cm-2 of physiological cross-section, the erector musculature observed at the L4/L5 level should be capable of generating an extensor moment of about 118 N.m. At a muscle stress of 30 or 90 N cm-2, values also reported on human muscle, the moment would be 71 and 213 Nm, respectively. It must be remembered, however, that muscles not observable at the L4/L5 level can create moments around that center of rotation.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)     

Tissue length modulates "stimulated actin polymerization," force augmentation, and the rate of swine carotid arterial contraction

"Stimulated actin polymerization" has been proposed to be involved in force augmentation, in which prior submaximal activation of vascular smooth muscle increases the force of a subsequent maximal contraction by ～15%. In this study, we altered stimulated actin polymerization by adjusting tissue length and then measured the effect on force augmentation. At optimal tissue length (1.0 L(o)), force augmentation was observed and was associated with increased prior stimulated actin polymerization, as evidenced by increased prior Y118 paxillin phosphorylation without changes in prior S3 cofilin or cross-bridge phosphorylation. Tissue length, per se, regulated Y118 paxillin, but not S3 cofilin, phosphorylation. At short tissue length (0.6 L(o)), force augmentation was observed and was associated with increased prior stimulated actin polymerization, as evidenced by reduced prior S3 cofilin phosphorylation without changes in Y118 paxillin or cross-bridge phosphorylation. At long tissue length (1.4 L(o)), force augmentation was not observed, and there were no prior changes in Y118 paxillin, S3 cofilin, or cross-bridge phosphorylation. There were no significant differences in the cross-bridge phosphorylation transients before and after the force augmentation protocol at all three lengths tested. Tissues contracted faster at longer tissue lengths; contractile rate correlated with prior Y118 paxillin phosphorylation. Total stress, per se, predicted Y118 paxillin phosphorylation. These data suggest that force augmentation is regulated by stimulated actin polymerization and that stimulated actin polymerization is regulated by total arterial stress. We suggest that K(+) depolarization first leads to cross-bridge phosphorylation and contraction, and the contraction-induced increase in mechanical strain increases Y118 paxillin phosphorylation, leading to stimulated actin polymerization, which further increases force, i.e., force augmentation and, possibly, latch.     

Attenuation of force deficit after lengthening contractions in soleus muscle from trained rats.

The purposes of this study were 1) to determine the extent to which endurance training reduces the functional deficit induced by lengthening contractions in the soleus (Sol) muscle and 2) to determine whether young and old rats training at a comparable relative exercise intensity would demonstrate a similar protective effect from lengthening-contraction-induced injury. Young (3-mo-old) and old (23-mo-old) male Fischer 344 rats were randomly assigned to either a control or exercise training group [young control (YC), old control (OC), young trained (YT), old trained (OT)]. Exercise training consisted of 10 wk of treadmill running (15% grade, 45 min/day, and 5 days/wk) such that by the end of training the young and old rats were exercising at 27 and 15 m/min, respectively. After training, contractile properties of the Sol muscle were measured in vitro at 26 degrees C. The percent decrease in maximal isometric specific force (P(o)) was determined after a series of 20 lengthening contractions (20% strain from optimal muscle length, 1 contraction every 5 s). After the lengthening-contraction protocol, Sol muscle P(o) was decreased by approximately 26% (19.6 vs. 14.6 N/cm(2)) and 28% (14.8 vs. 9.6 N/cm(2)) in the YC and OC rats, respectively. After exercise training, the reduction in P(o) was significantly (P < 0.05) attenuated to a similar degree ( approximately 13%) in both YT rats (18.7 vs. 16.2 N/cm(2)) and OT rats (15.8 vs. 13.7 N/cm(2)). It is concluded that exercise training attenuates the force deficit after repeated lengthening contractions to a comparable extent in young and old rats training at a similar exercise intensity.     

Estimates of cellular mechanics in an arterial smooth muscle.

Estimates of force generation or shortening obtained from smooth muscle tissues are valid for individual cells only if each cell is contracting homogeneously and if cells anatomically arranged in series are mechanically coupled. These two assumptions were tested and shown to be valid for the pig carotid media under certain conditions. Homogeneity of cellular responses in carotid strips was estimated from the motion of markers on the tissue during K+ -induced isometric contractions. When tissues were stretched to L0 (the optimum length for force generation), there was little marker movement on stimulation. However, considerable marker movement was observed on stimulation at shorter muscle lengths, reflecting localized shortening or stretching. The mechanical coupling of the very small cells in the media was determined by measuring the dependence of cell length on tissue length. Tissues were fixed with glutaraldehyde during isometric contractions at various tissue lengths (0.4--1.1 x L0). The fixed tissues were macerated with acid and the lengths of the dispersed cells were measured. Cell lengths were broadly distributed at all muscle lengths. However, the direct proportionality between mean cell length and muscle length (as a fraction of L0) indicated that cells which are anatomically in series are coupled force-transmitting structures. We conclude that valid estimates of cellular mechanical function in this preparation can be obtained from tissue measurements at lengths greater than about 0.9L0.     

Altered single cell force-velocity and power properties in exercise-trained rat myocardium.

Myocardial function is enhanced by endurance exercise training, but the cellular mechanisms underlying this improved function remain unclear. The ability of the myocardium to perform external work is a critical aspect of ventricular function, but previous studies of myocardial adaptation to exercise training have been limited to measurements of isometric tension or unloaded shortening velocity, conditions in which work output is zero. We measured force-velocity properties in single permeabilized myocyte preparations to determine the effect of exercise training on loaded shortening and power output. Female Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into sedentary control (C) and exercise trained (T) groups. T rats underwent 11 wk of progressive treadmill exercise. Myocytes were isolated from T and C hearts, chemically skinned, and attached to a force transducer. Shortening velocity was determined during loaded contractions at 15 degrees C by using a force-clamp technique. Power output was calculated by multiplying force times velocity values. We found that unloaded shortening velocity was not significantly different in T vs. C myocytes (T = 1.43 muscle lengths/s, n = 46 myocytes; C = 1.12 muscle lengths/s, n = 43 myocytes). Training increased the velocity of loaded shortening and increased peak power output (peak power = 0.16 P/P(o) x muscle length/s for T myocytes; peak power = 0.10 P/P(o) x muscle length/s for C myocytes, where P/P(o) is relative tension). We found no effect of training on myosin heavy chain isoform content. These results suggest that training alters power output properties of single cardiac myocytes and that this adaptation may improve the work capacity of the myocardium.     

EMG and MMG of agonist and antagonist muscles as a function of age and joint angle.

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of elbow joint position on electromyographic (EMG) and mechanomyographic (MMG) activities of agonist and antagonist muscles in young and old women. Surface EMG and MMG were recorded from the triceps and biceps brachii, and brachioradialis muscles during isometric elbow extensions in young and old women. The measurements were carried out at an optimal joint angle (A(o)), as well as at smaller (A(s) = A(o) - 30 degrees ) and larger (A(l) = A(o) + 30 degrees ) angles. The normalized to force EMG amplitude (RMS-EMG/F) was smaller in old women compared to young in all muscles. The RMS-EMG/F of the triceps brachii muscle was not affected by muscle length while that of the biceps brachii and brachioradialis muscles increased at shortest muscle length in both groups. The normalized to force MMG amplitude (RMS-MMG/F) was smaller in old than in young in the triceps brachii muscle only. There was an increase in RMS-MMG/F with triceps brachii and biceps brachii muscle shortening in both groups, and in the brachioradialis muscle -- in young only. Compared to young, older women exhibited a bigger force fluctuation during maximum voluntary contraction, but these did not contribute significantly to the RMS-MMG. Skinfold thickness accounted for the RMS-EMG/F and RMS-MMG/F differences seen between old and young women in the biceps brachii muscle only. It is concluded that, the EMG and MMG response to muscles length change in agonist and antagonist muscles is generally similar in old and young women but the optimal angle shifts toward a bigger value in older women.     

Fatiguing contractions of tongue protrudor and retractor muscles: influence of systemic hypoxia.

The influence of systemic hypoxia on the endurance performance of tongue protrudor and retractor muscles was examined in anesthetized, ventilated rats. Tongue protrudor (genioglossus) or retractor (hyoglossus and styloglossus) muscles were activated via medial or lateral XII nerve branch stimulation (0.1-ms pulse; 40 Hz; 330-ms trains; 1 train/s). Maximal evoked potentials (M waves) of genioglossus and hyoglossus were monitored with electromyography. Fatigue tests were performed under normoxic and hypoxic (arterial PO(2) = 50 +/- 1 Torr) conditions in separate animals. The fatigue index (FI; %initial force) after 5 min of normoxic stimulation was 85 +/- 6 and 79 +/- 7% for tongue protrudor and retractor muscles, respectively; these values were significantly lower during hypoxia (protrudor FI = 52 +/- 10, retractor FI = 18 +/- 6%; P < 0.05). Protrudor and retractor muscle M-wave amplitude declined over the course of the hypoxic fatigue test but did not change during normoxia (P < 0.05). We conclude that hypoxia attenuates tongue protrudor and retractor muscle endurance performance; potential mechanisms include neuromuscular transmission failure and/or diminished sarcolemmal excitability.     

Effect of muscle length on electromyogram in a canine diaphragm strip preparation

The relationship between diaphragm electromyogram (EMG), isometric force, and length was studied in the canine diaphragm strip with intact blood supply and innervation under three conditions: supramaximal tetanic (100 Hz) phrenic nerve stimulation (STPS; n = 12), supramaximal phrenic stimulation at 25 Hz (n = 15), and submaximal phrenic stimulation at 25 Hz (n = 5). In the same preparation, the EMG-length relationship was also examined with direct muscle stimulation when the neuromuscular junction was blocked. EMG from three different sites and via two types of electrodes (direct or sewn-in and surface) were recorded during isometric contraction at different lengths. Direct EMGs were recorded from two bipolar electrodes sutured into the strip, one near its central end and the other near its costal end. A third EMG electrode configuration summed potentials from the whole strip by recording potentials between central and costal sites. Surface EMGs were recorded by a bipolar spring clip electrode that made contact with upper and lower surfaces of the muscle strip with light pressure. In all conditions of stimulation with different types of electrodes, all EMGs decreased significantly (P less than 0.05) when muscle length was changed from 50 to 120% of resting length (L0). Minimal and maximal force outputs were observed at 50 and 120% of L0, respectively, in all experiments. The results of this study indicated that the muscle length is a significant variable that affects the EMG recording and that the diaphragmatic EMG may not be an accurate reflection of phrenic nerve activity.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Effects of short vs. long rest period between sets on elbow-flexor muscular endurance during resistance training to failure

This study aimed to examine short-term resistance training effects of resting period length between sets on maximal number of repetitions and mean velocity over a moderate-intensity (60% of the maximum voluntary isometric contraction [MVIC]) set to failure on elbow-flexor muscles. The MVIC and surface electromyographic activity (sEMG) were also measured. Twenty-one untrained subjects were divided into 3 groups: short rest between sets (1 minute; SR), long rest between sets (4 minutes; LR), and nontraining control group (CG). The SR and LR performed 3 sets to failure in an arm-curl machine, 2 days per week for 5 weeks, with moderate loads (60-75% of the MVIC). The LR completed a significantly higher (31.6%, p < 0.05) total training volume than the SR. Both training groups enhanced the maximal number of repetitions to failure, with no significant differences in the magnitude of gains. The posttraining average velocity achieved by the SR at 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, and 90% of the total number of repetitions completed was significantly higher (p < 0.05) than the corresponding average velocity achieved on pretraining conditions, whereas no significant differences were observed in the LR. No significant changes in the MVIC or sEMG were observed in any group. We conclude that short-term elbow-flexor resistance training to failure, allowing 1 or 4 minutes of rest between sets, induces similar gains concerning local muscular endurance. Nevertheless, only the SR training approach reduced the rate of decline in the average repetition velocity during a set to failure. This can be of some importance in sport modalities in which not only the maximal number of repetitions (e.g., muscle endurance), but also a greater maintenance of high repetition velocities, may be critical for performance.