The effect of concentric isokinetic strength training of the quadriceps femoris on electromyography and muscle strength in the trained and untrained limb.

The purpose of the present investigation was to examine the effects of unilateral concentric isokinetic leg extension training on peak torque (PT) and electromyographic (EMG) responses in the trained and untrained limbs. Twenty adult men were randomly assigned to a training (TRN, n = 11) or control (CTL, n = 9) group. The TRN group performed 6 sets of 10 leg extensions 3 days per week for 12 weeks at a velocity of 90 degrees.s(-1). All subjects were tested every 4 weeks for PT and EMG responses of both legs at a velocity of 90 degrees.s(-1). The 3-way mixed factorial analysis of variance (ANOVA) indicated a significant (p < 0.05) increase in PT over the 12 weeks in both the trained and untrained limb for the TRN group but no significant change in PT in either limb for the CTL group. The results of the 3-way ANOVA for the EMG data indicated no significant change in EMG amplitude in the trained or untrained limb for the TRN or CTL group. The increase in PT in the absence of a change in EMG may result from hypertrophic factors and/or changes in the other muscles or muscle groups involved in leg extension.

Mechanomyography, electromyography, heart rate, and ratings of perceived exertion during incremental cycle ergometry.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this investigation was to examine the relationships of mchanomyography (MMG), electromyography (EMG), heart rate (HR), and ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) versus power output during incremental cycle ergometry. METHODS: Nine adult males [mean (+/-SD) age 23 (+/-3) years] volunteered to perform an incremental test to exhaustion on a cycle ergometer. The MMG, EMG, HR, and RPE values were recorded at the end of each power output. RESULTS: The normalized (expressed as a percentage of maximal values) relationships for MMG, HR, and RPE versus power output were linear, while the EMG versus power output relationship was quadratic. Furthermore, there were no significant (p > 0.10) differences between slope coefficients for the relationships among MMG, HR, and RPE versus power output. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this investigation indicated that there were close associations among the mechanical (MMG), cardiac (HR), and perception of effort (RPE) aspects of cycle ergometry. In addition, there was a dissociation between the linear MMG pattern and quadratic EMG pattern with increasing power outputs.

The effect of leg extension training on the mean power frequency of the mechanomyographic signal.

The purpose of the present investigation was to examine the effect of concentric isokinetic leg extension training on the mean power frequency (MPF) of the mechanomyographic (MMG) signal. Twenty-one men were assigned into a training (TRN; n = 12) or control (CTL; n = 9) group. The TRN group performed six sets of leg extensions 3 days per week for 12 weeks at a velocity of 90 degrees /s. All subjects were tested every 4 weeks for peak torque (PT), while MMG was recorded from the vastus lateralis. PT increased, but there was no significant (P > 0.05) change in the MMG MPF over the 12-week training period. These results indicate that MMG MPF, measured from the vastus lateralis, was not sensitive to training-induced increases in leg-extension strength, possibly due to competing influences of hypertrophy on the MMG signal and/or training-induced adaptations in muscles other than the vastus lateralis.

The effects of leg angular velocity on mean power frequency and amplitude of the mechanomyographic signal.

The purpose of the present investigation was to examine the effects of leg angular velocity on the mean power frequency (MPF) and amplitude of the mechanomyographic (MMG) signal during maximal concentric (CON) isokinetic muscle actions. Sixteen adult subjects performed maximal CON leg extensions on a calibrated Cybex 6000 dynamometer at leg angular velocities of 60 and 300 degrees.s-1. MMG was detected by a piezoelectric crystal contact sensor placed over the mid-portion of the vastus lateralis muscle. The results indicated a significant (p < 0.05) velocity-related decrease in peak torque (PT) and increase in MMG amplitude from 60 to 300 degrees.s-1. There was, however, no velocity-related change (p > 0.05) in MMG MPF. These findings did not support our hypothesis that increases across velocity in MMG amplitude were due to decreases in muscle stiffness as a result of a shift in the contribution of slow and fast-twitch muscle fibers to PT production. Future research should examine the potential influence of actin-myosin cycling rate as well as limb movement on the MPF and amplitude of the MMG signal.

The effect of siberian ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus) on substrate utilization and performance.

It has been suggested that Eleutherococcus senticosus (ES), also known as Siberian ginseng or ciwuija, increases fat utilization in humans. The purpose of this study was to examine the physiological responses to supplementation with ES in endurance cyclists. Using a randomized, double-blind crossover design, 9 highly-trained men (28 +/- 2 years, VáO2max 57.3 +/- 2.0 ml á kg-1 á min-1) cycled for 120 min at '60% VáO2max followed by a simulated 10-km time trial. Diet was controlled, and ES (1,200 mg á day-1) or a placebo (P) were administered for 7 days prior to each of the two trials. Oxygen consumption, respiratory exchange ratio, and heart rate were recorded every 30 min, and rating of perceived exertion, plasma [lactate], and plasma [glucose] were recorded every 20 min during the 120 min of steady state cycling. There were no significant differences (p >.05) between the ES and P groups at any steady-state time interval or during the cycling time trial (ES = 18.10 +/- 0.42, P = 17.83 +/- 0.47 min). In contrast with previous reports, the results of this study suggest that ES supplementation does not alter steady-state substrate utilization or 10-km cycling performance time.

MMG and EMG responses of the superficial quadriceps femoris muscles.

Eighteen adults performed isometric muscle actions of the leg extensors at 25, 50, 75, and 100% maximal voluntary contraction (%MVC) at leg flexion angles of 25, 50, and 75 degrees. The results indicated that isometric torque production increased as leg flexion angle increased (75 degrees > 50 degrees > 25 degrees). For each muscle tested (rectus femoris, vastus lateralis, and vastus medialis), the EMG amplitude increased up to 100%MVC at each leg flexion angle (25, 50, and 75 degrees). The MMG amplitude for each muscle, however, increased up to 100%MVC at 25 and 50 degrees of leg flexion, but plateaued from 75 to 100%MVC at 75 degrees of leg flexion. We hypothesize that the varied patterns for the MMG amplitude-isometric torque relationships were due to leg flexion angle differences in: (1) muscle stiffness, (2) intramuscular fluid pressure, or (3) motor unit firing frequency.

Mean power frequency and amplitude of the mechanomyographic signal during maximal eccentric isokinetic muscle actions.

The purpose of the present investigation was to examine the effects of knee angular velocity on the mean power frequency (MPF) and amplitude of the mechanomyographic (MMG) signal during maximal eccentric (ECC) isokinetic muscle actions. Eleven adult subjects performed maximal ECC muscle actions of the leg extensors on a calibrated Cybex 6000 dynamometer at knee angular velocities of 60, 120, and 180 degrees.s-1. MMG was detected by a piezoelectric crystal contact sensor placed over the vastus lateralis muscle. There were no significant (p > 0.05) velocity-related changes in ECC peak torque (PT) or MMG MPF, however, the mean MMG amplitude value at 60 degrees.s-1 was significantly less (p < 0.05) than that at 180 degrees.s-1. These results did not support our previous hypothesis that the velocity-related increase in MMG amplitude for maximal ECC isokinetic muscle actions was due to selective recruitment of fast twitch fibers and derecruitment of slow twitch fibers with increasing velocity.

Gender comparisons of the mechanomyographic responses to maximal concentric and eccentric isokinetic muscle actions.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine whether there is a gender difference in the velocity-related patterns of mechanomyographic (MMG) responses to maximal isokinetic concentric (CON) and eccentric (ECC) muscle actions. METHODS: Adult males (N = 15) and females (N = 16) performed maximal CON and ECC muscle actions of the leg extensors on a calibrated Cybex 6000 dynamometer at velocities of 30, 90, and 150 degrees.s-1. MMG was detected by a piezoelectric crystal contact sensor placed over the vastus lateralis muscle. RESULTS: The results indicated that there were decreases in CON peak torque (PT) across velocities, while ECC PT remained constant with increasing velocity for both genders. MMG amplitude increased significantly (P < 0.05) with velocity in both the males and females for CON and ECC muscle actions. There was a gender difference in the velocity-related patterns of MMG responses to maximal isokinetic CON muscle actions; however, there was no gender difference in the pattern of ECC MMG responses. CONCLUSIONS: The gender difference in CON MMG responses may be attributed to the greater percent decline in CON PT across velocity for the females than the males. In addition, the males displayed greater CON and ECC MMG amplitudes at all muscle action velocities than the females, possibly because of gender differences in muscle mass and/or thickness of the adipose tissue layer.

Mechanomyographic and electromyographic responses to eccentric and concentric isokinetic muscle actions of the biceps brachii.

The purpose of the present investigation was to examine the effects of forearm angular velocity on the mechanomyographic (MMG) and electromyographic (EMG) responses to eccentric and concentric isokinetic muscle actions. Ten adult male volunteers (mean+/-SD age=23+/-2 years) performed maximal eccentric and concentric muscle actions of the forearm flexors at 30 degrees, 90 degrees, and 150 degrees s(-1). There was no significant (P> 0.05) velocity-related change in peak torque (PT) for the eccentric muscle actions, but there was a significant (P < 0.05) decrease in PT for the concentric muscle actions. For the eccentric and concentric muscle actions, there was a significant (P< 0.05) velocity-related increase in MMG amplitude. There was no significant (P < 0.05) change in EMG amplitude across velocity for the eccentric or concentric muscle actions. The results indicated velocity-related dissociations among the PT, MMG, and EMG responses to maximal eccentric and concentric isokinetic muscle actions.

The effect of leg flexion angle on the mechanomyographic responses to isometric muscle actions.

The purpose of this investigation was to examine the effect of leg flexion angle on the relationship between mechanomyographic (MMG) amplitude and isometric torque production. Adult males (n = 9) performed isometric muscle actions of the leg extensors at 25, 50, 75, and 100 percent maximal voluntary contraction (%MVC) on a calibrated CYBEX 6000 dynamometer at 25, 50, and 75 degrees below full extension. A piezoelectric MMG recording device was placed over the mid-portion of the rectus femoris. At 25 degrees of leg flexion, the MMG amplitude increased to 100%MVC. At 50 and 75 degrees of leg flexion, however, MMG amplitude increased to 75%MVC, and then did not change significantly (P > 0.05) between 75 and 100%MVC. These findings indicate that the MMG amplitude-isometric torque relationship is joint angle specific and may be the result of leg flexion angle differences in: (1) muscle stiffness, or (2) motor unit activation strategies.

Validity of near-infrared interactance for estimating relative body fat in female high school gymnasts.

The present investigation examined the validity of near-infrared interactance (NIR) estimates of relative body fat (% fat) from the Futrex-5000 (F5000), Futrex-5000A (F5000 A), and Futrex-1000 (F1000) instruments. Ninety-eight female high school gymnasts (X age+/-SD = 15.7+/-1.2 yr) participated in this investigation. Subsamples were used to cross-validate the F5000 (n = 52), F5000A (n = 46), and F1000 (n = 89) instruments. The NIR % fat estimates were validated against criterion % fat from underwater weighing (UWW) using the adult conversion constants of Brozek et al. (6) (UWWB) and the female age-specific constants of Lohman (23) (UWWL). The cross-validation statistical analysis included examination of the constant error (CE), standard error of estimate (SEE), r, and total error (TE). In addition, full-model multiple regression analyses were used to predict UWWB or UWWL from body weight (BW) and height (HT). BW and HT were correlated with % fat at R = 0.65-0.70, while the validity coefficients for the NIR instruments ranged from r = 0.40-0.78. The F5000 resulted in nonsignificant CE values (-0.3 % fat vs UWWB and 1.5 % fat vs UWWL; p > 0.008) as well as the lowest TE values (TE = 3.1 % fat vs UWWB and 4.0 % fat vs UWWL). All other NIR estimates of % fat resulted in TE values > or = 6.3 % fat. In addition, for all NIR instruments there were negative correlations for the plots of the CE versus the mean of predicted and criterion (UWWB and UWWL) % fat. Therefore, the present findings indicated that the F5000 provided more accurate estimates of % fat than the F5000A or F1000 instruments, but may underestimate the desired minimal body weight for female gymnasts at the low end of the % fat distribution.

Validity of bioelectrical impedence equations for estimating fat-free weight in high school female gymnasts.

The present study examined the validity of bioelectrical impedence (BIA) equations for estimating fat-free weight (FFW) in female gymnasts by comparing the values to those obtained from underwater weighing (UWW). Ninety-seven female Caucasian high school gymnasts (mean age +/- SD = 15.7 +/- 1.1 yr) participated in the study. FFW from UWW was calculated from percent fat using the revised formula of Brozek et al. (mean FFW +/- SD = 43.8 +/- 4.5 kg) and the age-specific constants of Lohman (mean FFW +/- SD = 44.8 +/- 4.6 kg). Cross-validation analyses included examination of the constant error (CE), SEE, r, and total error (TE). The results indicated similar trends between equations when based on either the Brozek or Lohman conversions; however, the CE, SEE, and TE values were consistently lower for the majority of the equations using the revised formula of Brozek et al. Based upon the results of the cross-validation analyses, the equation of Houtkooper et al. and the interlaboratory equations of Van Loan et al. and Lohman, which resulted in identical TE values of 2.4 kg are recommended for use with young high school gymnasts.

Mechanomyographic responses to maximal eccentric isokinetic muscle actions.

The purpose of the present investigation was to examine the mechanomyographic (MMG) responses to maximal eccentric isokinetic muscle actions. Eight adult male volunteers [age 22 +/- 2 (SD) yr] performed maximal eccentric muscle actions of the leg extensors at 60, 90, 120, and 180 degrees /s on a Cybex 6000 isokinetic dynamometer. MMG was detected by a piezoelectric crystal contact sensor placed over the vastus lateralis muscle. Test-retest intraclass correlations ranged from R = 0.88 to 0.97 for peak torque and from R = 0.97 to 0.98 for root mean square MMG amplitude values. There was no significant (P > 0.05) velocity-related change in eccentric peak torque; however, there was a significant (P < 0.05) increase in MMG between 60 [119 +/- 44 (SE) mV] and 180 degrees/s (302 +/- 128 mV). These findings indicated a velocity-related dissociation between MMG and peak torque for maximal eccentric isokinetic muscle actions.

Mechanomyography and oxygen consumption during incremental cycle ergometry.

The purpose of this investigation was to describe and compare the relationships for mechanomyography (MMG) and oxygen consumption rate (VO2) versus power output during incremental cycle ergometry. Twenty four adult males [mean (SD) age, 22.1 (2.0) years] volunteered to perform an incremental test to exhaustion on a cycle ergometer. A MMG piezoelectric recording device was placed mid-thigh over the vastus lateralis muscle and VO2 was measured using standard open circuit procedures. The r2 values for the MMG and VO2 versus power output relationships ranged from 0.79 to 0.99 and 0.97 to 0.99, respectively. In 20 of the 24 subjects there was no significant (P > 0.10) difference between the slope values for the normalized MMG and VO2 (expressed as a percentage of maximal values) versus power output relationships. The results of this study indicate that MMG procedures can be used to quantify muscular activity and monitor changes in exercise intensity during cycle ergometry. Furthermore, the present findings demonstrated a close association between the mechanical (MMG) and metabolic (VO2) aspects of muscular contraction during incremental cycle ergometry.

Mechanomyographic responses to concentric isokinetic muscle contractions.

The purpose of this investigation was to examine the effects of velocity of contraction on the mechanomyographic (MMG) responses to maximal concentric isokinetic leg extension movements. Eight adult males [mean (SD) age, 22.3 (1.3) years] performed maximal leg extensions on a calibrated Cybex 6000 dynamometer at velocities of 60, 120, 180, 240, 300, and 360 degrees x s(-1) x MMG responses were detected by a piezoelectric recording device placed over the vastus lateralis muscle. Intraclass reliability correlations ranged from R = 0.84 to 0.97 and from 0.90 to 0.99 for peak torque and MMG amplitude values, respectively, with no significant differences (P > 0.05) between the mean values for test versus retest at any contraction velocity. There were significant differences (P < 0.05) in peak torque at all velocities except 240 [135 (27) Nm] versus 300 [127 (27) Nm], and 300 versus 360 degrees x s(-1) [115 (37) Nm]. The mean MMG amplitude at 60 degrees x s(-1) [61 (67) mV] was significantly less (P < 0.05) than that at 360 degrees x s(-1) [452 (451) mV]. These results indicate a velocity-related dissociation between MMG amplitude and peak torque. Furthermore, it was hypothesized that the increases in MMG amplitude were due to velocity-related decreases in muscle stiffness which allowed for greater muscle fiber oscillations.

Neuromuscular fatigue thresholds of the vastus lateralis, vastus medialis and rectus femoris muscles.

The purpose of this study was to compare the power outputs associated with the onset of neuromuscular fatigue in the superficial muscles of the quadriceps femoris group by simultaneously monitoring the EMG activity from the vastus lateralis (VL), vastus medialis (VM) and rectus femoris (RF) muscles during a Physical Working Capacity at the Fatigue Threshold (PWCFT) test. Eleven adult males (mean +/- SD = 24 +/- 3y) served as subjects. There were no significant (p > 0.05) differences among the mean PWCFT values for the VL (226 +/- 58 W), VM (223 +/- 58 W) and RF (203 +/- 54 W) muscles. These findings indicates that the superficial muscles of the quadriceps femoris group generally responded as a unit with respect to the onset (threshold) of neuromuscular fatigue as measured by the PWCFT test.

Effect of workbout duration on the physical working capacity at fatigue threshold (PWCFT) test.

The purpose of this study was twofold: (1) to determine the effect of increasing the duration of the workbout at each power output during the physical working capacity at fatigue threshold (PWCFT) test from 2 to 3 or 4 min, and (2) to examine the time to exhaustion during continuous workbouts at the PWCFT. Twelve adult males (means +/- SD = 22.4 +/- 3.0 years) volunteered to perform three PWCFT tests using workbout durations of 2, 3, and 4 min. Following the determination of the PWCFT values, nine of the subjects performed continuous workbouts at PWCFT2 and PWCFT4 for as long as possible. The mean PWCFT value using 4-min workbouts (PWCFT4 = 168.8 +/- 45.1 W) was significantly less (p < 0.05, 19.1%) than that using 2-min workbouts (PWCFT2 = 208.9 +/- 59.0 W). However, only two subjects were able to complete 60 min at PWCFT4 and none of the subjects were able to complete 60 min at PWCFT2. Therefore, although increasing the duration of the workbout at each power output resulted in a lower PWCFT4, these findings do not support a recommendation for a change in the PWCFT test protocol.

Electromyographic fatigue thresholds of the superficial muscles of the quadriceps femoris.

The purpose of this investigation was to compare the thresholds of neuromuscular fatigue determined simultaneously from the vastus lateralis (VL), vastus medialis (VM) and rectus femoris (RF) muscles using the electromyographic fatigue threshold (EMGFT) test. Eight adult volunteers [mean (SD) age, 33 (10) years] served as subjects for this investigation. The results of a one-way repeated measured ANOVA indicated that there was a significant (P < 0.05) difference among the mean EMGFT values for the VL [248(31)W], VM [223(43)W] and RF [220(30)W] muscles. Tukey post-hoc comparisons indicated that the EMGFT for the RF was significantly (P < 0.05) lower than that of the VL. These findings suggested that during cycle ergometry there is a dissociation in neuromuscular fatigue characteristics of the superficial muscles of the quadriceps femoris group.