Biomechanical study of the final push-pull in archery.

The purpose of this study was to analyse archery performance among eight archers of different abilities by means of displacement pull-hand measurements during the final push-pull phase of the shoot. The archers showed an irregular displacement negatively related to their technical level. Displacement signal analysis showed high power levels in both the 0-5 Hz and 8-12 Hz ranges. The latter peak corresponds to electromyographic tremor observed during a prolonged push-pull effort. The results are discussed in relation to some potentially helpful training procedures such as biofeedback and strength conditioning.

The spatial integration effect of surface electrode detecting myoelectric signal.

The spectral properties of surface electrodes used for myoelectric signal detection were investigated using both a theoretical and an experimental approach. On the basis of the theoretical model, the single surface electrode was found to act as a low pass filter depending on the electrode diameter (d) and the fiber conduction velocities (CV). Several dips in the power spectrum were also predicted for varying frequencies depending on d and CV. The mathematical expression of the surface electrode filter was highly consistent with previously demonstrated properties of the single fiber power spectrum. An experimental comparison between myoelectric signals from the vastus lateralis muscle recorded using two electrode pairs with different diameters confirmed this low pass filter effect. However, the dip phenomenon was not observed from experimental data. The practical consequences of the electrode filter effect are discussed with respect to the interpretation of changes in surface myoelectric signal spectrum, particularly when a shift toward the high frequencies is observed.

Surface myoelectric signals during ergocycle exrcises at various mechanical powers and pedalling rates.

The surface myoelectric (ME) signal from the vastus lateralis muscle was studied during ergocycling at various mechanical powers (MPs) and pedalling rates (PRs). The envelope of the signal was described using a power spectral density function estimate at very low frequency. A highly smoothed burst pattern was found independently at 80 rpm on MP. The envelope presence in surface ME signals was demonstrated to affect the total band power spectrum estimate slightly. In addition, the total band power spectrum changes with MPs and PRs were described using the root mean square value and the mean power frequency. Total band power spectrum was enhanced and shifted toward the low frequencies as PR increased. It was shifted toward the high frequencies as MP increased. These changes were attributed to the progressive recruitment of fast fibers.

EMG spectral shift- and 31P-NMR-determined intracellular pH in fatigued human biceps brachii muscle.

We have simultaneously recorded human biceps brachii intracellular pH, estimated by 31P-NMR, and EMG spectral shift, during isometric contraction and recovery in six subjects. This method allows us to concurrently study several components of muscle fatigue. The results show a clear dissociation between the recovery of intracellular pH, force-generating capacity, and the shift to low frequency of the EMG power spectrum induced by fatiguing exercise.

A pseudoperiodic model for myoelectric signal during dynamic exercise.

A theoretical model of dynamic surface myoelectric signal (SMES) suitable for periodic exercise has been developed. It has been shown that the spectral content of SMES in the very low-frequency band can be related to burst patterns of SMES. Burst patterns were compared during cycling exercises at different pedaling rates. A simple spectral parameter, defined in the very low-frequency band, was related to movement efficiency.

The aerobic-anaerobic transition: re-examination of the threshold concept including an electromyographic approach.

The surface electromyogram (EMG) from the vastus lateralis muscle and the metabolic and respiratory parameters were studied simultaneously during an incremental exercise in order to identify EMG signal modifications during the aerobic-anaerobic transition. Subjects performed an incremental test on the bicycle ergometer from an initial work load of 175 W to exhaustion by steps of 25 W. Ventilatory flow (VE), oxygen uptake (VO2) and carbon dioxide flow (VCO2) were recorded continuously. For lactate concentration determination, venous blood samples were collected during the final 30 s of each step. EMG signals were stored on magnetic tape. They were then converted into successive spectra to allow the study of EMG total power (PEMG) and mean power frequency (MPF) evolutions. A non linear increase in blood lactate reflected by a breaking point at 250 W was observed. A change in VE/VO2 ratio occurred at 275 W. PEMG value showed a non linear increase reflected by a breaking point at 275 W. MPF value increased from the first to the seventh step with a tendency to decrease at the last step. A great interindividual variance of EMG data was observed indicating the difficulty of correlating mean values of EMG parameters with mean values of blood lactate in order to explain sudden lactate increase by fast twitch fibre recruitment. However, comparison of individual EMG data suggests a progressive recruitment of fast twitch fibres as work load increases.