GH responses to two consecutive bouts of neuromuscular electrical stimulation in healthy adults.

BackgroundIt is well established that repeated GHRH administration or repeated voluntary exercise bouts are associated with a complete blunting of GH responsiveness when the administration of the second stimulus follows the first one after a 2-h interval.AimTo evaluate GH responses to neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) in healthy adults.MethodsSix volunteers (mean age±s.d. 31.7±5.5 years) were studied before and after two consecutive bouts of NMES exercise (a series of 20 contractions at the maximum of individual tolerance, frequency: 75 Hz, pulse duration: 400 μs, on–off ratio: 6.25–20 s) administered at a 2-h interval.ResultsBaseline GH levels (mean: 0.3±0.2 ng/ml) significantly …

Effect of combined electrostimulation and plyometric training on vertical jump height.

This study investigated the influence of a 4-wk combined electromyostimulation (EMS) and plyometric training program on the vertical jump performance of 10 volleyball players.Training sessions were carried out three times weekly. Each session consisted of three main parts: EMS of the knee extensor muscles (48 contractions), EMS of the plantar flexor muscles (30 contractions), and 50 plyometric jumps. Subjects were tested before (week 0), during (week 2), and after the training program (week 4), as well as once more after 2 wk of normal volleyball training (week 6). Different vertical jumps were carried out, as well as maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) of the knee extensor and plantar flex…

Differences in cardiorespiratory and neuromuscular responses between voluntary and stimulated contractions of the quadriceps femoris muscle.

The aim of this study was to compare respiratory gas exchange variables and muscle fatigue between equal-intensity (i.e., same force output) electrostimulated and voluntary contractions of the quadriceps muscle (46+/-10% of maximal voluntary force). Twelve healthy men served as volunteers. Oxygen consumption, ventilation and respiratory exchange ratio were recorded during the exercise bouts. Muscle fatigue was quantified as the exercise-induced reduction in maximal voluntary force. The average oxygen consumption (11+/-3 versus 8+/-2 mL min(-1)kg(-1)), ventilation (23+/-4 versus 16+/-2 L min(-1)) and respiratory exchange ratio (0.96+/-0.02 versus 0.85+/-0.01) were significantly higher during…

Neuromuscular electrical stimulation training induces atypical adaptations of the human skeletal muscle phenotype: a functional and proteomic analysis

Import JabRef | WosArea Physiology; Sport Sciences; International audience; The aim of the present study was to define the chronic effects of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) on the neuromuscular properties of human skeletal muscle. Eight young healthy male subjects were subjected to 25 sessions of isometric NMES of the quadriceps muscle over an 8-wk period. Needle biopsies were taken from the vastus lateralis muscle before and after training. The training status, myosin heavy chain (MHC) isoform distribution, and global protein pattern, as assessed by proteomic analysis, widely varied among subjects at baseline and prompted the identification of two subgroups: an "active" (ACT) …

Biceps brachii muscle oxygenation in electrical muscle stimulation

The purpose of this study was to compare between electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) and maximal voluntary (VOL) isometric contractions of the elbow flexors for changes in biceps brachii muscle oxygenation (tissue oxygenation index, TOI) and haemodynamics (total haemoglobin volume, tHb = oxygenated-Hb + deoxygenated-Hb) determined by near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS). The biceps brachii muscle of 10 healthy men (23-39 years) was electrically stimulated at high frequency (75 Hz) via surface electrodes to evoke 50 intermittent (4-s contraction, 15-s relaxation) isometric contractions at maximum tolerated current level (EMS session). The contralateral arm performed 50 intermittent (4-s contrac…

Assessment of the rate of force development scaling factor for the hip muscles

Introduction: The aim of this study was to evaluate test feasibility, validity, and reproducibility of the rate of force development scaling factor (RFD-SF) for the hip muscles. Methods: Feasibility was assessed as the testing compliance, validity as the ability to compute the RFD-SF from a linear regression, and reproducibility with a test–retest design in 20 healthy subjects. Reliability and agreement (reproducibility) were evaluated using intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC3,1) and percent standard error of measurement (SEM), respectively. Results: The RFD-SF testing protocol was completed successfully by all subjects, although the analysis had to be modified for hip rotators. Reliab…

Combined evaluation of resting IGF-I, N-terminal propeptide of type III procollagen (PIIINP) and C-terminal cross-linked telopeptide of type I collagen (ICTP) levels might be useful for detecting inappropriate GH administration in athletes: a preliminary report.

To verify whether combined measurements of GH-dependent parameters might be useful in detecting exogenous recombinant GH (rGH) administration in male athletes from different disciplines.Sixty-six athletes (control group) were sampled for the evaluation of resting IGF-I, N-terminal propeptide of type III procollagen (PIIINP) and telopeptide type I collagen (ICTP). Cut-off values (mean + 2 SD) for IGF-I, PIIINP and ICTP were calculated and arbitrary scores (1.5, 2.0) were assigned to abnormal parameters. By using the sum of individual parameter scores, positive (or = 3) or negative (3) scores were obtained. In addition, a subgroup of six athletes was treated for 3 weeks with rGH (0.09 IU/kg b…

Changes in body composition, physical performance and cardiovascular risk factors after a 3-week integrated body weight reduction program and after 1-y follow-up in severely obese men and women.

To investigate the short- and medium-term (ie, at 1-y follow-up) effects of a hospital-based body weight reduction (BWR) program lasting 3 weeks in severely obese individuals.Longitudinal, clinical intervention study entailing energy-restricted diet, tailored aerobic-strength exercise, psychological counselling and nutritional education during a 3-week period followed by 49 weeks of indirect supervision at home.In all, 45 women and 19 men aged 30.2 +/- 7.2 y (mean +/- s.d.) with severe obesity (BMI: 41.3 +/- 4.3 kg/m(2)), classified as weight losers (finalinitial weight) and regainers (finalor =initial weight).Body composition, physical performance and cardiovascular risk factors before and…

Electrical and mechanical H(max)-to-M(max) ratio in power- and endurance-trained athletes.

The aim of this study was to compare the mechanical and electromyographic (EMG) characteristics of soleus motor units activated during maximal H reflex and direct M response among subjects with different histories of physical activity. Power-trained athletes produced stronger twitches, with a higher rate of twitch tension buildup and relaxation, than their endurance counterparts for both maximal H-reflex and maximal M-wave responses. The maximal H-reflex-to-maximal M-wave ratios for both force output (twitch) and EMG wave amplitude were significantly lower in power-trained than endurance-trained athletes. However, power-trained athletes exhibited a significantly greater twitch-to-EMG ratio…

Comparison between voluntary and stimulated contractions of the quadriceps femoris for growth hormone response and muscle damage

This study aimed to compare voluntary and stimulated exercise for changes in muscle strength, growth hormone (GH), blood lactate, and markers of muscle damage. Nine healthy men had two leg press exercise bouts separated by 2 wk. In the first bout, the quadriceps muscles were stimulated by biphasic rectangular pulses (75 Hz, duration 400 μs, on-off ratio 6.25–20 s) with current amplitude being consistently increased throughout 40 contractions at maximal tolerable level. In the second bout, 40 voluntary isometric contractions were performed at the same leg press force output as the first bout. Maximal voluntary isometric strength was measured before and after the bouts, and serum GH and blood…

A follow-up of GH-dependent biomarkers during a 6-month period of the sporting season of male and female athletes

In order to verify the effects of the sporting season (entailing periods of training, competition, recovery, resting) on GH-dependent parameters in male and female athletes from different sporting disciplines, 47 male and female athletes (3 rowers, 5 swimmers, 7 alpine skiers, 3 soccer players, 7 middle distance runners, 14 sprinters, 4 triathletes, 1 road walker, 3 cyclists) were followed-up for a period of 6 months. Blood samples were taken every two months for the evaluation of IGF-I, N-terminal propeptide of type III procollagen (PIIINP) and C-terminal cross-linked telopeptide of type I collagen (ICTP). Abnormal IGF-I, PIIINP and ICTP levels were observed during the follow-up period in …

Postural instability of extremely obese individuals improves after a body weight reduction program entailing specific balance training

The purposes of this study were to compare postural stability between obese and lean subjects and to investigate the effect of a 3-week body weight reduction (BWR) program entailing specific balance training on postural stability of extremely obese patients. Time of balance maintenance and mean error on the medial-lateral direction at the trunk and lower limb level were assessed during a single limb stance on a movable platform in 19 non-obese and in 20 extremely obese individuals (age range: 20-40 yr). Time of balance maintenance was shorter (obese: 21.1+/-7.7 vs lean: 27.3+/-3.1 sec) and medial-lateral sway of the trunk was larger in obese (5.4+/-3.2 degrees) than in lean (3.2+/-1.1 degre…

Gender variations of body composition, muscle strength and power output in morbid obesity

BACKGROUND: Motor capabilities are reduced in obese (OB) individuals, and this impairment may result also from quantitative variation of muscle mass due to alterations in body composition. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to evaluate the differences in body mass (BM) and composition, as well as in muscle strength (ST) and power output W(.) between OB and NW males and females, and to test the hypothesis that variations in body composition affect muscle performance in OB subjects. DESIGN AND METHODS: Body composition (determined by BIA with a two-compartment model), upper and lower limb maximum ST (evaluated with isotonic machines) and lower limb maximum anaerobic W(.) (measured with a jumping test…

Body mass reduction markedly improves muscle performance and body composition in obese females aged 61-75 years: comparison between the effects exerted by energy-restricted diet plus moderate aerobic-strength training alone or associated with rGH or nandrolone undecanoate

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effectiveness of a body mass reduction programme entailing diet caloric restriction and moderate physical activity with or without supplementary treatment with recombinant (r) GH or steroids to improve body composition and muscle performance in severely obese women aged 61-75 years. METHODS: Twenty women were randomly assigned to one of three groups: body mass reduction alone; body mass reduction plus rGH; body mass reduction plus nandrolone undecanoate. Body composition, isotonic muscle strength and anaerobic power output during jumping were determined before and after the 3-week period. RESULTS: Whatever the experimental group considered, body mass (P<0.01…

Central Versus Peripheral Adaptations Following Eccentric Resistance Training

Aim of the present investigation was to study the effects of an eccentric training on the neuromuscular properties of the plantar-flexor muscles. The experiment was carried out on 14 males divided into two groups (eccentric and control). Eccentric training consisted of six sets of six eccentric contractions at 120 % of one maximal concentric repetition and it was performed four times a week during four weeks. Before and after the 4-wk period, the plantar-flexor torque and the associated electromyographic activity were recorded during voluntary contractions (isometric, concentric and eccentric) and electrically induced contractions (twitch and tetanus), in order to distinguish central from p…

Central and peripheral fatigue of the knee extensor muscles induced by electromyostimulation.

The main purpose of this study was to characterise neuromuscular fatigue induced by 30 contractions of the knee extensor muscles evoked by electromyostimulation (EMS). Twelve healthy subjects were tested before and after a typical EMS session (frequency: 75 Hz, on-off ratio: 6.25 s on-20 s off) used for quadriceps femoris muscle strengthening. Surface electromyographic (EMG) activity and torque obtained during maximal voluntary and electrically evoked contractions were analysed to distinguish peripheral from central fatigue. Maximal voluntary torque of the knee extensor muscles decreased approximately 20 % (p < 0.001) following EMS. In the same way, peak torque associated to single (p < 0.0…

Alteration of Neuromuscular Function After a Prolonged Road Cycling Race

The aim of this study was to characterize neuromuscular fatigue in knee extensor muscles after a prolonged cycling exercise. During the two days preceding a 140-km race (mean +/- SD duration: 278.2 +/- 24.9 min) and 15 to 30 min after, maximal percutaneous electrical stimulations were applied to the femoral nerve of 11 trained cyclists. Electrically evoked superimposed twitches and trains of 6 stimulations were delivered during isometric maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) to determine maximal voluntary activation (% VA). Knee extensors MVC decreased with fatigue from 158.2 +/- 29.6 to 144.2 +/- 30.0 Nm (p < 0.01), but no central activation failure was detected after the race. The average r…

Rehabilitation and return to sport after bilateral open surgery for femoroacetabular impingement in a professional ice hockey player: A case report

International audience; Background: The aim of this case report was to describe the rehabilitation and return to sport of a professional ice hockey player with symptomatic femoroacetabular impingement (FM) after bilateral open hip surgery.Case description: A 21-year-old professional ice hockey player with symptomatic FAT underwent bilateral surgical hip dislocations within a 6-week time period. After the second surgery (right hip), he experienced right hip pain due to iliotibial band dehiscence, which required additional revision surgery. The athlete underwent a standardized rehabilitation protocol. Hip muscle strength was objectively assessed during rehabilitation.Outcomes: Iliotibial band…

Effect of neuromuscular electrical stimulation frequency on postprandial glycemia, current-related discomfort, and muscle soreness. A crossover study

Consensus is lacking regarding optimal neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) parameters for postprandial glycemic control. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the NMES frequency inducing the greatest hypoglycemic effect in healthy individuals. The secondary aim was to compare current-related discomfort and muscle soreness between different frequencies. We conducted an experimental clinical study with a randomized crossover design. Sixteen healthy and sedentary participants received NMES for 20 min at 5, 10, or 50 Hz (pulse duration: 400 μs, on-off ratio: 4:12 s) following a standardized meal. Glycemia, discomfort, and muscle soreness during and after NMES were compared …

The Effects of a Prolonged Running Exercise on Strength Characteristics

The aim of this study was to examine concentric, isometric, and eccentric strength reductions in the quadriceps muscle following a prolonged running exercise. Before and after a 2 h run (28.4+/-1.4 km) peak torque (PT) of the knee extensors at angular velocities of -120, -90, -60, 0, 60, 120, 180, 240 degrees x s(-1) using an isokinetic dynamometer, electromyographic (EMG) activity of the vastus lateralis (VL) and vastus medialis (VM) muscles and height of a counter movement jump were recorded in twelve well-trained triathletes. Counter movement jump performances decreased by 10% and PT values were all significantly lower (p < 0.01) at each angular velocity following the run. The torque los…

Neuromuscular Differences Between Endurance-Trained, Power-Trained, and Sedentary Subjects

This study tested the hypothesis that neuromuscular characteristics of plantar flexor (PF) and knee extensor (KE) muscles explain differences of both performance in vertical jump and maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVC) between endurance-trained (END, n = 9), power-trained (POW, n = 8), and sedentary subjects (SED, n = 8). Evoked twitch characteristics of PF and KE were measured. MVC, maximal voluntary activation (%VA) of KE, and performance in vertical jump were also measured. POW have higher maximal rate of twitch force development (MRFD) than SED and END for both PF (p < 0.05) and KE (p < 0.01); %VA and MVC were higher for POW and END than SED (p < 0.01). Higher performances wer…

Evidence of neuromuscular fatigue after prolonged cycling exercise

International audience; Purpose: The purpose of this study was to analyze the effects of prolonged cycling exercise on metabolic, neuromuscular, and biomechanical parameters. Methods: Eight well-trained male cyclists or triathletes performed a 2-h cycling exercise at a power output corresponding to 65% of their maximal aerobic power. Maximal concentric (CON; 60, 120, 240°s 1), isometric (ISO; 0°s 1), and eccentric (ECC; 120,-60°s 1) contractions, electromyographic (EMG) activity of vastus lateralis (VL) and vastus medialis (VM) muscles were recorded before and after the exercise. Neural (M-wave) and contractile (isometric muscular twitch) parameters of quadriceps muscle were also analyzed u…

Hip Muscle Strength Recovery after Hip Arthroscopy in a Series of Patients with Symptomatic Femoroacetabular Impingement

International audience; Purpose: The aim of the study was to prospectively evaluate hip muscle strength in a series of patients with symptomatic FAI after hip arthroscopy. Methods: Hip muscle strength of eight patients (age: 29 +/- 10 years) was evaluated preoperatively and 2.5 years after hip arthroscopy, and was compared to eight matched controls. Maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) strength was measured for all hip muscle groups. At follow-up, we used the symptom-specific well-being outcome to assess the acceptability of the health state related to the hip. Results: Patients showed MVC strength increases for all hip muscles (9-59%, P<.05). At follow-up, only hip flexor MVC strength was l…

Neuromuscular Fatigue After a Ski Skating Marathon

The aim of this study was to characterize neuromuscular fatigue in knee extensor muscles after a marathon skiing race (mean ± SD duration = 159.7 ± 17.9 min). During the 2 days preceding the event and immediately after, maximal percutaneous electrical stimulations (single twitch, 0.5-s tetanus at 20 and 80 Hz) were applied to the femoral nerve of 11 trained skiers. Superimposed twitches were also delivered during maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) to determine maximal voluntary activation (%VA). EMG was recorded from the vastus lateralis muscle. MVC decreased with fatigue from 171.7 ± 33.7 to 157.3 ± 35.2 Nm (-8.4%; p &lt; 0.005) while %VA did not change significantly. The RMS measured du…

Effects of Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation Training on Endurance Performance

Various electrical stimulation modalities are used as adjuvants to conventional training and rehabilitation programs to increase bodily function or to reduce symptoms, such as pain. One of these modalities, neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES), commonly refers to the transcutaneous application of electrical currents to a target muscle group with the objective to depolarize motor neurons and consequently elicit skeletal muscle contractions of substantial intensity (usually ranging from 10 to 60% of the maximal voluntary contraction). Because NMES can generate considerable muscle tension, it is frequently used as a strength training technique for healthy adults and athletes, but also a…

Quadriceps Femoris Torque and EMG Activity in Seated versus Supine Position

To compare voluntary and electrically evoked knee extensor torque, surface electromyography (EMG), and activation level obtained under seated versus supine position, i.e., with shortened versus lengthened rectus femoris (RF) muscle.The knee extensor torque obtained during maximal voluntary contractions (MVC) and after single and paired stimuli applied at rest was measured under seated (i.e., 90 degrees hip angle) and supine (i.e., 180 degrees hip angle) conditions. The associated EMG activity from biarticular RF and monoarticular vasti was also recorded, and activation level was estimated by means of the twitch interpolation technique.Knee extensor MVC was 10.6% higher in the seated compare…

Fluctuations nycthémérales des capacités musculaires chez l’homme sportif : avec sommeil versus en privation de sommeil

L’objectif de ce travail a consiste, a partir d’une partie des resultats de deux etudes differentes, a estimer les effets de la privation de sommeil sur les fluctuations circadiennes du fonctionnement du systeme musculo-squelettique. Dans chacune des etudes (EAS et EPS ), les moments musculaires isometriques maximaux et les activites electromyographiques des muscles impliques ont ete enregistres a sept reprises au cours du nycthemere a l’aide d’un ergometre isocinetique : contractions volontaires breves de flexion du coude pour EAS dont les sujets ont dormi a des horaires standardises, et d’extension de la jambe pour EPS dont les sujets ont ete completement prives de sommeil. Les resultats …

Activation of human plantar flexor muscles increases after electromyostimulation training

Neuromuscular adaptations of the plantar flexor muscles were assessed before and subsequent to short-term electromyostimulation (EMS) training. Eight subjects underwent 16 sessions of isometric EMS training over 4 wk. Surface electromyographic (EMG) activity and torque obtained under maximal voluntary and electrically evoked contractions were analyzed to distinguish neural adaptations from contractile changes. After training, plantar flexor voluntary torque significantly increased under isometric conditions at the training angle (+8.1%, P&lt; 0.05) and at the two eccentric velocities considered (+10.8 and +13.1%, P &lt; 0.05). Torque gains were accompanied by higher normalized soleus EMG a…

Effect of gender and obesity on electrical current thresholds

Introduction: In this study we investigated the influence of gender and obesity on electrical current thresholds in an attempt to optimize the application of skeletal muscle electrical stimulation (ES) in clinical practice. Methods: Thirty- two obese and 35 age-matched, non-obese men and women received graded ES to the quadriceps muscle for sensory (detection) and motor (contraction) threshold assessment. Con- comitant pain and tolerance to ES were recorded. Results: Sen- sory threshold was lower in women than in men (P < 0.001), both obese and non-obese. Sensory and motor thresholds were higher in obese than in non-obese subjects (P < 0.05), and body mass index was a strong predictor of mo…

Assessment of quadriceps muscle weakness in patients after total knee arthroplasty and total hip arthroplasty: methodological issues.

The aim of this exploratory study was to verify whether the evaluation of quadriceps muscle weakness is influenced by the testing modality (isometric vs. isokinetic vs. isoinertial) and by the calculation method (within-subject vs. between-subject comparisons) in patients 4-8months after total knee arthroplasty (TKA, n=29) and total hip arthroplasty (THA, n=30), and in healthy controls (n=19). Maximal quadriceps strength was evaluated as (1) the maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) torque during an isometric contraction, (2) the peak torque during an isokinetic contraction, and (3) the one repetition maximum (1-RM) load during an isoinertial contraction. Muscle weakness was calculated as the…

Assessment of the reliability of central and peripheral fatigue after sustained maximal voluntary contraction of the quadriceps muscle

The aim of the present study was to further confirm the validity of measurements for characterizing neuromuscular alterations by establishing their reliability both before and after fatigue. Thirteen men (28 5 years) volunteered to participate in two separate identical sessions requir- ing the performance of a sustained maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) with the quadriceps muscle for 2 min. MVC and transcutaneous electrical stimulations were used before and immediately after the fatiguing contrac- tion to investigate the reliability of MVC torque, central activation, and peripheral variables (M-wave properties, peak twitch, peak doublet) within and between sessions. Based on previous and …

Effect of cycling cadence on contractile and neural properties of knee extensors.

LEPERS, R., G. Y. MILLET, and N. A. MAFFIULETTI. Effect of cycling cadence on contractile and neural properties of knee extensors. Med. Sci. Sports Exerc., Vol. 33, No. 11, 2001, pp. 1882–1888. Purpose: This study investigated the effect of prior prolonged cycling exercise performed at different cadences on subsequent neuromuscular characteristics. Methods: Eight well-trained triathletes sustained 80% of their maximal aerobic power during 30 min at three cadences: the freely chosen cadence (FCC), FCC20%, and FCC20%. Maximal isometric and concentric (120°·s 1 and 240°·s 1 ) torques were recorded before and after the exercise. Central activation, neural (M-wave), and contractile (isometric mu…

Postactivation potentiation in human knee extensors during dynamic passive movements.

Purpose: Postactivation potentiation (PAP), i.e., the increase in twitch torque following a maximal voluntary conditioning contraction, has been shown to depend on muscle contractile conditions (e.g., muscle length). Few studies, however, have investigated the extent of twitch PAP under dynamic conditions in human subjects. Therefore, the aim of the present experiment was to test the twitch PAP during passive dynamic movements following isometric conditioning contractions on nine healthy men. Methods: Maximal twitches were evoked on the knee extensor muscles before and exactly 5 s after a 3-s conditioning maximal voluntary isometric contraction. PAP was determined at a constant joint angle …

Influence of ultra-long-term fatigue on the oxygen cost of two types of locomotion.

The aim of this study was to examine the effects of fatigue induced by a 65-km ultramarathon on the oxygen cost of running (Cr) and cycling (Ccycl). The day before and immediately after the race, a group of nine well-trained male subjects performed two sub-maximal 4-min exercise bouts: one cycling at a power corresponding to 1.5 W · kg−1 body mass on an electromagnetically braked ergometer, and one running at 11 km · h−1 on a flat asphalt roadway. Before oxygen cost determinations, the subjects performed 12 “ankle” jumps at a given frequency that was fixed by an electronic metronome (2.5 Hz). From the non-fatigued to the fatigued condition, there was a significant increase in minute ventila…

Effect of a 3-week body mass reduction program on body composition, muscle function and motor performance in pubertal obese boys and girls

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of a multidisciplinary body mass reduction (BMR) program on body composition, muscle function and motor performance in 50 obese [mean body mass index (BMI): 35.9+/-5.8 kg/m2] boys and girls aged 12-17 yr (Tanner stage III, IV and V). The hospital-based BMR program combined an energy-restricted diet (1400-1600 kcal), nutritional education, psychological counselling and moderate physical activity (45-60 min/ session; 5 sessions/week; 60-80% of the maximal heart rate) during a 3-week period. Fat mass, fat-free mass, maximal power during jumping and stair climbing as well as maximal strength of the upper and lower limb muscles were quantified…

A multi-joint lower-limb tracking-trajectory test for the assessment of motor coordination.

This study aimed to determine whether a lower-limb trajectory-tracking task performed on a leg press machine, that is commonly adopted in both rehabilitation and resistance training settings, could yield reliable assessment of motor coordination in able-bodied individuals. Twenty-two female subjects allocated to two experimental groups were tested and retested after 48-72 h. Group A was fully familiarized with the experimental procedures before each test while group B received only verbal instructions. The unilateral coordination test consisted of target tracking during a simulated half squat including eccentric and concentric actions. In both groups, tracking error showed significant test-…

The relative contribution to the plantar-flexor torque of the soleus motor units activated by the H reflex and M response in humans.

Abstract This study proposes a method of quantifying the relative contribution to the plantar-flexor torque of soleus H and M responses evoked by tibial nerve stimulation. For ten subjects, the amplitude of the twitch produced by the H wave was plotted against the corresponding potential, for stimuli producing H without M (i.e. in the ascending portion of the H-recruitment curve). It was then assumed that the contribution of H to twitches produced by M plus H was similar for similar H waves on the curve-descending portion. Hence, the contribution of M was estimated, for the range of M waves including those accompanying H max . The estimated mechanical contributions of H and M wave increase …

Alterations of neuromuscular function after an ultramarathon.

Neuromuscular fatigue of the knee extensor (KE) and plantar flexor (PF) muscles was characterized after a 65-km ultramarathon race in nine well-trained runners by stimulating the femoral and tibial nerves, respectively. One week before and immediately after the ultramarathon, maximal twitches were elicited from the relaxed KE and PF. Electrically evoked superimposed twitches of the KE were also elicited during maximal voluntary contractions (MVCs) to determine maximal voluntary activation. MVC and maximal voluntary activation decreased significantly after the ultramarathon (−30.2 ± 18.0% and −27.7 ± 13.0%, respectively; P &lt; 0.001). Surprisingly, peak twitch increased after the ultramara…

Reproducibility and validity of the physical activity scale for the elderly (PASE) questionnaire in patients after total hip arthroplasty.

Background The assessment of physical activity is of concern in patients after total hip arthroplasty (THA). However, so far, no questionnaire has demonstrated adequate reproducibility and validity for assessing physical activity in these patients. Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate the reproducibility and validity of the Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly (PASE) questionnaire in patients after THA. Design This was a measurement study. Methods Fifty patients who had undergone THA (25 women, 25 men), with an average age of 68 years, were evaluated. Of these patients, 25 were assessed between 2 and 7 months after surgery (THAearly), and another 25 were assessed between 7 an…

Contractile Impairment After Quadriceps Strength Training Via Electrical Stimulation

The purpose of this study was to investigate the neural and muscular changes associated with electrical stimulation (ES) training and subsequent detraining. Twenty healthy active men were randomized to receive (intervention group) or not (control group) 4 weeks of ES strength training followed by 4 weeks of detraining. Quadriceps ES training sessions (20 minutes per session, 4 sessions per week) were completed under isometric loading conditions. Quadriceps maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) strength, activation level, maximal electromyographic (EMG) activity, and excitation-contraction coupling properties were assessed before training, after training, and after detraining. Maximal voluntar…

Effect of electrostimulation training-detraining on neuromuscular fatigue mechanisms.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) training and subsequent detraining on neuromuscular fatigue mechanisms. Ten young healthy men completed one NMES fatigue protocol before and after a NMES training program of 4 weeks and again after 4 weeks of detraining. Muscle fatigue (maximal voluntary torque loss), central fatigue (activation failure), and peripheral fatigue (transmission failure and contractile failure) of the plantar flexor muscles were assessed by using a series of electrically evoked and voluntary contractions with concomitant electromyographic and torque recordings. At baseline, maximal voluntary torque decreased signifi…

Effect of electromyostimulation training on soleus and gastrocnemii H- and T-reflex properties.

When muscle is artificially activated, as with electromyostimulation (EMS), action potentials are evoked in both intramuscular nerve branches and cutaneous receptors, therefore activating spinal motoneurons reflexively. Maximal soleus and gastrocnemii H- and T-reflex and the respective mechanical output were thus quantified to examine possible neural adaptations induced at the spinal level by EMS resistance training. Eight subjects completed 16 sessions of isometric EMS (75 Hz) over a 4-week period. Maximal soleus and gastrocnemii M wave (M(max)), H reflex (H(max)) and T reflex (T(max)) were compared between before and after training, together with the corresponding plantar flexor peak twit…

Neuromuscular fatigue during a long-duration cycling exercise

The effects of prolonged cycling on neuromuscular parameters were studied in nine endurance-trained subjects during a 5-h exercise sustained at 55% of the maximal aerobic power. Torque during maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) of the quadriceps muscle decreased progressively throughout the exercise ( P &lt; 0.01) and was 18% less at the end of exercise compared with the preexercise value. Peak twitch torque, contraction time, and total area of mechanical response decreased significantly ( P &lt; 0.05) after the first hour of exercise. In contrast, changes in M-wave characteristics were significant only after the fourth hour of the exercise. Significant reductions ( P &lt; 0.05) in electro…

Elderly obese women display the greatest improvement in stair climbing performance after a 3-week body mass reduction program

OBJECTIVE: To depict the general trends of muscle anaerobic performance in obese subjects within a wide range of age and body weight. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study for the measurement of lower limb maximal anaerobic power output with a modification of the Margaria stair climbing test in a large population of obese subjects of both genders within a wide span of age (18-80 y) and body mass index (BMI, 30-68 kg m(-2)). Furthermore, body composition was also determined by bioimpedance analysis in a representative subgroup, in order to evaluate the relationships between fat-free mass (FFM) and power output. SUBJECTS: A total of 1298 obese subjects (486 males, 812 females) from an Italian populat…

Progressive versus rapid rate of contraction during 7 wk of isometric resistance training.

The aim of this study was to compare the effects of isometric training performed with progressive versus rapid rate of contraction on the knee extensor neuromuscular properties over a 7-wk period.Sixteen healthy male subjects trained quadriceps femoris muscle in a leg extension machine three times a week during 7 wk. The training sessions consisted of six sets of six maximal isometric contractions. A first group trained by performing progressive contractions lasting 4 s, whereas a second group performed contractions with a rapid rate of contraction (i.e., ballistic contractions) lasting about 1 s.Both groups significantly increased the isometric and isokinetic voluntary torque, and the resp…

The Effects of Electromyostimulation Training and Basketball Practice on Muscle Strength and Jumping Ability

The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of a 4-week electromyostimulation training program on the strength of the knee extensors and the vertical jump performance of 10 basketball players. Electromyostimulation sessions were carried out 3 times weekly; each session consisted of 48 contractions. Testing was carried out before and after the electromyostimulation training program (week 4) and once more after 4 weeks of normal basketball training (week 8). At week 4, isokinetic strength increased significantly (p < 0.05) at eccentric and high concentric velocities (between 180 and 360 x s(-1)); this was not the case for low concentric velocities (60 and 120 degrees x s(-1)). Elec…

Twitch interpolation during equal-intensity voluntary and electrically-evoked isometric contractions of the quadriceps muscle

It has been suggested that, during contractions triggered by electrical stimulation, motor units are recruited in a reversed sequence compared to voluntary contraction. The classic view is that lar...

Soleus and lateral gastrocnemius H-reflexes during standing with unstable footwear

Introduction: Unstable footwear has been shown to increase lower extremity muscle activity, but the reflex response to perturbations induced by this intervention is unknown. Methods: Twenty healthy subjects stood in stable and unstable footwear conditions (presented randomly) while H-reflex amplitude and background muscle activity were measured in the soleus and lateral gastrocnemius (LG) muscles. Results: Wearing unstable footwear resulted in larger H-reflexes (normalized to the maximal M-wave) for the LG (+12%; P = 0.025), but not for the soleus (+4%; P > 0.05). Background activity of both muscles was significantly higher in the unstable condition. Conclusions: The H-reflex facilitation o…

Differences in gait characteristics between total hip, knee, and ankle arthroplasty patients: a six-month postoperative comparison.

International audience; BACKGROUND: The recovery of gait ability is one of the primary goals for patients following total arthroplasty of lower-limb joints. The aim of this study was to objectively compare gait differences of patients after unilateral total hip arthroplasty (THA), total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) with a group of healthy controls. METHODS: A total of 26 TAA, 26 TKA and 26 THA patients with a mean (+/- SD) age of 64 (+/- 9) years were evaluated six months after surgery and compared with 26 matched healthy controls. Subjects were asked to walk at self-selected normal and fast speeds on a validated pressure mat. The following spatiotemporal gait …

Validity and reliability of isometric, isokinetic and isoinertial modalities for the assessment of quadriceps muscle strength in patients with total knee arthroplasty.

Reliability of isometric, isokinetic and isoinertial modalities for quadriceps strength evaluation, and the relation between quadriceps strength and physical function was investigated in 29 total knee arthroplasty (TKA) patients, with an average age of 63 years. Isometric maximal voluntary contraction torque, isokinetic peak torque, and isoinertial one-repetition maximum load of the involved and uninvolved quadriceps were evaluated as well as objective (walking parameters) and subjective physical function (WOMAC). Reliability was good and comparable for the isometric, isokinetic, and isoinertial strength outcomes on both sides (intraclass correlation coefficient range: 0.947-0.966; standard…

Leptin levels do not change following acute exercise in healthy adults and in obese children

Effect of pedalling rates on physiological response during endurance cycling

International audience; This study was undertaken to examine the effect of different pedalling cadences upon various physiological responses during endurance cycling exercise. Eight well-trained triathletes cycled three times for 30 min each at an intensity corresponding to 80% of their maximal aerobic power output. The first test was performed at a freely chosen cadence (FCC); two others at FCC-20% and FCC +20%, which corresponded approximately to the range of cadences habitually used by road racing cyclists. The mean (SD) FCC, FCC-20% and FCC + 20% were equal to 86 (4), 69 (3) and 103 (5) rpm respectively. Heart rate (HR), oxygen uptake (VO2), minute ventilation (VE) and respiratory excha…

Reliability of knee extension and flexion measurements using the Con-Trex isokinetic dynamometer.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the reliability of isokinetic and isometric assessments of the knee extensor and the flexor muscle function using the Con-Trex isokinetic dynamometer. Thirty healthy subjects (15 males, 15 females) were tested and retested 7 days later for maximal strength (isokinetic peak torque, work, power and angle of peak torque as well as isometric maximal voluntary contraction torque and rate of torque development) and fatigue (per cent loss and linear slope of torque and work across a series of 20 contractions). For both the knee extensor and the flexor muscle groups, all strength data - except angle of peak torque - demonstrated moderate-to-high reliability, wi…

Electrostimulation Training Effects on the Physical Performance of Ice Hockey Players

BROCHERIE, F., N. BABAULT, G. COMETTI, N. MAFFIULETTI, and J.-C. CHATARD. Electrostimulation Training Effects on the Physical Performance of Ice Hockey Players. Med. Sci. Sports Exerc., Vol. 37, No. 3, pp. 455–460, 2005. Purpose: The aim of this study was to examine the influence of a short-term electromyostimulation (EMS) training program on the strength of knee extensors, skating, and vertical jump performance of a group of ice hockey players. Methods: Seventeen ice hockey players participated in this study, with nine in the electrostimulated group (ES) and the remaining height as controls (C). EMS sessions consisted of 30 contractions (4-s duration, 85 Hz) and were carried out 3 wk 1 for…