Differences in Rotational Kinetics and Kinematics for Professional Baseball Pitchers With Higher Versus Lower Pitch Velocities

Pitch velocity (PV) is important for pitching success, and the pelvis and trunk likely influence pitch performance. The purposes of this study were to examine the differences in pelvis and trunk kinetics and kinematics in professional baseball pitchers who throw at lower versus higher velocities (HVPs) and to examine the relationships among pelvis and trunk kinetics and kinematics and PV during each phase of the pitch delivery. The pitch velocity, pelvis and trunk peak angular velocities, kinetic energies and torques, and elbow and shoulder loads were compared among HVPs (n = 71; PV ≥ 40.2 m/s) and lower velocities pitchers (n = 78; PV < 39.8 m/s), as were trunk and pelvis rotation, flexion, and obliquity among 7 phases of the pitching delivery. Relationships among the kinetic and kinematic variables and PVs were examined. Higher velocity pitchers achieved greater upper trunk rotation at hand separation (+7.2°, P < .001) and elbow extension (+5.81°, P = .002) and were able to generate greater upper trunk angular velocities (+36.6 m/s, P = .01) compared with lower velocity pitcher. Trunk angular velocity (r = .29) and upper trunk rotation at hand separation (r = .18) and foot contact (r = .17) were weakly related to PV. Therefore, HVPs rotate their upper trunk to a greater degree during the early phases of the pitching motion and subsequently generate greater trunk angular velocities and PV.

Maximal contraction methods influence the magnitude and reliability of global electromyographic signal characteristics

OBJECTIVE

The purpose was two-fold: (1) to examine differences in maximal voluntary isometric torque (MVIT) production, and electromyographic signal amplitude (EMG_AMP) and mean power frequency (EMG_MPF) values obtained during traditional (MVIC_TRAD), rapid (MVIC_RAPID), and ramp (MVIC_RAMP) maximal voluntary isometric contractions, and (2) to determine if there were differences in the reliability of MVIT, EMG_AMP and EMG_MPF among the three MVIC types.

APPROACH

Twenty-two young males and females completed MVIC_TRAD, MVIC_RAPID, and MVIC_RAMP muscle actions on two separate visits separated by 48 h. During all MVICs, MVIT and EMG_AMP and EMG_MPF of the vastus lateralis (VL) and rectus femoris (RF) were quantified.

MAIN RESULTS

MVIT was greater during MVIC_TRAD and MVIC_RAPID than during MVIT_RAMP (both p < 0.001). VL and RF EMG_AMP were greater during MVIC_RAMP than during MVIC_RAPID (p = 0.02 and 0.004). For EMG_MPF, there were no significant differences among MVIC types. Although all MVIC types generally resulted in reliable measurements of MVIT and EMG_AMP, reliability was stronger for EMG_MPF quantified during the MVIC_RAMP.

SIGNIFICANCE

Investigators may choose MVIC type based on preference or equipment availability. However, investigators should note that MVIC_RAMP contractions will likely yield the greatest EMG_AMP values and more reliable measurements of VL and RF EMG_MPF.

Normative Reference Values for High School-Aged American Football Players: Proagility Drill and 40-Yard Dash Split Times

McKay, BD, Miramonti, AA, Gillen, ZM, Leutzinger, TJ, Mendez, AI, Jenkins, NDM, and Cramer, JT. Normative reference values for high school-aged American football players: Proagility drill and 40-yard dash split times. J Strength Cond Res 34(4): 1184-1187, 2020-The purpose of this short report was to provide test- and position-specific normative reference values for the 10- and 20-yd split times (10YD and 20YD) during the 40-yd dash (40YD) as well as 10-yd split times during the proagility drill (PA) based on a large, nationally representative sample of high school-aged American football players in their freshman, sophomore, and junior classes. Cross-sectional performance data were obtained from 12 different high school American football recruiting combines between March 7, 2015, and January 9, 2016, across the United States. The sample included (n = 7,478) high school-aged American football athletes in their freshman (n = 1,185), sophomore (n = 2,514), and junior (n = 3,779) classes. Each player self-classified their American football positions as defensive back, defensive end, defensive linemen, linebacker, offensive linemen (OL), quarterback (QB), running back, tight end, or wide receiver. The results of the freshman, sophomore, and junior class were aggregated to generate test- and position-specific normative values. Mean differences were found among classes for all positions and all measurements (p ≤ 0.05) except for OL and QB PA split time (p > 0.05). Greater percent differences for all 3 variables were observed between freshman and sophomore years than between sophomore and junior years. These normative reference values will be useful for athletes, parents, coaches, and high school strength and conditioning professionals to set realistic goals for young American football athletes.

The influence of input excitation on the inter- and intra-day reliability of the motor unit firing rate versus recruitment threshold relationship

Decomposition of the surface electromyographic (sEMG) signal is commonly used to examine motor unit (MU) firing behavior. However, the intra- and inter-day reliability of these measurements has yet to be quantified or reported. This investigation 1) examined the effect of input excitation on the mean firing rate (MFR) vs. recruitment threshold (RT) relationship and 2) determined the inter- and intra-day reliability of the MFR vs. RT relationship at 30%, 50%, and 70% of maximum voluntary isometric strength (MVIC). Twenty-eight healthy males (23 ± 3 yr) completed two experimental visits, during which they performed MVIC testing and isometric ramp contractions at 30%, 50%, and 70% MVIC. sEMG signals were recorded from the vastus lateralis during the ramp contractions and decomposed to establish the MFR vs. RT relationship for the detected MUs. Intra- and inter-day reliability was then established for the slopes and y-intercepts of the MFR vs. RT relationship at each contraction intensity. All participants displayed significant MFR vs. RT relationships ( r range: -0.662 to -0.999; P ≤ 0.001-0.006). Intra- and inter-day intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) ranged from 0.766-0.824 and 0.867-0.919 for the slopes and from 0.780-0.915 and 0.804-0.927 for the y-intercepts, respectively. Furthermore, the slope coefficient was significantly greater at 70% than at 30% MVIC, and the y-intercepts increased with increasing contraction intensities. Changes in input excitation to the MU pool alter the magnitude, but not the reliability, of the slopes and y-intercepts of the MFR vs. RT relationship. NEW & NOTEWORTHY The firing behavior of the motor unit (MU) pool is often characterized using the mean firing rate vs. recruitment threshold relationship of the active MUs. Although this relationship has been widely used, this is the first study to report the effects of input excitation (contraction intensity) on the intra- and inter-day reliability of this relationship. The criteria used for MU analysis and the model utilized in this study allow for generalization to outside investigators and laboratories.

Genetic variant in the β2 -adrenergic receptor (Arg16Gly) influences fat-free mass, muscle strength and motor unit behaviour in young men

NEW FINDINGS

What is the central question of this study? Does a common genetic variant in the β₂ -adrenergic receptor (β₂ -AR) have effects on skeletal muscle function in young, healthy men? What is the main finding and its importance? This study provides preliminary evidence that β₂ -AR Arg16Gly genotype has a significant effect on fat-free mass, muscle strength and motor unit behaviour in recreationally trained men. These data might have important clinical and exercise-related implications. For example, β₂ -AR (rs1042713) genotype might influence the responsiveness of skeletal muscle to clinical or exercise-based interventions or β-AR agonist treatment.

ABSTRACT

This study explored whether the β₂ -adrenergic receptor (β₂ -AR) single nucleotide polymorphism at amino acid 16 (Arg16Gly) has functional effects on skeletal muscle mass, torque production and motor unit behaviour in young, healthy men. Twenty-eight recreationally active men (mean ± SD 23.1 ± 1.3 years of age) were genotyped for Arg16Gly polymorphisms of β₂ -AR as arginine homozygous (ArgArg; n = 5), glycine homozygous (GlyGly; n = 11) or arginine-glycine heterozygous (ArgGly; n = 12). The participants then completed body composition testing, assessments of leg extensor size and echo intensity, and evoked and voluntary isometric leg-extension muscle actions. During the evoked muscle actions, peak twitch torque, peak rate of torque development and peak relaxation rate were assessed. During the voluntary muscle actions, maximal voluntary isometric (MVIC) strength was assessed, and surface EMG signals were obtained during submaximal isometric muscle actions and later decomposed to examine motor unit firing behaviour. Fat-free mass and MVIC strength were greater (P = 0.004, d = 1.74 and P = 0.026, d = 1.10, respectively) in those expressing the GlyGly versus ArgArg allele. The slope of the mean firing rate versus recruitment threshold relationship was more negative in the GlyGly than the ArgArg allele carriers (P = 0.012, d = 1.68) at 50% MVIC, but was less negative in GlyGly and ArgGly versus ArgArg allele carriers (P = 0.013 and 0.016, respectively; d = 1.34 and 1.20, respectively) at 70% MVIC. These data provide preliminary evidence that β₂ -AR Arg16Gly genotype has a significant effect on fat-free mass, muscle strength and motor unit behaviour in humans.

Effects of fatiguing, submaximal high- versus low-torque isometric exercise on motor unit recruitment and firing behavior

The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate the effects of repeated, high- (HT: 70% MVIC) versus low-torque (LT: 30% MVIC) isometric exercise performed to failure on motor unit (MU) recruitment and firing behavior of the vastus lateralis. Eighteen resistance-trained males (23.1 ± 3.8 years) completed familiarization, followed by separate experimental sessions in which they completed either HT or LT exercise to failure in random order. LT exercise resulted in a greater time to task failure and a more dramatic decline in the muscle's force capacity, but the total work completed was similar for HT and LT exercise. An examination of the firing trains from 4670 MUs recorded during exercise revealed that firing rates generally increased during HT and LT exercise, but were higher during HT than LT exercise. Furthermore, recruitment thresholds (RT) did not significantly change during HT exercise, whereas the RT of the smallest MUs increased and the RT for the moderate to large MUs decreased during LT exercise. Both HT and LT exercise resulted in the recruitment of additional higher threshold MUs in order to maintain torque production. However, throughout exercise, HT required the recruitment of larger MUs than did LT exercise. In a few cases, however, MUs were recruited by individuals during LT exercise that were similar in size and original (pre) RT to those detected during HT exercise. Thus, the ability to achieve full MU recruitment during LT exercise may be dependent on the subject. Consequently, our data emphasize the task and subject dependency of muscle fatigue.

Role of Rotational Kinematics in Minimizing Elbow Varus Torques for Professional Versus High School Pitchers

Background:

Elbow injury rates among baseball pitchers are rapidly rising. However, this increase has been most dramatic among high school (HS) pitchers.

Purpose:

To examine pitch velocity and the kinetic and kinematic characteristics of HS versus professional (PRO) pitchers to identify potential differences that may play a role in the increased risk of ulnar collateral ligament injury in youth pitchers.

Study Design:

Controlled laboratory study.

Methods:

A total of 37 HS (mean ± SD: age, 16 ± 1 years) and 40 PRO (age, 21 ± 2 years) baseball pitchers completed maximal-effort baseball pitches during a single testing session, from which pitch velocity (PV), absolute and normalized elbow varus torque (EVT_A and EVT_N, respectively) during arm cocking and at maximum shoulder external rotation (MER), and 8 other elbow and shoulder torques or forces and rotational kinematics of the pelvis and trunk were analyzed, recorded, and compared.

Results:

PV was greater in PRO than HS athletes; EVT_A was greater in PRO than HS athletes during arm cocking and at MER; but EVT_N was similar during arm cocking and greater in HS than PRO athletes at MER. In PRO athletes, PV was not related to EVT_A during arm cocking or MER (r = 0.01-0.05). Furthermore, in PRO athletes, EVT_A during arm cocking and at MER were inversely related to upper trunk rotation at hand separation and foot contact and to pelvis rotation at elbow extension (r = –0.30 to –0.33). In contrast, in HS athletes, PV was strongly related to EVT_A during arm cocking and MER (r = 0.76-0.77). Furthermore, in HS athletes, PV and EVT_A during arm cocking and at MER were moderately or strongly related to the other elbow and shoulder torques and forces (r = 0.424-0.991), and EVT_A was not related to upper trunk rotation or pelvis rotation throughout the throwing motion (r = –0.16 to 0.15).

Conclusion:

The kinetic and rotational kinematic differences observed between PRO and HS pitchers in this study may help explain the greater performance of PRO pitchers while allowing them to minimize EVT during pitching. HS pitchers, however, do not appear to be as capable of utilizing the forces generated by rotation of their trunk and pelvis to aid in pitching, and those who throw the hardest generate the greatest forces at the shoulder and elbow. As a result, they experience higher EVTs relative to their body size, which may place them at an increased risk of injury.

Clinical Relevance:

HS pitchers throw harder primarily by generating larger forces in the arm and shoulder. Thus, owing to the relative physical immaturity of HS versus PRO pitchers, these factors may place them at an increased risk of injury. Coaches may first wish to focus on improving the rotational kinematics of HS pitchers rather than first focusing on achieving greater pitch velocities.

Muscle phenotype is related to motor unit behavior of the vastus lateralis during maximal isometric contractions

Previous investigations have reported a relationship between skeletal muscle phenotype and motor unit (MU) firing parameters during submaximal contractions. The purpose of the current investigation, however, was to examine the relationships between motor unit firing behavior during a maximal voluntary contraction, Myosin Heavy Chain (MHC) isoform content, and various molecular neuromuscular targets of the vastus lateralis (VL) muscle in resistance-trained men. Ten resistance-trained males completed a trapezoidal ramp contraction up to 100% of their maximal voluntary isometric strength (MVIC). Surface electromyography was recorded from the VL using a multichannel electrode array and decomposed to examine the firing characteristics of individual MUs. A skeletal muscle biopsy of the VL was also collected from each subject. Regression analyses were performed to identify relationships between type II fiber area and the slopes and/or intercepts of the mean firing rate (FR_MEAN ) versus recruitment threshold (RT), max firing rate (FR_MAX ) versus RT, and RT versus MU action potential amplitude (MUAP_PP ) relationships. There were significant inverse relationships between type II fiber area and the y-intercept of the FR versus RT relationship (P < 0.05). Additionally, strong relationships (r > 0.5) were found between type II fiber area and FR_MEAN versus RT slope and RT versus MUAP_PP slope and intercept. These data further support the hypothesis that skeletal muscle phenotype is related to MU behavior during isometric contraction. However, our data, in concert with previous investigations, may suggest that these relationships are influenced by the intensity of the contraction.

Normative Reference Values for High School-Aged American Football Players

McKay, BD, Miramonti, AA, Gillen, ZM, Leutzinger, TJ, Mendez, AI, Jenkins, NDM, and Cramer, JT. Normative reference values for high school-aged American football players. J Strength Cond Res 34(10): 2849-2856, 2020-The purpose of the present report was to provide test- and position-specific normative reference values for combine test results based on a large, nationally representative sample of high school-aged American football players in their freshman, sophomore, and junior classes. Cross-sectional anthropometric and performance data were obtained from 12 different high school American football recruiting combines between March 7, 2015, and January 9, 2016, across the United States. Subjects included a sample (n = 7,478) of high school-aged American football athletes in their junior (n = 3,779), sophomore (n = 2,514), and freshman (n = 1,185) classes. The database included combine date, school state, position, class, height, body mass (BM), 40-yard dash, pro-agility, 3-cone, vertical jump, broad jump, and power push-up. Each player self-classified their American football positions as defensive back, defensive end, defensive linemen, linebacker, offensive linemen, quarterback, running back, tight end (TE), or wide receiver. Test- and position-specific normative values were generated by aggregating data from freshman, sophomore, and junior classes. Mean differences were found among classes for all positions and all measurements (p ≤ 0.05), except for TE BM (p > 0.05). Greater differences for all variables were observed from freshman to sophomore classes than from sophomore to junior classes. These normative reference values may provide realistic comparisons and evaluations in performance for young American football players, parents, and coaches with collegiate football aspirations. High school strength and conditioning professionals should use these norms to set attainable goals and reward accomplishments for young football players.

Reliability and Sensitivity of the Power Push-up Test for Upper-Body Strength and Power in 6-15-Year-Old Male Athletes

Gillen, ZM, Miramonti, AA, McKay, BD, Jenkins, NDM, Leutzinger, TJ, and Cramer, JT. Reliability and sensitivity of the power push-up test for upper-body strength and power in 6-15-year-old male athletes. J Strength Cond Res 32(1): 83-96, 2018-The power push-up (PPU) test is an explosive upper-body test performed on a force plate and is currently being used in high school football combines throughout the United States. The purpose of this study was to quantify the reliability of the PPU test based on age and starting position (knees vs. toes) in young athletes. Sixty-eight boys (mean ± SD; age = 10.8 ± 2.0 years) were tested twice over 5 days. Boys were separated by age as 6-9 years (n = 16), 10-11 years (n = 26), and 12-15 years (n = 26). The PPU test was performed on a force plate while rotating from the knees vs. the toes. Measurements were peak force (PF, N), peak rate of force development (pRFD, N·s), average power (AP, W), and peak power (PP, W). Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC2,1), SEMs, coefficients of variation (CVs), and minimum detectable changes (MDCs) were calculated to quantify reliability and sensitivity. Peak force from the knees in 10-15-year-olds, PF from the toes in 12-15-year-olds, and pRFD from the knees and toes in 12-15-year-olds were comparably reliable (ICC ≥ 0.84). Neither power measurements (AP or PP) for any age group, nor any measurements (PF, pRFD, AP, or PP) for the 6-9-year-olds were comparably reliable (ICC ≤ 0.74). When considering the reliable variables, PF was greater in the 12-15-year-olds than in 10-11-year-olds (p ≤ 0.05). In addition, in 12-15-year-olds, PF and pRFD were greater from the knees than from the toes (p ≤ 0.05). For reasons largely attributable to growth and development, the PPU test may be a reliable (ICC ≥ 0.80) and sensitive (CV ≤ 19%) measure of upper-body strength (PF), whereas pRFD was also reliable (ICC ≥ 0.80), but less sensitive (CV = 30-38%) in 10-15-year-old male athletes.

Molecular, neuromuscular, and recovery responses to light versus heavy resistance exercise in young men

Recent evidence suggests that resistance training with light or heavy loads to failure results in similar adaptations. Herein, we compared how both training modalities affect the molecular, neuromuscular, and recovery responses following exercise. Resistance‐trained males (mean ± SE: 22 ± 2 years, 84.8 ± 9.0 kg, 1.79 ± 0.06 m; n = 15) performed a crossover design of four sets of leg extensor exercise at 30% (light RE) or 80% (heavy RE) one repetition maximum (1RM) to repetition failure, and heavy RE or light RE 1 week later. Surface electromyography (EMG) was monitored during exercise, and vastus lateralis muscle biopsies were collected at baseline (PRE), 15 min (15mPOST), and 90 min following RE (90mPOST) for examination of molecular targets and fiber typing. Isokinetic dynamometry was also performed before (PRE), immediately after (POST), and 48 h after (48hPOST) exercise. Dependent variables were analyzed using repeated measures ANOVAs and significance was set at P ≤ 0.05. Repetitions completed were greater during light RE (P < 0.01), while EMG amplitude was greater during heavy RE (P ≤ 0.01). POST isokinetic torque was reduced following light versus heavy RE (P < 0.05). Postexercise expression of mRNAs and phosphoproteins associated with muscle hypertrophy were similar between load conditions. Additionally, p70s6k (Thr389) phosphorylation and fast‐twitch fiber proportion exhibited a strong relationship after both light and heavy RE (r > 0.5). While similar mRNA and phosphoprotein responses to both modalities occurred, we posit that heavy RE is a more time‐efficient training method given the differences in total repetitions completed, lower EMG amplitude during light RE, and impaired recovery response after light RE.

Effects of a pre-workout supplement on hyperemia following leg extension resistance exercise to failure with different resistance loads

Background

We sought to determine if a pre-workout supplement (PWS), containing multiple ingredients thought to enhance blood flow, increases hyperemia associated with resistance training compared to placebo (PBO). Given the potential interaction with training loads/time-under-tension, we evaluated the hyperemic response at two different loads to failure.

Methods

Thirty males participated in this double-blinded study. At visit 1, participants were randomly assigned to consume PWS (Reckless™) or PBO (maltodextrin and glycine) and performed four sets of leg extensions to failure at 30% or 80% of their 1-RM 45-min thereafter. 1-wk. later (visit 2), participants consumed the same supplement as before, but exercised at the alternate load. Heart rate (HR), blood pressure (BP), femoral artery blood flow, and plasma nitrate/nitrite (NOx) were assessed at baseline (BL), 45-min post-PWS/PBO consumption (PRE), and 5-min following the last set of leg extensions (POST). Vastus lateralis near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) was employed during leg extension exercise. Repeated measures ANOVAs were performed with time, supplement, and load as independent variables and Bonferroni correction applied for multiple post-hoc comparisons. Data are reported as mean ± SD.

Results

With the 30% training load compared to 80%, significantly more repetitions were performed (p < 0.05), but there was no difference in total volume load (p > 0.05). NIRS derived minimum oxygenated hemoglobin (O₂Hb) was lower in the 80% load condition compared to 30% for all rest intervals between sets of exercise (p < 0.0167). HR and BP did not vary as a function of supplement or load. Femoral artery blood flow at POST was higher independent of exercise load and treatment. However, a time*supplement*load interaction was observed revealing greater femoral artery blood flow with PWS compared to PBO at POST in the 80% (+56.8%; p = 0.006) but not 30% load condition (+12.7%; p = 0.476). Plasma NOx was ~3-fold higher with PWS compared to PBO at PRE and POST (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Compared to PBO, the PWS consumed herein augmented hyperemia following multiple sets to failure at 80% of 1-RM, but not 30%. This specificity may be a product of interaction with local perturbations (e.g., reduced tissue oxygenation levels [minimum O₂Hb] in the 80% load condition) and/or muscle fiber recruitment.

Influence of stretching velocity on musculotendinous stiffness of the hamstrings during passive straight-leg raise assessments

BACKGROUND

Recently, passive musculotendinous stiffness (MTS) has been assessed manually in the field; however, when conducting these types of assessments, the stretching velocity must be controlled to avoid eliciting the stretch reflex, which can be observed by increased electromyographic (EMG) amplitude of the stretched muscles and greater resistive torque (indicating the assessment is no longer passive).

OBJECTIVE

To examine the effects of slow, medium, and fast stretching velocities during manually-applied passive straight-leg raise (SLR) assessments on hamstrings MTS and EMG amplitude characteristics.

STUDY DESIGN

Crossover study.

METHODS

Twenty-three healthy, young adults underwent passive, manually-applied SLR assessments performed by the primary investigator at slow, medium, and fast stretching velocities. During each SLR, MTS and EMG amplitude were determined at 4 common joint angles (?) separated by 5° during the final common 15° of range of motion for each participant.

RESULTS

The average stretching velocities were 7, 11, and 18°·s^?1 for the slow, medium, and fast SLRs. There were no velocity-related differences for MTS (P = 0.489) or EMG amplitude (P = 0.924). MTS increased (P < 0.001) with joint angle (?₁<?₂<?₃<?₄); however, EMG amplitude remained unchanged (P = 0.885) across the range of motion.

CONCLUSIONS

Although velocity discrepancies have been identified as a potential threat to the validity of passive MTS measurements obtained with manual SLR techniques, the present findings suggest that the SLR at any of the velocities tested in our study (7-18°·s^?1) did not elicit a detectible stretch reflex, and thereby may be appropriate for examining MTS.

Exertional Rhabdomyolysis in a 21-Year-Old Healthy Woman: A Case Report

McKay, BD, Yeo, NM, Jenkins, NDM, Miramonti, AA, and Cramer, JT. Exertional rhabdomyolysis in a 21-year-old healthy woman: a case report. J Strength Cond Res 31(5): 1403-1410, 2017-The optimal resistance training program to elicit muscle hypertrophy has been recently debated and researched. Although 3 sets of 10 repetitions at 70-80% of the 1 repetition maximum (1RM) are widely recommended, recent studies have shown that low-load (∼30% 1RM) high-repetition (3 sets of 30-40 repetitions) resistance training can elicit similar muscular hypertrophy. Incidentally, this type of resistance training has gained popularity. In the process of testing this hypothesis in a research study in our laboratory, a subject was diagnosed with exertional rhabdomyolysis after completing a resistance training session that involved 3 sets to failure at 30% 1RM. Reviewed were the events leading up to and throughout the diagnosis of exertional rhabdomyolysis in a healthy recreationally-trained 21-year-old woman who was enrolled in a study that compared the acute effects of high-load low-repetition vs. low-load high-repetition resistance training. The subject completed a total of 143 repetitions of the bilateral dumbbell biceps curl exercise. Three days after exercise, she reported excessive muscle soreness and swelling and sought medical attention. She was briefly hospitalized and then discharged with instructions to take acetaminophen for soreness, drink plenty of water, rest, and monitor her creatine kinase (CK) concentrations. Changes in the subject's CK concentrations, ultrasound-determined muscle thickness, and echo intensity monitored over a 14-day period are reported. This case illustrates the potential risk of developing exertional rhabdomyolysis after a low-load high-repetition resistance training session in healthy, young, recreationally-trained women. The fact that exertional rhabdomyolysis is a possible outcome may warrant caution when prescribing this type of resistance exercise.

Greater Neural Adaptations following High- vs. Low-Load Resistance Training

We examined the neuromuscular adaptations following 3 and 6 weeks of 80 vs. 30% one repetition maximum (1RM) resistance training to failure in the leg extensors. Twenty-six men (age = 23.1 ± 4.7 years) were randomly assigned to a high- (80% 1RM; n = 13) or low-load (30% 1RM; n = 13) resistance training group and completed leg extension resistance training to failure 3 times per week for 6 weeks. Testing was completed at baseline, 3, and 6 weeks of training. During each testing session, ultrasound muscle thickness and echo intensity, 1RM strength, maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) strength, and contractile properties of the quadriceps femoris were measured. Percent voluntary activation (VA) and electromyographic (EMG) amplitude were measured during MVIC, and during randomly ordered isometric step muscle actions at 10–100% of baseline MVIC. There were similar increases in muscle thickness from Baseline to Week 3 and 6 in the 80 and 30% 1RM groups. However, both 1RM and MVIC strength increased from Baseline to Week 3 and 6 to a greater degree in the 80% than 30% 1RM group. VA during MVIC was also greater in the 80 vs. 30% 1RM group at Week 6, and only training at 80% 1RM elicited a significant increase in EMG amplitude during MVIC. The peak twitch torque to MVIC ratio was also significantly reduced in the 80%, but not 30% 1RM group, at Week 3 and 6. Finally, VA and EMG amplitude were reduced during submaximal torque production as a result of training at 80% 1RM, but not 30% 1RM. Despite eliciting similar hypertrophy, 80% 1RM improved muscle strength more than 30% 1RM, and was accompanied by increases in VA and EMG amplitude during maximal force production. Furthermore, training at 80% 1RM resulted in a decreased neural cost to produce the same relative submaximal torques after training, whereas training at 30% 1RM did not. Therefore, our data suggest that high-load training results in greater neural adaptations that may explain the disparate increases in muscle strength despite similar hypertrophy following high- and low-load training programs.

Reliability and Minimum Detectable Change for Common Clinical Physical Function Tests in Sarcopenic Men and Women

OBJECTIVES

To determine the test-retest reliability and minimum detectable change scores for seven common clinical measurements of muscle strength and physical function in a multiethnic sample of sarcopenic, malnourished men and women.

DESIGN

Each participant visited the laboratory seven times over 25 to 26 weeks. Reliability was assessed for each measurement from Familiarization 1 to Familiarization 2 (R1), Familiarization 2 to baseline testing (R2), Familiarization 3 to 12-week testing (R3), and Familiarization 4 to 24-week testing (R4).

SETTING

Data were collected during a clinical trial at 23 sites in the United States, Belgium, Italy, Mexico, Poland, Spain, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.

PARTICIPANTS

Sarcopenic, malnourished, older adults (N = 257; n = 98 men aged 76.8 ± 6.3, n = 159 women aged 75.9 ± 6.6).

MEASUREMENTS

During each visit, participants completed the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPBB) and isometric handgrip and isokinetic leg extensor and flexor strength testing at a slow (1.05 rad/s) and fast (3.15 rad/s) velocity.

RESULTS

Handgrip strength, gait speed, SPPB score, and isokinetic leg extension and flexion peak torque (PT) had intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) that were significantly greater than 0 (all ≥0.59) at R1, R2, R3, and R4, although most of these variables demonstrated systematic increases at R1, and several exhibited systematic variability beyond the baseline testing session.

CONCLUSION

The ICCs and standard errors of the measurement (SEMs) generally improved with familiarization, which emphasizes the need for at least one familiarization trial for these measurements in sarcopenic, malnourished older adults. A three tier-approach to interpreting the clinical importance of statistically significant results that includes null hypothesis testing, examination and interpretation of the effect magnitude, and comparison of individual changes with the SEM and minimum detectable change of the measurements used is recommended.

Mechanomyographic responses during recruitment curves in the soleus muscle

INTRODUCTION

In this study we examined relationships among mechanomyographic (MMG), electromyographic (EMG), and peak twitch torque (PTT) responses as well as test-retest reliability when recorded during recruitment curves in the soleus muscle.

METHODS

PTT, EMG (M-wave, H-reflex), and MMG responses were recorded during recruitment curves in 16 subjects (age 24 ± 2 years) on 2 separate days. The sum of the M-wave and H-reflex (M+H) was calculated. Correlations among variables and test-retest reliability were determined.

RESULTS

MMG was correlated with PTT (mean r = 0.93, range r = 0.59-0.99), the M-wave (0.95, 0.04-0.98), and M+H (0.91, 0.42-0.97), but was unrelated to the H-reflex (-0.06, -0.56 to 0.47). Reliability was consistently high among most variables, but normalizing to the maximum value improved MMG reliability and the minimum detectable change.

CONCLUSION

MMG responses predicted 86%-90% of the variability in PTT, M-wave, and M+H; thus, MMG may be a useful alternative for estimating twitch torque and maximal activation. Muscle Nerve 56: 107-116, 2017.

Combining regression and mean comparisons to identify the time course of changes in neuromuscular responses during the process of fatigue

The purposes of the present study were to apply a unique method for the identification of the time course of changes in neuromuscular responses and to infer the motor unit activation strategies used to maintain force during a fatiguing, intermittent isometric workbout. Eleven men performed 50, 6 s intermittent isometric muscle actions of the leg extensors, each separated by 2 s of rest at 60% maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC). Electromyographic (EMG) and mechanomyographic (MMG) amplitude (root mean square; RMS) and frequency (mean power frequency; MPF) were obtained from the vastus lateralis (VL) every 5 of the 50 repetitions and normalized as a percent of the initial repetition. Polynomial regression analyses were used to determine the model of best fit for the normalized EMG RMS, EMG MPF, MMG RMS, and MMG MPF versus repetition relationships and one-way repeated measures ANOVAs with post-hoc Student Newman-Keuls were used to identify when these neuromuscular parameters changed from the initial repetition. The findings of the present study indicated two unique phases of neuromuscular responses (repetitions 1-20 and 20-50) during the fatiguing workbout. The time course of changes in these four neuromuscular responses suggested that the after-hyperpolarization theory could not explain the maintenance of force production, but Muscle Wisdom and the Onion Skin Scheme could. The findings of the current study suggested that the time course of changes in neuromuscular responses can provide insight in to the motor unit activation strategies used to maintain force production and allow for a greater understanding of the fatiguing process by identifying the time-points at which these neuromuscular parameters changed.

Time Course of Changes in Neuromuscular Parameters During Sustained Isometric Muscle Actions

Smith, CM, Housh, TJ, Herda, TJ, Zuniga, JM, Camic, CL, Bergstrom, HC, Smith, DB, Weir, JP, Hill, EC, Cochrane, KC, Jenkins, NDM, Schmidt, RJ, and Johnson, GO. Time course of changes in neuromuscular parameters during sustained isometric muscle actions. J Strength Cond Res 30(10): 2697-2702, 2016-The objective of the present study was to identify the time course of changes in electromyographic (EMG) and mechanomyographic (MMG) time and frequency domain parameters during a sustained isometric muscle action of the leg extensors at 50% maximal voluntary isometric contraction. The EMG and MMG signals were measured from the vastus lateralis of 11 subjects to identify when motor unit activation strategies changed throughout the sustained isometric muscle action. The EMG amplitude (muscle activation) had a positive linear relationship (p = 0.018, r = 0.77) that began to increase at the initiation of the muscle action and continued until task failure. Electromyographic frequency (motor unit action potential conduction velocity) and MMG frequency (global motor unit firing rate) had negative quadratic relationships (p = 0.002, R = 0.99; p = 0.015, R = 0.94) that began to decrease at 30% of the time to exhaustion. The MMG amplitude (motor unit activation) had a cubic relationship (p = 0.001, R = 0.94) that increased from 10 to 30% of the time to exhaustion, then decreased from 40 to 70% of the time to exhaustion, and then markedly increased from 70% to task failure. The time course of changes in the neuromuscular parameters suggested that motor unit activation strategies changed at approximately 30 and 70% of the time to exhaustion during the sustained isometric muscle action. These findings indicate that the time course of changes in neuromuscular responses provide insight into the strategies used to delay the effects of fatigue and are valuable tools for quantifying changes in the fatiguing process during training programs or supplementation research.

Inter-individual variability in the patterns of responses for electromyography and mechanomyography during cycle ergometry using an RPE-clamp model

PURPOSE

To examine inter-individual variability versus composite models for the patterns of responses for electromyography (EMG) and mechanomyography (MMG) versus time relationships during moderate and heavy cycle ergometry using a rating of perceived exertion (RPE) clamp model.

METHODS

EMG amplitude (amplitude root-mean-square, RMS), EMG mean power frequency (MPF), MMG-RMS, and MMG-MPF were collected during two, 60-min rides at a moderate (RPE at the gas exchange threshold; RPEGET) and heavy (RPE at 15 % above the GET; RPEGET+15 %) intensity when RPE was held constant (clamped). Composite (mean) and individual responses for EMG and MMG parameters were compared during each 60-min ride.

RESULTS

There was great inter-individual variability for each EMG and MMG parameters at RPEGET and RPEGET+15 %. Composite models showed decreases in EMG-RMS (r (2) = -0.92 and R (2) = 0.96), increases in EMG-MPF (R (2) = 0.90), increases in MMG-RMS (r (2) = 0.81 and 0.55), and either no change or a decrease (r (2) = 0.34) in MMG-MPF at RPEGET and RPEGET+15 %, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of the present study indicated that there were differences between composite and individual patterns of responses for EMG and MMG parameters during moderate and heavy cycle ergometry at a constant RPE. Thus, composite models did not represent the unique muscle activation strategies exhibited by individual responses when cycling in the moderate and heavy intensity domains when using an RPE-clamp model.

Electromyographic Responses from the Vastus Medialis during Isometric Muscle Actions

This study examined the electromyographic (EMG) responses from the vastus medialis (VM) for electrodes placed over and away from the innervation zone (IZ) during a maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) and sustained, submaximal isometric muscle action. A linear electrode array was placed on the VM to identify the IZ and muscle fiber pennation angle during an MVIC and sustained isometric muscle action at 50% MVIC. EMG amplitude and frequency parameters were determined from 7 bipolar channels of the electrode array, including over the IZ, as well as 10 mm, 20 mm and 30 mm proximal and distal to the IZ. There were no differences between the channels for the patterns of responses for EMG amplitude or mean power frequency during the sustained, submaximal isometric muscle action; however, there were differences between channels during the MVIC. The results of the present study supported the need to standardize the placement of electrodes on the VM for the assessment of EMG amplitude and mean power frequency. Based on the current findings, it is recommended that electrode placements be distal to the IZ and aligned with the muscle fiber pennation angle during MVICs, as well as sustained, submaximal isometric muscle actions.

Electromyographic, mechanomyographic, and metabolic responses during cycle ergometry at a constant rating of perceived exertion

Ten subjects performed four 8-min rides (65%-80% peak oxygen consumption) to determine the physical working capacity at the OMNI rating of perceived exertion (RPE) threshold (PWCOMNI). Polynomial regression analyses were used to examine the patterns of responses for surface electromyographic (EMG) amplitude (EMG AMP), EMG mean power frequency (EMG MPF), mechanomyographic (MMG) AMP, and MMG MPF of the vastus lateralis as well as oxygen consumption rate, respiratory exchange ratio (RER), and power output (PO) were examined during a 1-h ride on a cycle ergometer at a constant RPE that corresponded to the PWCOMNI. EMG AMP and MMG MPF tracked the decreases in oxygen consumption rate, RER, and PO, while EMG MPF and MMG AMP tracked RPE. The decreases in EMG AMP and MMG MPF were likely attributable to decreases in motor unit (MU) recruitment and firing rate, while the lack of change in MMG AMP may have resulted from a balance between MU de-recruitment as PO decreased, and an increase in the ability of activated fibers to oscillate. The current findings suggested that during submaximal cycle ergometry at a constant RPE, MU de-recruitment and mechanical changes within the muscle may influence the perception of effort via feedback from group III and IV afferents.