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Tarrit B, Garnier YM, Birat A, Ruas CV, Estevam E, Rance M, Morel C, Nottin S, Mattiello-Sverzut AC, Nosaka K, Blazevich AJ, Pinto RS, Ratel S. Can neuromuscular differences manifest by early adolescence in males between predominantly endurance and strength sports? Eur J Appl Physiol 2024; 124:2651-2663. [PMID: 38630264 DOI: 10.1007/s00421-024-05480-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 09/02/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Although neuromuscular function varies significantly between strength and endurance-trained adult athletes, it has yet to be ascertained whether such differences manifest by early adolescence. The aim of the present study was to compare knee extensor neuromuscular characteristics between adolescent athletes who are representative of strength (wrestling) or endurance (triathlon) sports. METHODS Twenty-three triathletes (TRI), 12 wrestlers (WRE) and 12 untrained (CON) male adolescents aged 13 to 15 years participated in the present study. Maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) knee extensor (KE) torque was measured, and 100-Hz magnetic doublets were delivered to the femoral nerve during and after KE MVIC to quantify the voluntary activation level (%VA). The doublet peak torque (T100Hz) and normalized vastus lateralis (VL) and rectus femoris (RF) EMG (EMG/M-wave) activities were quantified. VL and RF muscle architecture was also assessed at rest using ultrasound. RESULTS Absolute and relative (to body mass) KE MVIC torques were significantly higher in WRE than TRI and CON (p < 0.05), but comparable between TRI and CON. No significant differences were observed between groups for %VA, T100Hz or either VL or RF muscle thickness. However, VL EMG/M-wave was higher, RF fascicle length longer, and pennation angle smaller in WRE than TRI and CON (all p < 0.05). CONCLUSION The wrestlers were stronger than triathletes and controls, potentially as a result of muscle architectural differences and a greater neural activation. Neuromuscular differences can already be detected by early adolescence in males between predominantly endurance and strength sports, which may result from selection bias and/or physical training.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baptiste Tarrit
- Université Clermont Auvergne, AME2P, 63000, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Yoann M Garnier
- Prognostic Factors and Regulatory Factors of Cardiac and Vascular Pathologies, University of Franche-Comté, 25000, Besançon, France
| | - Anthony Birat
- Université Clermont Auvergne, AME2P, 63000, Clermont-Ferrand, France
- Fédération Française Triathlon, 93210, Saint Denis, France
| | - Cassio V Ruas
- Brazilian Institute of Neuroscience and Neurotechnology-Institute of Physics Gleb Wataghin, University of Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ester Estevam
- Department of Health Sciences, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Prêto, Brazil
| | - Mélanie Rance
- Centre de Ressources et d'Expertise de la Performance Sportive (CREPS), 03700, Bellerive-sur-Allier, France
| | - Claire Morel
- Centre de Ressources et d'Expertise de la Performance Sportive (CREPS), 03700, Bellerive-sur-Allier, France
| | | | | | - Kazunori Nosaka
- School of Medical and Health Sciences, Centre for Human Performance, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, WA, Australia
| | - Anthony J Blazevich
- School of Medical and Health Sciences, Centre for Human Performance, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, WA, Australia
| | - Ronei S Pinto
- Exercise Research Laboratory, School of Physical Education, Physiotherapy and Dance, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Sébastien Ratel
- Université Clermont Auvergne, AME2P, 63000, Clermont-Ferrand, France.
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Birat A, Garnier YM, Dupuy A, Bontemps B, Dodu A, Grossoeuvre C, Dupont AC, Rance M, Morel C, Blazevich AJ, Nottin S, Ratel S. Neuromuscular Adaptations in Endurance-Trained Male Adolescents Versus Untrained Peers: A 9-Month Longitudinal Study. Scand J Med Sci Sports 2024; 34:e14681. [PMID: 38881390 DOI: 10.1111/sms.14681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2024] [Revised: 05/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/31/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neuromuscular function is considered as a determinant factor of endurance performance during adulthood. However, whether endurance training triggers further neuromuscular adaptations exceeding those of growth and maturation alone over the rapid adolescent growth period is yet to be determined. OBJECTIVE The present study investigated the concurrent role of growth, maturation, and endurance training on neuromuscular function through a 9-month training period in adolescent triathletes. METHODS Thirty-eight 13- to 15-year-old males (23 triathletes [~6 h/week endurance training] and 15 untrained [<2 h/week endurance activity]) were evaluated before and after a 9-month triathlon training season. Maximal oxygen uptake (V̇O2max) and power at V̇O2max were assessed during incremental cycling. Knee extensor maximal voluntary isometric contraction torque (MVCISO) was measured and the voluntary activation level (VAL) was determined using the twitch interpolation technique. Knee extensor doublet peak torque (T100Hz) and normalized vastus lateralis (VL) electromyographic activity (EMG/M-wave) were also determined. VL and rectus femoris (RF) muscle architecture was assessed using ultrasonography. RESULTS Absolute V̇O2max increased similarly in both groups but power at V̇O2max only significantly increased in triathletes (+13.8%). MVCISO (+14.4%), VL (+4.4%), and RF (+15.8%) muscle thicknesses and RF pennation angle (+22.1%) increased over the 9-month period in both groups similarly (p < 0.01), although no changes were observed in T100Hz, VAL, or VL EMG/M-wave. No changes were detected in any neuromuscular variables, except for coactivation. CONCLUSION Endurance training did not induce detectible, additional neuromuscular adaptations. However, the training-specific cycling power improvement in triathletes may reflect continued skill enhancement over the training period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony Birat
- Fédération Française Triathlon, Saint Denis, France
- Université Clermont Auvergne, AME2P, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Yoann M Garnier
- Université Clermont Auvergne, AME2P, Clermont-Ferrand, France
- University of Franche-Comté, SINERGIES, Besançon, France
| | - Alexis Dupuy
- Université Clermont Auvergne, AME2P, Clermont-Ferrand, France
- Centre de Ressources et d'Expertise de la Performance Sportive (CREPS), Bellerive-sur-Allier, France
| | | | | | | | | | - Mélanie Rance
- Centre de Ressources et d'Expertise de la Performance Sportive (CREPS), Bellerive-sur-Allier, France
| | - Claire Morel
- Centre de Ressources et d'Expertise de la Performance Sportive (CREPS), Bellerive-sur-Allier, France
| | - Anthony J Blazevich
- Centre for Human Performance, School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, Western Australia, Australia
| | | | - Sébastien Ratel
- Université Clermont Auvergne, AME2P, Clermont-Ferrand, France
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Garcia-Vicencio S, Ratel S, Chalchat E, Penailillo L, Kluka V, Fourot AV, Coudeyre E, Martin V. Combined Endurance and Strength or Only Endurance Training? Effects of Training Mode on Neuromuscular Characteristics and Functional Abilities in Obese Adolescent Girls Enrolled in a Weight-Reduction Program. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2024; 1450:143-159. [PMID: 37682428 DOI: 10.1007/5584_2023_782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/09/2023]
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to examine whether combining strength and endurance training would promote better improvements in neuromuscular characteristics and functional abilities than endurance training alone in obese adolescent girls enrolled in a weight-reduction program. Twenty-four obese adolescent girls (12-15 years) volunteered to participate in a 9-month training program. Participants were allocated into two groups following either (i) combined training (endurance + strength; E+ST) or (ii) endurance training (ET) program. Absolute and specific maximal torque, muscle size, and maximal voluntary activation level (VA) of the knee extensor (KE) and plantar flexor (PF) muscles were assessed. Moreover, functional abilities such as balance and fatigability during a maximal isometric intermittent contraction test of the KE muscles were measured before and after the intervention. The force of the adductor pollicis (AP) muscles was used as a control to account for any effect of growth or mechanical unloading on neuromuscular properties and muscle size. While absolute and specific torque of the KE (+14.7 ± 12.1% and +14.4 ± 15.5%; p < 0.05) and PF (+19.2 ± 16.7% and +18.3 ± 17.5%; p < 0.001) muscles increased in the E+ST group, PF torque decreased, and KE torque did not change in the ET group (-22.6 ± 10.5% and -15.0 ± 17.2%; p < 0.001). Moreover, the VA of the KE muscles increased for the E+ST (+6.1 ± 5.6%; p < 0.01) group and decreased for the ET group (-5.4 ± 5.4%; p < 0.05). In contrast, VA remained similar in the PF muscles for both groups. The number of repetitions during the fatigability test increased in the ET group (38.4 ± 22.3 vs. 84.1 ± 33.3; p = 0.032) and was unchanged in the E+ST group (50.8 ± 14.1 vs. 54.2 ± 37.8), but it was associated with a higher force level. Moreover, balance improved in the E+ST group, but not in the ET group. To conclude, physical training combining strength and endurance training promoted larger improvement in neuromuscular characteristics and functional abilities than endurance training alone in obese adolescent girls. Greater neuromuscular adaptations resulting from the E+ST training may be beneficial for preserving or even increasing functional abilities and possibly induce greater engagement in the active lifestyle of obese adolescents. However, the endurance component seems necessary in training programs to reduce fatigability during daily living activities.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sébastien Ratel
- Université Clermont Auvergne, AME2P, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Emeric Chalchat
- Université Clermont Auvergne, AME2P, Clermont-Ferrand, France
- Institut de Recherche Biomédicale des Armées, Bretigny-Sur-Orge, France
| | - Luis Penailillo
- Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences Institute, School of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Rehabilitation Sciences, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago, Chile
| | - Virginie Kluka
- Université Clermont Auvergne, AME2P, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | | | - Emmanuel Coudeyre
- Clermont University Hospital, Clermont-Ferrand, France
- Université Clermont Auvergne, UNH, Clermont-Ferrand, France
- INRAE, CRNH Auvergne, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Vincent Martin
- Université Clermont Auvergne, AME2P, Clermont-Ferrand, France
- Institut Universitaire de France (IUF), Paris, France
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Nuzzo JL, Kennedy DS, Finn HT, Taylor JL. Voluntary activation of knee extensor muscles with transcranial magnetic stimulation. J Appl Physiol (1985) 2021; 130:589-604. [PMID: 33270515 DOI: 10.1152/japplphysiol.00717.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
We examined if transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a valid tool for assessment of voluntary activation of the knee extensors in healthy individuals. Maximal M-waves (Mmax) of vastus lateralis (VL) were evoked with electrical stimulation of femoral nerve (FNS); Mmax of medial hamstrings (HS) was evoked with electrical stimulation of sciatic nerve branches; motor evoked potentials (MEPs) of VL and HS were evoked with TMS; superimposed twitches (SIT) of knee extensors were evoked with FNS and TMS. In study 1, TMS intensity [69% output (SD: 5)] was optimized for MEP sizes, but guidelines for test validity could not be met. Agonist VL MEPs were too small [51.4% Mmax (SD: 11.9); guideline ≥70% Mmax] and antagonist HS MEPs were too big [16.5% Mmax (SD: 10.3); guideline <10% Mmax]. Consequently, the TMS estimated resting twitch [99.1 N (SD: 37.2)] and FNS resting twitch [142.4 N (SD: 41.8)] were different. In study 2, SITs at 90% maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) were similar between TMS [16.1 N (SD: 10.3)] and FNS [20.9 N (SD: 16.7)], when TMS intensity was optimized for this purpose, suggesting a procedure that combines TMS SITs with FNS resting twitches could be valid. In study 3, which tested the TMS intensity [56% output (SD: 18)] that evoked the largest SIT at 90% MVC, voluntary activation from TMS [87.3% (SD: 7.1)] and FNS [84.5% (SD: 7.6)] was different. In sum, the contemporary procedure for TMS-based voluntary activation of the knee extensors is invalid. A modified procedure improves validity but only in individuals who meet rigorous inclusion criteria for SITs and MEPs.NEW & NOTEWORTHY We discovered that the contemporary procedure for assessing voluntary activation of the knee extensor muscles with transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is invalid. TMS activates too few agonist quadriceps motoneurons and too many antagonist hamstrings motoneurons to estimate the resting twitch accurately. A modified procedure, in which TMS-evoked superimposed twitches are considered together with the resting twitch from femoral nerve stimulation, is valid but only in select individuals who meet rigorous eligibility criteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- James L Nuzzo
- Neuroscience Research Australia, Randwick, Australia
| | - David S Kennedy
- Graduate School of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | | | - Janet L Taylor
- Neuroscience Research Australia, Randwick, Australia.,School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Perth, Australia
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Can High-Intensity Functional Suspension Training over Eight Weeks Improve Resting Blood Pressure and Quality of Life in Young Adults? A Randomized Controlled Trial. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:ijerph16245062. [PMID: 31842259 PMCID: PMC6950016 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16245062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2019] [Accepted: 12/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The present study examined the effects of a functional high-intensity suspension training (FunctionalHIIT) on resting blood pressure, psychological well-being as well as on upper body and core strength and cardiorespiratory fitness in moderately trained participants. Twenty healthy, moderately trained adults (10 males and 10 females; age: 36.2 ± 11.1 years, BMI: 23.9 ± 3.7) were randomly assigned to a FunctionalHIIT training group or passive control group (CON). FunctionalHIIT performed 16 sessions (2× week for eight weeks, 30 min per session), whereas CON maintained their habitual lifestyle using a physical activity log. Before and after FunctionalHIIT intervention, resting blood pressure and quality of life (short version of the WHO Quality of Life questionnaire (WHOQOL-BREF)) were assessed. Furthermore, maximum-repetition (leg press, chest press, pulldown, back extension) and trunk muscle strength (Bourban test) as well as cardiorespiratory fitness (Vameval test), were measured before and after the intervention. Both systolic and diastolic blood pressure and WHOQOL-BREF did not change significantly but both showed moderate training-induced effects (0.62 < standardized mean difference (SMD) < 0.82). Significant improvements in the FunctionalHIIT group were evident on leg press (p < 0.01), chest press (p < 0.05), and left side Bourban test (p < 0.05). Cardiorespiratory fitness did not reveal any time effects or time × group interactions. The present study revealed that eight weeks of FunctionalHIIT represents a potent stimulus to improve health-related parameters in young adults, whereas FunctionalHIIT was not sufficient to improve cardiorespiratory fitness.
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Todd G, Taylor JL, Gandevia SC. Measurement of voluntary activation based on transcranial magnetic stimulation over the motor cortex. J Appl Physiol (1985) 2016; 121:678-86. [PMID: 27418687 DOI: 10.1152/japplphysiol.00293.2016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2016] [Accepted: 07/11/2016] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
This article reviews the use of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) over the motor cortex to make estimates of the level of voluntary drive to muscles. The method, described in 2003 (Todd et al. J Physiol 551: 661-671, 2003), uses a TMS pulse to produce descending corticospinal volleys that synaptically activate motoneurons, resulting in a muscle twitch. Linear regression of the superimposed twitch amplitude and voluntary force (or torque) can generate an "estimated" resting twitch for muscles involved in a task. This procedure has most commonly been applied to elbow flexors but also to knee extensors and other muscle groups. Data from 44 papers using the method were tabulated. We identify and discuss five major technical challenges, and the frequency with which they are addressed. The technical challenges include inadvertent activation of the cortical representation of antagonist muscles, the role of antagonist torques at the studied joint, uncertainty about the effectiveness of the TMS pulse in activating the motoneuron pool, the linearity of the voluntary force (or torque) and superimposed twitch relationship, and variability in the TMS-evoked EMG and force/torque responses. The ideal situation in which the descending corticospinal volleys recruit all of the agonist motoneurons and none of the antagonist motoneurons is unlikely to ever occur, and hence results must be carefully examined to assess the authenticity of the voluntary activation estimates in the context of the experimental design. A partial compromise lies in the choice of stimulus intensity. We also identify aspects of the procedure that require further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabrielle Todd
- School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences and Sansom Institute for Health Research, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Janet L Taylor
- Neuroscience Research Australia, Randwick, NSW, Australia; and University of New South Wales, Kensington, NSW, Australia
| | - Simon C Gandevia
- Neuroscience Research Australia, Randwick, NSW, Australia; and University of New South Wales, Kensington, NSW, Australia
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Behrens M, Weippert M, Wassermann F, Bader R, Bruhn S, Mau-Moeller A. Neuromuscular function and fatigue resistance of the plantar flexors following short-term cycling endurance training. Front Physiol 2015; 6:145. [PMID: 26029114 PMCID: PMC4429572 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2015.00145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2015] [Accepted: 04/21/2015] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Previously published studies on the effect of short-term endurance training on neuromuscular function of the plantar flexors have shown that the H-reflex elicited at rest and during weak voluntary contractions was increased following the training regime. However, these studies did not test H-reflex modulation during isometric maximum voluntary contraction (iMVC) and did not incorporate a control group in their study design to compare the results of the endurance training group to individuals without the endurance training stimulus. Therefore, this randomized controlled study was directed to investigate the neuromuscular function of the plantar flexors at rest and during iMVC before and after 8 weeks of cycling endurance training. Twenty-two young adults were randomly assigned to an intervention group and a control group. During neuromuscular testing, rate of torque development, isometric maximum voluntary torque and muscle activation were measured. Triceps surae muscle activation and tibialis anterior muscle co-activation were assessed by normalized root mean square of the EMG signal during the initial phase of contraction (0–100, 100–200 ms) and iMVC of the plantar flexors. Furthermore, evoked spinal reflex responses of the soleus muscle (H-reflex evoked at rest and during iMVC, V-wave), peak twitch torques induced by electrical stimulation of the posterior tibial nerve at rest and fatigue resistance were evaluated. The results indicate that cycling endurance training did not lead to a significant change in any variable of interest. Data of the present study conflict with the outcome of previously published studies that have found an increase in H-reflex excitability after endurance training. However, these studies had not included a control group in their study design as was the case here. It is concluded that short-term cycling endurance training does not necessarily enhance H-reflex responses and fatigue resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Behrens
- Institute of Sport Science, University of Rostock Rostock, Germany
| | - Matthias Weippert
- Institute of Sport Science, University of Rostock Rostock, Germany ; Institute of Exercise Physiology and Public Health Rostock, Germany
| | | | - Rainer Bader
- Department of Orthopaedics, University Medicine Rostock Rostock, Germany
| | - Sven Bruhn
- Institute of Sport Science, University of Rostock Rostock, Germany
| | - Anett Mau-Moeller
- Department of Orthopaedics, University Medicine Rostock Rostock, Germany
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Children have a reduced maximal voluntary activation level of the adductor pollicis muscle compared to adults. Eur J Appl Physiol 2015; 115:1485-91. [PMID: 25694208 DOI: 10.1007/s00421-015-3132-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2014] [Accepted: 02/09/2015] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The role of nervous factors in the muscle strength difference between children and adults is debated, and the level of physical activity may confound this comparison. The purpose of this study was thus to compare, between children and adults, the maximal voluntary activation level (MVA) of the adductor pollicis (AP) muscle, which is weakly influenced by the level of physical activity. METHODS Thirteen boys (11.6 ± 0.1 years) and eight men (25.6 ± 1.5 years) were involved in this study. Neuromuscular function assessment included the evaluation of maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) force and of the MVA from peripheral magnetic stimulations of the ulnar nerve. The cross-sectional area of the AP muscle was determined with ultrasonography and used to calculate the specific force. A theoretical value of specific force, extrapolated for a full MVA, was finally computed (specific force@100 % MVA). RESULTS MVC force (66.8 ± 6.2 vs. 111.0 ± 4.5 N, respectively; P < 0.001) and MVA (85.0 ± 2.7 vs. 94.8 ± 1.4 %, respectively; P < 0.05) were significantly lower in children compared to adults. The specific force was lower in children compared to adults (46.8 ± 3.6 vs. 56.9 ± 2.5 N/cm(2), respectively; P < 0.05), but the specific force@100 % MVA did not differ between groups. CONCLUSION The results suggest that on an untrained muscle such as the AP muscle, the reduced ability of children to voluntarily activate their muscle could partly account for the difference of muscle strength between children and adults.
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Gruet M, Temesi J, Brisswalter J, Millet G, Vergès S. Stimulation magnétique transcrânienne : application à la physiologie de l’exercice. Sci Sports 2014. [DOI: 10.1016/j.scispo.2014.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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