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Hébert-Losier K, Fernandez MR, Athens J, Kubo M, O'Neill S. A randomised crossover trial on the effects of foot starting position on calf raise test outcomes: Position does matter. Foot (Edinb) 2024; 60:102112. [PMID: 38905944 DOI: 10.1016/j.foot.2024.102112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2024] [Revised: 06/12/2024] [Accepted: 06/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/23/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This randomised crossover study with repeated measures examined the influence of the three most common foot starting positions used in conducting the calf raise test (CRT) on test outcomes. This study also accounted for the potential influence of gender, age, body mass index (BMI), and level of physical activity on test outcomes. METHODS Forty-nine healthy individuals (59 % female, 21 ± 4 years) performed single-leg calf raise repetitions in a human movement laboratory in three randomised foot starting positions: flat, 10° incline, and step. The validated Calf Raise application was used to track the vertical displacement of a marker placed on the foot using computer vision. The application extracted the following CRT outcomes from the vertical displacement curve: number of repetitions, peak vertical height, total vertical displacement, and total positive work. Data were analysed using mixed-effects models and stepwise regression. RESULTS There was a significant main effect (P < 0.001) of foot starting position on all outcomes, with all paired comparisons being statistically significant (P ≤ 0.023). Repetitions, total vertical displacement, and total positive work were greatest in flat and lowest in step, whereas peak vertical height was greatest in incline and lowest in step. Gender (P = 0.021; males>females) and BMI (P = 0.002; lower BMI>higher BMI) significantly influenced the number of repetitions. Gender (P < 0.001; males>females) also influenced total positive work. Age and physical activity levels did not significantly influence CRT outcomes. CONCLUSIONS CRT foot starting position mattered and significantly affected all CRT outcomes. CRT foot starting position needs consideration when contrasting data in research and practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kim Hébert-Losier
- Division of Health, Engineering, Computing and Science, Te Huataki Waiora School of Health, University of Waikato, Tauranga, New Zealand.
| | - Ma Roxanne Fernandez
- Division of Health, Engineering, Computing and Science, Te Huataki Waiora School of Health, University of Waikato, Tauranga, New Zealand; Department of Physical Therapy, College of Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Santo Tomas, Philippines.
| | - Josie Athens
- Systems Biology Enabling Platform, AgResearch Ltd, Invermay Agricultural Centre, 176 Puddle Alley, Mosgiel 9022, New Zealand
| | - Masayoshi Kubo
- Department of Physical Therapy, Niigata University of Health and Welfare, Japan
| | - Seth O'Neill
- School of Healthcare, Life Sciences, University of Leicester, United Kingdom
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Chatrenet A, Piccoli G, Audebrand JM, Torreggiani M, Barbieux J, Vaillant C, Morel B, Durand S, Beaune B. Analysis of the rate of force development reveals high neuromuscular fatigability in elderly patients with chronic kidney disease. J Cachexia Sarcopenia Muscle 2023; 14:2016-2028. [PMID: 37439126 PMCID: PMC10570076 DOI: 10.1002/jcsm.13280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2022] [Revised: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 07/14/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic kidney disease (CKD) induces muscle wasting and a reduction in the maximum voluntary force (MVF). Little is known about the neuromuscular fatigability in CKD patients, defined as the reduction of muscle force capacities during exercise. Neuromuscular fatigability is a crucial physical parameter of the daily living. The quantification of explosive force has been shown to be a sensitive means to assess neuromuscular fatigability. Thus, our study used explosive force estimates to assess neuromuscular fatigability in elderly CKD patients. METHODS Inclusion criteria for CKD patients were age ≥ 60 years old and glomerular filtration rate (GFR) < 45 mL/min/1.73 m2 not on dialysis, and those for controls were GFR > 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 , age and diabetes matched. The fatigability protocol focused on a handgrip task coupled with surface electromyography (sEMG). Scalars were extracted from the rate of force development (RFD): absolute and normalized time periods (50, 75, 100, 150 and 200 ms, RFD50 , RFD75 , RFD100 , RFD150 and RFD200 , respectively), peak RFD (RFDpeak in absolute; NRFDpeak normalized), time-to-peak RFD (t-RFDpeak ) and the relative force at RFDpeak (MVF-RFDpeak ). A statistical parametric mapping approach was performed on the force, impulse and RFD-time curves. The integrated sEMG with time at 0-30, 0-50, 0-100 and 0-200 ms time intervals relative to onset of sEMG activity was extracted and groups were compared separately for each sex. RESULTS The cohort of 159 individuals had a median age of 69 (9IQR ) years and body mass index was 27.6 (6.2IQR ) kg/m2 . Propensity-score-matched groups balanced CKD patients and controls by gender with 66 males and 34 females. In scalar analysis, CKD patients manifested a higher decrement than controls in the early phase of contraction, regarding the NRFDpeak (P = 0.009; η2 p = 0.034) and RFD75 and RFD100 (for both P < 0.001; η2 p = 0.068 and 0.064). The one-dimensional analysis confirmed that CKD males manifest higher and delayed neuromuscular fatigability, especially before 100 ms from onset of contraction. sEMG was lower in CKD patients than controls in the 0-100 ms (at rest: P = 0.049, Cohen's d = 0.458) and 0-200 ms (at rest: P = 0.016, Cohen's d = 0.496; during exercise: P = 0.006, Cohen's d = 0.421) time windows. Controls showed greater decrease of sEMG than CKD patients in the 0-30 ms (P = 0.020, Cohen's d = 0.533) and 0-50 ms (P = 0.010, Cohen's d = 0.640) time windows. As opposite to females, males showed almost the same differences between groups. CONCLUSIONS Our study is the first to show that CKD patients have higher fatigability than controls, which may be associated with an impaired motor-unit recruitment, highlighting a neural drive disturbance with CKD. Further studies are needed to confirm these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antoine Chatrenet
- Le Mans Université, Movement – Interactions – Performance, MIP, UR4334Le MansFrance
- Department of NephrologyCentre Hospitalier Le MansLe MansFrance
| | | | | | | | - Julien Barbieux
- Department of Digestive SurgeryCentre Hospitalier Le MansLe MansFrance
| | - Charly Vaillant
- Department of EndocrinologyCentre Hospitalier Le MansLe MansFrance
| | - Baptiste Morel
- Inter‐University Laboratory of Human Movement Biology (EA 7424)Université Savoie Mont BlancChambéryFrance
| | - Sylvain Durand
- Le Mans Université, Movement – Interactions – Performance, MIP, UR4334Le MansFrance
| | - Bruno Beaune
- Le Mans Université, Movement – Interactions – Performance, MIP, UR4334Le MansFrance
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Davidson B, Hinks A, Dalton BH, Akagi R, Power GA. Power attenuation from restricting range of motion is minimized in subjects with fast RTD and following isometric training. J Appl Physiol (1985) 2022; 132:497-510. [PMID: 35023762 DOI: 10.1152/japplphysiol.00688.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Time-dependent measures consisting of rate of torque development (RTD), rate of velocity development (RVD), and rate of neuromuscular activation can be used to evaluate explosive muscular performance, which becomes critical when performing movements throughout limited ranges of motion (ROM). Using a HUMAC NORM dynamometer, seven males (27 ± 7 years) and six females (22 ± 3 years) underwent 8 weeks of maximal isometric dorsiflexion training 3 days/week. One leg was trained at 0° (short-muscle tendon unit (MTU) length) and the other at 40° of plantar flexion (long-MTU length). RTD and rate of neuromuscular activation were evaluated during 'fast' maximal isometric contractions. Power, RVD, and rate of neuromuscular activation were assessed during maximal isotonic contractions in four conditions (small (40° to 30° of plantar flexion) ROM at 10 and 50% MVC; large (40° to 0° of plantar flexion) ROM at 10 and 50% MVC) for both legs, pre- and post-training. Despite no change in rate of neuromuscular activation following training, peak power, RTD, and RVD increased at both MTU lengths (p < 0.05). Strong relationships (R2=0.73) were observed between RTD and peak power in the small ROM, indicating that fast time-dependent measures are critical for optimal performance when ROM is constrained. Meanwhile, strong relationships (R2=0.90) between RVD and power were observed at the 50% load, indicating that RVD is critical when limited by load and ROM is not confined. Maximal isometric dorsiflexion training can be used to improve time-dependent measures (RTD, RVD) to minimize power attenuation when ROM is restricted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brooke Davidson
- Department of Human Health and Nutritional Sciences, College of Biological Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Avery Hinks
- Department of Human Health and Nutritional Sciences, College of Biological Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Brian H Dalton
- School of Health and Exercise Sciences, University of British Columbia, Kelowna, BC, Canada
| | - Ryota Akagi
- Department of Human Health and Nutritional Sciences, College of Biological Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada.,College of Systems Engineering and Science, Shibaura Institute of Technology, Saitama, Japan
| | - Geoffrey A Power
- Department of Human Health and Nutritional Sciences, College of Biological Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
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Phillips KC, Noh B, Gage M, Yoon T. Neural and muscular alterations of the plantar flexors in middle-aged women. Exp Gerontol 2021; 159:111674. [PMID: 34954012 DOI: 10.1016/j.exger.2021.111674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2021] [Revised: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Considering the large population of middle-aged adults, it is important to understand the age-related change in lower limb muscles and the possible mechanisms before old age (> 65 years old). The purpose of this study was to investigate age-related neural and muscular alterations of the plantar flexors in young and middle-aged women. METHODS Twenty two middle-aged (54.0 ± 5.8 yrs) and 17 young (21.8 ± 1.4 yrs) recreationally active women performed rapid maximal voluntary isometric contractions (MVIC) of the plantar flexors. Absolute and normalized rate of torque development (RTD) and electromyography (EMG) were examined. Electrical stimulation was used to examine voluntary activation and contractile properties of the muscle. Ultrasonography was used to examine medial and lateral gastrocnemius muscle thickness and pennation angle. A 6-minute walk and sit to stand task were also performed by all participants. RESULTS The middle-aged women had significantly lower MVIC torque (141 ± 49 vs. 109 ± 30 Nm, P = 0.031), absolute RTD (753.0 ± 313.6 vs. 423.0 ± 156.1 Nm/s, P = 0.001), and normalized peak RTD (554.0 ± 191.0 vs. 388.0 ± 91.9% MVIC/s, P = 0.001). Normalized early RTD0-50 and late RTD100-200, voluntary activation, and EMG were similar between groups. Resting twitch data showed that time to peak (124.0 ± 20.4 vs. 143.0 ± 16.7 ms, P = 0.002) and half relaxation time (73.1 ± 15.2 vs. 107.0 ± 28.2 ms, P < 0.001) was significantly faster for the young women. Thickness was greater in the lateral gastrocnemius (1.6 ± 0.2 vs. 1.4 ± 0.2 cm, P = 0.006) for the young women. Pennation angle of both muscles were greater for the young women (15.8 ± 3.9 vs. 13.1 ± 2.7 degrees, P < 0.05). Performance of the 6-minute walk was similar between groups, however, the young women performed more repetitions during the sit to stand task (25.6 ± 6.7 vs. 18.3 ± 4.7 reps, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION Compared to young women, middle-age women were shown to have lower MVIC torque, peak RTD, and functional performance. Muscle architecture and contractile properties are affected by aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin C Phillips
- Department of Kinesiology and Integrative Physiology, Michigan Technological University, Houghton 49931, USA; Exercise Science Program, Brevard College, Brevard 28712, USA
| | - Byungjoo Noh
- Department of Kinesiology, Jeju National University, Jeju-si 63243, Republic of Korea
| | - Matthew Gage
- Career Program, Gogebic Community College, Houghton 49931, USA
| | - Tejin Yoon
- Department of Kinesiology and Integrative Physiology, Michigan Technological University, Houghton 49931, USA; Department of Physical Education, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 24341, Republic of Korea; Interdisciplinary Program in Biohealth-machinery Convergence Engineering, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 24341, Republic of Korea.
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Tavakkoli Oskouei S, Malliaras P, D Hill K, Garofolini A, Clark R, Perraton L. Assessment of ankle plantar flexor neuromuscular properties: A reliability study. J Electromyogr Kinesiol 2021; 61:102603. [PMID: 34563759 DOI: 10.1016/j.jelekin.2021.102603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2021] [Revised: 08/29/2021] [Accepted: 09/15/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to determine test-retest reliability of ankle plantar flexor neuromuscular properties in healthy people to improve understanding of additional measurement and analysis procedures that may be used in outcome assessment. Ten healthy participants (age 29.60 ± 5.36 years) volunteered. Isometric torquemax, rate of torque development (RTD), rate of electromyography rise (RER), impulse, electromechanical delay (EMD), torque steadiness, and torque sensing were obtained during two testing sessions 60 min apart. ICC values ranged from 0.81 to 0.99, indicating good to excellent test-retest reliability. Lower bands of the 95% CIs were all above 0.75 apart from the early phase measures (≤50 ms) derived from explosive torque-time and EMG-time curves, which were between 0.32 and 0.73, indicating poor to moderate reliability. Heteroscedasticity was observed for RTD, impulse, and EMD. LOA as a function of the mean (X̅) for these measures ranged from meandifference ± 0.25X̅ to ± 0.68X̅. EMD showed excellent reliability (ICC = 0.90; 95% CI [0.63, 0.98]). Torque sensing and torque steadiness showed good reliability (0.81 ≤ ICC ≤ 0.89). Thus, ankle plantar flexor neuromuscular properties showed good to excellent test-retest reliability. However, reliability of measures in the early phase of muscle contraction were consistently lower than the late phase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanam Tavakkoli Oskouei
- Department of Physiotherapy, School of Primary and Allied Health Care, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Peter Malliaras
- Department of Physiotherapy, School of Primary and Allied Health Care, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Victoria, Australia
| | - Keith D Hill
- Ageing and Independent Living (RAIL) Research Centre, Monash University, Victoria, Australia
| | | | - Ross Clark
- School of Health and Behavioural Sciences, University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia
| | - Luke Perraton
- Department of Physiotherapy, School of Primary and Allied Health Care, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Victoria, Australia
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Age-Related Differences in Hip Flexion Maximal and Rapid Strength and Rectus Femoris Muscle Size and Composition. J Appl Biomech 2021; 37:311-319. [PMID: 33906159 DOI: 10.1123/jab.2020-0383] [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] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Revised: 02/27/2021] [Accepted: 03/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
This study aimed to examine the effects of age on hip flexion maximal and rapid strength and rectus femoris (RF) muscle size and composition in men. Fifteen young (25 [3] y) and 15 older (73 [4] y) men performed isometric hip flexion contractions to examine peak torque and absolute and normalized rate of torque development (RTD) at time intervals of 0 to 100 and 100 to 200 milliseconds. Ultrasonography was used to examine RF muscle cross-sectional area and echo intensity. Peak torque, absolute RTD at 0 to 100 milliseconds, and absolute and normalized RTD at 100 to 200 milliseconds were significantly lower (P = .004-.045) in the old compared with the young men. The older men exhibited lower cross-sectional area (P = .015) and higher echo intensity (P = .007) than the young men. Moreover, there were positive relationships between cross-sectional area and absolute RTD at 0 to 100 milliseconds (r = .400) and absolute RTD at 100 to 200 milliseconds (r = .450) and negative relationships between echo intensity and absolute RTD at 100 to 200 milliseconds (r = -.457) and normalized RTD at 100 to 200 milliseconds (r = -.373). These findings indicate that hip flexion maximal and rapid strength and RF muscle size and composition decrease in old age. The relationships observed between ultrasound-derived RF parameters and measurements of RTD suggest that these age-related declines in muscle size and composition may be relevant to hip flexion rapid torque production.
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