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Zarzissi S, Zghal F, Bouchiba M, Rebai H, Fekih N, Bouzid MA. Delayed neuromuscular fatigue recovery unveils reduced fatigue tolerance in elderly following maximal intermittent exercise. Eur J Appl Physiol 2024:10.1007/s00421-024-05499-y. [PMID: 38758411 DOI: 10.1007/s00421-024-05499-y] [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: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
The aim of the study was to assess the impact of aging on neuromuscular fatigue and recovery. Ten young (23.08 ± 1.43 years) and older (61.19 ± 1.80 years) males performed an intermittent maximal isometric exercise with the knee extensors followed by 27 min of recovery. Maximal voluntary contraction (MVC), total work (W'), voluntary activation (VA), potentiated resting twitch (Ptw), and electromyography (EMG) were recorded and then analyzed. Peripheral and central fatigue following exercise were lower in old compared to young (- 29.99% vs. - 42.68% and - 14.55 vs. - 20.02%; P < 0.05, respectively). Despite old performing 50% less work, RMS/Mmax reduction was similar between old and young (- 26.46% vs. - 29.93%; P > 0.05, respectively). During the recovery period, our results showed that recovery of the MVC was impaired for old (14.93% for old vs. 30.66% for young) and still incomplete until 27 min.VA increased significantly compared to post exercise after 1 min only for young (P = 0.001), potentially affecting the recovery pattern of MVC during the early phase due to their significant correlation (r2 = 0.58, P = 0.01). Peripheral fatigue recovery was also lower for old (11.18% vs. 18.72%; P < 0.001), and both groups failed to recover their baseline value (both P < 0.005). The lower peripheral and central fatigue observed in elderly following exercise appears for the first instance as a fatigue resistance. However, the delayed neuromuscular recovery reveals instead a reduced fatigue tolerance reflecting age-related alteration within contractile properties and/or within central nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Slim Zarzissi
- High Institute of Sport and Physical Education, Education, Motor Skills, Sport and Health (EM2S) Laboratory, University of Sfax, LR19JS01, Sfax, Tunisia.
| | - Firas Zghal
- High Institute of Sport and Physical Education, Education, Motor Skills, Sport and Health (EM2S) Laboratory, University of Sfax, LR19JS01, Sfax, Tunisia
| | - Mustapha Bouchiba
- High Institute of Sport and Physical Education, Education, Motor Skills, Sport and Health (EM2S) Laboratory, University of Sfax, LR19JS01, Sfax, Tunisia
| | - Haithem Rebai
- Tunisian Research Laboratory 'Sports Performance Optimization', National Center of Medicine and Science in Sports (CNMSS), (CNMSS-LR09SEP01), Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Nadia Fekih
- High Institute of Sport and Physical Education, Education, Motor Skills, Sport and Health (EM2S) Laboratory, University of Sfax, LR19JS01, Sfax, Tunisia
| | - Mohamed Amine Bouzid
- High Institute of Sport and Physical Education, Education, Motor Skills, Sport and Health (EM2S) Laboratory, University of Sfax, LR19JS01, Sfax, Tunisia
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Thompson BJ, Conchola EC, Clevenger KA. Age-related effects of neuromuscular fatigue and acute recovery responses on maximal and rapid torque measures of the leg extensors and flexors. Eur J Appl Physiol 2024:10.1007/s00421-024-05493-4. [PMID: 38702553 DOI: 10.1007/s00421-024-05493-4] [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: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE To examine the effects of neuromuscular fatigue and recovery on maximal and rapid torque characteristics in young and old men for the leg extensors and flexors. METHODS Twenty-one young (age = 24.8 years) and 19 old (72.1 years) men performed maximal voluntary contractions (MVCs) before and at 0, 7, 15, and 30 min following an intermittent submaximal fatigue task. Outcome measures included endurance time, maximal (peak torque; PT) and rapid (absolute and normalized rate of torque development; RTD and nRTD) torque characteristics. RESULTS The old men had greater endurance times than the young men. Differential recovery patterns were observed for PT, and early and late RTD phases between the leg extensor and flexor muscle groups such that the early rapid torque variables and the flexors demonstrated slower recovery compared to later rapid torque variables and the extensors. The normalized RTD variables were reduced less after the fatigue task and differential muscle and age effects were observed where the flexors were reduced more at the early phase (nRTD1/6) compared to the extensors, however, for the later phase (nRTD2/3) the young men exhibited a greater reduction compared to the old men. CONCLUSIONS Dissimilar fatigue recovery patterns across different phases of RTD, lower limb muscles, and age groups may have important fatigue-related performance and injury risk implications across the adult lifespan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brennan J Thompson
- Kinesiology and Health Science Department, Utah State University, 6425 Old Main Hill, Logan, UT, 84322, USA.
- Movement Research Clinic, Sorenson Legacy Foundation Center for Clinical Excellence, Utah State University, Logan, UT, USA.
| | - Eric C Conchola
- Dr. Virginia Peters Department of Kinesiology and Health Studies, University of Central Oklahoma, Edmond, OK, USA
| | - Kimberly A Clevenger
- Kinesiology and Health Science Department, Utah State University, 6425 Old Main Hill, Logan, UT, 84322, USA
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Hunter SK, S Angadi S, Bhargava A, Harper J, Hirschberg AL, D Levine B, L Moreau K, J Nokoff N, Stachenfeld NS, Bermon S. The Biological Basis of Sex Differences in Athletic Performance: Consensus Statement for the American College of Sports Medicine. Med Sci Sports Exerc 2023; 55:2328-2360. [PMID: 37772882 DOI: 10.1249/mss.0000000000003300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/30/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Biological sex is a primary determinant of athletic performance because of fundamental sex differences in anatomy and physiology dictated by sex chromosomes and sex hormones. Adult men are typically stronger, more powerful, and faster than women of similar age and training status. Thus, for athletic events and sports relying on endurance, muscle strength, speed, and power, males typically outperform females by 10%-30% depending on the requirements of the event. These sex differences in performance emerge with the onset of puberty and coincide with the increase in endogenous sex steroid hormones, in particular testosterone in males, which increases 30-fold by adulthood, but remains low in females. The primary goal of this consensus statement is to provide the latest scientific knowledge and mechanisms for the sex differences in athletic performance. This review highlights the differences in anatomy and physiology between males and females that are primary determinants of the sex differences in athletic performance and in response to exercise training, and the role of sex steroid hormones (particularly testosterone and estradiol). We also identify historical and nonphysiological factors that influence the sex differences in performance. Finally, we identify gaps in the knowledge of sex differences in athletic performance and the underlying mechanisms, providing substantial opportunities for high-impact studies. A major step toward closing the knowledge gap is to include more and equitable numbers of women to that of men in mechanistic studies that determine any of the sex differences in response to an acute bout of exercise, exercise training, and athletic performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra K Hunter
- Exercise Science Program, Department of Physical Therapy, and Athletic and Human Performance Center, Marquette University, Milwaukee, WI
| | | | - Aditi Bhargava
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA
| | - Joanna Harper
- Loughborough University, Loughborough, UNITED KINGDOM
| | - Angelica Lindén Hirschberg
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, and Department of Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, SWEDEN
| | - Benjamin D Levine
- Institute for Exercise and Environmental Medicine, Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Dallas, and the Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Cardiology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX
| | - Kerrie L Moreau
- Department of Medicine, Division of Geriatric Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, and Eastern Colorado Health Care System, Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center, Aurora, CO
| | - Natalie J Nokoff
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Endocrinology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO
| | - Nina S Stachenfeld
- The John B. Pierce Laboratory and Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
| | - Stéphane Bermon
- Health and Science Department, World Athletics, Monaco and the LAMHESS, University Côte d'Azur, Nice, FRANCE
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4
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Zoughaib WS, Hoffman RL, Yates BA, Moorthi RN, Lim K, Coggan AR. The influence of acute dietary nitrate supplementation on skeletal muscle fatigue and recovery in older women. Physiol Rep 2023; 11:e15694. [PMID: 37226336 PMCID: PMC10209430 DOI: 10.14814/phy2.15694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Revised: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Older individuals fatigue more rapidly during, and recover more slowly from, dynamic exercise. Women are particularly vulnerable to these deleterious effects of aging, which increases their risk of falling. We have shown that dietary nitrate (NO3 - ), a source of nitric oxide (NO) via the NO3 - → nitrite (NO2 - ) → NO pathway, enhances muscle speed and power in older individuals in the non-fatigued state; however, it is unclear if it reduces fatigability and/or improves recoverability in this population. Using a double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover design, we studied 18 older (age 70 ± 4 years) women who were administered an acute dose of beetroot juice (BRJ) containing either 15.6 ± 3.6 or <0.05 mmol of NO3 - . Blood samples were drawn throughout each ~3 h visit for plasma NO3 - and NO2 - analysis. Peak torque was measured during, and periodically for 10 min after, 50 maximal knee extensions performed at 3.14 rad/s on an isokinetic dynamometer. Ingestion of NO3 - -containing BRJ increased plasma NO3 - and NO2 - concentrations by 21 ± 8 and 4 ± 4 fold, respectively. However, there were no differences in muscle fatigue or recovery. Dietary NO3 - increases plasma NO3 - and NO2 - concentrations but does not reduce fatigability during or enhance recoverability after high intensity exercise in older women.
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Affiliation(s)
- William S. Zoughaib
- Department of Kinesiology, School of Health & Human SciencesIndiana University Purdue University IndianapolisIndianapolisIndianaUSA
| | - Richard L. Hoffman
- Department of Kinesiology, School of Health & Human SciencesIndiana University Purdue University IndianapolisIndianapolisIndianaUSA
| | - Brandon A. Yates
- Indiana Center for Musculoskeletal HealthIndiana University School of MedicineIndianapolisIndianaUSA
| | - Ranjani N. Moorthi
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Department of MedicineIndiana University School of MedicineIndianapolisIndianaUSA
| | - Kenneth Lim
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Department of MedicineIndiana University School of MedicineIndianapolisIndianaUSA
| | - Andrew R. Coggan
- Department of Kinesiology, School of Health & Human SciencesIndiana University Purdue University IndianapolisIndianapolisIndianaUSA
- Indiana Center for Musculoskeletal HealthIndiana University School of MedicineIndianapolisIndianaUSA
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5
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Zoughaib WS, Hoffman RL, Yates BA, Moorthi RN, Lim K, Coggan AR. The influence of acute dietary nitrate supplementation on skeletal muscle fatigue and recovery in older women. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2023:2023.02.15.23285957. [PMID: 36824817 PMCID: PMC9949194 DOI: 10.1101/2023.02.15.23285957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/18/2023]
Abstract
Older individuals fatigue more rapidly during, and recover more slowly from, dynamic exercise. Women are particularly vulnerable to these deleterious effects of aging, which increases their risk of falling. We have shown that dietary nitrate (NO 3 - ), a source of nitric oxide (NO) via the NO 3 - → nitrite (NO 2 - ) → NO pathway, enhances muscle speed and power in older individuals in the non-fatigued state; however, it is unclear if it reduces fatigability and/or improves recoverability in this population. Using a double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover design, we studied 18 older (age 70 ± 4 y) women who were administered an acute dose of beetroot juice (BRJ) containing either 15.6±3.6 or <0.05 mmol of NO 3 - . Blood samples were drawn throughout each ∼3 h visit for plasma NO 3 - and NO 2 - analysis. Peak torque was measured during, and periodically for 10 min after, 50 maximal knee extensions performed at 3.14 rad/s on an isokinetic dynamometer. Ingestion of NO 3 - -containing BRJ increased plasma NO 3 - and NO 2 - concentrations by 21±8 and 4±4 fold, respectively. However, there were no differences in muscle fatigue or recovery. Dietary NO 3 - increases plasma NO 3 - and NO 2 - concentrations but does not reduce fatigability during or enhance recoverability after high intensity exercise in older women.
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Otieno LA, Semmler JG, Smith AE, Sidhu SK. Submaximal isometric fatiguing exercise of the elbow flexors has no age-related effect on GABA B mediated inhibition. J Appl Physiol (1985) 2021; 132:167-177. [PMID: 34855523 DOI: 10.1152/japplphysiol.00288.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Age-related changes in the neuromuscular system can result in differences in fatigability between young and older adults. Previous research has shown that single joint isometric fatiguing exercise of small muscle results in an age-related compensatory decrease in GABAB mediated inhibition. However, this has yet to be established in a larger muscle group. In 15 young (22 ± 4 years) and 15 older (65 ± 5 years) adults, long interval cortical inhibition (LICI; 100 ms ISI) and corticospinal silent period (SP) were measured in the biceps brachii during a 5% EMG contraction using transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) before, during and after a submaximal contraction (30% MVC force) held intermittently to task failure. Both age groups developed similar magnitude of fatigue (~24% decline in MVC; P = 0.001) and ~28% decline in LICI (P = 0.001) post fatiguing exercise. No change in SP duration was observed during and immediately following fatigue (P = 0.909) but ~ 6% decrease was seen at recovery in both age groups (P<0.001)." Contrary to previous work in a small muscle, these findings suggest no age-related differences in GABAB mediated inhibition following single joint isometric fatiguing exercise of the elbow flexors, indicating that GABAB modulation with ageing may be muscle group dependent. Furthermore, variations in SP duration and LICI modulation during and post fatigue in both groups suggest that these measures are likely mediated by divergent mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lavender A Otieno
- Discipline of Physiology, Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
| | - John G Semmler
- Discipline of Physiology, Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Ashleigh Elizabeth Smith
- Alliance for Research in Exercise, Nutrition and Activity (ARENA), Allied Health and Human Performance, University of South Australia, City East Campus, Australia
| | - Simranjit K Sidhu
- Discipline of Physiology, Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
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Hupfeld KE, Swanson CW, Fling BW, Seidler RD. TMS-induced silent periods: A review of methods and call for consistency. J Neurosci Methods 2020; 346:108950. [PMID: 32971133 PMCID: PMC8276277 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2020.108950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2020] [Revised: 08/24/2020] [Accepted: 09/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)-induced silent periods provide an in vivo measure of human motor cortical inhibitory function. Cortical silent periods (cSP, also sometimes referred to as contralateral silent periods) and ipsilateral silent periods (iSP) may change with advancing age and disease and can provide insight into cortical control of the motor system. The majority of past silent period work has implemented largely varying methodology, sometimes including subjective analyses and incomplete methods descriptions. This limits reproducibility of silent period work and hampers comparisons of silent period measures across studies. Here, we discuss methodological differences in past silent period work, highlighting how these choices affect silent period outcome measures. We also outline challenges and possible solutions for measuring silent periods in the unique case of the lower limbs. Finally, we provide comprehensive recommendations for collection, analysis, and reporting of future silent period studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- K E Hupfeld
- Department of Applied Physiology and Kinesiology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - C W Swanson
- Department of Health & Exercise Science, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - B W Fling
- Department of Health & Exercise Science, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA; Molecular, Cellular, and Integrative Neuroscience Program, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - R D Seidler
- Department of Applied Physiology and Kinesiology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA; Department of Neurology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.
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Otieno LA, Semmler JG, Sidhu SK. Single joint fatiguing exercise decreases long but not short-interval intracortical inhibition in older adults. Exp Brain Res 2020; 239:47-58. [PMID: 33098654 DOI: 10.1007/s00221-020-05958-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2020] [Accepted: 10/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Ageing is accompanied by neuromuscular changes which may alter fatigue in older adults. These changes may include changes in corticospinal excitatory and inhibitory processes. Previous research has suggested that single joint fatiguing exercise decreases short-(SICI) and long-(LICI) interval intracortical inhibition in young adults. However, this is yet to be established in older adults. In 19 young (23 ± 4 years) and 18 older (69 ± 5 years) adults, SICI (2 ms interstimulus interval; ISI) and LICI (100 ms ISI) were measured in a resting first dorsal interosseous (FDI) muscle using transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) before and after a 15 min sustained submaximal contraction at 25% of their maximum EMG. Subsequent ten 2-min contractions held at 25% EMG were also performed to sustain fatigue for a total of 30 min, while SICI and LICI were taken immediately after each contraction. There was no change in SICI post-fatiguing exercise compared to baseline in both young and older adults (P = 0.4). Although there was no change in LICI post-fatiguing exercise in younger adults (P = 1.0), LICI was attenuated in older adults immediately post-fatiguing exercise and remained attenuated post-fatigue (PF)1 and PF2 (P < 0.05). Contrary to previous studies, the lack of change in SICI and LICI in young adults following a sustained submaximal EMG contraction suggests that GABA modulation may be dependent on the type of fatiguing task performed. The reduction in LICI in older adults post-fatiguing exercise suggests an age-related decrease in GABAB-mediated activity with sustained submaximal fatiguing exercise.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lavender A Otieno
- Discipline of Physiology, Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, S433, Helen Mayo South, Frome Rd, Adelaide, South Australia, 5005, Australia
| | - John G Semmler
- Discipline of Physiology, Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, S433, Helen Mayo South, Frome Rd, Adelaide, South Australia, 5005, Australia
| | - Simranjit K Sidhu
- Discipline of Physiology, Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, S433, Helen Mayo South, Frome Rd, Adelaide, South Australia, 5005, Australia.
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9
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The Influence of Thermal Alterations on Prefrontal Cortex Activation and Neuromuscular Function during a Fatiguing Task. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17197194. [PMID: 33019602 PMCID: PMC7579217 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17197194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2020] [Revised: 09/25/2020] [Accepted: 09/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to examine prefrontal cortex (PFC) activation, neuromuscular function, and perceptual measures in response to a fatiguing task, following thermal alterations of an exercising arm. Nineteen healthy adults completed three experimental sessions. At baseline, participants performed maximum voluntary isometric contractions (MVIC) of the elbow flexors. Next, participants submerged their right arm in a water bath for 15 min. Cold (C), neutral (N), and hot (H) water temperatures were maintained at 8, 33, and 44 °C, respectively. Following water immersion, participants performed an isometric elbow flexion contraction, at 20% of their MVIC, for 5 min. Ratings of perceived exertion (RPE), muscular discomfort, and task demands were assessed. Functional near-infrared spectroscopy was used to measure activation (oxygenation) of the PFC during the fatiguing task. Reductions in MVIC torque at the end of the fatiguing task were greater for the H (25.7 ± 8.4%) and N (22.2 ± 9.6%) conditions, compared to the C condition (17.5 ± 8.9%, p < 0.05). The increase in oxygenation of the PFC was greater for the H (13.3 ± 4.9 μmol/L) and N (12.4 ± 4.4 μmol/L) conditions, compared to the C condition (10.3 ± 3.8 μmol/L, p < 0.001) at the end of the fatiguing task. The increase in RPE, muscular discomfort, and task demands were greater in the H condition compared to the N and C conditions (p < 0.01). These results indicate that precooling an exercising arm attenuates the rise in PFC activation, muscle fatigue, and psychological rating during a fatiguing task.
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10
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Age-related neuromuscular fatigue and recovery after cycling: Measurements in isometric and dynamic modes. Exp Gerontol 2020; 133:110877. [DOI: 10.1016/j.exger.2020.110877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2019] [Revised: 02/08/2020] [Accepted: 02/10/2020] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
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Rozand V, Sundberg CW, Hunter SK, Smith AE. Age-related Deficits in Voluntary Activation: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Med Sci Sports Exerc 2020; 52:549-560. [PMID: 31688647 PMCID: PMC8015244 DOI: 10.1249/mss.0000000000002179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Whether there are age-related differences in neural drive during maximal effort contractions is not clear. This review determined the effect of age on voluntary activation during maximal voluntary isometric contractions. The literature was systematically reviewed for studies reporting voluntary activation quantified with the interpolated twitch technique (ITT) or central activation ratio (CAR) during isometric contractions in young (18-35 yr) and old adults (>60 yr; mean, ≥65 yr). Of the 2697 articles identified, 54 were eligible for inclusion in the meta-analysis. Voluntary activation was assessed with electrical stimulation and transcranial magnetic stimulation on five different muscle groups. Random-effects meta-analysis revealed lower activation in old compared with young adults (d = -0.45; 95% confidence interval, -0.62 to -0.29; P < 0.001), with moderate heterogeneity (52.4%). To uncover the sources of heterogeneity, subgroup analyses were conducted for muscle group, calculation method (ITT or CAR), and stimulation type (electrical stimulation or transcranial magnetic stimulation) and number (single, paired, or train stimulations). The age-related reduction in voluntary activation occurred for all muscle groups investigated except the ankle dorsiflexors. Both ITT and CAR demonstrated an age-related reduction in voluntary activation of the elbow flexors, knee extensors, and plantar flexors. ITT performed with paired and train stimulations showed lower activation for old than young adults, with no age difference for the single electrical stimulation. Together, the meta-analysis revealed that healthy older adults have a reduced capacity to activate some upper and lower limb muscles during maximal voluntary isometric contractions; however, the effect was modest and best assessed with at least paired stimulations to detect the difference.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vianney Rozand
- Exercise Science Program, Department of Physical Therapy, Marquette University, Milwaukee, WI
| | - Christopher W Sundberg
- Exercise Science Program, Department of Physical Therapy, Marquette University, Milwaukee, WI
| | - Sandra K Hunter
- Exercise Science Program, Department of Physical Therapy, Marquette University, Milwaukee, WI
| | - Ashleigh E Smith
- Alliance for Research in Exercise, Nutrition and Activity, School of Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, AUSTRALIA
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Older Adults Differentially Modulate Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation-Electroencephalography Measures of Cortical Inhibition during Maximal Single-joint Exercise. Neuroscience 2019; 425:181-193. [PMID: 31809730 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2019.11.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2019] [Revised: 11/11/2019] [Accepted: 11/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The effects of muscle fatigue are known to be altered in older adults, and age-related changes in the brain are likely to be a contributing factor. However, the neural mechanisms underlying these changes are not known. The aim of the current study was to use transcranial magnetic stimulation combined with electroencephalography (TMS-EEG) to investigate age-related changes in cortical excitability with muscle fatigue. In 23 young (mean age ± SD: 22 ± 2 years) and 17 older (mean age ± SD: 68.3 ± 5.6 years) adults, single-pulse TMS-EEG was applied before, during and after the performance of fatiguing, intermittent isometric abduction of the index finger. Motor-evoked potential (MEP) measures of cortical excitability were increased during (estimated mean difference, 123.3%; P < 0.0001) and after (estimated mean difference, 117.5%; P = 0.001) fatigue and this was not different between groups (P > 0.5). For TMS-EEG, the amplitude of the P30 and P180 potentials were unaffected by fatigue in older participants (P > 0.05). In contrast, the amplitude of the N45 potential in older adults was significantly reduced both during (positive cluster: mean voltage difference = 0.7 µV, P < 0.005; negative cluster: mean voltage difference = 0.9 µV, P < 0.0005) and after (mean voltage difference = 0.5 µV, P < 0.005) fatiguing exercise, whereas this response was absent in young participants. These results suggest that performance of maximal intermittent isometric exercise in old but not young adults is associated with modulation of cortical inhibition likely mediated by activation of gamma-aminobutyric acid type A receptors.
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A comparison of different methods to analyse data collected during time-to-exhaustion tests. SPORT SCIENCES FOR HEALTH 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/s11332-019-00585-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Purpose
Despite their widespread use in exercise physiology, time-to-exhaustion (TTE) tests present an often-overlooked challenge to researchers, which is how to computationally deal with between- and within-subject differences in exercise duration. We aimed to verify the best analysis method to overcome this problem.
Methods
Eleven cyclists performed an incremental test and three TTE tests differing in workload as preliminary tests. The TTEs were used to derive the individual power–duration relationship needed to set the workload (corresponding to an estimated TTE of 1200 s) for four identical experimental TTE tests. Within individuals, the four tests were subsequently rank ordered by performance. Physiological and psychological variables expected to change with performance were analysed using different methods, with the main aim being to compare the traditional “group isotime” method and a less-used “individual isotime” method.
Results
The four tests, ranked from the best to the worst, had a TTE of 1526 ± 332, 1425 ± 313, 1295 ± 325, and 1026 ± 265 s. Ratings of perceived exertion, minute ventilation, respiratory frequency, and affective valence were sensitive to changes in performance when their responses were analysed with the “individual isotime” method (P < 0.022, ηp2 > 0.144) but not when using the “group isotime” method, because the latter resulted in partial data loss.
Conclusions
The use of the “individual isotime” method is strongly encouraged to avoid the misinterpretation of the phenomenon under study. Important implications are not limited to constant-workload exercise, but extend to incremental exercise, which is another commonly used test of exercise tolerance.
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Kirk BJC, Trajano GS, Pulverenti TS, Rowe G, Blazevich AJ. Neuromuscular Factors Contributing to Reductions in Muscle Force After Repeated, High-Intensity Muscular Efforts. Front Physiol 2019; 10:783. [PMID: 31293449 PMCID: PMC6601466 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2019.00783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2019] [Accepted: 06/04/2019] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Multiple neuromuscular processes contribute to the loss of force production following repeated, high-intensity muscular efforts; however, the relative contribution of each process is unclear. In Experiment 1, 16 resistance trained men performed six sets of unilateral isometric plantar flexor contractions of the right leg (3 s contraction/2 s rest; 85% maximal voluntary contraction torque; 90-s inter-set rest) until failure with and without caffeine ingestion (3 mg kg-1) on two separate days. Corticospinal excitability and cortical silent period (cSP) were assessed before and immediately, 10 and 20 min after the exercise. In Experiment 2, electrically evoked tetanic force and persistent inward current (PIC)-mediated facilitation of the motor neuron pool (estimated using neuromuscular electrical stimulation with tendon vibration) were assessed before and after the same exercise intervention in 17 resistance trained men. Results showed decreases in peak plantar flexion torque (Experiment 1: -12.2%, Experiment 2: -16.9%), electrically evoked torque (20 Hz -15.3%, 80 Hz -15.3%, variable-frequency train -17.9%), and cSP (-3.8%; i.e., reduced inhibition) post-exercise which did not recover by 20 min. Electromyographic activity (EMG; -6%), corticospinal excitability (-9%), and PIC facilitation (-24.8%) were also reduced post-exercise but recovered by 10 min. Caffeine ingestion increased torque and EMG but did not notably affect corticospinal excitability, PIC amplification, or electrically evoked torque. The data indicate that a decrease in muscle function largely underpins the loss of force after repeated, high-intensity muscular efforts, but that the loss is exacerbated immediately after the exercise by simultaneous decreases in corticospinal excitability and PIC amplitudes at the motor neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin J C Kirk
- Centre for Exercise and Sports Science Research, School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, WA, Australia
| | - Gabriel S Trajano
- School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Faculty of Health and Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Timothy S Pulverenti
- Department of Physical Therapy, College of Staten Island, Staten Island, NY, United States
| | - Grant Rowe
- Centre for Exercise and Sports Science Research, School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, WA, Australia
| | - Anthony J Blazevich
- Centre for Exercise and Sports Science Research, School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, WA, Australia
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Otieno LA, Opie GM, Semmler JG, Ridding MC, Sidhu SK. Intermittent single-joint fatiguing exercise reduces TMS-EEG measures of cortical inhibition. J Neurophysiol 2019; 121:471-479. [DOI: 10.1152/jn.00628.2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Fatiguing intermittent single-joint exercise causes an increase in corticospinal excitability and a decrease in intracortical inhibition when measured with peripherally recorded motor evoked potentials (MEPs) after transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). Combined TMS and electroencephalography (TMS-EEG) allows for more direct recording of cortical responses through the TMS-evoked potential (TEP). The aim of this study was to investigate the changes in the excitatory and inhibitory components of the TEP during fatiguing single-joint exercise. Twenty-three young (22 ± 2 yr) healthy subjects performed intermittent 30-s maximum voluntary contractions of the right first dorsal interosseous muscle, followed by a 30-s relaxation period repeated for a total of 15 min. Six single-pulse TMSs and one peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS) to evoke maximal M wave (Mmax) were applied during each relaxation period. A total of 90 TMS pulses and 5 PNSs were applied before and after fatiguing exercise to record MEP and TEP. The amplitude of the MEP (normalized to Mmax) increased during fatiguing exercise ( P < 0.001). There were no changes in local and global P30, N45, and P180 of TEPs during the development of intermittent single-joint exercise-induced fatigue. Global analysis, however, revealed a decrease in N100 peak of the TEP during fatiguing exercise compared with before fatiguing exercise ( P = 0.02). The decrease in N100 suggests a fatigue-related decrease in global intracortical GABAB-mediated inhibition. The increase in corticospinal excitability typically observed during single-joint fatiguing exercise may be mediated by a global decrease in intracortical inhibition. NEW & NOTEWORTHY Fatiguing intermittent single-joint exercise causes an increase in corticospinal excitability and a decrease in intracortical inhibition when measured with transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)-evoked potentials from the muscle. The present study provides new and direct cortical evidence, using TMS-EEG to demonstrate that during single-joint fatiguing exercise there is a global decrease in intracortical GABAB-mediated inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lavender A. Otieno
- Discipline of Physiology, Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - George M. Opie
- Discipline of Physiology, Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- Robinson Research Institute, Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - John G. Semmler
- Discipline of Physiology, Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Michael C. Ridding
- Robinson Research Institute, Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Simranjit K. Sidhu
- Discipline of Physiology, Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
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KRÜGER RENATAL, ABOODARDA SAIEDJALAL, SAMOZINO PIERRE, RICE CHARLESL, MILLET GUILLAUMEY. Isometric versus Dynamic Measurements of Fatigue: Does Age Matter? A Meta-analysis. Med Sci Sports Exerc 2018; 50:2132-2144. [DOI: 10.1249/mss.0000000000001666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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17
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Abstract
Performance fatigability is characterized as an acute decline in motor performance caused by an exercise-induced reduction in force or power of the involved muscles. Multiple mechanisms contribute to performance fatigability and originate from neural and muscular processes, with the task demands dictating the mechanisms. This review highlights that (1) inadequate activation of the motoneuron pool can contribute to performance fatigability, and (2) the demands of the task and the physiological characteristics of the population assessed, dictate fatigability and the involved mechanisms. Examples of task and population differences in fatigability highlighted in this review include contraction intensity and velocity, stability and support provided to the fatiguing limb, sex differences, and aging. A future challenge is to define specific mechanisms of fatigability and to translate these findings to real-world performance and exercise training in healthy and clinical populations across the life span.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra K Hunter
- Exercise Science Program, Department of Physical Therapy, Marquette University, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53201
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18
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Goodall S, Howatson G, Thomas K. Modulation of specific inhibitory networks in fatigued locomotor muscles of healthy males. Exp Brain Res 2017; 236:463-473. [PMID: 29214392 PMCID: PMC5809538 DOI: 10.1007/s00221-017-5142-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2017] [Accepted: 12/01/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Reduced maximal force capability of skeletal muscle, as a consequence of exercise, can be due to peripheral or central fatigue mechanisms. In upper-limb muscles, neuromuscular fatigue is concurrent with reduced corticospinal excitability and increased inhibition (lengthened corticospinal silent period [CSP]; reduced short-interval intracortical inhibition [SICI] ratio). However, it is unclear whether these adjustments occur in response to fatiguing exercise of locomotor muscles. This study examined the effect of fatiguing, maximal, knee-extensor exercise on motor cortical excitability and inhibition. Thirteen males performed three 30-s maximal, isometric contractions with the dominant knee-extensors (MVC1, MVC2 and MVC3), separated by 60 s. At the end of, and between each MVC, neuromuscular fatigue, corticospinal excitability, CSP and SICI were assessed with supramaximal stimulation of the femoral nerve, and motor cortical stimulation, respectively. Repeated MVCs caused progressive reductions in MVC (- 10, - 24 and - 29%, respectively, P ≤ 0.01), along with significant peripheral (reductions in potentiated twitch of - 23, -53 and - 60%, respectively, P < 0.001) and central (reductions in VA of - 10% and - 13% post-MVC2 and 3, respectively, P ≤ 0.01) fatigue. Following MVC1 corticospinal excitability was reduced, and remained depressed thereafter. CSP increased in duration and remained longer throughout the protocol; whereas, no change in SICI was observed. Repeated, sustained, maximal contractions of the knee-extensors elicited substantial peripheral and central fatigue that was accompanied by a concomitant reduction in corticospinal excitability. However, divergent responses exist between inhibitory networks within the motor cortex, the activity of inhibitory networks mediated by GABAB are increased, whereas those mediated by GABAA are not.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stuart Goodall
- Department of Sport, Exercise, and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, NE1 8ST, UK.
| | - Glyn Howatson
- Department of Sport, Exercise, and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, NE1 8ST, UK
- Water Research Group, School of Environmental Sciences and Development, Northwest University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | - Kevin Thomas
- Department of Sport, Exercise, and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, NE1 8ST, UK
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19
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Carroll TJ, Taylor JL, Gandevia SC. Recovery of central and peripheral neuromuscular fatigue after exercise. J Appl Physiol (1985) 2017; 122:1068-1076. [DOI: 10.1152/japplphysiol.00775.2016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 117] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2016] [Revised: 12/02/2016] [Accepted: 12/02/2016] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Sustained physical exercise leads to a reduced capacity to produce voluntary force that typically outlasts the exercise bout. This “fatigue” can be due both to impaired muscle function, termed “peripheral fatigue,” and a reduction in the capacity of the central nervous system to activate muscles, termed “central fatigue.” In this review we consider the factors that determine the recovery of voluntary force generating capacity after various types of exercise. After brief, high-intensity exercise there is typically a rapid restitution of force that is due to recovery of central fatigue (typically within 2 min) and aspects of peripheral fatigue associated with excitation-contraction coupling and reperfusion of muscles (typically within 3–5 min). Complete recovery of muscle function may be incomplete for some hours, however, due to prolonged impairment in intracellular Ca2+ release or sensitivity. After low-intensity exercise of long duration, voluntary force typically shows rapid, partial, recovery within the first few minutes, due largely to recovery of the central, neural component. However, the ability to voluntarily activate muscles may not recover completely within 30 min after exercise. Recovery of peripheral fatigue contributes comparatively little to the fast initial force restitution and is typically incomplete for at least 20–30 min. Work remains to identify what factors underlie the prolonged central fatigue that usually accompanies long-duration single joint and locomotor exercise and to document how the time course of neuromuscular recovery is affected by exercise intensity and duration in locomotor exercise. Such information could be useful to enhance rehabilitation and sports performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- T. J. Carroll
- Centre for Sensorimotor Performance, School of Human Movement and Nutrition Sciences, University of Queensland; and
| | - J. L. Taylor
- Neuroscience Research Australia and University of New South Wales
| | - S. C. Gandevia
- Neuroscience Research Australia and University of New South Wales
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20
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Solianik R, Kreivėnaitė L, Streckis V, Mickevičienė D, Skurvydas A. Effects of age and sex on fatigability and recovery from a sustained maximal isometric voluntary contraction. J Electromyogr Kinesiol 2016; 32:61-69. [PMID: 28040567 DOI: 10.1016/j.jelekin.2016.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2016] [Revised: 11/03/2016] [Accepted: 12/08/2016] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim was to assess the effects of sex and age on fatigability and recovery from sustained maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) of the knee extensor muscles. The central (central activation ratio (CAR) and electrical activity amplitude) and peripheral (electrically evoked torque and muscle contractile properties) factors contributing to fatigue and recovery of 24 young adults (12 males) aged 23.2±3.6years and 20 older adults (12 males) aged 70.6±4.4years were compared. The increase in central and peripheral fatigue was greater (p⩽0.01) in the young adults vs the older adults. Sex differences (p=0.002) regarding MVC were attributed to the greater (p<0.01) peripheral fatigue of males vs females. The recovery rate of MVC was greater (p<0.001) in the young adults vs the older adults, with no sex effect. The recovery of MVC was correlated with the CAR in older adults (p=0.001). Thus, the greater endurance observed with age is caused by differences in central and peripheral mechanisms, whereas the greater endurance in females is caused by a difference in a mechanism located within the muscle. The impaired recovery from fatigue in older adults relied more on the recovery of central factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rima Solianik
- Institute of Sports Science and Innovations, Lithuanian Sports University, Sporto str. 6, Kaunas, Lithuania.
| | - Lina Kreivėnaitė
- Institute of Sports Science and Innovations, Lithuanian Sports University, Sporto str. 6, Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Vytautas Streckis
- Institute of Sports Science and Innovations, Lithuanian Sports University, Sporto str. 6, Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Dalia Mickevičienė
- Institute of Sports Science and Innovations, Lithuanian Sports University, Sporto str. 6, Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Albertas Skurvydas
- Institute of Sports Science and Innovations, Lithuanian Sports University, Sporto str. 6, Kaunas, Lithuania
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21
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Age differences in dynamic fatigability and variability of arm and leg muscles: Associations with physical function. Exp Gerontol 2016; 87:74-83. [PMID: 27989926 DOI: 10.1016/j.exger.2016.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2016] [Revised: 09/27/2016] [Accepted: 10/24/2016] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION It is not known whether the age-related increase in fatigability of fast dynamic contractions in lower limb muscles also occurs in upper limb muscles. We compared age-related fatigability and variability of maximal-effort repeated dynamic contractions in the knee extensor and elbow flexor muscles; and determined associations between fatigability, variability of velocity between contractions and functional performance. METHODS 35 young (16 males; 21.0±2.6years) and 32 old (18 males; 71.3±6.2years) adults performed a dynamic fatiguing task involving 90 maximal-effort, fast, concentric, isotonic contractions (1 contraction/3s) with a load equivalent to 20% maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) torque with the elbow flexor and knee extensor muscles on separate days. Old adults also performed tests of balance and walking endurance. RESULTS Old adults had greater fatigue-related reductions in peak velocity compared with young adults for both the elbow flexor and knee extensor muscles (P<0.05) with no sex differences (P>0.05). Old adults had greater variability of peak velocity during the knee extensor, but not during the elbow flexor fatiguing task. The age difference in fatigability was greater for the knee extensor muscles (35.9%) compared with elbow flexor muscles (9.7%, P<0.05). Less fatigability of the knee extensor muscles was associated with greater walking endurance (r=-0.34, P=0.048) and balance (r=-0.41, P=0.014) among old adults. CONCLUSIONS An age-related increase in fatigability of a dynamic fatiguing task was greater for the knee extensor compared with the elbow flexor muscles in males and females, and greater fatigability was associated with lesser walking endurance and balance.
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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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Bachasson D, Decorte N, Wuyam B, Millet GY, Verges S. Original Research: Central and peripheral quadriceps fatigue in young and middle-aged untrained and endurance-trained men: A comparative study. Exp Biol Med (Maywood) 2016; 241:1844-52. [PMID: 27287015 DOI: 10.1177/1535370216654225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2016] [Accepted: 05/19/2016] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to compare quadriceps function (i.e. strength, endurance, central, and peripheral fatigue) of young (Young-UnTr) and middle-aged (MidAge-UnTr) untrained men and young endurance-trained men (Young-Tr). Twenty-four male subjects (eight Young-UnTr (26 ± 4 yr), eight Young-Tr (29 ± 3 yr), and eight MidAge-UnTr (56 ± 4 yr) performed a maximal cycling test to assess their fitness level. On a separate visit, subjects performed sets of 10 intermittent (5-s on/5-s off) isometric contractions starting at 10% maximum voluntary contraction (MVC), with 10% MVC increments from one set to another until exhaustion. Electrophysiological and mechanical (e.g. twitch) evoked responses elicited with magnetic femoral nerve stimulation in the relaxed muscle and during MVC (i.e. estimation of voluntary activation using the interpolated twitch technique) were measured at baseline and after each set to assess peripheral and central fatigue, respectively. Endurance (= total number of contractions) was also evaluated. Young-UnTr exhibited larger reductions in evoked quadriceps mechanical responses than MidAge-UnTr and Young-Tr after identical standardized muscle loading (e.g. after the 50% MVC set, reduction in single potentiated twitch was -36 ± 9%, -21±16%, and -2 ± 4%, respectively). At both 50% MVC set and exhaustion, MidAge-UnTr exhibited similar reduction in maximal voluntary activation and displayed similar endurance compared to Young-UnTr. Young-Tr exhibited greater endurance than Young-UnTr without significant changes in maximal voluntary activation throughout the test. This study provides robust comparative data regarding the influence of chronic exposure to endurance training and middle-aged on central and peripheral quadriceps fatigability and endurance. Endurance-trained subjects showed smaller level of peripheral fatigue and displayed no significant central fatigue, even at exhaustion and despite greater endurance performance. Our findings also demonstrate that men in the sixth decade exhibit significant alterations in quadriceps function typically observed in much older subjects. These data emphasize the need for developing normative data for both central and peripheral quadriceps fatigability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Damien Bachasson
- Grenoble Alpes University, HP2 Laboratory, Grenoble 38000, France INSERM, Grenoble 38000, France Institute of Myology, Paris 75013, France
| | - Nicolas Decorte
- Grenoble Alpes University, HP2 Laboratory, Grenoble 38000, France INSERM, Grenoble 38000, France
| | - Bernard Wuyam
- Grenoble Alpes University, HP2 Laboratory, Grenoble 38000, France INSERM, Grenoble 38000, France
| | - Guillaume Y Millet
- INSERM, Grenoble 38000, France Laboratoire de Physiologie de l'Exercice, Université de Lyon, Saint-Etienne 42023, France Human Performance Laboratory, Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Calgary, Calgary T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Samuel Verges
- Grenoble Alpes University, HP2 Laboratory, Grenoble 38000, France INSERM, Grenoble 38000, France
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Short-interval cortical inhibition and intracortical facilitation during submaximal voluntary contractions changes with fatigue. Exp Brain Res 2016; 234:2541-51. [PMID: 27165508 DOI: 10.1007/s00221-016-4658-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2015] [Accepted: 04/20/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
This study determined whether short-interval intracortical inhibition (SICI) and intracortical facilitation (ICF) change during a sustained submaximal isometric contraction. On 2 days, 12 participants (6 men, 6 women) performed brief (7-s) elbow flexor contractions before and after a 10-min fatiguing contraction; all contractions were performed at the level of integrated electromyographic activity (EMG) which produced 25 % maximal unfatigued torque. During the brief 7-s and 10-min submaximal contractions, single (test) and paired (conditioning-test) transcranial magnetic stimuli were applied over the motor cortex (5 s apart) to elicit motor-evoked potentials (MEPs) in biceps brachii. SICI and ICF were elicited on separate days, with a conditioning-test interstimulus interval of 2.5 and 15 ms, respectively. On both days, integrated EMG remained constant while torque fell during the sustained contraction by ~51.5 % from control contractions, perceived effort increased threefold, and MVC declined by 21-22 %. For SICI, the conditioned MEP during control contractions (74.1 ± 2.5 % of unconditioned MEP) increased (less inhibition) during the sustained contraction (last 2.5 min: 86.0 ± 5.1 %; P < 0.05). It remained elevated in recovery contractions at 2 min (82.0 ± 3.8 %; P < 0.05) and returned toward control at 7-min recovery (76.3 ± 3.2 %). ICF during control contractions (conditioned MEP 129.7 ± 4.8 % of unconditioned MEP) decreased (less facilitation) during the sustained contraction (last 2.5 min: 107.6 ± 6.8 %; P < 0.05) and recovered to 122.8 ± 4.3 % during contractions after 2 min of recovery. Both intracortical inhibitory and facilitatory circuits become less excitable with fatigue when assessed during voluntary activity, but their different time courses of recovery suggest different mechanisms for the fatigue-related changes of SICI and ICF.
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25
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Yoon T, Doyel R, Widule C, Hunter SK. Sex differences with aging in the fatigability of dynamic contractions. Exp Gerontol 2015; 70:1-10. [PMID: 26159162 DOI: 10.1016/j.exger.2015.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2015] [Revised: 07/01/2015] [Accepted: 07/02/2015] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
This study determined the sex difference with aging in fatigability of the elbow flexor muscles during a dynamic fatiguing task, and explored the associated mechanisms. We compared fatigability of the elbow flexor muscles in 18 young (20.2 ± 1 years: 9 men) and 36 old adults (73.5 ± 1 years: 16 men) during and in recovery from repeated dynamic contractions (~60°/s) with a load equivalent to 20% of maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) torque until failure. Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) was used to assess supraspinal fatigue (an increase in the superimposed twitch, SIT) and the peak rate of muscle relaxation. Time to failure was briefer for the men than the women (6.1 ± 2.1 vs. 9.7 ± 5.5 min, respectively; P=0.02) with no difference between young and old adults (7.2 ± 2.9 vs. 8.4 ± 5.2 min, respectively, P=0.45) and no interaction (P>0.05). The relative decline in peak relaxation rate with fatigability was similar for young and old adults (P=0.11), but greater for men than women (P=0.046). Supraspinal fatigue increased for all groups and was associated with the time to failure (P<0.05). Regression analysis however, indicated that the time to failure was best predicted by the peak relaxation rate (baseline values and slowing with fatigability) (r(2)=0.55). Rate-limiting contractile mechanisms (e.g. excitation-contraction coupling) were responsible for the increased fatigability of the elbow flexors of men compared with women for a dynamic fatiguing task of slow angular velocity, and this sex difference was maintained with aging. The age difference in fatigability for the dynamic task was diminished for both sexes relative to what is typically observed with isometric fatiguing contractions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tejin Yoon
- Exercise Science Program, Department of Physical Therapy, Marquette University, Milwaukee, WI, United States; Department of Kinesiology and Integrative Physiology, Michigan Technological University, Houghton, MI, United States
| | - Ryan Doyel
- Exercise Science Program, Department of Physical Therapy, Marquette University, Milwaukee, WI, United States; Creighton University School of Medicine, Omaha, NE, United States
| | - Claire Widule
- Exercise Science Program, Department of Physical Therapy, Marquette University, Milwaukee, WI, United States; Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, F. Edward Hebert School of Medicine, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Sandra K Hunter
- Exercise Science Program, Department of Physical Therapy, Marquette University, Milwaukee, WI, United States.
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Christie AD, Miller NR. Tndon vibration does not alter recovery time following fatigue. Med Sci Sports Exerc 2014; 47:931-6. [PMID: 25202851 DOI: 10.1249/mss.0000000000000492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Tendon vibration has been shown to enhance muscle activity and to increase muscular endurance times. The impact of vibration on recovery from fatigue, however, is not known. This study aims to determine whether tendon vibration reduces recovery time following fatiguing contractions. METHODS Eight sedentary males (22 ± 2.8 yr) performed a fatiguing protocol of ankle dorsiflexor muscles on two separate days, with a minimum of 48 h between visits. Surface EMG was recorded from the tibialis anterior muscle while participants were performing 25 maximal voluntary contractions (MVCs), each lasting 5 s and separated by 2 s. Following the fatiguing protocol, recovery was assessed with 3-s MVC each minute over a 10-min period. Recovery time was defined as the time at which force had returned to 90% of baseline values. At one visit, vibration was applied to the distal tendon of the tibialis anterior muscle between MVCs (throughout recovery). The alternate visit involved a sham condition in which no vibration was applied. RESULTS MVC force (P = 0.48) and EMG amplitude (P = 0.26) were not significantly different across testing days. Both MVC force (P < 0.001) and EMG amplitude (P < 0.001) declined significantly at the end of the fatigue protocol. However, there were no significant interaction effects for MVC force (P = 0.82) or EMG amplitude (P = 0.09), indicating similar levels of fatigue across days. With tendon vibration, MVC force recovered within 4.0 ± 2.5 min, which was not different from the sham condition (5.3 ± 1.8 min; P = 0.42). Similarly, EMG recovery time was not different between vibration condition (3.9 ± 3.8 min) and sham condition (4.9 ± 2.5 min) (P = 0.41). CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that activation of excitatory group Ia afferents through tendon vibration does not substantially alter recovery time following fatigue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anita D Christie
- Department of Human Physiology, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR
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Sidhu SK, Weavil JC, Venturelli M, Garten RS, Rossman MJ, Richardson RS, Gmelch BS, Morgan DE, Amann M. Spinal μ-opioid receptor-sensitive lower limb muscle afferents determine corticospinal responsiveness and promote central fatigue in upper limb muscle. J Physiol 2014; 592:5011-24. [PMID: 25172953 DOI: 10.1113/jphysiol.2014.275438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
We investigated the influence of group III/IV lower limb muscle afferents on the development of supraspinal fatigue and the responsiveness of corticospinal projections to an arm muscle. Eight males performed constant-load leg cycling exercise (80% peak power output) for 30 s (non-fatiguing) and to exhaustion (∼9 min; fatiguing) both under control conditions and with lumbar intrathecal fentanyl impairing feedback from μ-opioid receptor-sensitive lower limb muscle afferents. Voluntary activation (VA) of elbow flexors was assessed via transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) during maximum voluntary contraction (MVC) and corticospinal responsiveness was monitored via TMS-evoked potentials (MEPs) during a 25% MVC. Accompanied by a significant 5 ± 1% reduction in VA from pre- to post-exercise, elbow flexor MVC progressively decreased during the fatiguing trial (P < 0.05). By contrast, with attenuated feedback from locomotor muscle afferents, MVC and VA remained unchanged during fatiguing exercise (P > 0.3). MEPs decreased by 36 ± 6% (P < 0.05) from the start of exercise to exhaustion under control conditions, but this reduction was prevented with fentanyl blockade. Furthermore, fentanyl blockade prevented the significant increase in elbow flexor MEP observed from rest to non-fatiguing exercise under control conditions and resulted in a 14% lower corticospinal responsiveness during this short bout (P < 0.05). Taken together, in the absence of locomotor muscle fatigue, group III/IV-mediated leg muscle afferents facilitate responsiveness of the motor pathway to upper limb flexor muscles. By contrast, in the presence of cycling-induced leg fatigue, group III/IV locomotor muscle afferents facilitate supraspinal fatigue in remote muscle not involved in the exercise and disfacilitate, or inhibit, the responsiveness of corticospinal projections to upper limb muscles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simranjit K Sidhu
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Joshua C Weavil
- Department of Exercise and Sport Science, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Massimo Venturelli
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Ryan S Garten
- Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center, Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC), Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Matthew J Rossman
- Department of Exercise and Sport Science, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Russell S Richardson
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA Department of Exercise and Sport Science, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center, Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC), Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Benjamin S Gmelch
- Department of Anaesthesiology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - David E Morgan
- Department of Anaesthesiology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Markus Amann
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA Department of Exercise and Sport Science, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center, Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC), Salt Lake City, UT, USA Department of Anaesthesiology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
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Keller-Ross ML, Pereira HM, Pruse J, Yoon T, Schlinder-Delap B, Nielson KA, Hunter SK. Stressor-induced increase in muscle fatigability of young men and women is predicted by strength but not voluntary activation. J Appl Physiol (1985) 2014; 116:767-78. [PMID: 24526582 DOI: 10.1152/japplphysiol.01129.2013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
This study investigated mechanisms for the stressor-induced changes in muscle fatigability in men and women. Participants performed an isometric-fatiguing contraction at 20% maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) until failure with the elbow flexor muscles. Study one (n = 55; 29 women) involved two experimental sessions: 1) a high-stressor session that required a difficult mental-math task before and during a fatiguing contraction and 2) a control session with no mental math. For some participants (n = 28; 14 women), cortical stimulation was used to examine mechanisms that contributed to muscle fatigability during the high-stressor and control sessions. Study two (n = 23; nine women) determined the influence of a low stressor, i.e., a simple mental-math task, on muscle fatigability. In study one, the time-to-task failure was less for the high-stressor session than control (P < 0.05) for women (19.4%) and men (9.5%): the sex difference response disappeared when covaried for initial strength (MVC). MVC force, voluntary activation, and peak-twitch amplitude decreased similarly for the control and high-stressor sessions (P < 0.05). In study two, the time-to-task failure of men or women was not influenced by the low stressor (P > 0.05). The greater fatigability, when exposed to a high stressor during a low-force task, was not exclusive to women but involved a strength-related mechanism in both weaker men and women that accelerated declines in voluntary activation and slowing of contractile properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manda L Keller-Ross
- Exercise Science Program, Department of Physical Therapy, Marquette University, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
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Girard O, Bishop DJ, Racinais S. Neuromuscular adjustments of the quadriceps muscle after repeated cycling sprints. PLoS One 2013; 8:e61793. [PMID: 23650503 PMCID: PMC3641084 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0061793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2012] [Accepted: 03/13/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE This study investigated the supraspinal processes of fatigue of the quadriceps muscle in response to repeated cycling sprints. METHODS Twelve active individuals performed 10 × 6-s "all-out" sprints on a cycle ergometer (recovery = 30 s), followed 6 min later by 5 × 6-s sprints (recovery = 30 s). Transcranial magnetic and electrical femoral nerve stimulations during brief (5-s) and sustained (30-s) isometric contractions of the knee extensors were performed before and 3 min post-exercise. RESULTS Maximal strength of the knee extensors decreased during brief and sustained contractions (~11% and 9%, respectively; P<0.001). Peripheral and cortical voluntary activation, motor evoked potential amplitude and silent period duration responses measured during briefs contractions were unaltered (P>0.05). While cortical voluntary activation declined (P<0.01) during the sustained maximal contraction in both test sessions, larger reductions occurred (P<0.05) after exercise. Lastly, resting twitch amplitude in response to both femoral nerve and cortical stimulations was largely (> 40%) reduced (P<0.001) following exercise. CONCLUSION The capacity of the motor cortex to optimally drive the knee extensors following a repeated-sprint test was shown in sustained, but not brief, maximal isometric contractions. Additionally, peripheral factors were largely involved in the exercise-induced impairment in neuromuscular function, while corticospinal excitability was well-preserved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivier Girard
- Aspetar, Qatar Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Hospital, Doha, Qatar.
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Yoon T, Schlinder-Delap B, Hunter SK. Fatigability and recovery of arm muscles with advanced age for dynamic and isometric contractions. Exp Gerontol 2012; 48:259-68. [PMID: 23103238 DOI: 10.1016/j.exger.2012.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2012] [Revised: 09/21/2012] [Accepted: 10/19/2012] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
This study determined whether age-related mechanisms can increase fatigue of arm muscles during maximal velocity dynamic contractions, as it occurs in the lower limb. We compared elbow flexor fatigue of young (n=10, 20.8±2.7 years) and old men (n=16, 73.8±6.1 years) during and in recovery from a dynamic and an isometric postural fatiguing task. Each task was maintained until failure while supporting a load equivalent to 20% of maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) torque. Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) was used to assess supraspinal fatigue (superimposed twitch, SIT) and muscle relaxation. Time to failure was longer for the old men than for the young men for the isometric task (9.5±3.1 vs. 17.2±7.0 min, P=0.01) but similar for the dynamic task (6.3±2.4 min vs. 6.0±2.0 min, P=0.73). Initial peak rate of relaxation was slower for the old men than for the young men, and was associated with a longer time to failure for both tasks (P<0.05). Low initial power during elbow flexion was associated with the greatest difference (reduction) in time to failure between the isometric task and the dynamic task (r=-0.54, P=0.015). SIT declined after both fatigue tasks similarly with age, although the recovery of SIT was associated with MVIC recovery for the old (both sessions) but not for the young men. Biceps brachii and brachioradialis EMG activity (% MVIC) of the old men were greater than that of the young men during the dynamic fatiguing task (P<0.05), but were similar during the isometric task. Muscular mechanisms and greater relative muscle activity (EMG activity) explain the greater fatigue during the dynamic task for the old men compared with the young men in the elbow flexor muscles. Recovery of MVC torque however relies more on the recovery of supraspinal fatigue among the old men than among the young men.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tejin Yoon
- Exercise Science Program, Department of Physical Therapy, Marquette University, Milwaukee, WI 53201, United States
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