The Effect of Sodium Bicarbonate Supplementation on Electromyographic Muscle Activity in Healthy, Physically Active Individuals: A Systematic Review.

AIM: The aim of this systematic review was to investigate the effects of sodium bicarbonate supplementation on electromyographic (EMG) muscle activity in healthy, physically active individuals. METHODS: A systematic review of cross-sectional studies, crossover studies and randomized controlled trials was performed to investigate the effects of sodium bicarbonate supplementation on EMG muscle activity in healthy, physically active individuals. Potentially eligible for the systematic review were identified through searches conducted in the PubMed/MEDLINE, Science Direct and Scopus, considering publications from January 1980 to August 2019. The terms used in the search were: sodium bicarbonate, NaHCO3, alkalosis, alkaloses, electromyography, surface electromyography, electromyographies, electromyogram and EMG. Two independent assessors extracted data from the selected articles. Bias analysis was conducted using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool and methodological quality was appraised using a checklist created based on the guidelines of the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials and the International Society of Electrophysiology and Kinesiology. RESULTS: A total of 67 studies were retrieved and seven were included in this review. Only two studies showed significant differences in muscle activity after sodium bicarbonate supplementation. The different EMG signal capturing, processing, and analysis methods used constitute an important limitation to the comparative analyses of the results reported in the studies selected for the present review. CONCLUSION: The results found do not allow us to affirm whether EMG may or may not be a safe tool to assess the effects of sodium bicarbonate supplementation on muscle activity.

Sodium bicarbonate supplementation improves performance in isometric fatigue protocol / A suplementação de bicarbonato de sódio melhora o desempenho em protocolo de fadiga isométrico / La suplementación de bicarbonato de sodio mejora el desempeño en protocolo de fatiga isométrico

ABSTRACT Introduction: Although sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) supplementation has been shown to decrease fatigue and improve high-intensity exercise performance, the effects on maintenance of isometric contractions are not clear. Objective: To investigate the effect of NaHCO3 on the performance of individuals subjected to a fatigue protocol in an isometric exercise on the isokinetic dynamometer. Methods: Participants were 12 men in a randomized, double-blind, crossover, placebo-controlled trial. Sixteen minutes after the intake of 0.3 g/kg of body mass of NaHCO3 or placebo, the participants performed an isometric fatigue protocol of right knee extension exercises during eight minutes at 70% of maximum voluntary isometric contraction. The fatigue indicator was the time point at which torque was reduced to 50% of the initial value. The length of resistance was assessed by maintaining the task over 50% of the initial torque. Lactate/blood pH concentrations and rate of perceived exertion (RPE) and pain (RPP) indexes were analyzed. The RPE of the session was evaluated 30 minutes after the test. Results: Blood pH was higher in pre-protocol and in the fatigue indicator after NaHCO3 intake, as were the blood lactate concentrations in the fatigue indicator and at the end of the protocol (p<0.001). NaHCO3 supplementation increased the time to fatigue and lessened the rate of decline of isometric peak torque at the end of the protocol (p<0.001). RPE and RPP were smaller at the end of the protocol in the NaHCO3 condition, and the RPE of the session was diminished (p<0.001). Conclusion: NaHCO3 supplementation enhances steady isometric contraction performance and reduces the internal load. Level of Evidence II; Diagnostic studies - Investigation of an examination for diagnosis.

RESUMO Introdução: A suplementação de bicarbonato de sódio (NaHCO3) tem demonstrado atenuar a fadiga e melhorar o desempenho do exercício de alta intensidade, mas os efeitos sobre a manutenção de contrações isométricas são pouco claros. Objetivo: Investigar o efeito do NaHCO3 no desempenho de indivíduos submetidos ao protocolo de fadiga em exercício isométrico no dinamômetro isocinético. Métodos: Doze homens participaram do estudo randomizado, duplo-cego, cruzado e controlado por placebo. Sessenta minutos após ingestão de 0,3 g/kg de massa corporal de NaHCO3 ou placebo, os participantes realizaram protocolo isométrico de fadiga dos extensores do joelho direito, com duração de oito minutos, a 70% da contração isométrica voluntária máxima. Foi considerado indicador de fadiga o momento em que o torque aplicado diminuiu para 50% do valor inicial. A duração da resistência foi avaliada com a manutenção da tarefa acima de 50% do torque inicial. As concentrações de lactato e pH do sangue, assim como os índices de percepção subjetiva de esforço (PSE) e dor (PSD) foram analisados. A PSE da sessão foi avaliada 30 minutos após o teste. Resultados: O pH sanguíneo foi maior pré-protocolo e no indicador de fadiga após ingestão de NaHCO3, assim como as concentrações de lactato sanguíneo no indicador da fadiga e ao final do protocolo (p < 0,001). A suplementação de NaHCO3 aumentou o tempo para atingir a fadiga e atenuou o declínio do pico de torque isométrico no final do protocolo (p < 0,001). A PSE e PSD foram menores ao final do protocolo com NaHCO3 e a PSE da sessão foi atenuada (p < 0,001). Conclusão: A suplementação de NaHCO3 melhora o desempenho de contrações isométricas sustentadas e atenua a carga interna. Nível de Evidência II; Estudos diagnósticos - Investigação de um exame para diagnóstico.

RESUMEN Introducción: La suplementación de bicarbonato de sodio (NaHCO3) ha demostrado atenuar la fatiga y mejorar el desempeño del ejercicio de alta intensidad, pero los efectos sobre el mantenimiento de contracciones isométricas son poco claros. Objetivo: Investigar el efecto de NaHCO3 en el desempeño de individuos sometidos al protocolo de fatiga en ejercicio isométrico en el dinamómetro isocinético. Métodos: Doce hombres participaron del estudio aleatorizado, doble ciego, cruzado y controlado por placebo. Sesenta minutos después de la ingestión de 0,3 g/kg de masa corporal de NaHCO3 o placebo, los participantes realizaron protocolo isométrico de fatiga de los extensores de la rodilla derecha con duración de ocho minutos a 70% de la contracción isométrica voluntaria máxima. Se consideró indicador de fatiga el momento en que el torque aplicado disminuyó para 50% del valor inicial. La duración de la resistencia fue evaluada con el mantenimiento de la tarea por encima del 50% del torque inicial. Fueron analizadas las concentraciones de lactato y pH sanguíneos, así como los índices de percepción subjetiva de esfuerzo (PSE) y dolor (PSD). La PSE de la sesión fue evaluada 30 minutos después del test. Resultados: El pH sanguíneo fue mayor pre-protocolo y en el indicador de fatiga después de la ingestión de NaHCO3, así como las concentraciones de lactato sanguíneo en el indicador de la fatiga y al final del protocolo (p<0,001). La suplementación de NaHCO3 aumentó el tiempo para alcanzar la fatiga y atenuó el declive del pico de torque isométrico al final del protocolo (p<0,001). La PSE y PSD fueron menores al final del protocolo con NaHCO3 y la PSE de la sesión fue atenuada (p<0,001). Conclusión: La suplementación de NaHCO3 mejora el rendimiento de las contracciones isométricas sostenidas y atenúa la carga interna. Nivel de Evidencia II; Estudios diagnósticos - Investigación de un examen para diagnóstico.

Female PFP patients present alterations in eccentric muscle activity but not the temporal order of activation of the vastus lateralis muscle during the single leg triple hop test.

This study aimed to compare the concentric and eccentric activity and the temporal order of peak activity of the hip and knee muscles between women with patellofemoral pain (PFP) and healthy women during the single leg triple hop test (SLTHT). Electromyographic (EMG) and Kinematic data were collected from 14 healthy women (CG) and 14 women diagnosed with PFP (PFG) during a single session of the single leg triple hop test. Integral surface electromyography (iEMG) data of the hip and knee muscles in eccentric and concentric phases and the length of time that each muscle needed to reach the maximal peak of muscle activity were calculated. The iEMG in the eccentric phase was significantly higher (p < 0.05) than the concentric phase, for the gluteus maximus and gluteus medius muscles (CG and PFG) and for the vastus lateralis muscle (PFG). The vastus lateralis muscle was the first muscle to reach the highest peak of activity in the PFG, and the third to reach this peak in the CG. In the present study, the activity of the vastus lateralis muscle during the eccentric phase of the jump was greater than concentric phase, as a temporal anticipation of its peak in activity among women with PFP.

Alterations in peak torque occur without hematological changes after muscle fatigue / As alterações no pico de torque ocorrem sem modificações em parâmetros hematológicos após fadiga muscular / Los cambios en el pico de par ocurren sin modificaciones en parámetros hematológicos después de fatiga muscular

ABSTRACT Introduction: Muscular fatigue during voluntary muscle contractions is a complex and multifactorial phenomenon associated with central changes and adaptations of the neuromuscular system. Objective: The aim of this study was to analyze the changes in both peak torque and hematological parameters in active and inactive healthy subjects following a muscular fatigue protocol. Methods: Twenty-one healthy adult males performed a muscle fatigue protocol (10 sets, 10 repetitions of knee extension at 75% of the maximal isometric torque (MIT), 120º s-1 and 40 seconds of rest). Hematocrit (Ht), red blood cells (RBC) and leukocytes (L) analysis were evaluated before (B) and after (A) a fatigue test. Results: The inactive group presented impairment only in concentric muscular action of -41±4% in relation to the active (-23±3%) group. No differences were found in hematological parameters in inactive group (Ht, B: 45.00±0.01 vs. A: 47.00±0.01; RBC, B: 442±40 vs. A: 487±41; L, B: 7,565±2,878 vs. A: 8,015±4,224) and the active group (Ht, B: 45.00±0.63 vs. A: 47.00±0.01; RBC, B: 477±30 vs. A: 559±37; L, B: 6,418±3,557 vs. A: 6,632±4,460). Conclusion: Differences were found only in concentric actions between groups. Additionally, there were no relationships found in hematological parameters between groups.

RESUMO Introdução: A fadiga muscular durante as contrações musculares voluntárias é um fenômeno complexo e multifatorial associado a alterações centrais e adaptações do sistema neuromuscular. Objetivo: O objetivo deste estudo é analisar as alterações do pico de torque e dos parâmetros hematológicos em indivíduos saudáveis ativos e inativos depois de realizar um protocolo de fadiga muscular. Métodos: Vinte e um adultos saudáveis do sexo masculino realizaram um protocolo de fadiga muscular (10 séries, 10 repetições de extensão do joelho a 75% do torque isométrico máximo (TIM) a 120ºs-1 e 40 segundos de repouso). Hematócrito (Ht), glóbulos vermelhos (GV) e leucócitos (L) foram analisados antes (A) e depois (D) do teste de fadiga. Resultados: O grupo inativo apresentou deterioração apenas na ação muscular concêntrica (-41 ± 4%) com relação ao grupo ativo (-23 ± 3%). Não foram encontradas diferenças nos parâmetros hematológicos no grupo inativo (Ht, A: 45,00 ± 0,01 vs. D: 47,00 ± 0,01; GV, A: 442 ± 40 vs. D: 487 ± 41; L, A: 7.565 ± 2.878 vs. D: 8.015 ± 4.224) e no grupo ativo (Ht, A: 45,00 ± 0,63 vs. D: 47,00 ± 0,01; GV, A: 477 ± 30 vs. D: 559 ± 37; L, A: 6.418 ± 3.557 vs. D: 6.632 ± 4.460). Conclusão: Foram encontradas diferenças apenas em ações concêntricas entre os grupos. Além disso, não foram encontradas relações quanto aos parâmetros hematológicos entre os grupos.

RESUMEN Introducción: La fatiga muscular durante las contracciones musculares voluntarias es un fenómeno complejo y multifactorial asociado con cambios centrales y adaptaciones del sistema neuromuscular. Objetivo: El objetivo de este estudio es analizar los cambios del par máximo y los parámetros hematológicos en sujetos sanos activos e inac-tivos después de un protocolo de fatiga muscular. Métodos: Veintiún adultos sanos del sexo masculino realizaron un protocolo de fatiga muscular (10 series, 10 repeticiones de extensión de la rodilla en el 75% del par isométrico máximo (PIM) a 120ºs-1 y 40 segundos de descanso). Hematocrito (Ht), glóbulos rojos (GR) y leucocitos (L) fueron evaluados antes (A) y después (D) de la prueba de fatiga. Resultados: El grupo inactivo presentó deterioro sólo en la acción muscular concéntrica (-41 ± 4%) con respecto al grupo activo (-23 ± 3%). No se encontraron diferencias en los parámetros hematológicos en el grupo inactivo (Ht, A: 45,00 ± 0.01 vs. D: 47,00 ± 0,01; GR, A: 442 ± 40 vs. D: 487 ± 41; L, A: 7.565 ± 2.878 vs. D: 8.015 ± 4.224) y en el grupo activo (Ht, A: 45,00 ± 0,63 vs. A: 47,00 ± 0,01; GR, A: 477 ± 30 vs. D: 559 ± 37; L, A: 6.418 ± 3.557 vs. D: 6.632 ± 4.460). Conclusión: Se encontraron diferencias sólo en las acciones concéntricas entre los grupos. Además, no hubo relaciones con respecto a los parámetros hematológicos entre los grupos.

Characteristics of EMG frequency bands in temporomandibullar disorders patients.

The aim of the present study was to determine whether any specific frequency bands of surface electromyographic (sEMG) signals are more susceptible to alterations in patients with temporomandibular disorders (TMD), when compared with healthy subjects. Twenty-seven healthy adults (19 women and eight men; mean age: 23±6.68years) and 27 TMD patients (20 women and seven men; mean age: 24±5.89years) voluntarily participated in the experiment. sEMG data were recorded from the right and left masseter muscles (RM and LM) and the right and left anterior temporalis muscles (RT and LT) as the participants performed tests of chewing (CHW) and maximal clenching effort (MCE). Frequency domain analysis of the sEMG signal was used to analyze differences between TMD patients and healthy subjects in relation to the Power Spectral Density Function (PSDF). The analysis focused on the median frequency (MDF) of the sEMG signal and PSDF frequency bands after the EMG spectrum was divided into twenty-five frequency band of 20Hz each. The Mann-Whitney test was used to compare MDF between TMD patients and healthy subjects and the frequency bands were analyzed using three-way ANOVA with three factors: frequency band, muscle and group. The results of the analysis confirmed that the median frequency values in TMD patients were significantly higher (p<0.05) than those recorded for healthy subjects in the two experimental conditions (MCE and CHW), for all of the muscles assessed (RM, LM, RT and LT). In addition, frequency content between 20 and 100Hz of the normalized PSDF range was significantly lower (p<0.05) in TMD patients than in healthy. This study contributes to quantitatively identify TMD dysfunctions, by non-invasive sEMGs; this assessment is clinically important and still lacking nowadays.

Kinematic and electromyographic analysis in patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome during single leg triple hop test.

Possible delays in pre-activation or deficiencies in the activity of the dynamic muscle stabilizers of the knee and hip joints are the most common causes of the patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS). The aim of the study was to compare kinematic variables and electromyographic activity of the vastus lateralis, biceps femoris, gluteus maximus and gluteus medius muscles between patients with PFPS and health subjects during the single leg triple hop test (SLTHT). This study included 14 female with PFPS (PFPS group) and 14 female healthy with no history of knee pain (Healthy group). Kinematic and EMG data ware collected through participants performed a single session of the SLTHT. The PFPS group exhibited a significant increase (p<0.05) in the EMG activity of the biceps femoris and vastus lateralis muscles, when compared with the healthy group in pre-activity and during the stance phase. This same result was also found for the vastus lateralis muscle (p<0.05) when analyzing the EMG activity during the eccentric phase of the stance phase. In kinematic analysis, no significant differences were found between the groups. These results indicate that biceps femoris and vastus lateralis muscles mainly during the pre-activation phase and stance phases of the SLTHT are more active in PFPS group among healthy group.

PHYSICAL ACTIVITY LEVEL DOES NOT INFLUENCE THE NEUROMUSCULAR FATIGUE IN ADULTS / NÍVEL DE ATIVIDADE FÍSICA NÃO INFLUENCIA A FADIGA NEUROMUSCULAR EM ADULTOS / EL NIVEL DE LA ACTIVIDAD FÍSICA NO INFLUENCIA LA FATIGA NEUROMUSCULAR EN ADULTOS

Introduction: Fatigue during voluntary muscle contractions is a complex and multifactorial phenomenon associated with central changes and adaptations of the neuromuscular system. Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the fatigue induced by intermittent successive extension of the knee between active and inactive university students. Method: Twenty healthy men (≥18 years), voluntarily participated in this study. To determine the maximum voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) of the knee extensors muscle group, three sets of isometric contractions of knee extension were performed for five seconds with five minutes of rest between sets. The fatigue protocol consisted of 10 sets of 10 maximal concentric contractions of the extensor on the right knee, performed at 75% of MVIC with an interval of 45". Results: Significant reductions were observed (p<0.01), both in isometric strength (-34±4%) and the dynamic strength (-40 ± 3%). In addition, the slope of relationship strength x repetition was -0.79±0.07 Nm/repetitions and the magnitude of the effect reached -8.90. Conclusion: The protocol was useful to induce peripheral fatigue, although muscle strength is greater in the active group. In both isometric and dynamic action, muscle fatigue did not differ between groups.

Introdução: A fadiga durante contrações musculares voluntárias é um fenômeno complexo e multifatorial, associado a alterações centrais e adaptações do sistema neuromuscular. Objetivo: Avaliar a fadiga induzida por sucessivas extensões intermitentes do joelho entre estudantes universitários ativos e inativos. Métodos: Vinte homens saudáveis (≥ 18 anos) participaram voluntariamente deste estudo. Para determinar a contração isométrica voluntária máxima (CIVM) do grupo muscular extensores do joelho, foi utilizado o valore médio de três contrações isométrias de extensão do joelho, durante cinco segundos, com cinco minutos de intervalo entre as séries. O protocolo de fadiga foi composto por 10 séries de 10 contrações concêntricas máximas sobre os extensores do joelho direito, realizadas a 75% da CIVM com intervalo de 45". Resultados: Reduções significativas (p < 0,01), tanto na força isométrica (-34 ± 4%) quanto na dinâmica (-40 ± 3%). Adicionalmente, a reta da relação força x repetição assumiu inclinação de -0,79 ± 0,07 Nm/repetições e a magnitude do efeito atingiu -8,9. Conclusão: O protocolo foi útil para induzir a fadiga periférica, embora a força muscular seja maior no grupo ativo. Tanto na ação isométrica quanto dinâmica, a fadiga muscular não diferiu entre os grupos.

Introducción: La fatiga durante las contracciones musculares voluntarias es un fenómeno complejo y multifactorial, asociado a los cambios centrales y adaptaciones del sistema neuromuscular. Objetivo: Evaluar la fatiga inducida por las extensiones sucesivas intermitentes de la rodilla entre los estudiantes universitarios activos e inactivos. Métodos: Veinte hombres sanos (≥ 18 años) participaron voluntariamente en este estudio. Para determinar la contracción isométrica voluntaria máxima (CIVM) del grupo de los músculos extensores de la rodilla, se realizaron tres contracciones isométricas de extensión de la rodilla, durante cinco segundos, con cinco minutos de descanso entre las series. El CIVM se determinó por la media de los tres intentos. El protocolo de la fatiga consistió en 10 series de 10 contracciones concéntricas máximas del extensor de la rodilla derecha, realizadas en el 75% de CIVM con un intervalo de 45". Resultados: Se observaron reducciones significativas (p < 0,01), tanto en la fuerza isométrica (-34 ± 4%) y la dinámica (-40 ± 3%). Además, la recta de la relación fuerza x repetición presentó inclinación de -0,79 ± 0,07 Nm/repeticiones y la magnitud del efecto alcanzó -8,9. Conclusión: El protocolo fue útil para inducir fatiga periférica, aunque la fuerza muscular es mayor en el grupo activo. En acción isométrica y dinámica, la fatiga muscular no difirió entre los grupos.