The effects of sustained, low- and high-intensity isometric tasks on performance fatigability and the perceived responses that contributed to task termination.

PURPOSE: The present study examined the effects of sustained, isometric low- versus high-intensity tasks on time to task failure (TTF), performance fatigability (PF), ratings of perceived exertion (RPE), and the perceived causes of task termination from a post-test questionnaire (PTQ). METHODS: Ten men (mean ± SD: age = 21.1 ± 2.3 years; height = 180.2 ± 5.7 cm; body mass = 79.5 ± 8.8 kg) performed maximal voluntary isometric contractions (MVICs) before and after fatiguing, isometric forearm flexion tasks anchored to the torque corresponding to RPE values of 2 (TRQ2FT = 23.8 ± 7.1 N·m) and 8 (TRQ8FT = 60.9 ± 11.4 N·m). In addition, the subjects completed a PTQ which surveyed whether the perceived sensations of fatigue or pain, and/or the psychological factors of loss of focus and motivation contributed to the decision to terminate the task. Repeated measures ANOVAs, Wilcoxon-Signed Rank tests, and Spearman's Rank-Order Correlations were used to analyze the data. RESULTS: Across the fatiguing tasks, there were similar decreases in MVIC torque (95.2 ± 20.3 vs. 68.9 ± 15.6 N·m; p < 0.001) and RPE values (p = 0.122) at task failure for TRQ2FT (7.4 ± 2.7) and TRQ8FT (8.9 ± 1.0), but a longer (p = 0.005) TTF for the TRQ2FT (245.0 ± 177.0 s) than TRQ8FT (36.8 ± 11.1 s). CONCLUSIONS: Despite reaching task failure, the subjects were able to perform MVICs that were 100-300% greater than the target torque values within seconds of terminating the tasks. Thus, we hypothesized that task failure was not caused by an inability to produce sufficient torque to sustain the tasks, but rather an unwillingness to continue the task.

The Effects of Anchoring a Fatiguing Forearm Flexion Task to a High vs. Low Rating of Perceived Exertion on Torque and Neuromuscular Responses.

ABSTRACT: Ortega, DG, Housh, TJ, Smith, RW, Arnett, JE, Neltner, TJ, Schmidt, RJ, and Johnson, GO. The effects of anchoring a fatiguing forearm flexion task to a high versus low rating of perceived exertion on torque and neuromuscular responses. J Strength Cond Res 38(5): e219-e225, 2024-This study examined the torque and neuromuscular responses following sustained, isometric, forearm flexion tasks anchored to 2 ratings of perceived exertion (RPE). Nine men (mean ± SD: age = 21.0 ± 2.4 years; height = 179.5 ± 5.1 cm; body mass = 79.6 ± 11.4 kg) completed maximal voluntary isometric contractions (MVIC) before and after sustained, isometric, forearm flexion tasks to failure anchored to RPE = 2 and RPE = 8. The amplitude (AMP) and mean power frequency (MPF) of the electromyographic (EMG) signal were recorded from the biceps brachii. Normalized torque was divided by normalized EMG AMP to calculate neuromuscular efficiency (NME). A dependent t-test was used to assess the mean difference for time to task failure (TTF). Repeated-measures analysis of variances was used to compare mean differences for MVIC and normalized neuromuscular parameters. There was no significant difference in TTF between RPE = 2 and RPE = 8 (p = 0.713). The MVIC decreased from pretest to posttest at RPE = 2 (p = 0.009) and RPE = 8 (p = 0.003), and posttest MVIC at RPE = 8 was less than that at RPE = 2 (p < 0.001). In addition, NME decreased from pretest to posttest (p = 0.008). There was no change in normalized EMG AMP or EMG MPF (p > 0.05). The current findings indicated that torque responses were intensity specific, but TTF and neuromuscular responses were not. Furthermore, normalized EMG AMP and EMG MPF remained unchanged but NME decreased, likely due to peripheral fatigue and excitation-contraction coupling failure. Thus, this study provides information regarding the neuromuscular responses and mechanisms of fatigue associated with tasks anchored to RPE, which adds to the foundational understanding of the relationship between resistance exercise and the perception of fatigue.

Effects of a Sustained, Isometric Forearm Flexion Task to Failure on Torque and Neuromuscular Responses at 3 Elbow Joint Angles.

ABSTRACT: Ortega, DG, Housh, TJ, Smith, RW, Arnett, JE, Neltner, TJ, Anders, JPV, Schmidt, RJ, and Johnson, GO. The effects of a sustained, isometric forearm flexion task to failure on torque and neuromuscular responses at 3 elbow joint angles. J Strength Cond Res 38(1): e25-e33, 2024-This study examined the effects of a sustained, isometric forearm flexion task anchored to torque to task failure on maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) and neuromuscular responses at 3 elbow joint angles. Eleven women (mean ± SD: age = 20.8 ± 2.7 years, height = 169.3 ± 7.4 cm, body mass = 67.7 ± 6.9 kg) performed two 3s forearm flexion MVICs at elbow joint angles (JAs) of 75°, 100°, and 125° before and after a sustained, isometric forearm flexion task to failure at a fatiguing joint angle of 100° anchored to a torque value that corresponded to a rating of perceived exertion of 8 (RPE = 8). The amplitude (AMP) and mean power frequency (MPF) of the electromyographic (EMG) and mechanomyographic (MMG) signals were recorded from the biceps brachii. Repeated-measures ANOVAs were used to compare mean differences for MVIC and neuromuscular parameters. Collapsed across JAs, MVIC (p < 0.001) and EMG MPF (p = 0.006) pretest values were greater than posttest values. Collapsed across time, EMG MPF at JA75 was greater than JA100 (p < 0.001) and JA125 (p < 0.001), and JA100 was greater (p = 0.007) than JA125. For EMG AMP, there was a fatigue-induced decrease at JA75 (p = 0.003). For neuromuscular efficiency (NME = normalized torque/normalized EMG AMP), there were decreases from pretest to posttest at JA100 (p = 0.002) and JA125 (p = 0.008). There were no significant interactions or main effects for MMG AMP and MMG MPF. From these findings, it was hypothesized that the decline in MVICs at JA75, JA100, and JA125 was due to fatigue-induced metabolic perturbations that resulted in JA-specific neuromuscular responses. Thus, neuromuscular parameters may provide insight into the JA-specific mechanisms of fatigue.

Tracheal Narrowing and Its Impact on Anesthesia Care in Patients With Morquio A (Mucopolysaccharidosis Type IVA): An Observational Study.

BACKGROUND: Recently, tracheal narrowing has been recognized as a significant comorbid condition in patients with Morquio A, also known as mucopolysaccharidosis IVA. We studied a large cohort of patients with Morquio A to describe the extent of their tracheal narrowing and its relationship to airway management during anesthesia care. METHODS: This is an observational study, collecting data retrospectively, of a cohort of patients with Morquio A. Ninety-two patients with Morquio A syndrome were enrolled, among whom 44 patients had their airway evaluated by computed tomography angiography and had undergone an anesthetic within a year of the evaluation. Our hypothesis was that the tracheal narrowing as evaluated by computed tomography angiography increases with age in patients with Morquio A. The primary aim of the study was to examine the degree of tracheal narrowing in patients with Morquio A and describe the difficulties encountered during airway management, thus increasing awareness of both the tracheal narrowing and airway management difficulties in this patient population. In addition, the degree of tracheal narrowing was evaluated for its association with age or spirometry parameters using Spearman's rank correlation. Analysis of variance followed by the Bonferroni test was used to further examine the age-based differences in tracheal narrowing for the 3 age groups: 1 to 10 years, 11 to 20 years, and >21 years. RESULTS: Patient age showed a positive correlation with tracheal narrowing ( rs= 0.415; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 0.138-0.691; P = .005) with older patients having greater narrowing of the trachea. Among spirometry parameters, FEF25%-75% showed an inverse correlation with tracheal narrowing as follows: FEF25%-75% versus tracheal narrowing: ( rs = -0.467; 95% CI, -0.877 to -0.057; P = .007). During anesthetic care, significant airway management difficulties were encountered, including cancelation of surgical procedures, awake intubation using flexible bronchoscope, and failed video laryngoscopy attempts. CONCLUSIONS: Clinically significant tracheal narrowing was present in patients with Morquio A, and the degree of such narrowing likely contributed to the difficulty with airway management during their anesthetic care. Tracheal narrowing worsens with age, but the progression appears to slow down after 20 years of age. In addition to tracheal narrowing, spirometry values of FEF25%-75% may be helpful in the overall evaluation of the airway in patients with Morquio A.

Performance Fatigability and Neuromuscular Responses Are Not Joint Angle Specific Following a Sustained Isometric Forearm Flexion Task Anchored to a High Perceptual Intensity in Women.

OBJECTIVES: To examine the effects of joint angle (JA) on maximal voluntary isometric contractions (MVIC) and neuromuscular responses following a sustained, isometric forearm flexion task anchored to a rating of perceived exertion (RPE) of 8 (RPE=8). METHODS: Nine women (age: 20.7±2.9 yrs; height: 168.8±7.2 cm; body mass: 66.3±6.8 kg) performed 2,3s forearm flexion MVICs at JAs of 75°, 100°, and 125° prior to and following a sustained, isometric forearm flexion task anchored to RPE=8 to task failure (torque reduced to zero) at JA100. Electromyographic (EMG) and mechanomyographic (MMG) signals were recorded from the biceps brachii. RESULTS: The MVIC at JA100 (collapsed across Time) was significantly greater (p<0.05) than JA75 and JA125. The pre-test MVIC was significantly greater (p<0.001) than the post-test. For EMG amplitude (AMP) and EMG mean power frequency (MPF), pre-test values were significantly greater (p<0.05) than the post-test values, with no differences between JAs. For MMG AMP and MMG MPF, there were no significant (p>0.05) differences between Time or JAs. Pre-test neuromuscular efficiency (normalized MVIC/normalized EMG AMP) was significantly greater (p=0.005) than post-test. CONCLUSION: Following a sustained, isometric forearm flexion task anchored to RPE=8 at JA100, the fatigue-induced MVIC and neuromuscular responses were not affected by JA.

Utilizing the RPE-Clamp model to examine interactions among factors associated with perceived fatigability and performance fatigability in women and men.

PURPOSE: The purpose of the present study was to examine the interactions between perceived fatigability and performance fatigability in women and men by utilizing the RPE-Clamp model to assess the fatigue-induced effects of a sustained, isometric forearm flexion task anchored to RPE = 8 on time to task failure (TTF), torque, and neuromuscular responses. METHODS: Twenty adults (10 men and 10 women) performed two, 3 s forearm flexion maximal voluntary isometric contractions (MVICs) followed by a sustained, isometric forearm flexion task anchored to RPE = 8 using the OMNI-RES (0-10) scale at an elbow joint angle of 100°. Electromyographic amplitude (EMG AMP) was recorded from the biceps brachii. Torque and EMG AMP values resulting from the sustained task were normalized to the pretest MVIC. Neuromuscular efficiency was defined as NME = normalized torque/normalized EMG AMP. Mixed factorial ANOVAs and Bonferroni corrected dependent t tests and independent t tests were used to examine differences across time and between sex for torque and neuromuscular parameters. RESULTS: There were no differences between the women and men for the fatigue-induced decreases in torque, EMG AMP, or NME, and the mean decreases (collapsed across sex) were 50.3 ± 8.6 to 2.8 ± 2.9% MVIC, 54.7 ± 12.0 to 19.6 ± 5.3% MVIC, and 0.94 ± 0.19 to 0.34 ± 0.16, respectively. Furthermore, there were no differences between the women and men for TTF (251.8 ± 74.1 vs. 258.7 ± 77.9 s). CONCLUSION: The results suggested that the voluntary reductions in torque to maintain RPE and the decreases in NME were likely due to group III/IV afferent feedback from peripheral fatigue that resulted in excitation-contraction coupling failure.

Changes in Neuromuscular Response Patterns After 4 Weeks of Leg Press Training During Isokinetic Leg Extensions.

ABSTRACT: Salmon, OF, Housh, TJ, Hill, EC, Keller, JL, Anders, JPV, Johnson, GO, Schmidt, RJ, and Smith, CM. Changes in neuromuscular response patterns after 4 weeks of leg press training during isokinetic leg extensions. J Strength Cond Res 37(7): e405-e412, 2023-The purpose of this study was to identify velocity-specific changes in electromyographic root mean square (EMG RMS), EMG frequency (EMG MPF), mechanomyographic RMS (MMG RMS), and MMG MPF during maximal unilateral isokinetic muscle actions performed at 60° and 240°·s -1 velocities within the right and left vastus lateralis (VL) after 4 weeks of dynamic constant external resistance (DCER) bilateral leg press training. Twelve resistance-trained men (age: mean ± SD = 21.4 ± 3.6 years) visited the laboratory 3d·wk -1 to perform resistance training consisting of 3 sets of 10 DCER leg presses. Four, three-way analysis of variance were performed to evaluate changes in neuromuscular responses (EMG RMS, EMG MPF, MMG RMS, and MMG MPF) from the right and left VL during 1 single-leg maximal isokinetic leg extension performed at 60° and 240°·s -1 before and after 4 weeks of DCER leg press training ( p < 0.05). The results indicated a 36% increase in EMG RMS for the right leg, as well as a 23% increase in MMG RMS and 10% decrease in MMG MPF after training, collapsed across velocity and leg. In addition, EMG RMS was 65% greater in the right leg than the left leg following training, whereas EMG MPF was 11% greater for the left leg than the right leg throughout training. Thus, 4 weeks of DCER leg press training provides sufficient stimuli to alter the neuromuscular activation process of the VL but not velocity-specific neuromuscular adaptations in trained males.

Effects of High-Intensity, Eccentric-Only Muscle Actions on Serum Biomarkers of Collagen Degradation and Synthesis.

ABSTRACT: Neltner, TJ, Sahoo, PK, Smith, RW, Anders, JPV, Arnett, JE, Ortega, DG, Schmidt, RJ, Johnson, GO, Natarajan, SK, and Housh, TJ. Effects of high-intensity, eccentric-only muscle actions on serum biomarkers of collagen degradation and synthesis. J Strength Cond Res 37(9): 1729-1737, 2023-The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of high-intensity, eccentric-only muscle actions of the leg extensors on (a) serum biomarkers of collagen degradation (hydroxyproline [HYP] and C-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen [C1M]) and synthesis (pro-c1α1) and (b) the time course of changes in maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) and ratings of muscle soreness after the eccentric-only exercise bout. Twenty-five recreationally active men (mean ± SD: age = 21.2 ± 2.0 years) completed 5 sets of 10 bilateral, eccentric-only dynamic constant external resistance muscle actions of the leg extensors at a load of 110% of their concentric leg extension 1 repetition maximum. Analysis of variances (p < 0.05) and a priori planned pairwise comparisons using Bonferroni corrected (p < 0.0167) paired t tests were used to examine mean changes in blood biomarkers from baseline to 48 hours postexercise as well as in MVIC and soreness ratings immediately, 24 hours, and 48 hours postexercise. There were increases in HYP (3.41 ± 2.37 to 12.37 ± 8.11 µg·ml-1; p < 0.001) and C1M (2.50 ± 1.05 to 5.64 ± 4.89 µg·L-1; p = 0.003) from preexercise to 48 hours postexercise, but no change in pro-c1α1. Maximal voluntary isometric contraction declined immediately after the exercise bout (450.44 ± 72.80 to 424.48 ± 66.67 N·m; p = 0.002) but recovered 24 hours later, whereas soreness was elevated immediately (6.56 ± 1.58; p < 0.001), 24 hours (3.52 ± 1.53; p < 0.001), and 48 hours (2.60 ± 1.32; p = 0.001) postexercise. The eccentric-only exercise bout induced increases in collagen degradation but had no effect on collagen synthesis. These findings provide information for clinicians to consider when prescribing exercise after an acute injury or surgery.

Time course of changes in torque and neuromuscular parameters during a sustained isometric forearm flexion task to fatigue anchored to a constant rating of perceived exertion.

OBJECTIVE: This study examined the time course of changes in torque and electromyographic (EMG) and mechanomyographic (MMG) responses during a sustained isometric task anchored to a constant perception of exertion (RPE). METHODS: Twelve college-aged men performed an isometric forearm flexion task to failure anchored to RPE=7 (OMNI-RES scale). The amplitude (AMP) and frequency (MPF) of the EMG and MMG signals from the biceps brachii were recorded. Repeated measures ANOVAs were used to examine differences for the normalized (%MVIC) torque and neuromuscular parameters. RESULTS: The time to task failure (TTF) was 678.0±468.1s. Torque decreased significantly (p<0.001, ηp2=0.774) across time and all subjects reduced torque to zero. Post-hoc comparisons indicated that the torque values from 20-100% TTF were less than the value at 10% TTF. There were no significant (p>0.05) changes from 10-100% TTF for the EMG and MMG parameters. CONCLUSION: We hypothesize that RPE was maintained by various mechanisms throughout the task: group III/IV afferent neurons, adequate blood flow, and a combination of reduced contractile efficiency, collective afferent feedback (group III/IV afferents) from muscles involved with forearm flexion, and motivation that resulted in an initial decrease, plateau, and final decline in torque to zero, respectively.

Pediatric Maxillary Giant Cell Tumors: Surgical Management by Transoral and Endoscopic Transnasal Enucleation and Curettage.

Giant cell tumors are uncommonly found within the craniofacial skeleton, and of those within the head and neck, are exceedingly rare in the maxilla. Here the authors present 2 cases of large, maxillary giant cell tumors: one presenting with mass-effect symptoms and another presenting from incidental findings on routine orthodontic care. Both patients were treated surgically with transoral and endoscopic transnasal excision and demonstrated favorable surgical results. One patient demonstrated no recurrence after 9 years and the other patient was disease free after 4 years. The authors end by discussing the role of emerging biologic agents, such as denosumab, for treating giant cell tumors of the jaws.

Are There Sex-Specific Neuromuscular or Force Responses to Fatiguing Isometric Muscle Actions Anchored to a High Perceptual Intensity?

ABSTRACT: Keller, JL, Housh, TJ, Hill, EC, Smith, CM, Schmidt, RJ, and Johnson, GO. Are there sex-specific neuromuscular or force responses to fatiguing isometric muscle actions anchored to a high perceptual intensity? J Strength Cond Res 36(1): 156-161, 2022-The purpose of this study was to use the ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) clamp model to examine sex-specific changes in neuromuscular responses and force after a sustained isometric leg extension muscle action anchored to RPE = 8. Twenty adults (10 men and 10 women) performed sustained, isometric leg extension muscle actions at RPE = 8. Electromyographic (EMG) and mechanomyographic signals were recorded from the dominant leg. Neuromuscular and force values resulting from the sustained muscle action were normalized to pretest maximal voluntary isometric contractions (MVICs). The level of significance set for the study was p ≤ 0.05. The pretest MVIC was significantly (p < 0.001) greater (averaged across sex) than posttest MVIC force (55.5 ± 10.0 vs. 47.6 ± 11.1 kg). There was a significant (p < 0.01) decrease from pretest (95.4 ± 7.7 Hz) to posttest (76.2 ± 5.9 Hz) in EMG mean power frequency (MPF) for the men. The normalized force (averaged across sex) decreased significantly (p < 0.001) from the initial timepoint (57.1 ± 16.4%) to the final timepoint (44.3 ± 15.7%) of the sustained muscle action. Normalized EMG MPF (averaged across sex) decreased significantly (p = 0.001) from the initial timepoint (96.4 ± 17.5%) to final timepoint (87.8 ± 18.1%). The men and women exhibited similar fatigue-induced changes in force and neuromuscular parameters; therefore, these findings did not indicate different sex-specific responses after the fatiguing task anchored to a high perception of exertion. The force corresponding to RPE = 8 did not match the anticipated value; so, RPE and percentages of MVIC cannot be used interchangeably, and sustained isometric muscle actions anchored to RPE may elicit unique neuromuscular adaptations.

Task-specific performance fatigability and the bilateral deficit during isokinetic leg extensions.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of the present study was to compare the fatigue-induced changes in performance fatigability, bilateral deficit, and patterns of responses for the electromyographic (EMG) and mechanomyographic (MMG) amplitude (AMP) and mean power frequency (MPF), during unilateral and bilateral maximal, fatiguing leg extensions. METHODS: Nine men (Mean±SD; age =21.9±2.4 yrs; height =181.8±11.9 cm; body mass =85.8±6.2 kg) volunteered to perform 50 consecutive maximal, bilateral (BL), unilateral dominant (DL), and unilateral non-dominant (NL) isokinetic leg extensions at 180°·s-1, on 3 separate days. Electromyographic and MMG signals from both vastus lateralis (VL) muscles were recorded. Repeated measures ANOVAs were utilized to examine mean differences in normalized force, EMG AMP, EMG MPF, MMG AMP, MMG MPF and the bilateral deficit. RESULTS: The results demonstrated a Condition × Repetition interaction for normalized force (p=0.004, η2p=0.222) and EMG MPF (p=0.034, η2p=0.214) and main effects for Repetition for EMG AMP (p=0.019, η2p=0.231), MMG AMP (p<0.001, η2p=0.8550), MMG MPF (p=0.009, η2p=0.252), and the bilateral deficit (p<0.001, η2p=0.366). CONCLUSIONS: The findings demonstrated less performance fatigability during the BL than the unilateral tasks, likely due to a reduced relative intensity via interhemispheric inhibition that attenuated the development of excitation-contraction coupling failure during the BL task.

Similar performance fatigability and neuromuscular responses following sustained bilateral tasks above and below critical force.

PURPOSE: The present study examined the magnitude of performance fatigability as well as the associated limb- and intensity-specific neuromuscular patterns of responses during sustained, bilateral, isometric, leg extensions above and below critical force (CF). METHODS: Twelve women completed three sustained leg extensions (1 below and 2 above CF) anchored to forces corresponding to RPE = 1, 5, and 8 (10-point scale). During each sustained leg extension, electromyographic (EMG) and mechanomyographic (MMG) amplitude (AMP) and mean power frequency (MPF) were assessed from each vastus lateralis in 5% of time-to-exhaustion (TTE) segments. Before and after each sustained leg extension, the subjects completed maximal voluntary isometric contractions (MVIC), and the percent decline was defined as performance fatigability. Polynomial regression was used to define the individual and composite neuromuscular and force values versus time relationships. Repeated-measures ANOVAs assessed differences in performance fatigability and TTE. RESULTS: The grand mean for performance fatigability was 10.1 ± 7.6%. For TTE, the repeated-measures ANOVA indicated that there was a significant (p < 0.05) effect for Intensity, such that RPE = 1 > 5 > 8. There were similar neuromuscular patterns of response between limbs as well as above and below CF. EMG MPF, however, exhibited decreases only above CF. CONCLUSIONS: Performance fatigability was unvarying above and below CF as well as between limbs. In addition, there were similar fatigue-induced motor unit activation strategies above and below CF, but peripheral fatigue likely contributed to a greater extent above CF.

Effects of 4-weeks of elastic variable resistance training on the electrochemical and mechanical components of voluntary electromechanical delay durations.

PURPOSE: Literature is conflicted on whether electromechanical delay durations decrease following resistance training programs. Therefore, the aim of this study is to examine the contributions and durations of the electrochemical (EMDE-M) and mechanical (EMDM-F) components to the overall electromechanical delay (EMDE-F) during step isometric muscle actions following 4-weeks of structured, multi-joint, lower-body variable resistance training (VRT) program. METHODS: Twelve men performed 4-weeks of VRT leg press training utilizing combination of steel plates (80% total load) and elastic bands (20% total load). Training consisted of 3 sets of 10 repetitions at a 10 repetition maximum load, 3 day week-1 for 4-weeks. EMDE-M, EMDM-F, and EMDE-F was measured at Baseline, Week-2, and Week-4 during voluntary step isometric muscle actions (20, 40, 60, 80, and 100% of maximal voluntary isometric contraction) from the vastus lateralis using electromyographic, mechanomyographic, and force signals. RESULTS: The EMDE-M, EMDM-F, and EMDE-F exhibited decreases in duration following 4-weeks of VRT. In addition, EMDE-M contributed significantly less (42-47%) than EMDM-F (53-58%) to the total duration of EMDE-F across the 4-weeks of VRT. CONCLUSIONS: These findings indicated that a structured, VRT program utilizing multi-joint exercise was sufficient to induce decreases in the electrochemical and mechanical processes associated with step isometric muscle contractions. In addition, the utilization of the electromyographic, mechanomyographic, and force signals were capable of quantifying electrochemical and mechanical component changes associated with voluntary muscle contraction. Thus, EMDE-M, EMDM-F, and EMDE-F can be useful in quantifying physiological changes in athletic, clinical, and applied research interventions.

Comparisons of muscle strength, size, and voluntary activation in pre- and post-pubescent males and females.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to compare measurements of muscle strength, size, and activation of the forearm flexors in pre- and post-pubescent males and females. METHODS: Forty pre-pubescent (mean ± 95% confidence interval, age = 9.79 ± 0.35 years, n = 10 males, n = 10 females) and post-pubescent (age = 17.23 ± 0.58 years, n = 10 males, n = 10 females) youth participated. Subjects completed maximal voluntary isometric contractions (MVICs) of the forearm flexors, and submaximal isometric step muscle actions at 30, 50, and 70% of the peak MVIC. Percent voluntary activation (VA) was quantified during all isometric muscle actions. Forearm flexor (biceps brachii and brachialis) muscle cross-sectional area (CSA) was quantified from ultrasound images. RESULTS: MVIC strength was expressed in absolute terms and normalized to CSA. Post-pubertal males were 130% stronger, had 101% greater CSA, and 17% greater maximal VA than pre-pubertal males, while post-pubertal females were 72% stronger, had 54% greater CSA, and 23% greater maximal VA than pre-pubertal females. When MVIC strength was normalized to CSA, the post-pubertal males were still 15% stronger than the pre-pubertal males, while the post-pubertal females were only 12% stronger than the pre-pubertal females. The responses for VA across intensity reflected differences in muscle activation strategies between pre- and post-pubertal males and females. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that muscle size may account for a greater proportion of the growth and development-related differences in strength among males, while females may be more affected by changes in muscle activation. Regardless of sex, changes in muscle size and neuromuscular function influence strength increases during growth and development.

Are mode-specific differences in performance fatigability attributable to muscle oxygenation?

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine the composite, intra-individual, and inter-individual patterns of responses for deoxygenated hemoglobin and myoglobin (deoxy[heme]), oxygenated hemoglobin and myoglobin (oxy[heme]), total hemoglobin and myoglobin (total[heme]), and tissue saturation index (StO2%) during fatiguing, maximal, isokinetic, unilateral, and bilateral leg extensions. METHODS: Nine men (Mean ± SD; age = 21.9 ± 2.4 years; height = 181.8 ± 11.9 cm; body mass = 85.8 ± 6.2 kg) performed 50 unilateral and bilateral maximal, concentric, isokinetic leg extensions at 180° s-1 on two separate visits. The muscle oxygenation parameters assessed with near-infrared spectroscopy from the dominant leg and isokinetic torque were averaged for 2 consecutive repetitions at 5 repetition intervals. Separate 2 (Condition [Unilateral and Bilateral]) × 10 (Repetition [5-50]) repeated measures ANOVAs were performed to examine mean differences for normalized isokinetic torque and each muscle oxygenation parameter. Intra- and inter-individual differences were examined with polynomial regression analyses. RESULTS: For normalized isokinetic torque, the unilateral condition (56.3 ± 10.5%) exhibited greater performance fatigability than the bilateral condition (45.0 ± 18.7%). Collapsed across Condition, deoxy[heme] exhibited an increase (p < 0.001), while StO2% exhibited a decrease (p < 0.001). The bilateral condition exhibited a more sustained decline in oxy[heme] than the unilateral condition (p = 0.005). Deoxy[heme], oxy[heme], and total[heme] exhibited substantial intra- and inter-individual differences for the fatigue-induced patterns of response. CONCLUSION: The present findings indicated that the greater performance fatigability for unilateral versus bilateral fatiguing, maximal, isokinetic leg extensions was not attributable to differences in muscle oxygenation. Future studies of muscle oxygenation should report individual and composite fatigue-induced patterns of responses due to the substantial intra- and inter-individual variabilities.

Patterns of responses and time-course of changes in muscle size and strength during low-load blood flow restriction resistance training in women.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this investigation was to examine the individual and composite patterns of responses and time-course of changes in muscle size, strength, and edema throughout a 4 week low-load blood flow restriction (LLBFR) resistance training intervention. METHODS: Twenty recreationally active women (mean ± SD; 23 ± 3 years) participated in this investigation and were randomly assigned to 4 weeks (3/week) of LLBFR (n = 10) or control (n = 10) group. Resistance training consisted of 75 reciprocal isokinetic forearm flexion-extension muscle actions performed at 30% of peak torque. Strength and ultrasound-based assessments were determined at each training session. RESULTS: There were quadratic increases for composite muscle thickness (R2 = 0.998), concentric peak torque (R2 = 0.962), and maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) torque (R2 = 0.980) data for the LLBFR group. For muscle thickness, seven of ten subjects exceeded the minimal difference (MD) of 0.16 cm during the very early phase (laboratory visits 1-7) of the intervention compared to three of ten subjects that exceeded MD for either concentric peak torque (3.7 Nm) or MVIC (2.2 Nm) during this same time period. There was a linear increase for composite echo intensity (r2 = 0.563) as a result of LLBFR resistance training, but eight of ten subjects never exceeded the MD of 14.2 Au. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggested that the increases in muscle thickness for the LLBFR group were not associated with edema and changes in echo intensity should be examined on a subject-by-subject basis. Furthermore, LLBFR forearm flexion-extension resistance training elicited real increases in muscle size during the very early phase of training that occurred prior to real increases in muscle strength.

High- vs. Low-Intensity Fatiguing Eccentric Exercise on Muscle Thickness, Strength, and Blood Flow.

ABSTRACT: Hill, EC, Housh, TJ, Smith, CM, Keller, JL, Schmidt, RJ, and Johnson, GO. High- vs. low-intensity fatiguing eccentric exercise on muscle thickness, strength, and blood flow. J Strength Cond Res 35(1): 33-40, 2021-The purpose of this investigation was to examine the acute effects of equal volumes of fatiguing high- vs. low-intensity eccentric muscle actions on changes in muscle thickness, echo intensity, muscle blood flow, and adipose thickness. Eighteen men (mean ± SD = 23.2 ± 3.0 years) performed eccentric peak torque (PT) and maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) trials before (pretest), immediately after (posttest), and 5 minutes after (recovery) performing randomly ordered fatiguing eccentric, isokinetic (180°·s-1) muscle actions of the elbow flexors at 40% (72 repetitions) or 80% (36 repetitions) of eccentric PT. Muscle thickness, exercise-induced edema, muscle blood flow, and adipose thickness were also assessed via ultrasound at pretest, posttest, and recovery. There were no intensity-specific effects on the patterns of responses for eccentric PT, MVIC, muscle thickness, echo intensity, muscle blood flow, or adipose thickness. There were, however, effects across time that decreased from pretest to posttest and from pretest to recovery for eccentric PT (21.5 and 13.0%), MVIC (14.6 and 5.8%), and adipose thickness (10.0 and 6.0%), but increased for muscle thickness (7.6 and 5.9%), echo intensity (13.7 and 9.9%), and muscle blood flow (129.6 and 90.1%) (collapsed across 40 and 80%). These findings indicated that when matched for exercise volume, there were no intensity-related effects on the increases in muscle thickness, echo intensity, muscle blood flow, or the decreases in eccentric PT, MVIC, and adipose thickness after fatiguing eccentric muscle actions. Therefore, exercise volume, independent of exercise intensity and number of repetitions, may be a mediating factor of muscle fatigue and performance during eccentric muscle actions.

Performance fatigability and neuromuscular responses for bilateral and unilateral leg extensions in men.

OBJECTIVES: This study examined performance fatigability and the patterns of neuromuscular responses for electromyographic (EMG) and mechanomyographic (MMG) amplitude (AMP) and mean power frequency (MPF) during bilateral (BL) and unilateral (UL) maximal, isokinetic leg extensions. METHODS: Peak torque for each repetition and EMG and MMG signals from the non-dominant vastus lateralis were recorded in 11 men during 50 BL and UL maximal, concentric, isokinetic leg extensions at 60o·s-1 that were performed on separate days. Separate repeated measures ANOVAs were performed to examine the normalized isokinetic torque and neuromuscular parameters. RESULTS: Normalized isokinetic peak torque demonstrated a significant Conditions by Repetition interaction (p<0.001, η2p= 0.594). There were no interactions, but significant main effects for Repetition with increases in EMG AMP (p<0.001; η2p=0.255) and decreases in EMG MPF (p<0.001; η2p=0.650), MMG AMP (p<0.001; η2p=0.402), and MMG MPF (p<0.001; η2p=0.796). In addition, EMG MPF and MMG AMP demonstrated main effects for Condition (p=0.031; η2p=0.387 and p=0.002; η2p=0.64, respectively) with the BL exhibiting greater values than UL leg extensions for both parameters. CONCLUSIONS: The current findings indicated greater performance fatigability during UL versus BL leg extensions, but similar patterns of neuromuscular responses consistent with the Muscle Wisdom Hypothesis.

Neuromuscular responses of the superficial quadriceps femoris muscles: muscle specific fatigue and inter-individual variability during severe intensity treadmill running.

OBJECTIVES: This study examined the time course of changes and patterns of responses in electromyographic amplitude (EMG AMP) and EMG mean power frequency (MPF) for the superficial quadriceps muscles during exhaustive treadmill runs within the severe exercise intensity zones (SIZ1 and SIZ2). METHODS: The EMG signals for the vastus lateralis (VL), rectus femoris (RF), and vastus medialis (VM) as well as times to exhaustion (Tlim) were recorded in ten runners during two exhaustive treadmill runs (SIZ1 and SIZ2). The composite and individual responses were compared among muscles and between intensities. RESULTS: The composite patterns of responses in EMG AMP (linear, quadratic, and cubic increases; r2/R2=0.684-0.848) and EMG MPF (linear, quadratic, and cubic decreases; r2/R2=0.648 - 0.852) for the VL and RF were consistent with neuromuscular fatigue in both zones, but those for the VM were not (quadratic, cubic, and non-significant relationships with responses near baseline). The RF tended to demonstrate greater fatigue (EMG MPF decreased from 80-100% Tlim). There was large inter-individual variability (only 10-60% of responses consistent with composite) in response to fatiguing treadmill running. CONCLUSIONS: The current findings support the examination and characterization of neuromuscular fatigue on an intensity, muscle, and subject-by-subject basis.