Exploration and Identification of Cortico-Cerebellar-Brainstem Closed Loop During a Motivational-Motor Task: an fMRI Study.

The cerebellum is involved not only in motor coordination, training, and memory, but also in cognition and emotion. Lobule VI in particular belongs to sensorimotor, salience, and executive cerebellar networks. This study aims to determine whether lobule VI would constitute an integrative interface between motor and cognitive/emotional circuits during a motor task with verbal encouragement, likely in conjunction with the basal ganglia (reward and motivational system). We used fMRI to identify specific recruitment of cerebellar and striatal systems during physical performance using two motor tasks with and without encouragement. We found that: (i) Force results were higher during verbal encouragement than during basal condition in all participants. (ii) The anterior part of the right lobule VI was activated by motor execution in both tasks, while its posterior part was specifically activated by verbal encouragement. (iii) The closed-connectivity loop maintained motivation induced by verbal encouragement between cerebral and cerebellar through the red nucleus and striatal network. Therefore, right lobule VI is a hub-controlling sensorimotor and motivates aspects of motor performance in relation with the red nucleus and the ventral striatum. These results could have important implications for extrapyramidal and multisystem degenerative diseases.

Allometric scaling of power-force-velocity ergometry profiles in men.

AIM: To examine the appropriate magnitude of allometric scaling of the force-velocity relationship according to body dimensions and to establish normative data for the power-force-velocity relationship for active men. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Ninety-seven participants completed a force-velocity test on a Monark cycle ergometer. Allometric exponents and percentile ranks were established for maximal power (Pmax), maximal force (F0) and maximal velocity (V0). RESULTS: The mean (± SD) of Pmax, F0 and V0 were 1114.90 ± 160.60 W, 191.97 ± 26.51 N, and 227.87 ± 8.82 rpm, respectively. V0 was not related to any body size descriptors. Allometric exponents for Pmax, and F0 scaled for body mass were b = 0.77 (0.64-0.90) and 0.74 (0.61-0.86), respectively. Correlations between allometrically scaled Pmax and F0 with body mass were r = 0.002 (p = 0.984) and r = 0.008 (p = 0.940), respectively, suggesting that the allometric exponents derived were effective in partialling out the effect of body mass on Pmax and F0 results. CONCLUSIONS: The allometric exponents and normative values of the current study provide a useful tool for comparing the scores of force-velocity tests between individuals without the confounding effect of body size.

Emotional pictures impact repetitive sprint ability test on cycle ergometre.

This study investigated the interaction between emotion-eliciting pictures and power output during a repetitive supra-maximal task on a cycle ergometre. Twelve male participants (mean (±SD) age, height and weight: 28.58 ± 3.23 years, 1.78 ± 0.05 m and 82.41 ± 13.29 kg) performed 5 repeated sprint tests on a cycle ergometre in front of neutral, pleasant or unpleasant pictures. For each sprint, mechanical (peak power and work), physiological (heart rate) and perceptual (affective load) indices were analysed. Affective load was calculated from the ratings of perceived exertion, which reflected the amount of pleasant and unpleasant responses experienced during exercise. The results showed that peak power, work and heart rate values were significantly lower (P < 0.05) for unpleasant pictures (9.18 ± 0.20 W ∙ kg(-1); 47.69 ± 1.08 J ∙ kg(-1); 152 ± 4 bpm) when compared with pleasant ones (9.50 ± 0.20 W ∙ kg(-1); 50.11 ± 0.11 J ∙ kg(-1); 156 ± 3 bpm). Furthermore, the affective load was found to be similar for the pleasant and unpleasant sessions. All together, these results suggested that the ability to produce maximal power output depended on whether the emotional context was pleasant or unpleasant. The fact that the power output was lower in the unpleasant versus pleasant session could reflect a regulatory process aimed at maintaining a similar level of affective load for both sessions.

Effects of load on wingate test performances and reliability.

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of 2 braking forces (8.7 and 11% of body mass, BM) on Wingate test performance, peak lactate ([La]pk), peak heart rate (HRpk), and rate of perceived exertion (RPE). Sixteen male physical education students (age: 22.7 ± 1.3 years, height: 1.81 ± 0.07 m, BM: 74.3 ± 9.6 kg) performed, in a randomized order, 2 Wingate tests at 8.7% BM and 2 Wingate tests at 11% BM on a Monark cycle ergometer on 4 separate sessions. The results showed that the reliability level of mechanical measures was not affected by the braking force and was relatively similar for each variable in both braking forces (0.886 < ICC < 0.985). In addition, peak power, mean power, fatigue slope, and RPE were significantly higher (8.2, 7.0, 11.9, and 4.1%, respectively, all < 0.05) using a braking force of 11% BM compared with 8.7% BM, whereas there was no significant effect of braking force on [La]pk and HRpk. In conclusion, the results of this study suggested that the reliability of the Wingate test does not depend on the used load, and a braking force of 11% BM is more optimal for power output during Wingate test in active adults.

Intervention Strategies for Prevention of Comorbid Depression Among Individuals With Type 2 Diabetes: A Scoping Review.

Background: Type 2 diabetes (T2D)-related depression has a significant impact on quality of life and leads to greater morbidity and mortality. Current educational and treatment programs for T2D rarely include a specific depression-prevention component, focusing largely on remediating depressive symptoms that have reached clinical levels. Objective: Given the vast field of research on the association between T2D and depression, and the unknown status of prevention efforts for the latter, the goal of this scoping review was to conduct a synopsis of intervention strategies specifically targeting the prevention of depression among adults with T2D. Eligibility Criteria: (1) participants aged 18 and over with T2D; (2) experimental and quasi-experimental designs (3) intervention strategies seeking to prevent the onset or worsening of (non-clinical) depressive symptoms; (4) a valid measure of depressive symptoms; (5) full-text articles available in English or French. Sources of Evidence: Databases including Medline, PubMed, and SCOPUS were searched between 2000 and 2018 resulting in 4,219 potential articles. Charting Methods: This review was conducted in-line with the current methodological framework for scoping reviews. Titles, abstract and full text articles were screened independently and in duplicate. A narrative analysis was conducted to synthesize study characteristics and the nature of intervention strategies and components. Results: Twelve studies were identified with the primary aim of preventing the incidence of depressive symptoms or improving non-clinical depression levels. Individual and group-based approaches included educational interventions incorporating diabetes self-management, problem-solving, and resilience-focused approaches, emotion-targeted techniques as well as alternative interventions. Self-monitoring, home practices, and motivational interviewing were common elements. Conclusions: This review lays the groundwork for future studies seeking to develop, validate, and improve prevention strategies targeting the diabetes-depression comorbidity. More studies over longer periods and with larger samples are needed to capture the effects of prevention efforts.

The Influence of Verbal Instruction on Measurement Reliability and Explosive Neuromuscular Performance of the Knee Extensors.

The current study aimed to examine the effect of verbal instruction on explosive force production and between-session measurement reliability during maximal voluntary contractions of knee extensors. Following familiarization, 20 healthy males performed 3 maximal contractions with a "hard-and-fast" instruction and 3 maximal contractions with a "fast" instruction during 2 test-retest sessions. Knee extension maximal voluntary force (Fmax) and the maximal rate of force development (RFDmax) were measured. Maximal electromechanical delay (EMDmax), and the maximal rate of muscle activation (RMAmax) of quadriceps muscles were determined. No significant effect of instruction was observed on Fmax (p > 0.05). The RFDmax and RMAmax were significantly higher with the "fast" compared to the "hard-and-fast" instruction (36.07%, ES = 1.99 and 37.24%, ES = 0.92, respectively), whereas EMDmax was significantly lower with the "fast" instruction compared to the "hard-and-fast" instruction (-3.79%, ES = - 0.29). No significant differences between test and retest measurements were found (p < 0.05). However, the reliability of the RFDmax was higher with the fast instruction compared to the hard-and-fast instruction (CV: 7.3 vs. 16.2%; ICC: 0.84 vs. 0.56). Besides, the RFDmax was associated with the RMAmax and EMDmax with a significant effect of instruction. Data showed that the instruction given prior contracting muscle affected explosive force production and associated neuromuscular variables. As a result, the "fast" instruction may be preferred in the assessment of explosive force capacity of skeletal muscle during maximal efforts.

Separate and combined effects of time of day and verbal instruction on knee extensor neuromuscular adjustments.

We examined the effects of time of day and verbal instruction, separately and combined, on knee extensor neuromuscular adjustments, with special reference to rapid muscle force production capacity. Ten healthy male participants performed 4 experimental trials in counterbalanced order: morning "hard-and-fast" instruction, evening hard-and-fast instruction, morning "fast" instruction, and evening fast instruction. During each experimental trial, neuromuscular performance was assessed from the completion of 6 maximal isometric voluntary contractions (rest = 2 min) of the knee extensors with concomitant quadriceps surface electromyography recordings. For each contraction, we determined maximal voluntary force (Fmax), maximal rate of force development (RFDmax) and associated maximal electromechanical delay (EMDmax), and maximal rate of muscle activation (RMAmax). Globally, oral temperature (+2.2%), Fmax (+4.9%) and accompanying median frequency (+6.6%)/mean power frequency (+6.0%) as well as RFDmax (+13.5%) and RMAmax (+15.5%) were significantly higher in the evening than morning (p < 0.05). Conversely, evening in reference to morning values were lower for EMDmax (-4.3%, p < 0.05). Compared with a hard-and-fast instruction, RFDmax (+30.6%) and corresponding root mean square activity (+18.6%) were globally higher using a fast instruction (p < 0.05), irrespectively of the time of day. There was no significant interaction effect of time of day and verbal instruction on any parameter, except for EMDmax (p = 0.028). Despite diurnal variation in maximal or explosive force production of knee extensors and associated neuromuscular parameters, these adjustments occurred essentially independently of the verbal instruction provided.

Soccer-related performance in eumenorrheic Tunisian high-level soccer players: effects of menstrual cycle phase and moment of day.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to examine the combined effects of menstrual cycle phase and moment of day on female soccer players' performances in the five-jump test (5JT), the repeated shuttle-sprint ability test (RSSA), and the Yo-Yo intermittent recovery test level 1 (YYIRT1). METHODS: Eleven eumenorrheic Tunisian high-level soccer players volunteered to participate. Each subject individually participated in three testing periods: one in the early follicular phase (menses), one in the late follicular phase, and another in the luteal phase. In each period, two test sessions were conducted: one at 07:30 and another at 17:30. The testing routines included the 5JT, the RSSA, and the YYIRT1. RESULTS: None of the measured variables were altered due to menstrual cycle phase (all P>0.05). Mean time during RSSA was significantly lower in the afternoon session compared to the morning session (8.48±0.27 s and 8.77±0.34 s, respectively, P<0.001), while 5JT performance was significantly higher in the afternoon compared to the morning (9.08±0.58 m and 8.60±0.56 m, respectively, P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Soccer-specific endurance as well as jumping and repeated sprinting ability of Tunisian female high-level soccer players are not affected due to menstrual cycle phase neither in the morning nor in the afternoon.

Repeated-sprint training in the fasted state during Ramadan: morning or evening training?

BACKGROUND: The present study assessed the optimal moment of the day for repeated-sprint training in the fasted state during Ramadan. METHODS: Thirty amateur soccer players were randomly assigned to a morning training group (MTG, training at ~08:00 a.m., N.=10), an evening training group (ETG, training around 06:00 p.m., N.=10), and a control group (N.=10). Training sessions, conducted on alternate days, consisted of 3 sets of 6×40-m shuttle sprints (2×20 m with 180° direction changes). A 20-second passive recovery and a 4-minute passive recovery were allowed between repetitions and sets, respectively. Before and after Ramadan, performance was assessed at both 08:00 a.m. and 06:00 p.m. by Countermovement Jump (CMJ), Repeated-Sprint Test (RST), and Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test Level 1 (YYIRT1). RESULTS: After Ramadan, YYIRT1 performances were enhanced for both groups in the morning (7.82% and 6.29% for MTG and ETG, respectively, P<0.05), and in the evening (6.61% and 11.20%, respectively, P<0.05). Relative changes in YYIRT1 (P=0.33) and RST (-2.13% and -3.44% for MTG and ETG, respectively, P=0.49) at the specific time of training were similar for both groups. No differences were observed in CMJ performances before and after Ramadan for any group (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Morning or evening repeated-sprint training conducted in the fasted state during Ramadan enhanced soccer-specific endurance similarly.

Specific balance training included in an endurance-resistance exercise program improves postural balance in elderly patients undergoing haemodialysis.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of 6 months of specific balance training included in endurance-resistance program on postural balance in haemodialysis (HD) patients. METHODS: Forty-nine male patients undergoing HD were randomly assigned to an intervention group (balance training included in an endurance-resistance training, n = 26) or a control group (resistance-endurance training only, n = 23). Postural control was assessed using six clinical tests; Timed Up and Go test, Tinetti Mobility Test, Berg Balance Scale, Unipodal Stance test, Mini-Balance Evaluation Systems Test and Activities Balance Confidence scale. RESULTS: All balance measures increased significantly after the period of rehabilitation training in the intervention group. Only the Timed Up and Go, Berg Balance Scale, Mini-Balance Evaluation Systems Test and Activities Balance Confidence scores were improved in the control group. The ranges of change in these tests were greater in the balance training group. CONCLUSIONS: In HD patients, specific balance training included in a usual endurance-resistance training program improves static and dynamic balance better than endurance-resistance training only. Implications for rehabilitation Rehabilitation using exercise in haemodialysis patients improved global mobility and functional abilities. Specific balance training included in usual endurance resistance training program could lead to improved static and dynamic balance.

The Effect of Interdialytic Combined Resistance and Aerobic Exercise Training on Health Related Outcomes in Chronic Hemodialysis Patients: The Tunisian Randomized Controlled Study.

Background: Tunisia has the highest prevalence of hemodialysis patients compared to the other countries in North Africa. Dialysis centers rarely offer an exercise program to prevent physiological and psychological dialysis therapy-related alterations in chronic hemodialysis patients. Aim: To examine the effect of combined endurance-resistance training program on physiological and psychological outcomes in patients undergoing hemodialysis. Methods: We designed a single blinded, randomized, controlled study for a period of 4 months. Patients were randomized to intervention group or control group. Intervention group patients received 4 training sessions per week, held on non-hemodialysis days for a period of 4 months, whereas control group patients continued their regular lifestyle practice without direct intervention from the personnel of this investigation. Patients were evaluated at baseline (initial assessment) and after the four-month study period (final assessment) by the same investigator blinded to treatment group assignment using physical, physiological, and psychological measurements. Results: Compared with control group, intervention group showed significant improvement in physical performance during the sit-to-stand-to-sit tests (STS-10: -16.2%, ES = -1.65; STS-60: +23.43%, ES = 1.18), handgrip force task (+23.54%, ES = 1.16), timed up and go test (-13.86%, ES = -1.13), and 6-min walk test (+15.94%, ES = 2.09). Likewise, mini nutritional assessment long form scores after intervention period were significantly higher in the intervention group compared to the control group (ES = 1.43). Physical and mental component scores of SF-36 questionnaire increased significantly in the intervention group (ES = 1.10 and ES = 2.06, respectively), whereas hospital anxiety and depression scale scores decreased significantly (ES = -1.65 and ES = -2.72, respectively). Regarding biological parameters, intervention group displayed improvement in systolic and diastolic blood pressures (ES = -2.77 and ES = -0.87, respectively), HDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, and triglycerides systematic levels (ES = 1.15, ES = -0.98, and ES = -1.01, respectively); however no significant effect of intervention period was observed on C-reactive protein, hemoglobin, albumin, and total cholesterol levels (P > 0.05). Conclusion: The current study showed that combined endurance-resistance training program had a beneficial effect on physical capacity and quality of life in chronic hemodialysis patients.

Short versus long small-sided game training during Ramadan in soccer players.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effects of two small-sided game (SSG) training formats (4 × 4 min (SSG-S) and 2 × 8 min (SSG-L)) conducted during Ramadan on Hoff and five-jump (5JT) tests' performances and session rating of perceived exertion (sRPE). DESIGN: Three group, case-control. SETTING: Field tests. PARTICIPANTS: Twenty-four male soccer players were divided into 3 groups: 2 groups undertaking 4 weeks of SSG-S (n = 8) or SSG-L (n = 8) during Ramadan and a control group (n = 8). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The Profile of Mood States (POMS) and Hooper questionnaires' scores and 5JT and Hoff test's performances were measured before (BR) and at the end of Ramadan (R4). RESULTS: Compared to BR, fatigue estimated by POMS and Hooper questionnaires was higher at R4 in all groups (ES = 0.77-1.57, p < 0.05). Hoff test distance increased to the same extent in SSG-S and SSG-L groups (+7.38-7.39%, ES = 1.49-1.93, p < 0.001). Mean sRPE scores measured during Ramadan were higher after SSG-L (6.49 ± 0.38) than SSG-S (5.61 ± 0.14) sessions (+15.58%, ES = 2.79, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: SSG training can be implemented as an efficient intervention to avoid detraining and equally improve soccer-specific physical performance during Ramadan. Given the lower perceptual responses associated with shorter SSG sequences, this modality would be better tolerated during the fasting month, and therefore is recommended.

Effects of listening to Holy Qur'an recitation and physical training on dialysis efficacy, functional capacity, and psychosocial outcomes in elderly patients undergoing haemodialysis.

The purpose of this study was to determine whether listening to Holy Qur'an recitation would augment the beneficial effects of physical exercise on physiological and psychological measures in elderly patients undergoing haemodialysis. Fifty-three male haemodialysis patients were randomly assigned to an intervention group (listening to Holy Qur'an recitation in combination with endurance-resistance training, n = 28) or a control group (endurance-resistance training only, n = 25). Functional capacity was assessed using the Timed Up and Go test (TUG) and the Six-Minute Walk Test (6MWT). Psychosocial outcomes were assessed using the Medical Outcomes Study 36-item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36) and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Dialysis adequacy (Kt/V) was calculated for all patients. After intervention, a significant Group × Period interaction effect was observed for all measured parameters (p < 0.05), except for 6MWT performance (p > 0.05). All measured parameters were significantly improved over baseline in both groups, except for Kt/V in the control group (p > 0.05). Moreover, final measurements were significantly higher in the intervention group than in the control group for all measured parameters, except for 6MWT performance and the physical component summary of the SF-36 (p > 0.05). In conclusion, the present study showed that listening to a recitation of the Holy Qur'an in combination with interdialytic endurance-resistance training induced an improvement in physical condition and quality of life and a large reduction in anxiety among patients undergoing haemodialysis.

A Comparative Study Between the Wingate and Force-Velocity Anaerobic Cycling Tests: Effect of Physical Fitness.

PURPOSE: To verify the hypothesis that the peak power (PP) of a Wingate test (WT) is an underestimation of maximal power (P(max)) computed from the force-velocity test (FVT), to examine possible fatigue effect on P(max), and to investigate the effect of load on mean power (MP) and fatigue index (FI) during a WT in trained and recreational men. METHODS: Ten recreational (22.9 ± 1.7 y, 1.81 ± 0.06 m, 73.3 ± 10.4 kg) and 10 highly trained subjects (22.7 ± 1.4 y, 1.85 ± 0.05 m, 78.9 ± 6.6 kg) performed 2 WTs with 2 loads (8.7% and 11% of body mass [BM]) and an FVT on the same cycle ergometer, in randomized order. RESULTS: Optimal load was equal to 10% BM in recreational participants. Given the quadratic relationship between load and power, the underestimation of P(max) was lower than 10% for the average values of trained and recreational participants with both loads. However, PP with a load equal to 8.7% BM was a large underestimation (~30%) of P(max) in the most powerful individuals. In addition, PP was not greater than P(max) of FVT for the same load. FI was independent of the load only if it was expressed relative to PP. The optimal load for MP during WT was close to the optimal load for PP. CONCLUSIONS: The optimal load for WT performance should be approximately equal to 10% BM in recreational subjects. In powerful subjects, the FVT appears to be more appropriate in assessing maximal power, and loads higher than 11% BM should be verified for the WT.

Effects of ethnicity on the relationship between vertical jump and maximal power on a cycle ergometer.

The aim of this study was to verify the impact of ethnicity on the maximal power-vertical jump relationship. Thirty-one healthy males, sixteen Caucasian (age: 26.3 ± 3.5 years; body height: 179.1 ± 5.5 cm; body mass: 78.1 ± 9.8 kg) and fifteen Afro-Caribbean (age: 24.4 ±2.6 years; body height: 178.9 ± 5.5 cm; body mass: 77.1 ± 10.3 kg) completed three sessions during which vertical jump height and maximal power of lower limbs were measured. The results showed that the values of vertical jump height and maximal power were higher for Afro-Caribbean participants (62.92 ± 6.7 cm and 14.70 ± 1.75 W∙kg-1) than for Caucasian ones (52.92 ± 4.4 cm and 12.75 ± 1.36 W∙kg-1). Moreover, very high reliability indices were obtained on vertical jump (e.g. 0.95 < ICC < 0.98) and maximal power performance (e.g. 0.75 < ICC < 0.97). However, multiple linear regression analysis showed that, for a given value of maximal power, the Afro-Caribbean participants jumped 8 cm higher than the Caucasians. Together, these results confirmed that ethnicity impacted the maximal power-vertical jump relationship over three sessions. In the current context of cultural diversity, the use of vertical jump performance as a predictor of muscular power should be considered with caution when dealing with populations of different ethnic origins.

Reliability of Force-Velocity Tests in Cycling and Cranking Exercises in Men and Women.

The present study examined the reliability of the force-velocity relationship during cycling and arm cranking exercises in active males and females. Twenty male and seventeen female physical education students performed three-session tests with legs and three-session tests with arms on a friction-loaded ergometer on six different sessions in a randomized order. The reliability of maximal power (Pmax), maximal pedal rate (V 0), and maximal force (F0) were studied using the coefficient of variation (CV), the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and the test-retest correlation coefficient (r). Reliability indices were better for men (1.74 ≤ CV ≤ 4.36, 0.82 ≤ ICC ≤ 0.97, and 0.81 ≤ r ≤ 0.97) compared with women (2.34 ≤ CV ≤ 7.04, 0.44 ≤ ICC ≤ 0.98, and 0.44 ≤ r ≤ 0.98) and in cycling exercise (1.74 ≤ CV ≤ 3.85, 0.88 ≤ ICC ≤ 0.98, and 0.90 ≤ r ≤ 0.98) compared with arm exercise (2.37 ≤ CV ≤ 7.04, 0.44 ≤ ICC ≤ 0.95, and 0.44 ≤ r ≤ 0.95). Furthermore, the reliability indices were high for Pmax and F0 whatever the expression of the results (raw data or data related to body dimensions). Pmax and F0 could be used in longitudinal physical fitness investigations. However, further studies are needed to judge V 0 reliability.

Musculotendinous stiffness of triceps surae, maximal rate of force development, and vertical jump performance.

The relationships between ankle plantar flexor musculotendinous stiffness (MTS) and performance in a countermovement vertical jump (CMJ) and maximal rate of torque development (MRTD) were studied in 27 active men. MTS was studied by means of quick releases at 20 (S0.2), 40 (S0.4), 60 (S0.6), and 80% (S0.8) of maximal voluntary torque (T(MVC)). CMJ was not correlated with strength indices but was positively correlated with MRTD/BM, S 0.4/BM. The slope α 2 and intercept ß 2 of the torque-stiffness relationships from 40 to 80% T(MVC) were correlated negatively (α 2) and positively (ß 2) with CMJ. The different stiffness indices were not correlated with MRTD. The prediction of CMJ was improved by the introduction of MRTD in multiple regressions between CMJ and stiffness. CMJ was also negatively correlated with indices of curvature of the torque-stiffness relationship. The subjects were subdivided in 3 groups in function of CMJ (groups H, M, and L for high, medium, and low performers, resp.). There was a downward curvature of the torque-stiffness relationship at high torques in group H or M and the torque-stiffness regression was linear in group L only. These results suggested that torque-stiffness relationships with a plateau at high torques are more frequent in the best jumpers.

Influence of Affective Stimuli on Leg Power Output and Associated Neuromuscular Parameters during Repeated High Intensity Cycling Exercises.

The aim of this study was to examine the impact of emotional eliciting pictures on neuromuscular performance during repetitive supramaximal cycling exercises (RSE). In a randomized order, twelve male participants were asked to perform five 6-s cycle sprints (interspaced by 24 s of recovery) on a cycle ergometer in front of neutral, pleasant or unpleasant pictures. During each RSE, mean power output (MPO) and electromyographic activity [root mean square (RMS) and median frequency (MF)] of the vastus lateralis and vastus medialis muscles were analyzed. Neuromuscular efficiency (NME) was calculated as the ratio of MPO to RMS. Higher RMS (232.17 ± 1.17 vs. 201.90 ± 0.47 µV) and MF (68.56 ± 1.78 vs. 64.18 ± 2.17 Hz) were obtained in pleasant compared to unpleasant conditions (p < 0.05). This emotional effect persisted from the first to the last sprint. Higher MPO was obtained in pleasant than in unpleasant conditions (690.65 ± 38.23 vs. 656.73 ± 35.95 W, p < 0.05). However, this emotional effect on MPO was observed only for the two first sprints. NME decreased from the third sprint (p < 0.05), which indicated the occurrence of peripheral fatigue after the two first sprints. These results suggested that, compared with unpleasant pictures, pleasant ones increased the neuromuscular performance during RSE. Moreover, the disappearance of the beneficial effect of pleasant emotion on mechanical output from the third sprint appears to be due to peripheral fatigue.