Abstract
The purpose of this review is to examine the literature that has investigated mechanomyographic (MMG) amplitude and frequency responses during dynamic muscle actions. To date, the majority of MMG research has focused on isometric muscle actions. Recent studies, however, have examined the MMG time and/or frequency domain responses during various types of dynamic activities, including dynamic constant external resistance (DCER) and isokinetic muscle actions, as well as cycle ergometry. Despite the potential influences of factors such as changes in muscle length and the thickness of the tissue between the muscle and the MMG sensor, there is convincing evidence that during dynamic muscle actions, the MMG signal provides valid information regarding muscle function. This argument is supported by consistencies in the MMG literature, such as the close relationship between MMG amplitude and power output and a linear increase in MMG amplitude with concentric torque production. There are still many issues, however, that have yet to be resolved, and the literature base for MMG during both dynamic and isometric muscle actions is far from complete. Thus, it is important to investigate the unique applications of MMG amplitude and frequency responses with different experimental designs/methodologies to continually reassess the uses/limitations of MMG.
Highlights
Mechanomyography (MMG) involves recording and quantifying the low frequency lateral oscillations of active skeletal muscle fibers [1,2]
The exact origin(s) of the MMG signal is not completely understood, Gordon and Holbourn [3] suggested that MMG reflects the mechanical counterpart of motor unit electrical activity as measured by electromyography (EMG)
The shape of the MMG signal is dependent on the type of sensor used to detect it [4], Orizio et al [5] have suggested that its pattern is similar to the small oscillations in force that occur during an isometric muscle action
Summary
Mechanomyography (MMG) involves recording and quantifying the low frequency lateral oscillations of active skeletal muscle fibers [1,2]. Coburn et al [66] examined the MMG amplitude and MPF versus torque relationships for the vastus medialis during submaximal to maximal concentric isokinetic muscle actions of the leg extensors at a velocity of 30°·s-1. Coburn et al [28] examined the MMG amplitude and MPF versus torque relationships for the vastus medialis during submaximal to maximal eccentric isokinetic muscle actions of the leg extensors at a velocity of 30°·s-1. Perry-Rana et al [73] examined the MMG amplitude responses from the rectus femoris, vastus lateralis, and vastus medialis during 25 consecutive maximal eccentric isokinetic muscle actions of the leg extensors at a velocity of 120°·s-1.
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