The Effects of Exercise Induced Muscle Damage on Knee Joint Torque and Balance Performance.

Nicole Dabbs,Harish Chander

doi:10.3390/sports6030101

Abstract

The purpose of this investigation is to determine the effects of exercise induced muscle damage (EIMD) on balance and knee joint torque. Thirteen males and females volunteered to participate in the study. Following a familiarization session, baseline measures were obtained for isometric torque measured during a maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) for knee flexors and extensors, and ankle dorsi-flexors and plantar-flexors. Additionally, balance performance was tested in double leg (DL), and right single leg (RSL) static and dynamic unstable stability was measured. Participants then performed the muscle damage protocol of front loaded Bulgarian split squats. All measurements were re-assessed for torque and balance immediately and up to 72 h afterwards. A one-way repeated-measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to analyze differences between baseline and all time-points for torque and balance measures. There was a significant time effect for knee extensors MVIC torque, where baseline measures are greater than post EIMD, 24 h and 48 h post EIMD. There was no significant time effect for all balance conditions. These results provide evidence of EIMD following high intensity eccentric exercises with significant reductions in knee extensor torque up to at least 48 h and show that balance was not compromised following EIMD.

Highlights

Exercise induced muscle damage (EIMD) results from unaccustomed exercise or by performing an exercise that is of high intensity and/or duration [1,2]
While there has been previous research that has compared balance performance between dominant and non-dominant limbs, most of the research indicates that there are no significant differences between the dominant and non-dominant limbs, with balance performance being symmetrical [20,33,34] and with no differences between preferred and non-preferred limbs [35]. The aim of this current project was to determine if EIMD impacted balance performance over the 72-h time-period, and, in order to aid the feasibility of the project, only the right limb was used for balance testing
The impact of EIMD on torque generation capability from the lower extremity muscles and on balance performance over the course of 72 h from the induction of muscle damage was analyzed in this study

Summary

Introduction

Exercise induced muscle damage (EIMD) results from unaccustomed exercise or by performing an exercise that is of high intensity and/or duration [1,2]. ACSM’s skill-related components of fitness, which include agility, coordination, power, speed, reaction time and balance [5], have been used to assess fitness levels that are specific to a particular skill or task. Of these skill-related components, balance is an integral part of an individual’s performance, which involves the upright maintenance of the body for effective and successful completion of athletic, recreationally trained, sporting, occupational or any daily living task [6]

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