Abstract
To assess whether a battery of performance markers, both individually and as group, would be sensitive to fatigue, a within group random cross-over design compared multiple variables during seated control and fatigue (repeated sprint cycling) conditions. Thirty-two physically active participants completed a neuromuscular fatigue questionnaire, Stroop task, postural sway, squat jump, countermovement jump, isometric mid-thigh pull and 10 s maximal sprint cycle (Sprintmax) before and after each condition (15 min, 1 h, 24 h and 48 h). In comparison to control, larger neuromuscular fatigue questionnaire total score decrements were observed 15 min (5.20 ± 4.6), 1 h (3.33 ± 3.9) and 24 h (1.83 ± 4.8) after cycling. Similarly, the fatigue condition elicited greater declines than control at 15 min and 1 h post in countermovement jump height (1.67 ± 1.90 cm and 1.04 ± 2.10 cm), flight time-contraction time ratio (0.03 ± 0.06 and 0.05 ± 0.11), and velocity (0.06 ± 0.07 m∙s-1 and 0.04 ± 0.08 m∙s-1). After fatigue, decrements were observed up to 48 h for average Sprintmax cadence (4–6 RPM), up to 24 h in peak Sprintmax cadence (2–5 RPM) and up to 1 h in average and peak Sprintmax power (45 ± 60 W and 58 ± 71 W). Modelling variables in a stepwise regression demonstrated that CMJ height explained 53.2% and 51.7% of 24 h and 48 h Sprintmax average power output. Based upon these data, the fatigue induced by repeated sprint cycling coincided with changes in the perception of fatigue and markers of performance during countermovement and squat jumps. Furthermore, multiple regression modelling revealed that a single variable (countermovement jump height) explained average power output.
Highlights
The ability to effectively monitor fatigue is highly sought after by coaches and exercise scientists of elite athletes
No significant two way interactions were observed in squat jump (SJ) height (p = 0.065, d = 0.62), Stroop task (p = 0.187, d = 0.47), or relative forces for counter movement jump (CMJ) (p = 0.150, d = 0.50), SJ (p = 0.054, d = 0.66), and isometric mid-thigh pull (IMTP) (p = 0.622, d = 0.29)
We identified Sprintmax, neuromuscular fatigue questionnaire (NFQ), CMJ and SJ as performance tests that changed in response to a high intensity sprint cycling fatigue protocol
Summary
The ability to effectively monitor fatigue is highly sought after by coaches and exercise scientists of elite athletes. Neuromuscular fatigue has been defined as an acute reduction in task performance which includes both an increased perceived effort to exert force as well as an eventual inability to produce force [1]. Fatigue would manifest as a reduction in the ability to perform the desired movement, exercise, or skill and may encompass metabolic and/or neuromuscular and/or cognitive fatigue. The use of a functional test battery for fatigue assessment data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript
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