Decrease In Mean Power Frequency Research Articles

The effect of acute low-load resistance exercise with the addition of blood flow occlusion on muscle function in boys and men.

In adults, low-load resistance training with blood flow occlusion (BFO) mimics strength increases that occur from high-load training, without the need to experience high mechanical stress. In view of child-adult differences in exercise responses, this study examined whether BFO during exercise elicits differential changes in maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) and electromyographical (EMG) activity in children and adults. Sixteen men (24.4 ± 2.5 years) and 14 boys (10.7 ± 2.0 years) performed low-load resistance exercise (25 repetitions at 35% MVC) of the wrist flexors with and without BFO. MVC wrist flexor force and EMG activity of the flexor carpi radialis (FCR) were obtained at the beginning and end of the exercise. Both groups demonstrated a larger decrease in MVC force following BFO (- 18.6 ± 12.5%) than the control (without BFO) condition (- 6.2 ± 15.0%; p < 0.001). Whereas the men's EMG amplitude increased 16.3 ± 20.5% (p = 0.005) during BFO, the boys' EMG amplitude did not change over time or between conditions. In both groups, the mean power frequency (MPF) of the EMG signal decreased more during BFO (- 20.1 ± 9.6%; p < 0.001) than the control condition (- 5.6 ± 9.7%; p = 0.002). Low-load exercise with BFO resulted in similar neuromuscular responses between boys and men, except for an observed increase in the EMG amplitude in men but not boys. While this result might suggest that men relied on a greater activation of higher-threshold motor units during BFO, it does not explain why there were similar decreases in MPF between groups. Therefore, it remains unclear whether the effectiveness of BFO training is similar for children and adults.

Calibrating ratings of perceived fatigue relative to objective measures of localised muscle fatigue using a feedback-based familiarisation protocol

Localized muscle fatigue (LMF) manifests as a reduction in muscle force generating capacity, an increase in electromyography signal amplitude and a decrease in mean power frequency (MnPF). Estimates of LMF can also be obtained subjectively through ratings of perceived fatigue (RPF); however, the provision of RPF scale familiarisation is inconsistent within the literature. The purpose of this study was to explore the effect of an RPF familiarisation session on the accuracy of RPF, relative to objective measures of fatigue, during a LMF protocol. Twenty participants performed intermittent isometric elbow flexion efforts to fatigue. Following each 5-minute cycle, RPF ratings were provided using a visual analog scale, and an MVC was obtained. On day 2, the ‘feedback’ group received visual feedback pertaining to their reduction in MVC, immediately following their RPF input, while the control group received no feedback. On day 3 (retention), RMSE was 72% lower between RPF and MVC, and 69% lower between RPF and MnPF for the feedback group after the familiarisation period. Findings support the inclusion of a familiarisation session to improve RPF as a surrogate measure for traditional objective measures of LMF.

Aircraft Passenger Comfort Based on Muscle Activation and Perceived Discomfort During Long Flights.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the comfort of aircraft passengers during long flights and to determine the effects of the seatback angle and the seat pitch on passengers' upper body muscles (neck, shoulder, and lower back) and subjective comfort.METHODS: All subjects sat on an aircraft seat for 2 h with different levels of seatback angle and seat pitch. Subjective discomfort scores and root mean square (RMS) and mean power frequency (MPF) values were used to evaluate muscle fatigue, and all data were calculated for every 15-min interval.RESULTS: Significant increases of MPF for all three muscles were found at 30 min, along with significant increases in the perceived levels of discomfort (PLD) over 2 h. Besides, a 120° seatback angle and a 34˝ seat pitch resulted in lower PLD values for the lower back and hip areas than smaller ones (significant difference).DISCUSSION: It took around 30 min before pronounced discomfort in the upper body regions occurred during flight. The larger parameters of seatback angle and seat pitch may significantly contribute to the easing of subjective discomfort. Moreover, a decrease in MPF coupled with a concomitant increase in RMS does not appear to be a reliable indicator of discomfort rate. The need for further development of discomfort indicators which are more directly related to muscular activation is recognized.Pei H, Yu S, Ding M, Bai Z. Aircraft passenger comfort based on muscle activation and perceived discomfort during long flights. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2020; 91(5):416-421.

Effect of stimulation of cold receptors with menthol on EMG activity of quadriceps muscle during low load contraction

Purpose: Facilitatory and inhibitory responses of spinal motor neurons are influenced by somatosensory input from the skin. The purpose of this study, employing electromyography, was to examine the neuromuscular changes that occur with menthol applied to the skin over the quadriceps muscle.Methods: Forty-two healthy volunteers performed isometric knee extensions at 35% maximum voluntary contraction (MVC) in three groups (Adult Placebo, Adult Menthol, Older Adult Menthol). Stimulation used was application of 5% menthol gel to the skin. Surface electromyography (sEMG) from the vastus lateralis (VL), vastus medialis (VM), and rectus femoris (RF) was recorded using miniature pair electrodes.Results: Root mean square electromyography (rmsEMG) in VL and VM significantly increased with menthol stimulation both in Adult and Older Adult, but no significant difference was observed between Adult Menthol and Older Adult Menthol. There was a significant decrease in mean power frequency (MPF) in VM with menthol stimulation in Older Adult, but no significant changes were observed in Adult Menthol.Conclusion: Neuromuscular modulation was observed with the application of menthol gel at low loads in the present study. These findings could lead to a new method of muscular training that targets the recruitment of fast type muscle safe for older adults.

Isokinetic and Electromyographic Properties of Muscular Endurance in Short and Long-Term Type 2 Diabetes.

Background:Patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are subject to progressive reduction of muscle mass and strength. The aim of this study was to assess muscle forces and electromyography (EMG) indices in short and long-term diabetes during an isokinetic exercise.Methods:The peak torque, work, mean power frequency (MPF) and root mean square (RMS) of knee flexors and extensors during 40 isokinetic knee extension-flexion repetitions with a velocity of 150 degree/s were recorded. 18 patients with less than 10 years with T2DM and 12 patients with equal and more than 10 years of disease were compared with 20 gender, body mass index, physical activity and peripheral circulation matched healthy controls.Results:The fatigue index and slope of line across the peak torque values of the knee flexor indicate that patients with long-term T2DM were significantly more resistant to fatigue in comparison with the two other groups (p<0.009). Whereas the MPF decrease during isokinetic protocol interact with grouping in the medial hamstring (p<0.042), but it was independent to groups in other muscles (p<0.0001). The increase of RMS after fatigue protocol interacted with sex for the medial hamstring and vastus lateralis (p<0.039) and interacted with group for the extensor muscles (p<0.045).Discussion & Conclusion:It seems that long-term T2DM cause some neuromuscular adaptations to maintain knee flexor muscle performance during functional activity especially postural control.

Effects of cooling on muscle function and duration of stance phase during gait

Introduction: Cold exposure alters muscular function. Muscle cooling influences the neuromuscular activation during maximal isometric voluntary contractions (MVC) and the amplitude of surface electromyography (sEMG) [1],[2]. It also slows down the mechanical process during contraction [3]. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of local cooling in cold water at 10 °C for 20 min in a climate chamber on lower leg muscle activity and gait pattern. Methods: Sixteen healthy adults (eight females), aged Mean (SD) 27.0(2.9) years; body mass 66.3(9.8) kg; and height 169.5(7.8) cm participated in this experimental study. The median frequency (MF) and mean power frequency (MPF) of sEMG from tibialis anterior (TA) and gastrocnemius medialis (GM) muscles during MVC in ankle planter (PF) and dorsi-flexion (DF) against a hand-held dynamometer as well as contact times on a force plate during gait before and after cooling were measured and analysed. Results: The MF and MPF were significantly lower (P<0.01*) in both TA and GM muscle during MVC and in TA during gait trials after cooling. However, the frequency analysis for GM muscle showed no significant difference (P=0.46 and 0.06, respectively) either in MF or MPF during walking on level surface (table 1). Table 1: The means and SD (Hz) for the MF and MPF of the TA and GM during gait and MVC trials before and after cooling (N=16). sEMG Tibialis Anterior (TA) Gastrocnemius Medialis GM Pre Cooling Post Cooling Pre Cooling Post Cooling Gait MF 83.0±10.2* 69.9±9.6* 81.6±12.6 79.3±11.1 Gait MPF 99.7±11.5* 82.3±11.7* 99.8±13.2 93.2±12.4 MVC MF 87.0±9.7* 50.0±6.1* 111.7±16.7* 90.8±14.8* MVC MPF 100.7±10.6* 59.8±7.7* 129.1±15.3* 101.0±16.1* Fig 1: Duration of stance phase in gait trials. Additionally, the post cooling stance phase over the force plate was significantly (P= 0.013) longer than pre-cooling. Discussion: The significant time difference might be caused by the cold induced MF and MPF decrease in sEMG. Our previous investigation reported that cooling increased the sEMG amplitude and produced fatigue like responses in the leg muscles [2]. Moreover, other studies showed that muscle fatigue resulted in electromechanical delay during cold exposure [1], [4]. Conclusion: Moderate degree and duration of cooling may affect muscle motor unit firing rates, thus shifting the sEMG spectrum to lower frequencies, therefore decreasing the leg muscle force production. The result suggests that muscle cooling can cause cold induced frequency decrease in sEMG similar to fatigue response and lead to reduced muscle performance.

Cardiorespiratory and Muscular Responses to Simulated Upwind Sailing Exercise in Optimist Sailors

The aim of this work was to gain more insight into the cardiorespiratory and muscular (m. vastus lateralis) responses to simulated upwind sailing exercise in 10 high-level male and female Optimist sailors (10.8-14.4 years old). Hiking strap load (HSL) and cardiorespiratory variables were measured while exercising on a specially developed Optimist sailing ergometer. Electromyography (EMG) was used to determine mean power frequency (MPF) and root mean square (RMS). Near-infrared spectroscopy was used to measure deoxygenated Hemoglobin and Myoglobin concentration (deoxy[Hb+Mb]) and re-oxygenation. Results indicated that HSL and integrated EMG of the vastus lateralis muscle changed in accordance with the hiking intensity. Cardiorespiratory response demonstrated an initial significant increase and subsequently steady state in oxygen uptake (VO₂), ventilation (VE), and heart rate (HR) up to circa 40% VO₂peak, 30% VEpeak and 70% HRpeak respectively. At muscle level, results showed that highly trained Optimist sailors manage to stabilize the muscular demand and fatigue development during upwind sailing (after an initial increase). However, approaching the end of the hiking exercise, the MPF decrease, RMS increase, and deoxy[Hb+Mb] increase possibly indicate the onset of muscle fatigue.

Accelerated Muscle Fatigability of Latent Myofascial Trigger Points in Humans

Muscle fatigue is prevalent in acute and chronic musculoskeletal pain conditions in which myofascial trigger points (MTPs) are involved. The aim of this study was to investigate the association of latent MTPs with muscle fatigue. Intramuscular electromyographic (EMG) recordings were obtained from latent MTPs and non-MTPs together with surface EMG recordings from the upper trapezius muscles during sustained isometric muscle contractions in 12 healthy subjects. Normalized root mean square (RMS) EMG amplitude and mean power frequency (MNF) were analyzed. The rate of perceived exertion and pain intensity from MTP side and non-MTP side were recorded. Pain intensity on the MTP side was significantly higher than the non-MTP side (P < 0.05). Intramuscular EMG from latent MTPs showed an early onset of decrease in MNF and a significant decrease at the end of fatiguing contraction as compared with non-MTPs (P < 0.05). Surface EMG from muscle fibers close to latent MTPs presented with an early onset of the increase in RMS amplitude and the increase was significantly higher than that from non-MTPs at the end of sustained isometric contraction (P < 0.05). A latent MTP is associated with an accelerated development of muscle fatigue and simultaneously overloading active motor units close to an MTP. Elimination of latent MTPs and inactivation of active MTPs may effectively reduce accelerated muscle fatigue and prevent overload spreading within a muscle.

Changes in surface electromyography signals and kinetics associated with progression of fatigue at two speeds during wheelchair propulsion

The purpose of this study was to determine whether muscle balance is influenced by fatigue in a recordable way, toward creating novel defensive activity strategies for manual wheelchair users (MWUs). Wheelchair propulsion to a point of mild fatigue, level 15 on the Rating of Perceived Exertion scale, was investigated at two different speeds. Surface electromyographic (EMG) activity of 7 muscles was recorded on 14 nondisabled participants. Kinetic variables were measured using a SmartWheel. No significant effect was found of percentage endurance time on kinetic variables for the two propulsion speeds. Fatigue-related changes in the EMG spectra were identified as an increase of EMG intensity and a decrease of mean power frequency as a function of percent endurance time for the tested muscles under both fast and slow speed conditions. The greater increases in activity for propulsive muscles compared with recovery muscles during fast speed wheelchair propulsion indicated muscle imbalance associated with fatiguing wheelchair propulsion. This study shows how kinetic and EMG information might be used as feedback to MWUs to ensure that they conduct activity in ways that do not precipitate injury.

Effect of a Speech Aid Prosthesis on Reducing Muscle Fatigue

It has been reported that the levator veli palatini muscles of speakers with velopharyngeal incompetence tend to demonstrate muscle fatigue during speech. This study examined whether a speech aid prosthesis might reduce levator muscle fatigue in such speakers. Eight individuals with post-surgical cleft palates, and who wore a speech aid prosthesis, were studied. Each person was asked to pronounce the syllable [pu] more than 50 times. Mean power frequency (MPF) of one syllable was obtained from electromyographic data from the levator muscle. The MPF regression line was calculated during the course of syllable repetition. The absolute values of the slopes of the regression lines with the prosthesis were significantly smaller than those without the prosthesis. It was shown that the prosthesis reduced the decrease in MPF during speech. These results suggested that speech aid prostheses reduce levator muscle fatigue during speech in persons with velopharyngeal incompetence.

Muscle Activation Patterns And Repetitions-to-failure Performance In The Bench Press Exercise

The bench press (BP) exercise is used to determine and develop upper-body muscular strength and work capacity. PURPOSE: To examine the muscle activation pattern during performance of a bench press repetitions-to-failure (RTF) test. METHODS: Subjects (n=16; Age: 21+2 yr; ht: 179+6 cm; wt: 78+7 kg) performed BP one-repetition maximum (1-RM) and RTF (60% 1-RM) test. Surface EMG was collected during each repetition of both tests from the pectoralis major (PM), triceps brachii (TB), anterior (AD) and posterior (PD) deltoid, latissimus dorsi (LD), and biceps brachii (BB) muscle groups. The concentric phase EMG signals were integrated (iEMG) and normalized to muscle group specific EMG activity collected during a maximal voluntary isometric contraction (EMGMVC) performed at the mid-range of the BP exercise and prior to initiating testing. Mean power frequency (MPF) was also determined for the concentric phase. RESULTS: 1-RM BP (92.2+24.3 kg) was moderately correlated with body mass (r=0.74), fat-free mass (r=0.64) and fat mass (r=0.71). Subjects performed 23.4+2.5 reps during RTF. Although 1-RM was highly correlated with work capacity (load.reps; 1388+330 kg. reps; r=0.89) the relationship with RTF was negative and low (r=-0.22). During RTF concentric contraction time increased (0.69 +0.21 to 1.81 +0.83 sec), while range of motion (242+8° to 254+19°) and excentric contraction time (0.640-.900 sec) did not change from the first to the last repetition. iEMG/ EMGMVC increased progressively from the beginning (∼0.16-0.30) to the end (∼0.21-0.51) of each concentric contraction in PM, TB, AD and LD during RTF. At failure iEMG/ EMGMVC increased at the beginning (∼0.21-0.46) and end (∼0.39-0.83) of the concentric contraction; the latter activity was equal to iEMG/ EMGMVC activity observed during 1-RM. MPF decreased in PM (55.2+8.1 to 47.1+5.6 Hz) and TB (55.7+5.3 to 49.4+6.8 Hz), while AD (54.2+4.4 to 53.5+3.5 Hz) and LD (50.8+8.1 to 47.4+6.8 Hz) remained unchanged. CONCLUSION: There was a progressive increase in concentric contraction time and EMG activity and a decrease in MPF associated with muscle failure during RTF testing. The pattern and magnitude of EMG activity relative to EMGMVC was similar in PM, TB, AD and LD muscle groups. Supported in part by PEO Soldier Grant # AHS1131

Electromyographical manifestations of muscle fatigue during different levels of simulated light manual assembly work

The purpose of this study was to determine whether objective electromyographical manifestations of muscle fatigue develop in the upper trapezius muscle in two assembly tasks involving contractions of different low-intensity levels (8% and 12% MVC) and whether these indications of fatigue are homogeneously distributed across different muscle parts. Ten subjects performed an assembly task for 3 h. EMG was recorded using four pairs of bipolar electrodes over the left and right trapezius muscles during the task itself and during isometric test contractions. Both recordings (during task and test) showed a significant decrease in the mean power frequency (MPF), at both intensity levels while the amplitude remained constant. A regression analysis showed significantly different temporal patterns for the MPF decrease for the two intensities. No differences in manifestations of muscle fatigue development were found between different parts of the muscle. These results indicate that in a highly repetitive low-intensity task, electromyographical manifestations of muscle fatigue can be observed from signals recorded in the task itself. Furthermore, the rate of development of fatigue manifestations was different between the two assembly tasks. This fatigue development appeared to be homogenous across the muscle.

Low-level activity of the trunk extensor muscles causes electromyographic manifestations of fatigue in absence of decreased oxygenation

This study was designed to determine whether trunk extensor fatigue occurs during low-level activity and whether this is associated with a drop in muscle tissue oxygenation. Electromyography (EMG) feedback was used to impose constant activity in a part of the trunk extensor muscles. We hypothesized that electromyographic manifestations of fatigue and decreased oxygenation would be observed at the feedback site and that EMG activity at other sites would be more variable without fatigue manifestations. Twelve volunteers performed 30-min contractions at 2% and 5% of the maximum EMG amplitude (EMGmax) at the feedback site. EMG was recorded from six sites over the lumbar extensor muscles and near-infrared spectroscopy was used to measure changes in oxygenation at the feedback site (left L3 level, 3 cm paravertebral). In both conditions, mean EMG activity was not significantly different between electrode sites, whereas the coefficient of variation was lower at the feedback site compared to other recording sites. The EMG mean power frequency (MPF) decreased consistently at the feedback site only. At 5% EMGmax, the decrease in MPF was significant at the group level at all sites ipsilateral to the feedback site. These results suggest that the limited variability of muscle activity at the EMG feedback site and at ipsilateral locations enhances fatigue development. No decreases in tissue oxygenation were detected. In conclusion, even at mean activity levels as low as 2% EMGmax, fatigue manifestations were found in the trunk extensors. These occured in absence of changes in oxygenation of the muscle tissue.

Experimental and modeling investigation of spectral compression of biceps brachii SEMG activity with increasing force levels

This study investigated possible motor unit (MU) firing patterns underlying changes in biceps brachii (BB) surface electromyographic (SEMG) activity in 96 participants who performed isometric actions of the elbow flexors at 40%, 60%, 80%, and 100% of maximum voluntary contraction (MVC). We also conducted a modeling investigation to determine the extent to which a model would fit the experimental results. Experimentally, there was a linear increase (277%; p < 0.01) in root-mean-square (RMS) amplitude with increasing force. The mean power frequency (MNF) remained stable from 40% to 80% of MVC, but there was a decrease (8.2%; p < 0.01) between 80% and 100% of MVC. A modeling approach was taken wherein well-known recruitment and rate-coding schemes activated MUs whose basic building block was the muscle fibre action potential. Two conditions were investigated: (1) an increase in firing rate (rate-coding) and (2) synchronization. The levels of rate-coding and synchronization were selected to produce a linear RMS–force relationship as observed in the experimental data. Then, the impact of these two strategies on changes in MNF was assessed. The MNF remained stable from 40% to 80% of maximum excitation for both the rate-coding and synchronization conditions. There was a decrease in MNF between 80% and 100% of maximum excitation for both modeling conditions, similar to that observed for the experimental data. Thus, at these high forces at which experimental data are technically difficult to obtain, the model supports the idea that both rate-coding and synchronization are responsible for the changes observed in surface EMG amplitude and frequency characteristics.

Characteristics of surface electromyography and work load of the forearm extensors in repetitive wrist extending

To evaluate the influence of the frequency, the weight and the motion angle on the stress and the fatigue of the forearm extensors in repetitive wrist extending at low force loading level with surface electromyography (SEMG). Sixteen male college student volunteers were recruited for the experiment. Eight tasks of wrist extending were performed for 20 minutes respectively in given weight (1.96, 4.90 N), frequency (8.0, 33.3 moves/minute) and motion angle (45 degrees, 90 degrees). The static wrist extending at the level of 20% maximum voluntary contraction (MVC) were performed before and after each task for 2 up to 3 seconds, and the SEMG signals of extensor carpi ulnaris muscle (ECU) and extensor digitorum (ED) were recorded and analyzed. The weight loading level was approximately equal to 1.40% or 3.50% of the MVC force. The mean power frequency (MPF) and the median frequency (MF) were decreased with the increase of 3 kinds of loading levels. The decrease of MPF of the muscle ED was significant (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). The MF was decreased with the increase of angle and weight loading levels (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). The root mean square (RMS) value of SEMG could be divided into 3 or 4 groups with significant difference. All three kinds of loads had positive correlation with amplitude of SEMG according to the stepwise regression analysis. The fatigue level of ED is the highest. The primary load factor for the forearm extensors is the frequency followed by the weight and the angle. MF, MPF and RMS can be used as sensitive indexes for evaluating the stress and the fatigue of the forearm extensors during repetitive performance at lower force loading level.

Firing properties of motor units during fatigue in subjects after stroke

The purpose of this work was to investigate the electromyographic (EMG) fatigue representations in muscles of subjects after stroke at the level of motor unit, based on the analysis of mean power frequency (MPF) in the power density spectrum (PDS) for intramuscular EMG and our previous modeling and experiment studies on the neuromuscular transmission failure (NTF). NTF due to the local muscular fatigue had been captured in motor unit signals from healthy subjects during a submaximal fatigue contraction previously. In this study, the EMG signals for the biceps brachii muscles were collected by needle electrodes from the affected and unaffected arms of six hemiplegic subjects after stroke, and from the dominated arm of six healthy subjects during a full maximum voluntary contraction (MVC) and a subsequent 20% MVC. The MPF of EMG trials detected intramuscularly during the full and 20% MVCs, and the parameters of motor unit action potential trains (MUAPTs) during 20% MVC were analyzed in three groups: the normal (from healthy subjects), unaffected (from subjects after stroke), and affected (from subjects after stroke). It was found that during the full MVC the MPFs of the normal and unaffected groups decreased more than the affected when monitored by a moving time window of 2 s. The comparison on the overall MPF during the full MVC for these three groups over the whole time course of the EMG signal (18 s) were: the affected overall MPF was higher than the unaffected ( P < 0.05); and the unaffected overall MPF was larger than the normal ( P < 0.05). However, no significant decrease in MPF was found for these three groups during 20% MVC. The NTF was captured in most MUAPTs in the groups of the normal and unaffected rather than in the affected group, symbolized by the lowered rates of change (RCs) of firing rate (FR) ( P < 0.05), more MUAPTs with positive RCs of maximum oscillation (MO) in MUAPT power density spectra ( P < 0.05), and the significant higher RCs of minimum inter-pulse interval (MINI) ( P < 0.05) in the normal and unaffected compared to the affected group. Enhanced neural drives to the motor units of the unaffected and affected groups were observed during 20% MVC, which possibly came from the bilateral neural inputs due to the disinhibition of the ipsilateral projections in subjects after stroke. For identifying the fatigue associated with NTF, the motor unit firing parameters, FR, MINI, and MO, were more sensitive than the MPF. The results obtained in this work provided a further understanding on the EMG of the fatigue processes in paretic and non-paretic muscles during voluntary contractions.

Gender‐specific differences in electromyographic changes and perceived pain induced by experimental muscle pain during sustained contractions of the upper trapezius muscle

The aim of the study was to investigate gender-specific differences in the pain-induced alterations of muscle activity during sustained contractions of the upper trapezius muscle. Surface electromyographic (EMG) signals were recorded bilaterally from the upper trapezius muscles of healthy volunteers (10 men and 9 women). The subjects held the arms at 90 degrees abduction for 5 s (short contraction) and 3 min (sustained contraction). These contractions were performed before, during, and after injection of 0.5 ml of hypertonic saline (5.8%) bilaterally in the upper trapezius muscles. Injection of isotonic saline (0.9%) served as control. The root mean square (RMS) and mean power frequency (MPF) were computed from the EMG signals and normalized to the values obtained during maximal voluntary contractions. In the short contractions, injection of hypertonic saline, but not isotonic saline, induced a less pronounced decrease in RMS in women than men, and a significant decrease in MPF in men but not women. In the sustained contractions, RMS slope increased and MPF slope decreased (less negative) with muscle pain in men but not women. It was concluded that the pain-induced changes in motor control strategies during sustained contractions differ in men and women, which may partly explain gender differences in the incidence of musculoskeletal pain.

Relationship between perceived exertion and mean power frequency of the EMG signal from the upper trapezius muscle during isometric shoulder elevation

The aim of the study was to investigate the relationship between a fatigue-induced increase of perceived exertion in the neck with a decrease of mean power frequency (MPF) in the surface electromyography (sEMG) signal during repeated shoulder elevation endurance tasks. About Thirty-two healthy women (age range 20-62) performed two maximum 6-min shoulder elevation endurance tasks at 30% of their maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) level, separated by a rest of 6 min. During these exercises, perceived exertion was estimated using the Borg scale (range 0-10), whereas the MPF of the sEMG signal from the upper trapezius was simultaneously detected. Linear regression analysis was applied over time for each trial and subject for both MPF and Borg scale rating values. The MPF was normalized by the intercept of the linear regression analysis. The resulting slopes of normalized mean power frequency (nMPF) and Borg scale rating were correlated with each other by linear regression for both trials. In order to investigate the individual behavior of fatigue effects between trials, Delta (trial 2-trial 1) slopes of nMPF and Borg scale ratings were calculated for each subject. These slopes of nMPF and Borg scale ratings were correlated with each other as well by linear regression. The increase of Borg scale ratings, as well as the decrease of nMPF, were significantly higher in trial 2 than trial 1 (P<0.01). The results show a linear correlation between slopes of nMPF and Borg scale ratings for both trials 1 and 2 (r=0.76, P<0.01). Trial-to-trial slopes (Delta (trial 2-trial 1)) of nMPF and Borg scale rating, were also significantly correlated (r=0.68, P<0.05). Thus, the individually sensed increase of perceived exertion in the neck during trial 2 was accompanied by a simultaneously higher detected decrease of nMPF. These findings indicate a close relationship between subjective perception of exertion in the neck and objectively assessed muscle fatigue of the upper trapezius.

Electromyographic Analysis of Shoulder Joint Function of the Biceps Brachii Muscle During Isometric Contraction

Surface electromyography was performed for both heads of the biceps brachii in 11 healthy men while the muscles were under 30% maximum isometric shoulder flexion and abduction. Elbow related biceps activity was minimized by using a brace locked in neutral forearm rotation. Electromyographic activity was normalized as a percentage of maximal muscle contraction during 24 shoulder motions. Electromyographic activity was detected in all motions examined, suggesting that the biceps muscle acts as a flexor and an abductor of the shoulder. Both heads of the biceps muscle had higher activities during external rotation than during internal rotation for most motions. Activities of both heads increased with arm elevation, but showed little dependence on elbow position. The long head was still active during internal rotation of the shoulder. These findings also suggest that the biceps muscle is a flexor and an abductor of the shoulder, and that the long head can act as a humeral head stabilizer in superior and anterior directions. Muscle fatigue of the biceps and the deltoid muscle also was determined at 30% of maximum isometric flexion. All muscles had significantly decreased mean power frequency and turns count, and increased amplitude and integrated electromyography. The rate of decrease in mean power frequency was larger for the biceps than for the deltoid muscle, and the rate of increase in amplitude was larger for the long head of the biceps than for the short head or for the deltoid muscle. These findings suggest that the long head of the biceps must increase its mechanical output to keep the arm in elevation to a greater extent than do the short head and the deltoid muscle. This may be one of the causes of tendinitis or rupture of the long head.

Trunk muscle co-contraction increases during fatiguing, isometric, lateral bend exertions. Possible implications for spine stability.

Surface electromyographic activities were recorded from bilateral trunk muscles as test participants maintained a 50% maximum, voluntary, isometric, lateral bend contraction to volitional exhaustion. To challenge the trunk with a prolonged lateral bend task and observe the responses of the agonist and antagonist muscles to the resulting fatigue. Lateral bend exertions of the trunk have been identified as a risk factor for injury to spine tissues. However, little is known about the response of spine muscles to fatigue and the subsequent implications for spine stability, joint loading, and tissue injury. Surface electromyography provides a window on muscle loading and progressive fatigue. Eleven male participants performed a set of maximum lateral bend exertions at the start of the trial, then maintained an upright standing posture while resisting 50% of the maximum moment until volitional exhaustion, then performed another set of maximum contractions. All contractions were isometric. Measurements were made, throughout each contraction, of the lateral bend moment and abdominal and trunk extensor electromyographic activities at six bilateral surface electromyography sites. Electromyographic amplitude and mean power frequency were calculated with 500-millisecond segments recorded serially every 800 milliseconds. Mean values were calculated with data from the first and last 5% of the trial durations. Statistics determined if fatigue had a significant effect on maximum moment and the electromyographic statistics for each muscle site. Fatigue resulted in a significant decrease in maximum lateral bend moment and increase in moment variability. Decreases in mean power frequency, indicating fatigue, were observed in three agonists (the trunk extensors) and one antagonist muscle. Unfatigued agonist electromyographic amplitudes correlated well with the mechanical advantage of muscles to generate lateral bend moments. Unfatigued antagonist activities were low except for the thoracic erector spinae. The agonists and antagonists demonstrated average increases of 17% and 8%, respectively, when pooled across muscles. Much of this change was predicted to have been associated with increases in co-contracting muscle forces. The trunk responded to a prolonged, lateral bend contraction by increasing co-contraction as agonist trunk muscles fatigued. It was proposed that the fatigue compromised neural coordination and that the co-contraction served to maintain spine stability.