Maximal Rate Of Torque Development Research Articles

Changes in Quadriceps Rate of Torque Development After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction and Association to Single-Leg Hop Distance.

Quadriceps neuromuscular function is negatively affected after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). The specific effect that the ACLR has on the quadriceps femoris rate of force production and its impact on functional recovery is unknown. The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) limb would present persistent deficits in the rate of torque development (RTD), when compared with the non-ACL limb before ACLR until 9 months (9M) post-ACLR. Prospective cohort study. Level 3. Twenty-eight participants performed quadriceps maximum voluntary isometric contractions (MVICs) before (PRE), at 5 months (5M) and at 9M after ACLR. Single-leg hop distance was also assessed at 9M. Quadriceps RTD was calculated at 50, 100, and 200 ms after the onset of torque production. Maximum RTD was also calculated. A 2 (limb) × 3 (time) repeated-measures analysis of variance was used for RTD50, RTD100, RTD200, and RTDmax. Linear regressions were used to evaluate the associations of MVIC and RTD values at 5M and 9M with single-leg hop distance at 9M. The ACL limb had lower RTD values at all times compared with the non-ACL limb (P < 0.05). RTD of the ACL limb significantly decreased from PRE to 5M, and then recovered to PRE levels at 9M (P < 0.05). The non-ACL limb displayed no differences from baseline to either 5M or 9M. MVIC and RTD200 at 5M predicted (R2 = 0.313 and R2 = 0.262, respectively) single-leg hop distance at 9M, better than the strength and RTD at 9M (R2 = 0.235 and R2 = 0.128, respectively). Quadriceps RTD is negatively affected after ACLR, and deficits may persist at the time of return to activity. Strength and RTD during recovery at 5M may predict more than 25% of the variance in single-leg hop distance at 9M, independently; hence, both provide important information to monitor functional recovery post-ACLR. RTD should be measured to understand the changes in neuromuscular capacity after ACLR, and rehabilitation strategies that target quick force production, ie, quick muscle activation and functional tasks, should be implemented.

Effects of the Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation Contraction Sequence on Motor Skill Learning-Related Increases in the Maximal Rate of Wrist Flexion Torque Development.

Background: The proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) reciprocal contraction pattern has the potential to increase the maximum rate of torque development. However, it is a more complex resistive exercise task and may interfere with improvements in the maximum rate of torque development due to motor skill learning, as observed for unidirectional contractions. The purpose of this study was to examine the cost-benefit of using the PNF exercise technique to increase the maximum rate of torque development.Methods: Twenty-six participants completed isometric maximal extension-to-flexion (experimental PNF group) or flexion-only (control group) contractions at the wrist. Ten of the assigned contractions were performed on each of three sessions separated by 48-h for skill acquisition. Retention was assessed with 5 contractions performed 2-weeks after acquisition. Torque and surface electromyographic (sEMG) activity were analyzed for evidence of facilitated contractions between groups, as well as alterations in muscle coordination assessed across test sessions. The criterion measures were: mean maximal isometric wrist flexion toque; the maximal rate of torque development (dτ/dtmax); root-mean-square error (RMSE) variability of the rate of torque versus torque phase-plane; the rate of wrist flexion muscle activation (Q30); a coactivation ratio for wrist flexor and extensor sEMG activity; and wrist flexor electromechanical delay (EMD).Results: There were no significant differences between groups with respect to maximal wrist flexion torque, dτ/dtmax or RMSE variability of torque trajectories. Both groups exhibited a progressive increase in maximal strength (+23.35% p < 0.01, η2 = 0.655) and in dτ/dtmax (+19.84% p = 0.08, η2 = 0.150) from the start of acquisition to retention. RMSE was lowest after a 2-week rest interval (−18.2% p = 0.04, η2 = 0.198). There were no significant differences between groups in the rate of muscle activation or the coactivation ratio. There was a reduction in coactivation that was retained after a 2-week rest interval (−32.60%, p = 0.02, η2 = 0.266). Alternatively, EMD was significantly greater in the experimental group (Δ 77.43%, p < 0.01, η2 = 0.809) across all sessions. However, both groups had a similar pattern of improvement to the third consecutive day of testing (−16.82%, p = 0.049, η2 = 0.189), but returned close to baseline value after the 2-week rest interval.Discussion: The wrist extension-to-flexion contraction pattern did not result in a greater maximal rate of torque development than simple contractions of the wrist flexors. There was no difference between groups with respect to motor skill learning. The main adaptation in neuromotor control was a decrease in coactivation, not the maximal rate of muscle activation.

Fatigability of the knee extensors following high- and low-load resistance exercise sessions in trained men.

Fatigability after gym-based resistance exercises with high and low loads has not been well described, thus limiting the translation of exhaustive low-weight prescription into athletic practice. We compared the fatigability and recovery of the knee extensor muscles for up to 1H after sessions that involved either high- or low-load resistance exercises. 16 trained men performed two resistance exercise sessions between 5 and 7days apart. The LIGHT session involved five sets to task failure at 50% of maximal knee-extension strength, whereas the HEAVY session accrued repetitions across seven sets at intensities ≥ 80% maximal knee-extension strength. Measures of quadriceps maximal torque and rate of torque development were measured before, after, and 1H after each exercise session. Muscle activation (electromyography and voluntary activation) and contractility were measured from doublet stimulation of the femoral nerve during and after maximal contractions, respectively. Greater declines in maximal rate of torque development were observed after the LIGHT compared with the HEAVY session (p < 0.001), with full recovery after 1H. Voluntary activation (100-Hz doublet stimulation) and surface electromyograms were reduced immediately after the HEAVY session only (p < 0.05), with greater declines in quadriceps twitch amplitudes after the LIGHT session (p < 0.01). Voluntary activation (100-Hz doublet stimulation) was reduced at 1H after both the HEAVY and LIGHT sessions (p < 0.05). Despite differences in the decreases in muscle activation and contractility after high- and low-load resistance-exercise sessions, recovery of neuromuscular function was essentially complete after 1H of rest for both sessions.

Post-activation potentiation induced by concentric contractions at three speeds in humans.

What is the central question of this study? Is the degree of in human muscle affected by different shortening velocities, or contraction type? What are the main findings and their importance? The PAP response following maximal concentric contractions was independent of velocity. Slow and moderate velocity maximal contractions produced PAP responses like those from maximal isometric contractions when matched for contraction duration. Despite contraction type differences in cross-bridge and Ca2+ kinetics, maximal contractions, regardless of contraction modality, likely generate sufficient Ca2+ to induce maximal PAP. Post-activation potentiation (PAP) is the acute enhancement of contractile properties following a brief (<10s) high-intensity contraction. Compared with isometric contractions, little is known about the PAP response induced by concentric conditioning contractions (CCs) and the effect of velocity. In the dorsiflexors of 11 participants, twitch responses were measured following 5s of maximal effort concentric CCs at each of 10, 20 and 50°/s. Concentric PAP responses were compared to a maximal isometric voluntary contraction (MVC) matched for contraction time. Additionally, concentric CCs were compared to isometric CCs matched for mean torque, contraction area and time. The PAP response following maximal concentric CCs was independent of velocity and there was no difference in the PAP response between concentric CCs and an isometric MVC. During maximal contractions, regardless of contraction modality, there is likely sufficient Ca2+ to induce a similar full PAP response, and thus there was no difference between speeds or contraction type. Following concentric CCs there was a significantly larger peak twitch torque than following their isometric torque matches (49-58%), and faster maximal rates of torque development at the three speeds (62-77%). However, these responses are likely related to greater EMG in concentric contractions, 125-129% of isometric maximum compared to 38-54%, and not to contraction modality per se. Thus, PAP responses following maximal concentric CCs are not affected by velocity and responses are not different from an isometric MVC. This indicates maximal CCs of 5s produce a maximal PAP response independent of contraction type (isometric vs. concentric) or shortening velocity.

Elbow Extensors and Volar Flexors Strength Capacity and Its Relation to Shooting Performance in Basketball Players—A Pilot Study

Rate of force/torque development scaling factor (RFD-SF/RTD-SF) has been used as a tool for assessing neuromuscular quickness. The aim was to investigate strength capacities of two major shooting muscle groups and their relationship to basketball shooting performance, and to compare the RFD-SF as well as shooting performance between junior and senior basketball players, and finally to examine the differences in RTD-SF between elbow extensors and volar flexors. In 23 male basketball players (13 juniors and 10 seniors) we assessed maximal isometric torque (TMVC), maximal rate of torque development and RTD-SF slope (kRTD-SF) for elbow extensors and volar flexors. The subjects performed 10 throws at 2.3 m (short) and 8.9 m (long) from the basket. Our results showed similar kRTD-SF and TMVC in both groups. Better shooting performance from short distance was observed in senior players. Significant associations between kRTD-SF, TMVC and shooting performance were found only in juniors. Elbow extensors TMVC was found to have a significant positive large association with shooting performance from long distance. It seems that muscle capacity has an important role in shooting performance in junior compared to players. Sufficient strength capacity of major shooting muscles is important for juniors’ shooting performance from a long distance.

Normalized maximal rate of torque development during voluntary and stimulated static contraction in human tibialis anterior: Influence of age.

The risk of falling in older adults has been related, among other factors, to the reduction of the rate of torque development (RTD) with age. It is well known that both structural/peripheral and neural factors can influence the RTD. The purpose of this study was to compare the normalized RTD in young and older participants obtained during a) rapid voluntary tension production and b) neuromuscular electrical stimulation. The tibialis anterior of 19 young subjects (10 males and 9 females; age 21-33years old) and 19 older participants (10 males and 9 females; age 65-80years old) was studied. The subjects performed a series of maximal isometric explosive dorsiflexions and underwent trains of supra-maximal electrical stimulations (35Hz) on the tibialis anterior motor point. Muscle shortening was indirectly measured using a laser (surface mechanomyogram, MMG). Both torque and MMG were normalized to their maximum value. Using a 20ms sliding window on the normalized torque signal, the normalized maximum RTD was calculated for both voluntary and stimulated contractions. Active stiffness of the muscle- tendon unit was calculated as the area of the normalized torque with respect to the normalized MMG. Normalized maximum RTD was found significantly lower in older adults during voluntary activity (young: 751.9±216.3%/s and old: 513.9±173.9%/s; P<.001), and higher during stimulated contractions (young: 753.1±225.9%/s and old: 890.1±221.3%/s; P=.009). Interestingly, active stiffness was also higher in older adults (young: 3524.6±984.6‰ and old 4144.6±816.6‰; P=.041) and significantly correlated to the normalized maximum RTD during stimulated contractions. This dichotomy suggests that modifications in the structural/peripheral muscle properties are not sufficient to counteract the age-related decrease in neural drive to the muscle during voluntary isometric contractions in aged participants.

Physiological profile of elite Bicycle Motocross cyclists and physiological-perceptual demands of a Bicycle Motocross race simulation.

This study aimed to investigate the physiological profile of elite Bicycle Motocross (BMX) cyclists and assess the physiological and perceptual demands of a simulated BMX race. In addition, the neuromuscular fatigue induced by BMX race simulation was investigated. Twelve male elite BMX cyclists performed two testing sessions. On the first day, incremental submaximal and maximal cycling tests were performed, as well as baseline measurements of muscle contractile qualities, a vertical jump test, short sprint cycling test and Wingate test. Following a recovery period of 48 h, athletes race performance times, physiological intensity and fatigue were determined before and after each heat (4 in total) via muscular evaluations, blood samples and perceptual ratings. During testing, cyclists attained a V̇O<inf>2max</inf> of 55.7±4.8 ml min-1 kg-1; peak power output during a short cycling sprint of 1498±189 W and average during Wingate of 1344±158 W; counter movement jump peaks were 58.6±7.7 cm (height), 4625±768 W (power) and 64.3±7.5 N kg-1 (force). During the BMX race simulation performance times improved slightly and perceived exertion increased, blood lactate and hydrogen ions concentrations significantly increased across heats while bicarbonate concentrations decreased (P<0.001). Similarly, significant decreases were observed for contractile properties (peak torque, P<0.001; maximal rate of torque development and relaxation, both P<0.001) at single and paired stimulations (10 and 100 Hz) across heats. Elite BMX cyclists show high anaerobic characteristics (Wingate and sprint) and neuromuscular qualities (height and power jump), while the aerobic qualities are not comparable to those typical of road cyclists. BMX races appear to induce metabolic disturbance, peripheral fatigue and increase perceived exertion, however performance times across heats appears not to be affected.

Muscle quality and functionality in older women improve similarly with muscle power training using one or three sets.

The present study compared the effects of 12 weeks of muscle power training performing one or three sets on muscle quality assessed by echo intensity (MQEI) and index (MQindex), muscle power-related outcomes, and functional capacity in older women. Participants were randomly assigned into two groups: 1SET (n = 13) and 3SET (n = 13). Lower limb muscle power and vertical jump height were measured during a countermovement jump, maximal rate of torque development (MRTD), and root mean square (RMS) of electromyography signals and rate of rise (RER) of quadriceps maximal electromyography activation during unilateral knee extension at 0-50 and 0-200 ms, MQEI, MQindex (absolute muscle power/MQEI, and MRTD/MQEI) and functionally in both groups using timed-up-and-go were evaluated before and after training. There were significant and similar (p < 0.05) increases in muscle power, vertical jump height, MQEI, MQindex, and functionally (p ≤ 0.0001) in both groups. In contrast, MRTD increased only in 1SET (p ≤ 0.001), and the RMS0-200 and RER0-50 increased for 3SET only (p ≤ 0.05), with no difference between groups (p > 0.05). In conclusion, similar neuromuscular adaptations and improvements in the functional performance occurred in both groups.

Eccentrically-Induced Fatigue in Voluntary Muscle Performance: the Effect of Muscle Length and Contraction Type

Research background and hypothesis. We hypothesized that eccentric exercise (EE) would induce muscle fatigue and damage, which are dependent not only on muscle length tested but and on contraction type (eccentric vs. concentric vs. isometric) as well.Research aim was to test the hypothesis.Research methods. Healthy untrained men (mean ± SD: age = 24.8 ± 3.7 years, n = 10) performed 10 series of 12 repetitions of eccentric knee contractions at 160 deg/s. The maximal voluntary isometric contraction force (MVC) of the quadriceps muscle, the maximal rate of torque development (RTD) and isokinetic torque at 30 deg/s were established before and after EE. All measures were performed at different knee angles. Besides, the EMG of the quadriceps muscle was measured.Research results showed a significant change in absolute values of RTD after EE (before EE: 3695 ± 803 N∙m/s and 2360 ± 695 N∙m/s at SL and LL respectively; after EE: 2574 ± 843 N∙m/s and 1517 ± 476 N∙m/s at SL and LL respectively). A significant difference between EMG (rms) in MVC was found after EE at LL and SL, i. e. in v.lateralis 0.32 ± 0.12 mV and 0.24 ± 0.1 mV and in r.femoris 0.25 ± 0.11 mV and 0.17 ± 0.07 mV respectively. All criteria of voluntary performance changed significantly after EE except for R TD, i.e. it increased after EE.Discussion and conclusions. We observed more changes in isokinetic torque at shorter muscle length after eccentric exercise-induced muscle fatigue and damage. The changes in MVC and RTD after eccentric exercise did not depend on the length of the muscle tested. Besides, relative RTD did not change after exercise.Keywords: eccentric, concentric and isometric contraction; muscle fatigue and damage; muscle length, muscle force; rate of muscle torque development.

Acute attenuation of fatigue after sodium bicarbonate supplementation does not manifest into greater training adaptations after 10-weeks of resistance training exercise.

PurposeIn two concurrent studies, we aimed to a) confirm the acute effect of 0.3 g·kg-1 body weight (BW) sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) supplementation on central and peripheral mechanisms associated with explosive power (Study 1) and b) determine whether chronic NaHCO3 supplementation would improve the adaptive response of the neuromuscular system during a 10-week resistance training program (Study 2).MethodsEight resistance trained participants volunteered after providing written consent. The experimental design consisted of a week of baseline testing, followed by ten weeks of training with progress measures performed in Week 5. Study 1 involved neuromuscular measurements before and after the leg extension portion of a power based training session performed in Week 1. Changes in maximal torque (MVT) and rates of torque development (RTD), along with other variables derived from femoral nerve stimulation (e.g. voluntary activation, neural recruitment) were analysed to determine the extent of fatigue under NaHCO3 or placebo conditions. Changes in these same variables, coupled with functional 1-repetition maximum leg extension strength, were measured in Study 2 from baseline (Week 0) to Week 5, and again at Week 10.Results and conclusionIn Study 1, we observed a decline after the leg extension task in both MVT (~ 30%) and rates of torque production (RTD) irrespective of acid-base status, however the decline in maximal RTD (RTDMAX) was nearly 20% less in the NaHCO3 condition when compared to placebo (mean difference of 294.8 ± 133.4 Nm·s-1 (95% CI -583.1 to -6.5 Nm, p < 0.05)). The primary finding in Study 2, however, suggests that introducing NaHCO3 repeatedly during a 10-week RT program does not confer any additional benefit to the mechanisms (and subsequent adaptive processes) related to explosive power production.

Properties of the vastus lateralis muscle in relation to age and physiological function in master cyclists aged 55-79years.

SummaryIn this study, results are reported from the analyses of vastus lateralis muscle biopsy samples obtained from a subset (n = 90) of 125 previously phenotyped, highly active male and female cyclists aged 55–79 years in regard to age. We then subsequently attempted to uncover associations between the findings in muscle and in vivo physiological functions. Muscle fibre type and composition (ATPase histochemistry), size (morphometry), capillary density (immunohistochemistry) and mitochondrial protein content (Western blot) in relation to age were determined in the biopsy specimens. Aside from an age‐related change in capillary density in males (r = −.299; p = .02), no other parameter measured in the muscle samples showed an association with age. However, in males type I fibres and capillarity (p < .05) were significantly associated with training volume, maximal oxygen uptake, oxygen uptake kinetics and ventilatory threshold. In females, the only association observed was between capillarity and training volume (p < .05). In males, both type II fibre proportion and area (p < .05) were associated with peak power during sprint cycling and with maximal rate of torque development during a maximal voluntary isometric contraction. Mitochondrial protein content was not associated with any cardiorespiratory parameter in either males or females (p > .05). We conclude in this highly active cohort, selected to mitigate most of the effects of inactivity, that there is little evidence of age‐related changes in the properties of VL muscle across the age range studied. By contrast, some of these muscle characteristics were correlated with in vivo physiological indices.

Neural, biomechanical, and physiological factors involved in sex-related differences in the maximal rate of isometric torque development

ObjectiveRecent research has reported that lower maximal rate of torque development (dτ/dtmax) exhibited by females, relative to males, during knee extension can be accounted for by normalization to a maximal voluntary contraction (MVC); however, this was not seen in the upper limb.PurposeThe aim of the current work was to examine the contribution of maximum strength (τmax), twitch contraction time (CT), muscle fiber condition velocity (MFCV), and rate of muscle activation (Q30) to sex-differences in the dτ/dtmax during maximal isometric dorsiflexion.MethodsThirty-eight participants (20 males; 18 females) performed both maximal voluntary and evoked isometric contractions of the tibialis anterior across 3 days. Ten maximal compound muscle action potentials were elicited and subsequently followed by three, 5-s contractions. From the recordings, MFCV, dτ/dtmax, τmax, CT, electromechanical delay (EMD), root-mean squared (RMS) amplitude, peak-to-peak voltage (Vpp), and Q30 were calculated.ResultsAn ANCOVA showed that τmax accounted for all the sex-differences in dτ/dtmax (p = 0.96). There were no significant differences between groups with respect to MFCV, RMS amplitude, Vpp amplitude, or CT. However, there was a significant sex-difference in dτ/dtmax, τmax, and Q30. Females had longer evoked EMD times compared with males (15.69 ± 10.57 ms versus 9.95 ± 3.46 ms; p = 0.01), but the voluntary EMD times were not different.ConclusionThe current research supports the work by Hannah et al. Exp Physiol 97:618–629, (2012) that normalization to MVC in the quadriceps is able to account for all sex-differences in rate of toque development in the lower limb.

The effect of metabolic alkalosis on central and peripheral mechanisms associated with exercise-induced muscle fatigue in humans.

What is the central question of this study? Does metabolic alkalosis affect central and peripheral mechanisms associated with exercise-induced muscle fatigue in humans? What is the main finding and its importance? Inducing metabolic alkalosis before exercise preserved voluntary activation, but not muscle excitation, after a 2min maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) followed by ischaemia. An effect of pH was also observed in maximal rates of torque development, where alkalosis mitigated the reduction in maximal rates of torque development after the initial 2min MVC. For the first time, these results demonstrate a differential effect of pH on voluntary activation as well as maximal rates of torque development after sustained, maximal voluntary knee extension in humans. The increased concentration of protons during fatiguing exercise may contribute to increased activation of group III and IV afferents and subsequently reduced central drive, but this has yet to be confirmed in exercising humans. Here, we determined whether inducing metabolic alkalosis differentially affects descending central drive after fatiguing exercise and whether this effect may, in part, be explained by attenuating group III and IV afferent firing. Eleven men performed a maximal 2min voluntary knee extension (MVC) followed by a 2min rest and subsequent 1min MVC with an occlusive cuff either in placebo [PLA; 0.3g(kg body weight)(-1) calcium carbonate] or alkalosis conditions [ALK; 0.3g(kg body weight)(-1) sodium bicarbonate]. Femoral nerve stimulation was applied before exercise, after the 2min MVC and at 40-60s intervals throughout the remainder of the protocol to explore central and peripheral mechanisms associated with reductions in maximal force and rate of torque development. Although voluntary activation declined to a similar extent after the 2min MVC, during the ischaemic period voluntary activation was higher during ALK (PLA, 57±8%; ALK, 76±5%). Maximal voluntary torque declined at similar rates during the task (203±19Nm), but maximal rate of torque development was significantly higher in the ALK conditions after the 2min MVC (mean difference of 177±60Nms(-1) ). These results demonstrate the effect of pH on voluntary activation as well as maximal rates of torque development after sustained, maximal voluntary knee extension in humans.

The Differential Effect Of Metabolic Alkalosis On Central And Peripheral Mechanisms Associated With Fatigue

The increased concentration of protons (H+) in the interstitium and extracellular milieu during fatiguing exercise may contribute to increased activation of group III and IV afferents and subsequently reduced central drive, however this has yet to be confirmed in exercising humans. Theoretically, introducing a buffering agent prior to fatiguing exercise may substantiate whether increased H+ production significantly contributes to afferent activation and subsequent descending central drive. PURPOSE: To determine whether metabolic alkalosis differentially effects descending central drive following fatiguing exercise, and whether this effect may, in part, be explained by attenuating group III and IV afferent firing. METHODS: On two separate days, 11 recreationally active males (22 ± 3 yrs) performed an exercise protocol consisting of a 2-min maximal voluntary knee extension (MVC) followed by a 2-min rest with an occlusive cuff either under placebo (PLA; 0.3 g·kg-1 BW calcium carbonate) or alkalosis (ALK; 0.3 g·kg-1BW sodium bicarbonate) condition. To ensure adequate fatigue was achieved and to maximise the effect of afferent firing rates, a final 1-min MVC with cuff occlusion was performed after the initial 4-min sequence. Femoral nerve stimulation was applied to explore central and peripheral mechanisms associated with reductions in maximum force and rate of force development, and occurred prior to exercise, after the 2-min MVC and then at 60 s intervals throughout the remainder of the protocol. RESULTS: Maximal voluntary torque (MVT) declined at similar rates during the task (mean decline of 203 ± 19 N; p < 0.001), however maximal rate of torque development (RTDMAX) was significantly higher in the ALK condition after the 2-min MVC (mean difference of 177 ± 60 Nm·s-1; p < 0.05). Although voluntary activation (VA%) declined similarly after the 2-min MVC, during the ischemic period VA was higher during ALK (PLA: 57 ± 8%; ALK: 76 ± 5%; p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Metabolic alkalosis exerts a differential effect on VA after a 2-min MVC followed by ischemia, and attenuates the decline in the rate of torque development but not maximal voluntary torque.

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 (S 0.2), 40 (S 0.4), 60 (S 0.6), and 80% (S 0.8) 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 β 2 of the torque-stiffness relationships from 40 to 80% T MVC were correlated negatively (α 2) and positively (β 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.

Central and Peripheral Fatigability in Boys and Men during Maximal Contraction

The purpose of this study was to examine central and peripheral factors of fatigability that could explain the differences in fatigability between adults and prepubertal boys after maximal sustained isometric contraction. A total of 11 untrained adult men and 10 prepubescent boys volunteered to participate in this study. The level of voluntary activation was assessed before and after fatigue by means of the twitch interpolation technique as well as peak twitch torque, maximum rate of torque development and maximum M-wave (Mmax) area of the soleus and medial gastrocnemius. The fatigue-inducing protocol consisted of a sustained maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) of the ankle's plantar flexor at 100% of MVC until the task could no longer be sustained at 50% of MVC. During the fatigue-inducing protocol, boys were fatigued less, showing longer endurance limit and delayed torque and agonist EMG decrease. After fatigue, the level of activation decreased to a similar extent in both groups, and boys were less affected regarding their peak twitch torque and rate of torque development, whereas no differentiation between the groups was observed regarding the decrease in Mmax area of the examined muscles. The results obtained provide evidence that the greater fatigability resistance in prepubertal children during sustained maximal contractions is mainly explained by peripheral rather than central factors.

Maximal discharge rate of motor units determines the maximal rate of force development during ballistic contractions in human.

OPINION article Front. Hum. Neurosci., 22 April 2014Sec. Motor Neuroscience https://doi.org/10.3389/fnhum.2014.00234

Sex-related differences in maximal rate of isometric torque development

Sex-differences in the maximum rate of torque development (dτ/dtmax) may be due to differences in maximum muscle strength, because higher torque values mathematically lead to higher values for the rate of change in torque. The rate of change in the isometric torque-time curve is often normalized to the isometric maximum voluntary contraction (MVC) to evaluate males and females on a relative scale. Normalization eliminates sex-differences in dτ/dtmax in the lower limbs because males and females are more comparable (i.e., differences between the sexes are relatively small) with respect to both muscle size and strength. However, normalization fails to result in parody in dτ/dtmax of the upper limb, leading to the idea that other factors may be involved. This study determined if sex-differences in dτ/dtmax in the upper limb can be attributed to differences in isometric MVC and/or a neural variable related to rate of increase in muscle activation (Q30). Forty-six participants (23 males, 23 females) performed maximal isometric elbow flexion contractions, “as hard and as fast as possible”. Maximum torque (τmax), dτ/dtmax, and the rate of increase in surface electromyographic (sEMG) activity (Q30) were assessed. Muscle plus bone cross-sectional area (M+B CSA) of the upper arm was calculated to estimate differences in muscle size, only for comparative purposes. Maximum strength (55.5%) and muscle size (41.9%) of the elbow flexors in males were much greater than that of females (p<0.05). There was a large difference (61.2%) between males and females with respect to dτ/dtmax that was reduced by statistical correction using an analysis of covariance (ANCOVA). The percent differences were reduced to 36.7% (p<0.05) for τmax and 54.4% (p<0.05) for Q30, but was nearly eliminated to 13.8% (p>0.05) when both variables were used simultaneously as covariates. Since sex-differences in the upper limb dτ/dtmax persist, additional neural or biomechanical factors may be involved.

Reliability and effects of muscular pretension on isometric strength of older adults

Abstract There were two objectives to this study: (a) to determine the reliability of measuring isometric maximum torque (MT) and maximum rate of torque development (MRTD) of the knee extensor and flexor muscles and (b) to assess the effects of different muscular pretensions on MT and MRTD of older adults. Maximum strength of 35 untrained healthy older adults (aged 66.9 ± 6.6 years; height 1.72 ± 0.07 m; weight 75.2 ± 9.6 kg) was measured. Strength measurement was performed with the Dr. Wolff ISO Check using a piezo-electric force transducer. MT intra-day coefficient of variation (CV) was between 3.30 and 12.40 % for both measurement sessions. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) ranging from 0.71 to 0.99 showed good relative reliability. MT test–retest reliability (between sessions 1 and 2) of knee extension reached a CV between 7.10 and 9.30 % and high ICC values. The measurement of the knee flexion achieved an acceptable CV (9.40 %) at 40 % muscular pretension. MRTD was negatively influenced by muscular pretension (p &lt;0.05). In conclusion, MT could be measured reliably over different trials using isometric strength measurement. The test–retest reliability was acceptable at knee extension with 10 to 40 % muscular pretension and with 40 % muscular pretension at knee flexion. A higher muscular pretension has no impact on MT but decreases MRTD in older adults.

Twitch mechanical properties after repeated eccentric exercise of the elbow flexors

The purpose of this study was to assess if the protective adaptation after eccentric exercise affects changes of twitch contractile properties of the biceps brachii muscle. Maximal isometric torque (MVC), twitch contractile properties, muscle soreness, and relaxed elbow angle (RANG) assessments were measured in 12 untrained, right-handed male volunteers (age, 23 ± 2 years; height, 182 ± 5 cm; mass, 75 ± 7 kg) before, immediately after, 48 h, and 120 h following each bout of eccentric exercise that consisted of 30 repetitions of lowering a dumbbell adjusted to 75% of each individual's maximal isometric torque of the right elbow flexors. MVC, peak twitch torque, maximal rate of twitch torque development, maximal rate of relaxation, muscle soreness, and RANG changes were significantly attenuated after the second bout of eccentric exercise when compared with the first bout. In contrast, time to twitch peak torque and half relaxation time did not change significantly after both the first and the second bout. The findings indicate that the mechanisms responsible for rapid adaptation affect some twitch mechanical properties such as peak torque, maximal rate of torque development, and maximal rate of relaxation but not time to peak torque and half relaxation time.