Peak Twitch Torque Research Articles

Manipulation of Rest Period Length Induces Different Causes of Fatigue in Vertical Jumping

The aim of this study was to directly compare the causes of fatigue after a short- and a long-rest interval between consecutive stretch-shortening cycle exercises. Eleven healthy males jumped with different resting period lengths (short=6.1+/-1 s, long=8.6+/-0.9 s), performing countermovement jumps at 95% of their maximal jump height until they were unable to sustain the target height. After short- and long-rest, the maximal voluntary isometric contraction knee extension torque decreased (-7%; p=0.04), comparing to values obtained before exercise protocols. No change was seen from pre- to post-exercise, for either short- or long-rest, in biceps femoris coactivation (-1%; p=0.95), peak-to-peak amplitude (1%; p=0.95) and duration (-8%; p=0.92) of the compound muscle action potential of the vastus lateralis. Evoked peak twitch torque reduced after both exercise protocols (short=-26%, long=-32%; p=0.003) indicating peripheral fatigue. However, central fatigue occurred only after short-rest evidenced by a reduction in voluntary activation of the quadriceps muscle (-14%; p=0.013) measured using the interpolated twitch technique. In conclusion, after stretch-shortening cycle exercise using short rest period length, the cause of fatigue was central and peripheral, while after using long rest period length, the cause of fatigue was peripheral.

Effect of age on muscle activation and twitch properties during static and dynamic actions

In this investigation we examined age-associated changes in peak torque, voluntary activation levels, and potentiated twitch properties of the knee extensors during isometric (ISO), shortening (SHO), and lengthening (LEN) actions in 18 young subjects (19-27 years) and 12 elderly subjects (64-77 years). Peak torque was lower for the elderly subjects under the ISO (-31%) and SHO (-28%) conditions (P < 0.05); however, the loss in LEN peak torque in the elderly was less marked (-17%) (P > 0.05). Voluntary activation levels within and between groups were not significantly different and ranged between 96.8% and 98.9% (P > 0.05). Peak twitch torque and some temporal twitch characteristics were altered with age (P < 0.05), but such changes were similar across all muscle actions (P > 0.05). These data suggest that the attenuated reduction in LEN muscle strength associated with age is probably not related to contraction-specific changes in voluntary activation levels or potentiated twitch properties. Muscle Nerve, 2009.

RESPONSE

Dear Editor-in-Chief: First, we would like to thank you for allowing us to respond to Dr. Knudson's comments. Second, we wish to thank Dr. Knudson for his interest in our paper and acknowledge our respect for his contributions to the literature on this topic (6-8). Dr. Knudson's first concern was that we did not acknowledge his previous study (7), two studies that were published while ours was in press (5,10), an abstract (9), and a paper by Brandenburg (1). However, none of the studies cited by Dr. Knudson (1,5,7,9,10) involved the plantar flexors or the twitch interpolation technique; therefore, these studies were not directly related to our experimental approach. Dr. Knudson's second concern was that our study was underpowered because of a sample size of n = 13. Our observed statistical power values for the omnibus F statistics in the ANOVA models for each of our dependent variables (peak torque, range of motion, peak twitch torque, rate of torque development, EMG amplitude, and percent voluntary activation) were 0.75, 1.00, 0.88, 0.95, 0.76, and 0.65, respectively. We would consider these power values acceptable and high enough to detect a statistical difference if there was one. Furthermore, the goal of our study was to extend the findings of Fowles et al. (2) and other studies (4,13) on the plantar flexors, which each had sample sizes of n = 10, n = 15, and n = 15, respectively. We believe our sample size of n = 13 was consistent with these studies. Dr. Knudson's third concern was his recommendation to correct for Type I error inflation. Such statistical adjustments of the alpha level, such as the Bonferroni correction, are typically reserved for multiple ANOVA or t-tests on a single dependent variable (12). We used the highest-order ANOVA, which was also the most powerful univariate ANOVA model (12) that was possible for each of our six dependent variables. Therefore, we would argue that no such correction was necessary. In addition, when reducing the alpha level to widen the confidence interval as suggested by Dr. Knudson, there is an increased risk of a Type II error (3), which occurs when the study fails to detect differences that really do exist (12). Therefore, our 95% confidence interval (α = 0.05) combined with the observed statistical power values in the present study suggested that if there was a significant stretching-induced force deficit beyond the control condition, we would have detected it. In conclusion, we agree with Dr. Knudson's suggestion that not only our study (11) but also all original research studies should be evaluated with caution.

Soleus T reflex modulation in response to spinal and tendinous adaptations to unilateral lower limb suspension in humans

To investigate the influence of tendinous and synaptic changes induced by unilateral lower limb suspension (ULLS) on the tendon tap reflex. Eight young men underwent a 23-day period of ULLS. Muscle cross-sectional area (CSA), torque and electromyographic (EMG) activity of the plantar flexor muscles (normalized to the M wave), Achilles tendon-aponeurosis mechanical properties, soleus (SOL) H and T reflexes and associated peak twitch torques were measured at baseline, after 14 and 23 days of ULLS, and 1 week after resuming ambulatory activity. Significant decreases in muscle CSA (-9%), in maximal voluntary torque (-10%) and in the associated SOL EMG activity (-16%) were found after ULLS (P < 0.05). In addition to a 36% (P < 0.01) decrease in tendon-aponeurosis stiffness, normalized H reflex increased by 35% (P < 0.05). An increase in the slope (28%, P < 0.05) and intercept (85%, P < 0.05) of the T reflex recruitment curve pointed to an increase in the gain and to a decrease in the sensitivity of this reflex, possibly resulting from the decrease in the tendon-aponeurosis stiffness at low forces. Following ULLS, changes in tendinous stiffness correlated with changes in neuromuscular efficiency (peak twitch torque to reflex ratio) at higher tendon tap forces. These findings point out the dual and antagonistic influences of spinal and tendinous adaptations upon the tendon tap reflex in humans under conditions of chronic unloading. These observations have potential implications for the sensitivity of the short-latency Ia stretch response involved in rapid compensatory contractions to unexpected postural perturbations.

Reproducibility and changes in twitch properties associated with age and resistance training in young and elderly women

We compared knee extensor twitch contractile properties (TP) between nine young women (YW, 20-30 years) and 10 elderly women (63-78 years) and examined changes associated with resistance training in addition to measurement reproducibility. Data were obtained on two occasions 3 weeks apart after which subjects performed bilateral leg extension and bilateral leg curl exercises 3 days/week for 10 weeks. TP demonstrated moderate to good reproducibility in both age groups with Pearson's r and the intra-class correlation coefficient ranging from 0.67 to 0.85 (P<0.05) and the technical error of the measurement ranging from 4.2% to 7.8%. Pre-training, peak twitch torque, rate of torque development, and the rate of relaxation were 24-32% greater for the YW than EW (P<0.05). Time to peak torque, half-relaxation time, and contraction duration were not significantly different between age groups. Post-training, changes of 2.6-6.1% were observed in TP; however, these changes were not significant in either group. These data suggest the presence of an age-associated slowing in the rate of muscle contraction. Furthermore, the lack of change in TP in both groups suggests resistance training failed to alter contractile function. However, these findings are discussed in relation to measurement reproducibility and the meaningfulness of the data obtained.

Do Practical Durations of Stretching Alter Muscle Strength? A Dose-Response Study

To examine the time course (immediate, 10, 20, and 30 min) for the acute effects of 2, 4, and 8 min of passive stretching (PS) on isometric peak torque (PT), percent voluntary activation (%VA), EMG amplitude, peak twitch torque (PTT), rate of twitch torque development (RTD), and range of motion (ROM) of the plantarflexors. Thirteen volunteers (mean +/- SD age, 22 +/- 3 yr) participated in four randomly ordered experimental trials: control (CON) with no stretching, 2 min (PS2), 4 min (PS4), and 8 min (PS8) of PS. Testing was conducted before (pre), immediately after (post), and at 10, 20, and 30 min poststretching. The PS trials involved varied repetitions of 30-s passive stretches, whereas the CON trial included 15 min of resting. PT, %VA, EMG amplitude, PTT, and RTD were assessed during the twitch interpolation technique, whereas ROM was quantified as the maximum tolerable angle of passive dorsiflexion. PT decreased (P < or = 0.05) immediately after all conditions [CON (4%), PS2 (2%), PS4 (4%), and PS8 (6%)] but returned to baseline at 10, 20, and 30 min poststretching. %VA and EMG amplitude were unaltered (P > 0.05) after all conditions. PTT and RTD decreased (P < or = 0.05) immediately after the PS4 (7%) and the PS8 (6%) conditions only; however, these changes were not sufficient to alter voluntary force production. There were also increases (P < or = 0.05) in ROM after the PS2 (8%), the PS4 (14%), and the PS8 (13%) conditions that returned to baseline after 10 min. Practical durations of stretching (2, 4, or 8 min) of the plantarflexors did not decrease isometric PT compared with the CON but caused temporary improvements in the ROM, thereby questioning the overall detrimental influence of PS on performance.

Twitch potentiation after voluntary versus electrically induced isometric contractions in human knee extensor muscles

Twitch potentiation in knee extensor (KE) muscles after a 7-s conditioning isometric maximal voluntary contraction (MVC trial), submaximal (25% MVC) voluntary contraction (SVC trial) and submaximal tetanic contraction (25% MVC) induced by percutaneous electrical stimulation at 100 Hz (PES trial) was compared in 12 men aged 19-25 years. Isometric twitch characteristics of KE muscles were measured before conditioning contraction and following 10-min recovery by supramaximal electrical stimulation of the femoral nerve. During MVC trial, twitch peak torque (Pt) potentiated (P < 0.05) immediately after the conditioning contraction with sharp decline during the first and third minute of recovery. No significant potentiation of twitch Pt was observed in SVC trial. During PES trial, twitch Pt was potentiated (P < 0.05) within 3-10 min of recovery. The time-course of isometric twitch was not significantly altered by conditioning contractions. It was concluded that twitch potentiation in the KE muscles differed markedly following the three conditioning contractions.

High-frequency fatigue after alpine slalom skiing

The aim of the study was to examine the presence of high-frequency fatigue (HFF) after simulated alpine slalom skiing race. Eight male alpine skiers (18.4+/-1.2 y.a., 182.3+/-3.5 cm, 80.5+/-3.4 kg) completed the study. Their average FIS points in slalom were 30.1+/-5.4. After the special skiing warm up, the following initial tests were performed: blood lactate concentration, twitch response of the relaxed VL muscle, knee torque during low- (20 Hz) and high-frequency (100 Hz) electrical stimulation of vastus lateralis muscle, and maximum, voluntary isometric knee extension torque. Then, subjects performed slalom with 45 gates, whose duration was approximately 45 s. The same test sequence, except blood lactate test was used after slalom and the measurements started exactly 60 and 180 s after slalom. Blood lactate concentration measurement started exactly 3 and 5 min after slalom. A 1x3 repeated measures; time-series design was used with one within factor of time (before 60 s, and 180 s after skiing). The average blood lactate level increased from 1.6 (0.6) pre-slalom to 7.1(1.6) mmol(-l) 15 min post-slalom (F2,14=70.1; P<0.001). Sixty seconds after slalom, twitch contraction time shortened from 78.2 (5.7) pre-slalom to 66.0 (7.2) ms post-slalom (F1.19,8.3=9.9; P<0.05). Peak twitch torque was potentiated from 21.6 (3.8) to 26.4 (5.3) Nm (F2,14=16.7; P<0.05). Slalom reduced high-frequency torque from 64.4 (35) to 58.2 (34.2) Nm 60 s post-slalom (F2,14=3.8; P<0.05), while low-frequency torque stayed virtually the same. Slalom induced HFF, which is typical of SSC exercises of maximum intensity and short duration.

Postactivation potentiation of knee extensor muscles in power- and endurance-trained, and untrained women

This study compared postactivation potentiation (PAP) in knee extensor muscles after a 10 s conditioning isometric maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) in female power- (PT, n=12) and endurance-trained (ET, n=12) athletes, and untrained (UT, n=12) women aged 20-24 years. Isometric twitch characteristics of the knee extensor muscles were assessed in pre-MVC condition and during 15 min post-MVC period using supramaximal electrical stimulation of the femoral nerve by rectangular pulses of 1 ms duration. A significant (P<0.05) potentiation of twitch peak torque (Pt, 30-51% in different groups), maximal rates of torque development (50-125%) and relaxation (76-124%) occurred immediately (2 s) post-MVC. PAP declined sharply at 1-3 min of recovery, whereas a significant potentiation of twitch Pt was still present for ET athletes at 1 min, and for UT women and PT athletes at 5 min of recovery, respectively. There were no significant (P>0.05) changes in twitch contraction and half-relaxation times after a 10 s conditioning MVC. We concluded that PAP in knee extensor muscles is enhanced in PT but not in ET female athletes. The magnitude of PAP was greater when measured immediately after the conditioning MVC and its decline was slower in PT compared with ET athletes. Immediately post-MVC, twitch speed-related characteristics were potentiated to a greater extent than twitch Pt. The time-course of isometric twitch was not significantly altered by conditioning MVC.

The effect of postactivation potentiation on the mechanomyogram

To examine whether postactivation potentiation (PAP) was related to changes in the electromyogram (EMG) and in the mechanomyogram (MMG), evoked twitch torque properties were compared before and after a 10 s plantar flexion MVC in ten male subjects. Peak twitch torque (Pt), and the peak acceleration of the twitch torque development (d2T/dt2) were measured from electrical tibial nerve stimulation. In addition, from the medial gastrocnemius muscle, peak to peak MMG (p-p MMG) by means of accelerometer, and peak to peak EMG (M-wave) amplitudes were recorded. Immediately (2 s) following the MVC there were significant increases in Pt (47%), d2T/dt2 (86%), and p-p MMG (70%), but no change in the M-wave. At 2 s, 15 s, 30 s after the MVC, individual percent changes in p-p MMG were significantly and positively correlated with individual percent changes in both Pt and d2T/dt2. These results indicate that evoked MMG reflects acute enhanced force output elicited by PAP, and that the increases in twitch contraction properties represent intrinsic mechanical changes of the muscle, that are not associated with electrical changes. Furthermore, measurements of the evoked p-p MMG signal following PAP support the utility of describing the gross lateral movement phase of the MMG signal.

Effect of temperature on spike-triggered average torque and electrophysiological properties of low-threshold motor units

The aim of the study was to jointly analyze temperature-induced changes in low-threshold single motor unit twitch torque and action potential properties. Joint torque, multichannel surface, and intramuscular electromyographic signals were recorded from the tibialis anterior muscle of 12 subjects who were instructed to identify the activity of a target motor unit using intramuscular electromyographic signals as feedback. The target motor unit was activated at the minimum stable discharge rate in seven 3-min-long contractions. The first three contractions (C1-C3) were performed at 33 degrees C skin temperature. After 5 min, the subject performed three contractions at 33 degrees C (T1), 39 degrees C (T2), and 45 degrees C (T3), followed by a contraction at 33 degrees C (C4) skin temperature. Twitch torque and multichannel surface action potential of the target motor unit were obtained by spike-triggered averaging. Discharge rate (mean +/- SE, 7.1 +/- 0.5 pulses/s), interpulse interval variability (35.8 +/- 9.2%), and recruitment threshold (4.5 +/- 0.4% of the maximal voluntary torque) were not different among the seven contractions. None of the investigated variables were different among C1-C3, T1, and C4. Conduction velocity and peak twitch torque increased with temperature (P < 0.05; T1: 3.53 +/- 0.21 m/s and 0.82 +/- 0.23 mN x m, T2: 3.93 +/- 0.24 m/s and 1.17 +/- 0.36 mN x m, T3: 4.35 +/- 0.25 m/s and 1.46 +/- 0.40 mN x m, respectively). Twitch time to peak and surface action potential peak-to-peak amplitude were smaller in T3 (61.8 +/- 2.0 ms and 27.4 +/- 5.1 microV, respectively) than in T1 (71.9 +/- 4.1 ms and 35.0 +/- 6.5 microV, respectively) (P < 0.05). The relative increase in conduction velocity between T1 and T3 was positively correlated (P < 0.05) with the increase in twitch peak amplitude (r2 = 0.48), with the decrease in twitch time to peak (r2 = 0.43), and with the decrease in action potential amplitude (r2 = 0.50). In conclusion, temperature-induced modifications in fiber membrane conduction properties may have a direct effect on contractile motor unit properties.

Spike-triggered average torque and muscle fiber conduction velocity of low-threshold motor units following submaximal endurance contractions

The motor unit twitch torque is modified by sustained contraction, but the association to changes in muscle fiber electrophysiological properties is not fully known. Thus twitch torque, muscle fiber conduction velocity, and action potential properties of single motor units were assessed in 11 subjects following an isometric submaximal contraction of the tibialis anterior muscle until endurance. The volunteers activated a target motor unit at the minimum discharge rate in eight 3-min-long contractions, three before and five after an isometric contraction at 40% of the maximal torque, sustained until endurance. Multichannel surface electromyogram signals and joint torque were averaged with the target motor unit potential as trigger. Discharge rate (mean +/- SE, 6.6 +/- 0.2 pulses/s) and interpulse interval variability (33.3 +/- 7.0%) were not different in the eight contractions. Peak twitch torque and recruitment threshold increased significantly (93 +/- 29 and 12 +/- 5%, P <0.05) in the contraction immediately after the endurance task with respect to the preendurance values (0.94 +/- 0.26 mN.m and 3.7 +/- 0.5% of the maximal torque), whereas time to peak of the twitch torque did not change (74.4 +/- 10.1 ms). Muscle fiber conduction velocity decreased and action potential duration increased in the contraction after the endurance (6.3 +/- 1.8 and 9.8 +/- 1.8%, respectively, P <0.05; preendurance values, 3.9 +/- 0.2 m/s and 11.1 +/- 0.8 ms), whereas the surface potential peak-to-peak amplitude did not change (27.1 +/- 3.1 microV). There was no significant correlation between the relative changes in muscle fiber conduction velocity or surface potential duration and in peak twitch torque (R2= 0.04 and 0.10, respectively). In conclusion, modifications in peak twitch torque of low-threshold motor units with sustained contraction are mainly determined by mechanisms not related to changes in action potential shape and in its propagation velocity.

Plantar flexor activation capacity and H reflex in older adults: adaptations to strength training.

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether the voluntary neural drive and the excitability of the reflex arc could be modulated by training, even in old age. To this aim, the effects of a 16-wk strengthening program on plantar flexor voluntary activation (VA) and on the maximum Hoffman reflex (H(max))-to-maximum M wave (M(max)) ratio were investigated in 14 elderly men (65-80 yr). After training, isometric maximum voluntary contraction (MVC) increased by 18% (P < 0.05) and weight-lifting ability by 24% (P < 0.001). Twitch contraction time decreased by 8% (P < 0.01), but no changes in half relaxation time and in peak twitch torque were observed. The VA, assessed by twitch interpolation, increased from 95 to 98% (P < 0.05). Pretraining VA, also evaluated from the expected MVC for total twitch occlusion, was 7% higher (P < 0.01) than MVC. This discrepancy persisted after training. The interpolated twitch torque-voluntary torque relationship was fitted by a nonlinear model and was found to deviate from linearity for torque levels >65% MVC. Compared with younger men (24-35 yr), the H(max)- to M(max) ratio and nerve conduction velocity (H index) of the older group were significantly lower (42%, P < 0.05; and 29%, P < 0.001, respectively) and were not modulated by training. In conclusion, older men seem to preserve a high VA of plantar flexors. However, the impaired functionality of the reflex pathway with aging and the lack of modulation with exercise suggest that the decrease in the H(max)- to M(max) ratio and H index may be related to degenerative phenomena.

Neuromuscular fatigue during a long-duration cycling exercise.

The effects of prolonged cycling on neuromuscular parameters were studied in nine endurance-trained subjects during a 5-h exercise sustained at 55% of the maximal aerobic power. Torque during maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) of the quadriceps muscle decreased progressively throughout the exercise (P < 0.01) and was 18% less at the end of exercise compared with the preexercise value. Peak twitch torque, contraction time, and total area of mechanical response decreased significantly (P < 0.05) after the first hour of exercise. In contrast, changes in M-wave characteristics were significant only after the fourth hour of the exercise. Significant reductions (P < 0.05) in electromyographic activity normalized to the M wave occurred after the first hour for the vastus lateralis muscle but only at the end of the exercise for the vastus medialis muscle. Muscle activation level, assessed by the twitch interpolation technique, decreased by 8% (P < 0.05) at the end of the exercise. The results suggest that the time course is such that the contractile properties are significantly altered after the first hour, whereas excitability and central drive are more impaired toward the latter stages of the 5-h cycling exercise.

Running economy is impaired following a single bout of resistance exercise

The purpose of this study was to determine whether a low-volume high-intensity resistance training session influenced running economy during a subsequent aerobic treadmill run. Nine well trained distance runners (mean +/- SD; VO2max, 66.6 +/- 10.2 ml x kg(-1) x min(-1); weight, 65.8 +/- 10.2 kg; height, 173.4 +/- 7.8 cm; age 20 +/- 1.1 years) with resistance training experience performed treadmill running at two different speeds (0.56 m x sec(-1) and 0.20 m x sec(-1) below speed corresponding to lactate equilibrium) either rested or 1, 8 or 24 hours after a 50-minute whole body resistance training session. Running economy was assessed using open circuit spirometry while heart rate was recorded telemetrically. The contractile properties of the quadriceps femoris were also determined following each resistance training session and prior to each treadmill run using percutaneous electrical stimulation. Submaximal oxygen consumption was significantly increased one hour (2.6 +/- 2.3%, p= 0.007), and eight hours (1.6 +/- 2.5%, p= 0.032), but not 24 hours after resistance training. No significant differences were found in exercising heart rate, ventilation, respiratory exchange ratio, ratings of perceived exertion, or running mechanics. Peak twitch torque, time to peak torque, and half relaxation time of the quadriceps femoris were significantly reduced immediately following resistance training while peak twitch torque was also lower one hour following resistance training. Running economy following a resistance training session is impaired for up to 8 hours. This change was not paralleled by a concomitant change in exercising heart rate. The mechanism responsible for increased oxygen consumption following resistance training may be related to impairment of the force generating capacity of skeletal muscle, as there was a significant decrement in the contractile properties of the quadriceps femoris following resistance training.

Effect of temperature on post-tetanic potentiation in human dorsiflexor muscles

The effect of temperature on post-tetanic potentiation (PTP) has been examined in the muscles of small mammals but not in human skeletal muscle. We examined PTP in the ankle dorsiflexor muscles of 10 young men by evoking twitches before and after a 7-second tetanus at 100 Hz in a control (room air approximately 21 degrees C) condition and after immersion of the lower leg in warm (45 degrees C) and cold (10 degrees C) water baths for 30 min. Exposure to cold decreased tetanus and pre-tetanus twitch peak torque, but increased rise time, half-relaxation time, and muscle action potential (M-wave) amplitude; exposure to warm water had little effect. PTP was smallest in cold exposure 5 s post-tetanus, but persisted throughout the 12 min test period, whereas PTP had subsided by 6 min post-tetanus in control and warm exposures. M-wave amplitude initially decreased after exposure to warm water, recovered, then decreased again by 11 min post-tetanus. In contrast, exposure to cold had no initial effect but did increase the M-wave amplitude during the last half of the 12 min test period, similar to that seen in the control. The greatest immediate decrease in rise time and half-relaxation time was observed in the control; however, by 12 min post-tetanus warm exposure showed the greatest increase in rise time and half-relaxation time above pre-tetanus values. The decrease in the unpotentiated twitch torque with cooling in human dorsiflexors is typical for muscles with a predominance of type I (slow) fibres. The effect of cold on PTP is similar to that seen previously in mammalian muscles with a predominance of type II (fast) fibres, although the underlying mechanism of the cooling effect appears to differ.

Effect of temperature on post-tetanic potentiation in human dorsiflexor muscles

The effect of temperature on post-tetanic potentiation (PTP) has been examined in the muscles of small mammals but not in human skeletal muscle. We examined PTP in the ankle dorsiflexor muscles of 10 young men by evoking twitches before and after a 7-second tetanus at 100 Hz in a control (room air approximately 21 degrees C) condition and after immersion of the lower leg in warm (45 degrees C) and cold (10 degrees C) water baths for 30 min. Exposure to cold decreased tetanus and pre-tetanus twitch peak torque, but increased rise time, half-relaxation time, and muscle action potential (M-wave) amplitude; exposure to warm water had little effect. PTP was smallest in cold exposure 5 s post-tetanus, but persisted throughout the 12 min test period, whereas PTP had subsided by 6 min post-tetanus in control and warm exposures. M-wave amplitude initially decreased after exposure to warm water, recovered, then decreased again by 11 min post-tetanus. In contrast, exposure to cold had no initial effect but did increase the M-wave amplitude during the last half of the 12 min test period, similar to that seen in the control. The greatest immediate decrease in rise time and half-relaxation time was observed in the control; however, by 12 min post-tetanus warm exposure showed the greatest increase in rise time and half-relaxation time above pre-tetanus values. The decrease in the unpotentiated twitch torque with cooling in human dorsiflexors is typical for muscles with a predominance of type I (slow) fibres. The effect of cold on PTP is similar to that seen previously in mammalian muscles with a predominance of type II (fast) fibres, although the underlying mechanism of the cooling effect appears to differ.

Postactivation potentiation in endurance-trained male athletes.

The purpose of the study was to determine whether postactivation potentiation (PAP) was enhanced in the trained muscles of male endurance athletes. Triathletes (TRI), distance runners (RUN), active controls (AC), and sedentary control subjects (SED) (N = 10 per group) performed 10-s maximal isometric contractions (MVC) of the elbow extensor and ankle plantarflexor muscles. Maximal twitch contractions were evoked (percutaneous stimulation) before and during a 5-min period after the MVC. PAP was measured as the percentage change in peak twitch torque post-MVC. TRI, who train both upper and lower limb muscles, had enhanced (relative to SED) PAP in both elbow extensor and plantarflexor muscles. In RUN, who train only the lower limbs, enhanced PAP was restricted to the plantarflexors. AC, whose main activity was upper and lower limb weight training, also had enhanced PAP in both muscle groups, although the enhancement in the plantarflexors was not as great as in TRI and RUN. PAP is enhanced in endurance athletes. Enhanced PAP may counteract fatigue during endurance exercise. The mechanism(s) responsible for the enhanced PAP remain to be determined.

Fatigue Mechanisms in Trained and Untrained Plantar Flexors

The effect of an isometric intermittent submaximal fatigue protocol on the voluntary and evoked contractile properties of 14 trained and 14 untrained plantar flexor muscles was investigated at pre-, postfatigue, and recovery. The greater force output of trained subjects at rest was not attributed to differences in muscle activation or evoked contractile properties. At prefatigue, trained subjects had 40.3% less antagonist EMG activity than untrained subjects, which may have contributed to their increased strength. They also performed more contractions till fatigue and had significantly (p < 0.01) smaller decrements in maximum voluntary contraction force immediately postfatigue. The greater fatiguability of untrained subjects was accompanied by significant decreases in M-wave amplitude and peak twitch torque immediately postfatigue. Fatigue-induced decreases in untrained agonist EMG, combined with similar decreases in antagonist EMG for both groups, resulted in relatively less antagonist activity for the trained subjects. It appears that trained-state differences in plantar flexor fatiguability are related to peripheral and motor control changes rather than to central impairments.

Influence of gender on post-tetanic potentiation in human dorsiflexors

Twitch contractions of the ankle dorsiflexors were evoked before and after 7 s of tetanic stimulation at 100 Hz in young women and men. Torque decreased more in men (18%) than in women (12%) during the tetanus. There was no gender difference in twitch peak torque potentiation over the 5-min post-tetanus. Potentiation was 42% (women) and 45% (men) at 5 s post-tetanus, and still present at 5 min (women 24%, men 25%). The immediate (5 s) shortening of twitch rise time was similar in women (14%) and men (13%), but during the 5-min men's rise time came to exceed whereas women's only approached pretetanus values (e.g., +9% vs. -1% at 5 min). The immediate decrease in half-relaxation time was also similar in women (24%) and men (22%); however, women's but not men's values remained less than pretetanus values for most of the 5-min period. Twitch rate of torque development increased similarly (75%) in women and men at 5 s, with no gender difference over 5 min. In contrast, rate of torque relaxation increased significantly only in men. Rate of torque development normalized to peak torque was similar in women and men pretetanus and increased similarly 5 s post-tetanus, but women had greater values through most of the 5-min post-tetanus. Normalized rate of torque relaxation was similar in women and men and not affected by tetanus. In the dorsiflexor muscles, young women and men show a similar amount and pattern of twitch force potentiation, but there are gender differences in time-related twitch contractile properties in the first 5 min after tetanus.Key words: contraction, muscle, twitch.