Electromyographic fatigue threshold of the biceps brachii muscle during dynamic contraction

The purpose of this study was to identify the Electromyographic Fatigue Threshold (EMG FT) of the biceps brachii muscle bilaterally during the elbow flexion in tests performed in different times: 30 second test, 1 minute test and fatiguing test, in concentric (CC) and eccentric (EC) phases. Nine healthy young men performed the elbow flexion with loads corresponding at 25%, 35% and 45% of the one repetition maximum (1-RM) in separate days. The results indicated that the test applied for the biceps brachii muscle during elbow flexion induced a progressive increment of EMG activity with time indicating muscle fatigue and allowed the identification of the EMG FT. The three tests presented no difference of EMG FT between CC and EC phases bilaterally.

Electromyographic fatigue threshold of the biceps brachii: The effect of endurance time

Muscle fatigue can be a limiting factor to determine index as the electromyographic fatigue threshold (EMGFT) due the alterations in motivation and disconfots. This way, the purpose of this study was to identify the right biceps brachii and left biceps brachii obtained from repetitive elbow flexions at each 10% of total time. Nine healthy subjects performed the exercise named biceps curl until exhaustion with 25%, 35%, and 45% of one repetition maximum, in three different days. EMG amplitude (root mean square - RMS) was obtained for concentric contractions during these load levels and correlated with time to determine the slope values for each load and them detemine the EMGFT. The EMGFT was obtained within of each 10% of total time and they were compared by analysis of variance. The results showed a progressive increase in RMS with time, for both muscles in all loads, characterizing the muscle fatigue process, and for the EMGFT values ware not found predominantly significant differences between the execution time, as well as between muscles (right biceps × left biceps). This protocol allowed to identify the EMGFT to both muscles during the biceps curl, which was similar at different percentage of total time, indicating the possibility to reduce the length of the contraction test without the need to maintain the contraction until exhaustion. Further studies are needed to evaluate the applicability of this method to determining the effects on performance.

EMG amplitude and frequency parameters of muscular activity: Effect of resistance training based on electromyographic fatigue threshold

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Electromyographic fatigue threshold of erector spinae muscle induced by a muscular endurance test in health men

Purpose: To identify the electromyographic fatigue threshold in the erector spinae muscle. Methods: Eight 19 to 24-year-old male volunteers participated in this study, in which surface electrodes were used, as well as a biological signals acquisition module (Lynx) with a sampling frequency of 1000Hz, a 1000 times gain, a 20Hz high pass filter and a 500Hz low pass filter. The test consisted of repeated isometric contractions of the erector spinae muscle in a 45° hip flexion posture, with 30%, 40%, 50% and 60% of the maximum voluntary isometric contraction. Results: A positive correlation of the RMS (root mean square) value as a function of time was found for most of the subjects with 40% (N = 6), 50% (N = 7) and 60% (N = 8) loads of the maximum voluntary isometric contraction. Conclusions: It was concluded, from this study, that the proposed protocol provides evidence, through the electromyographic signal, of the development of fatigue in the erector spinae muscle with loads of 40%, 50% and 60% of the maximum voluntary isometric contraction. The protocol also allows the electromyographic fatigue threshold and its probable applicability in the diagnosis of this phenomenon during repetitive activities to be determined.

Dynamic and isometric protocols of knee extension: Effect of fatigue on the EMG signal

The objective of this study was to analyze the electromyographic (EMG) signal behavior of rectus femoris (RF), vastus medialis (VM), vastus lateralis (VL) and biceps femoris (caput longum) (BFCL) from nine women during fatiguing dynamic and isometric knee extensions tests and to determine their EMGFT (Electromyographic Fatigue Threshold). Surface electrodes, biological signal acquisition module, analogical-digital converter board and specific software were used. The RMS (Root Mean Square) values obtained from concentric phase (80 to 30 degrees) of the dynamic knee extension andfrom isometric contraction were correlated with time on each load by linear regression analysis. The respective slopes were correlated with the correspondent load to determine the EMGFT. Force (Kgf) and median frequency - MF (Hz) obtained during MIVC (Maximal Isometric Voluntary Contraction) performed before and after the fatiguing tests were calculated in Matlab environment. The results demonstrated that the endurance time decreases with higher loads the EMG amplitude increase with time and was greater at higher loads, between muscles in dynamic exercise the RF and VL showed higher slopes, and in isometric exercise the VL showed the same behavior The EMGFT values were similar in both exercises; the force values predominantly decreased after fatiguing tests; however the MF only decreased after some loads. The protocols proposed allowed standardizing protocols at least to induce the fatigue process and to determine the EMGFT as an endurance indicative, which may be used to evaluate the effectiveness of rehabilitative or training interventions indicated to reduce muscle weakness and fatigue.

Utilização do esforço percebido na determinação da velocidade crítica em corrida aquática

A relação linear entre intensidade do exercício e taxa de aumento da atividade neuromuscular avaliada pela eletromiografia permite a estimativa do limiar de fadiga, que seria a intensidade que poderia ser mantida indefinidamente sem aumento dos sinais eletromiográficos ao longo do tempo. Levantou-se a hipótese de que a percepção subjetiva de esforço teria comportamento semelhante ao da ativação neuromuscular e que um limiar de esforço percebido (LEP), identificado de forma semelhante ao limiar de fadiga eletromiográfica, poderia coincidir com a velocidade crítica (VCrit). Treze indivíduos de ambos os sexos (23,0 ± 2,5 anos), em uma piscina de 15m de extensão e 2,5m de profundidade, realizaram três testes exaustivos de corrida aquática para determinação dos parâmetros do modelo de velocidade crítica, reportando o esforço percebido (escala de Borg de 6-20 pontos), a cada 15m. Para identificação do LEP, os coeficientes de inclinação das retas do aumento do esforço percebido no tempo (ordenada) e velocidades utilizadas (abscissa) foram ajustados a uma função linear que fornecia um ponto no eixo da velocidade onde, teoricamente, o esforço percebido seria estável indefinidamente. A VCrit foi estimada pelas equações usadas no modelo de velocidade crítica. Para comparação das estimativas de VCrit e do LEP, e de suas associações, foi feita ANOVA para medidas repetidas (p < 0,05) e calculada a correlação de Pearson. Os dados obtidos para a determinação da VCrit atenderam aos critérios adotados para a validade do modelo; a VCrit e o LEP não apresentaram diferença estatística (0,23 ± 0,02m/s x 0,24 ± 0,03m/s) e foram significativamente correlacionados (r = 0,85). Esses resultados sugerem que o LEP parece representar a intensidade máxima de exercício em que variáveis fisiológicas e psicofísicas encontrariam estabilidade, e que esse índice pode ser utilizado na determinação da VCrit.

Efeito da velocidade de corrida em variáveis eletromiográficas e metabólicas

The aim of this study was to analyze the electromyographic signal of the rectus femuris (RF), vastus lateralis (VL), biceps femuris (BF), tibialis anterior (TA), and gastrocnemius lateralis (GL) muscles of seven male volunteers, during different running velocities; and determine and compare the EMG(FT) (electromyographic fatigue threshold), LT (lactate threshold) and AT (anaerobic threshold). The running protocol started with a velocity of 10 km.h(-1) and each three minutes elapsed occurred an increments of 1 km.h(-1) until the exhaustion, with an 30 second interval between each velocity increment to collect 25 mu l of blood. The increase of RMS values was verified in the RF in the velocities of 12 km.h(-1) to 14 km.h(-1). The EMG(FT) showed similarity between the muscles and in the indexes were found the following significant differences: AT > LT; EMG(FT) RF and EMG(FT) VL < AT and EMG(FT) VL and EMG(FT) BF > LT. These data confirmed the viability of using the EMGFT as a possible indicator to analyze the muscle fatigue.

Effects of fatigue induced by prolonged gait when walking on the elderly

Purpose. Fatigue has been pointed as a fall risk in the elderly; however, the effects of prolonged gait on neuromuscular recruitment and on its pattern remain unknown. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of prolonged gait on neuromuscular recruitment levels and spatial-temporal gait variables. Methods. Eight healthy older women (age: 72.63 ± 6.55 years) walked at their preferred walking speed for twenty minutes on a treadmill. The Root Mean Square (RMS) from the vastus-lateralis, femoral biceps, tibialis anterior and lateral gastrocnemius muscles were determined at the first and last minute of the test during the moments of Heel Strike (HS), Terminal Stance and Terminal Swing (TS). In addition, coactivation in the knee and ankle as well as the stride cadence and length were measured in the test. The two RMS data (taken at the first and last minute) were compared by means of a Student's t-test. Results. Twenty minutes of walking induced fatigue in the subjects, as observed through an increase in RMS, notably during the HS and TS. Coactivation was also influenced by the prolonged gait test. The only gait phase where a risk of falling was enhanced was the HS. Nonetheless, subjects developed strategies to maintain a safe motor pattern, which was evidenced by an increase in stride length and a decrease in stride cadence. Conclusion. Tests lasting just twenty minutes on a treadmill were enough to induce fatigue in older adults. However, the level of fatigue was not enough to present a danger or fall risk to elderly individuals.

Effects of elbow flexor muscle resistance training on strength, endurance and perceived exertion

Purpose. To verify the effects of resistance training at the electromyographic fatigue threshold (EMGFT) based on one-repetition maximum strength (1RM), heart rate (HR), rate of perceived exertion (PE) and endurance time (EndT). Methods. Nineteen subjects (training group [TG]: n = 10; control group [CG]: n = 9), performed 1-min bicep curl exercises sets at 25%, 30%, 35% and 40% 1RM. Electromyography (biceps brachii and brachiorradialis), HR and PE were registered. Biceps brachii EMGFT was used to create a load index for an eight-week resistance training programme (three sets until exhaustion/session, two sessions/week) for the TG. The CG only attended one session in the first week and another session in the last week of the eight-week training period for EndT measurement. EndT was determined from the number of repetitions of each of the three sets performed in the first and last training sessions. After training, 1RM, EMGFT, EndT, HR and PE at the different bicep curl load intensities were again measured for both groups. Results. Increases in 1RM (5.9%, p < 0.05) and EndT (> 60%, p < 0.001) after training were found. In addition, PE was reduced at all load intensities (p < 0.05), while no changes were found for HR and EMGFT after training. Conclusions. Strength-endurance training based on the EMGFT improved muscular endurance and also, to a lesser extent, muscular strength. Moreover, the reduced levels of physical exertion after training at the same intensity suggest that endurance training exercises may improve comfort while performing strength exercises.

A eletromiografia em treinamento resistido: avaliação da fadiga muscular, adaptações e relações com parâmetros subjetivos

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Análise de parâmetros eletromiográficos e cinemáticos durante teste incremental de corrida: Priscila de Brito Silva. -

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Sinal eletromiográfico e a identificação da fadiga muscular durante corrida em esteira: diferentes propostas de análise

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Análise de parâmetros eletromiográficos durante testes de contrações isométricas fatigantes e do efeito de um treinamento de resistência de curta duração

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Comparação de protocolos de corrida para determinação de diferentes limiares

INTRODUÇÃO:Testes incrementais de corrida permitem a determinação de limiares metabólicos e neuromusculares. O objetivo do presente estudo foi comparar índices eletromiográficos e metabólicos entre dois protocolos incrementais de corrida com diferentes intervalos entre cada estágio de velocidade.MÉTODOS:Participaram do estudo 14 voluntários do sexo masculino. Os protocolos incrementais de corrida em esteira iniciaram em 8 km.h-1, com incremento de 1 km.h-1 a cada três minutos até a exaustão voluntária. Os dois protocolos diferiram quanto aos intervalos entre cada estágio de velocidade: 30 segundos (protocolo 1) e 120 segundos (protocolo 2). O limiar de fadiga eletromiográfico (LFEMG) foi determinado para os músculos reto femoral, bíceps femoral, tibial anterior e gastrocnêmio lateral. Para tanto, o comportamento do valor RMS foi correlacionado em função do tempo de corrida, sendo realizada regressão linear para determinação dos coeficientes de inclinação. O limiar de lactato foi identificado por meio do ponto de inflexão na curva lactato-intensidade e o limiar anaeróbio foi determinado por meio de interpolação linear. Foi aplicado um teste t de Student para dados pareados (p<0,05).RESULTADOS:Foi verificado que o protocolo 2 apresentou velocidade de LFEMG maior do que o protocolo 1, apenas para o músculo BF (p=0,023), o que caracteriza uma resposta específica deste músculo em protocolos incrementais de corrida.CONCLUSÃO:Protocolos de corrida com intervalos de até dois minutos entre os estágios incrementais apresentaram resultados semelhantes para determinação do LFEMG da maioria dos músculos estudados e dos limiares metabólicos.

Effects of Low-Level Laser Therapy on Biceps Braquialis Muscle Fatigue in Young Women

Objective: This study aims to investigate the effects of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) on biceps brachi muscular fatigue in 20 young females. Background data: Exhausting physical activity leads to muscular fatigue, which could decrease muscular strength, and may cause impairment in motor control and muscle pain. Several biochemical and biophysical resources have been studied in an attempt to accelerate the recovery of muscle fatigue. Among these, LLLT is emphasized. Methods: Twenty subjects were randomized in one laser group and one placebo group in two sessions of a crossover design experimental procedure; the second session taking place within 7 days of the first. In the first session, subjects underwent a collection of surface electromyographic (SEMG) data of the biceps brachii muscle, followed by active or placebo LLLT at the same muscle, followed then by another EMG sample of biceps brachii. Blood samples were collected five times during the experimental procedure. Second session procedures were identical to the first, with exception of LLLT, which was the opposite of the first session. The fatigue protocol consisted of 60sec of elbow flexion-extension movement performed with 75% of one maximum repetition. Blood lactate, EMG fatigue, and the number of elbow flexion-extension repetitions during the fatigue protocol were used to evaluate the effects of laser therapy (808nm wavelength, 100mW output power, power density of 35.7 W/cm(2), 70sec each point and 7J/point on eight points). Results: No statistical differences were found for eletromyographic fatigue and blood lactate values between groups. Mean numbers of elbow flexion-extension repetitions were 22.6 +/- 7.58 after placebo, and 25.1 +/- 9.89 after active LLLT group, but these differences were not statistically significant (p=0.342). Conclusions: LLLT had limited effects on delaying muscle fatigue in a young female sample, although a tendency was observed in the active laser group toward showing lower electromyography fatigue of biceps brachii muscle. No intergroup differences were found in the number of muscle contractions and lactate concentration.