Neuromuscular manifestations of work-related myalgia in women specific to extensor carpi radialis brevis

This study assessed neuromuscular function in the extensor carpi radialis brevis (ECRB) of female workers diagnosed with work-related myalgia (WRM, n = 14, age 45.2 ± 1.9 years) and the ECRB of healthy controls (CON, n = 10, age 34.6 ± 2.5 years). Groups were compared on voluntary and electrically evoked functional responses at rest (Pre), immediately following a 5 min repetitive task (Post-0) performed at 60% maximal voluntary contraction (MVC), and after 5 min of recovery (Post-5). Despite near complete motor unit activation (MUA) (CON 98% ± 1% vs. WRM 99% ± 1%), at Pre, WRM produced 26% less (P < 0.05) MVC force than CON. Following an MVC, twitch force was increased (P < 0.05) by 94% ± 13% and 54% ± 11% in CON and WRM, respectively (CON vs. WRM; P < 0.05). The peak force and the maximal rates of force development and decline of electrically evoked contractions (10–100 Hz) were generally depressed (P < 0.05) at Post-0 and Post-5 relative to Pre. The response pattern to increasing frequencies of stimulation was not different (P > 0.05) between groups and MUA was not impaired (CON 97% ± 1% vs. WRM 97% ± 1%; P > 0.05). In conclusion, the peripheral weakness observed in the ECRB in WRM at rest does not result in abnormal fatigue or recovery responses after performing a task controlled for relative demand (60% MVC).