Central and peripheral contributions to neuromuscular fatigue induced by a 24-h treadmill run

2010 ◽  
Vol 108 (5) ◽  
pp. 1224-1233 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vincent Martin ◽  
Hugo Kerhervé ◽  
Laurent A. Messonnier ◽  
Jean-Claude Banfi ◽  
André Geyssant ◽  
...  

This experiment investigated the fatigue induced by a 24-h running exercise (24TR) and particularly aimed at testing the hypothesis that the central component would be the main mechanism responsible for neuromuscular fatigue. Neuromuscular function evaluation was performed before, every 4 h during, and at the end of the 24TR on 12 experienced ultramarathon runners. It consisted of a determination of the maximal voluntary contractions (MVC) of the knee extensors (KE) and plantar flexors (PF), the maximal voluntary activation (%VA) of the KE and PF, and the maximal compound muscle action potential amplitude (Mmax) on the soleus and vastus lateralis. Tetanic stimulations also were delivered to evaluate the presence of low-frequency fatigue and the KE maximal muscle force production ability. Strength loss occurred throughout the exercise, with large changes observed after 24TR in MVC for both the KE and PF muscles (−40.9 ± 17.0 and −30.3 ± 12.5%, respectively; P < 0.001) together with marked reductions of %VA (−33.0 ± 21.8 and −14.8 ± 18.9%, respectively; P < 0.001). A reduction of Mmax amplitude was observed only on soleus, and no low-frequency fatigue was observed for any muscle group. Finally, KE maximal force production ability was reduced to a moderate extent at the end of the 24TR (−10.2%; P < 0.001), but these alterations were highly variable ( ± 15.7%). These results suggest that central factors are mainly responsible for the large maximal muscle torque reduction after ultraendurance running, especially on the KE muscles. Neural drive reduction may have contributed to the relative preservation of peripheral function and also affected the evolution of the running speed during the 24TR.

2003 ◽  
Vol 28 (3) ◽  
pp. 434-445 ◽  
Author(s):  
Guillaume Y. Millet ◽  
Vincent Martin ◽  
Nicola A. Maffiuletti ◽  
Alain Martin

The aim of this study was to characterize neuromuscular fatigue in knee extensor muscles after a marathon skiing race (mean ± SD duration = 159.7 ± 17.9 min). During the 2 days preceding the event and immediately after, maximal percutaneous electrical stimulations (single twitch, 0.5-s tetanus at 20 and 80 Hz) were applied to the femoral nerve of 11 trained skiers. Superimposed twitches were also delivered during maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) to determine maximal voluntary activation (%VA). EMG was recorded from the vastus lateralis muscle. MVC decreased with fatigue from 171.7 ± 33.7 to 157.3 ± 35.2 Nm (-8.4%; p < 0.005) while %VA did not change significantly. The RMS measured during MVC and peak-to-peak amplitude of the compound muscle action potential (PPA) from the vastus lateralis decreased with fatigue by about 30% (p < 0.01), but RMS•PPA−1was similar before and after the ski marathon. Peak tetanus tension at 20 Hz and 80 Hz (P020 and P080, respectively) did not change significantly, but P020•P080−1 increased (p < 0.05) after the ski marathon. Data from electrically evoked single twitches showed greater peak mechanical response, faster rate of force development, and shorter contraction time in the fatigued state. From these results it can be concluded that a ski skating marathon (a) alters slightly but significantly maximal voluntary strength of the knee extensors without affecting central activation, and (b) induces both potentiation and fatigue. Key words: low- and high-frequency electrical stimulation, central activation, potentiation


Author(s):  
Ryan Norbury ◽  
Samuel A. Smith ◽  
Mark Burnley ◽  
Megan Judge ◽  
Alexis R. Mauger

Abstract Purpose Muscle pain can impair exercise performance but the mechanisms for this are unknown. This study examined the effects of muscle pain on neuromuscular fatigue during an endurance task. Methods On separate visits, twelve participants completed an isometric time-to-task failure (TTF) exercise of the right knee extensors at ~ 20% of maximum force following an intramuscular injection of isotonic saline (CTRL) or hypertonic saline (HYP) into the vastus lateralis. Measures of neuromuscular fatigue were taken before, during and after the TTF using transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and peripheral nerve stimulation. Results The mean pain intensity was 57 ± 10 in HYP compared to 38 ± 18 in CTRL (P < 0.001). TTF was reduced in HYP (4.36 ± 0.88 min) compared to CTRL (5.20 ± 0.39 min) (P = 0.003). Maximum voluntary force was 12% lower at minute 1 (P = 0.003) and 11% lower at minute 2 in HYP (P = 0.013) compared to CTRL. Voluntary activation was 4% lower at minute 1 in HYP compared to CTRL (P = 0.006) but not at any other time point (all P > 0.05). The TMS silent period was 9% longer at 100 s during the TTF in HYP compared to CTRL (P = 0.026). Conclusion Muscle pain reduces exercise performance through the excacerbation of neuromuscular fatigue that is central in origin. This appears to be from inhibitory feedback from group III/IV nociceptors which acts to reduce central motor output.


2014 ◽  
Vol 39 (7) ◽  
pp. 781-786 ◽  
Author(s):  
Catriona A. Burdon ◽  
Christopher S. Easthope ◽  
Nathan A. Johnson ◽  
Phillip G. Chapman ◽  
Helen O’Connor

This study aimed to investigate the effect of exercise-induced hyperthermia on central fatigue and force decline in exercised and nonexercised muscles and whether ingestion of ice slushy (ICE) ameliorates fatigue. Eight participants (5 males, 3 females) completed 45 s maximal voluntary isometric contractions (MVIC) with elbow flexors and knee extensors at baseline and following an exercise-induced rectal temperature (Trec) of 39.3 ± 0.2 °C. Percutaneous electrical muscle stimulation was superimposed at 15, 30 and 44 s during MVICs to assess muscle activation. To increase Trec to 39.3 °C, participants cycled at 60% maximum power output for 42 ± 11 min in 40 °C and 50% relative humidity. Immediately prior to each MVIC, participants consumed 50 g of ICE (–1 °C) or thermoneutral drink (38 °C, CON) made from 7.4% carbohydrate beverage. Participants consumed water (19 °C) during exercise to prevent hypohydration. Voluntary muscle force production and activation in both muscle groups were unchanged at Trec 39.3 °C with ICE (knee extensors: 209 ± 152 N) versus CON (knee extensors: 255 ± 157 N, p = 0.19). At Trec 39.3 °C, quadriceps mean force (232 ± 151 N) decreased versus baseline (302 ± 180 N, p < 0.001) and mean voluntary activation was also decreased (by 15% ± 11%, p < 0.001). Elbow flexor mean force decreased from 179 ± 67 N to 148 ± 65 N when Trec was increased to 39.3 °C (p < 0.001) but mean voluntary activation was not reduced at 39.3 °C (5% ± 25%, p = 0.79). After exercise-induced hyperthermia, ICE had no effect on voluntary activation or force production; however, both were reduced from baseline in the exercised muscle group. Peripheral fatigue was greater than the central component and limited the ability of an intervention designed to alter central fatigue.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ryan Norbury ◽  
Samuel Smith ◽  
Mark Burnley ◽  
Megan Judge ◽  
Alexis Mauger

Intro: Non-local muscle pain may impair neuromuscular fatigue and endurance performance, but the mechanisms are unknown. This study examined the effects of muscle pain on neuromuscular performance of the contralateral limb. Methods: On separate visits, nine participants completed an isometric time to task failure (TTF) of the right knee extensors after intramuscular injection of isotonic saline (CTRL) or hypertonic saline (HYP) into the left vastus lateralis. Measures of neuromuscular fatigue were taken before, during and after the TTF using transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and peripheral nerve stimulation. Results: Mean pain intensity was greater in the left leg in HYP (3.3 ± 1.9) compared to CTRL (0.4 ± 0.7) (P &lt; 0.001) which reduced TTF by 9.8% in HYP (4.54 ± 0.56 min) compared to CTRL (5.07 ± 0.77 min) (P = 0.005). Maximum voluntary force was not different between conditions (all P &gt; 0.05). Voluntary activation was lower at minute 3 of the TTF in HYP compared to CTRL (P = 0.016). No difference was identified between conditions for doublet amplitude (all P &lt; 0.05). Furthermore, no difference in TMS responses between conditions was observed. Conclusion: Non-local pain impairs endurance performance of the contralateral limb. This impairment in performance is likely due to the faster attainment of the sensory tolerance limit from a greater amount of sensory feedback originating from the non-exercising, but painful, left leg.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ryan Norbury ◽  
Samuel Smith ◽  
Mark Burnley ◽  
Megan Judge ◽  
Alexis Mauger

Purpose: Muscle pain can impair exercise performance but the mechanisms for this are unknown. This study examined the effects of muscle pain on neuromuscular fatigue during an endurance task. Methods: On separate visits, twelve participants completed an isometric time to task failure (TTF) of the right knee extensors at ~20% of maximum force following an intramuscular injection of isotonic saline (CTRL) or hypertonic saline (HYP) into the vastus lateralis. Measures of neuromuscular fatigue were taken before, during and after the TTF using transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS). Results: The mean pain intensity was 57 ± 10 in HYP compared to 38 ± 18 in CTRL (P &lt; 0.001). TTF was reduced in HYP (4.36 ± 0.88 min) compared to CTRL (5.20 ± 0.39 min) (P = 0.003). Maximum voluntary force was 12 % lower at minute 1 (P = 0.003) and 11 % lower at minute 2 in HYP (P = 0.013) compared to CTRL. Voluntary activation was 4 % lower at minute 1 in HYP compared to CTRL (P = 0.006) but not at any other time point (all P &gt; 0.05). The TMS silent period was 9 % longer at 100 s during the TTF in HYP compared to CTRL (P = 0.026). Conclusion: Muscle pain reduces exercise performance through the excacerbation of neuromuscular fatigue that is central in origin. This appears to be from inhibitory feedback from group III/IV nociceptors which acts to reduce central motor output.


2009 ◽  
Vol 106 (2) ◽  
pp. 556-565 ◽  
Author(s):  
Simranjit K. Sidhu ◽  
David J. Bentley ◽  
Timothy J. Carroll

Muscle fatigue is a reduction in the capacity to exert force and may involve a “central” component originating in the brain and/or spinal cord. Here we examined whether supraspinal factors contribute to impaired central drive after locomotor endurance exercise. On 2 separate days, 10 moderately active individuals completed a locomotor cycling exercise session or a control session. Brief (2 s) and sustained (30 s) isometric knee extension contractions were completed before and after locomotor exercise consisting of eight, 5-min bouts of cycling at 80% of maximum workload. In the control session, subjects completed the isometric contractions in a rested state. Twitch responses to supramaximal motor nerve stimulation and transcranial magnetic stimulation were obtained to assess peripheral force-generating capacity and voluntary activation. Maximum voluntary contraction (MVC) force during brief contractions decreased by 23 ± 6.3% after cycling exercise and remained 12 ± 2.8% below baseline 45 min later ( F1,9 > 15.5; P < 0.01). Resting twitch amplitudes declined by ∼45% ( F1,9 = 28.3; P < 0.001). Cortical voluntary activation declined from 90.6 ± 1.6% at baseline to 80.6 ± 2.1% after exercise ( F1,9 = 28.0; P < 0.001) and remained significantly reduced relative to control 30–45 min later (80.6 ± 3.4%; F1,9 = 10.7; P < 0.01). Thus locomotor exercise caused a long-lasting impairment in the capacity of the motor cortex to drive the knee extensors. Force was reduced more during sustained MVC after locomotor exercise than in the control session. Peripheral mechanisms contributed relatively more to this force reduction in the control session, whereas supraspinal fatigue played a greater role in sustained MVC reduction after locomotor exercise.


2014 ◽  
Vol 39 (12) ◽  
pp. 1338-1344 ◽  
Author(s):  
Israel Halperin ◽  
David Copithorne ◽  
David G. Behm

Nonlocal muscle fatigue occurs when fatiguing 1 muscle alters performance of another rested muscle. The purpose of the study was to investigate if fatiguing 2 separate muscles would affect the same rested muscle, and if fatiguing the same muscle would affect 2 separate muscles. Twenty-one trained males participated in 2 studies (n = 11; n = 10). Subjects performed 2 pre-test maximum voluntary contractions (MVCs) with the nondominant knee extensors. Thereafter they performed two 100-s MVCs with their dominant knee extensors, elbow flexors, or rested. Between and after the sets, a single MVC with the nondominant rested knee extensors was performed. Subsequently, 12 nondominant knee extensors repeated MVCs were completed. Force, quadriceps voluntary activation (VA), and electromyography (EMG) were measured. The same protocol was employed in study 2 except the nondominant elbow-flexors were tested. Study 1: Compared with control conditions, a significant decrease in nondominant knee extensors force, EMG, and VA was found under both fatiguing conditions (P ≤ 0.05; effect size (ES) = 0.91–1.15; 2%–8%). Additionally, decrements in all variables were found from the first post-intervention MVC to the last (P ≤ 0.05; ES = 0.82–2.40; 9%–20%). Study 2: No differences were found between conditions for all variables (P ≥ 0.33; ES ≤ 0.2; ≤3.0%). However, all variables decreased from the first post-intervention MVC to the last (P ≤ 0.05; ES = 0.4–3.0; 7.2%–19.7%). Whereas the rested knee extensors demonstrated nonlocal effects regardless of the muscle being fatigued, the elbow-flexors remained unaffected. This suggests that nonlocal effects are muscle specific, which may hold functional implications for training and performance.


PLoS ONE ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (11) ◽  
pp. e0242324
Author(s):  
Jonathan Harnie ◽  
Thomas Cattagni ◽  
Christophe Cornu ◽  
Peter McNair ◽  
Marc Jubeau

The aim of the current study was to investigate the effect of a single session of prolonged tendon vibration combined with low submaximal isometric contraction on maximal motor performance. Thirty-two young sedentary adults were assigned into two groups that differed based on the knee angle tested: 90° or 150° (180° = full knee extension). Participants performed two fatigue-inducing exercise protocols: one with three 10 min submaximal (10% of maximal voluntary contraction) knee extensor contractions and patellar tendon vibration (80 Hz) another with submaximal knee extensor contractions only. Before and after each fatigue protocol, maximal voluntary isometric contractions (MVC), voluntary activation level (assessed by the twitch interpolation technique), peak-to-peak amplitude of maximum compound action potentials of vastus medialis and vastus lateralis (assessed by electromyography with the use of electrical nerve stimulation), peak twitch amplitude and peak doublet force were measured. The knee extensor fatigue was significantly (P<0.05) greater in the 90° knee angle group (-20.6% MVC force, P<0.05) than the 150° knee angle group (-8.3% MVC force, P = 0.062). Both peripheral and central alterations could explain the reduction in MVC force at 90° knee angle. However, tendon vibration added to isometric contraction did not exacerbate the reduction in MVC force. These results clearly demonstrate that acute infrapatellar tendon vibration using a commercial apparatus operating at optimal conditions (i.e. contracted and stretched muscle) does not appear to induce knee extensor neuromuscular fatigue in young sedentary subjects.


2018 ◽  
Vol 43 (4) ◽  
pp. 317-323 ◽  
Author(s):  
Saied J. Aboodarda ◽  
Rebecca M. Greene ◽  
Devin T. Philpott ◽  
Ramandeep S. Jaswal ◽  
Guillaume Y. Millet ◽  
...  

The aim of the present study was to investigate the alterations of corticospinal excitability (motor evoked potential, MEP) and inhibition (silent period, SP) following rolling massage of the quadriceps muscles. Transcranial magnetic and femoral nerve electrical stimuli were used to elicit MEPs and compound muscle action potential (Mmax) in the vastus lateralis and vastus medialis muscles prior to and following either (i) 4 sets of 90-s rolling massage (ROLLING) or (ii) rest (CONTROL). One series of neuromuscular evaluations, performed after each set of ROLLING or CONTROL, included 3 MEPs and 1 Mmax elicited every 4 s during 15-s submaximal contractions at 10% (experiment 1, n = 16) and 50% (experiment 2, n = 10) of maximal voluntary knee extensions (MVC). The MEP/Mmax ratio and electromyographic activity recorded from vastus lateralis at 10% MVC demonstrated significantly lower values during ROLLING than CONTROL (P < 0.05). The ROLLING did not elicit any significant changes in muscle excitability (Mmax area) and duration of transcranial magnetic stimulation-induced SP recorded from any muscle or level of contraction (P > 0.05). The findings suggest that rolling massage can modulate the central excitability of the circuitries innervating the knee extensors; however, the observed effects are dependent on the background contraction intensity during which the neuromuscular measurements are recorded.


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