Effects of workload level on muscle recruitment in cycling
Journal Title: Human Movement - Year 2014, Vol 15, Issue 1
Abstract
Purpose. Despite the volume of studies addressing muscle activation during pedaling, it is unclear whether changes in workload level during cycling could dictate motor unit recruitment. The present study investigated the frequency content of lower limb muscle activation during submaximal workloads. Methods. Twelve male competitive cyclists pedaled at three workload levels: (1) maximum aerobic power output (POMAX), (2) first ventilatory threshold (POVT1), and (3) second ventilatory threshold (POVT2). Muscle activation was recorded from the right vastus medialis (VM), rectus femoris (RF), long head of biceps femoris (BF), tibialis anterior (TA), gastrocnemius medialis (GM), and soleus (SOL) muscles. Data from muscle activation were assessed using frequency band analysis. High and low frequencies and overall muscle activation were normalized to that collected at POMAX. Results. Greater overall activation was observed for VM (27%, p < 0.01, d = 1.22), RF (24%, p < 0.01, d = 0.96), BF (33%, p < 0.01, d = 1.43), GM (10%, p < 0.05, d = 0.91), and SOL (16%, p < 0.05, d = 0.81) at POVT2 than POVT1. No differences were observed in the high or low frequencies relative to overall muscle activation. Conclusions. Cyclists sustain changes at submaximal workloads via an equally distributed increase in muscle activation with no potential changes in motor unit recruitment.
Authors and Affiliations
Jose I. Priego, Rodrigo R. Bini, F. J. Lanferdini, Felipe P. Carpes
Keywords
Related Articles
- EP ID EP104812
- DOI 10.2478/humo-2014-0001
- Views 119
- Downloads 0
Muscular activation patterns in swimmers with asymptomatic shoulder joint instability
Purpose. The aim of this study was to investigate the (electromyographic) EMG patterns of the shoulder muscles in asymptomatic swimmers with AGI – atraumatic glenohumeral instability. AGI, one of the most common shoulder...
Correlations between habitual physical activity and self perceived functional fitness, self-sufficiency fitness and health among men over 60 years old
Purpose. The study examined whether increased levels of habitual physical activity (HPA) in men over 60, expressed by the volume of energy expenditure in relation to PA, is significantly related to a higher self-assessme...
EVALUATION OF THE RELIABILITY OF THE 8-SECOND SKIPPING WITH HAND CLAPPING TEST IN 5- AND 6-YEAR-OLD KINDERGARTENERS WITH THE USE OF THE TEST-RETEST METHOD: METHODOLOGICAL ASPECTS AND PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS
Purpose. The aim of the study was to evaluate the reliability of the 8-s Skipping with Hand Clapping (8-s SHC) test performed by kindergarteners. Methods. The study involved 60 girls and 57 boys (mean age: 67.80 ± 9.00 a...
The effects of a perturbation-based balance training on the reactive neuromuscular control in community-dwelling older women: a randomized controlled trial
Purpose. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of short-term perturbation-based balance training and a detraining period on postural control in older adults. Methods. A group of healthy older women were r...
CIRCULATORY AND RESPIRATORY RESPONSE TO EXERCISE WITH ADDED RESPIRATORY DEAD SPACE
Purpose. Assessment of circulatory and respiratory response to separate exercise tests under the condition of increasing the volume of added respiratory dead space by 200 cm3 at a time. Basic procedures. Human volunteers...