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Guo Y, Jones EJ, Škarabot J, Inns TB, Phillips BE, Atherton PJ, Piasecki M. Common synaptic inputs and persistent inward currents of vastus lateralis motor units are reduced in older male adults. GeroScience 2024; 46:3249-3261. [PMID: 38238546 PMCID: PMC11009172 DOI: 10.1007/s11357-024-01063-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Although muscle atrophy may partially account for age-related strength decline, it is further influenced by alterations of neural input to muscle. Persistent inward currents (PIC) and the level of common synaptic inputs to motoneurons influence neuromuscular function. However, these have not yet been described in the aged human quadriceps. High-density surface electromyography (HDsEMG) signals were collected from the vastus lateralis of 15 young (mean ± SD, 23 ± 5 y) and 15 older (67 ± 9 y) men during submaximal sustained and 20-s ramped contractions. HDsEMG signals were decomposed to identify individual motor unit discharges, from which PIC amplitude and intramuscular coherence were estimated. Older participants produced significantly lower knee extensor torque (p < 0.001) and poorer force tracking ability (p < 0.001) than young. Older participants also had lower PIC amplitude (p = 0.001) and coherence estimates in the alpha frequency band (p < 0.001) during ramp contractions when compared to young. Persistent inward currents and common synaptic inputs are lower in the vastus lateralis of older males when compared to young. These data highlight altered neural input to the clinically and functionally important quadriceps, further underpinning age-related loss of function which may occur independently of the loss of muscle mass.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuxiao Guo
- Centre of Metabolism, Ageing & Physiology (COMAP), MRC-Versus Arthritis Centre for Musculoskeletal Ageing Research &, National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Nottingham Biomedical Research Centre, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Royal Derby Hospital Centre (Room 3011), Derby, DE22 3DT, UK
| | - Eleanor J Jones
- Centre of Metabolism, Ageing & Physiology (COMAP), MRC-Versus Arthritis Centre for Musculoskeletal Ageing Research &, National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Nottingham Biomedical Research Centre, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Royal Derby Hospital Centre (Room 3011), Derby, DE22 3DT, UK
| | - Jakob Škarabot
- School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, Loughborough University, Loughborough, UK
| | - Thomas B Inns
- Centre of Metabolism, Ageing & Physiology (COMAP), MRC-Versus Arthritis Centre for Musculoskeletal Ageing Research &, National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Nottingham Biomedical Research Centre, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Royal Derby Hospital Centre (Room 3011), Derby, DE22 3DT, UK
| | - Bethan E Phillips
- Centre of Metabolism, Ageing & Physiology (COMAP), MRC-Versus Arthritis Centre for Musculoskeletal Ageing Research &, National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Nottingham Biomedical Research Centre, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Royal Derby Hospital Centre (Room 3011), Derby, DE22 3DT, UK
| | - Philip J Atherton
- Centre of Metabolism, Ageing & Physiology (COMAP), MRC-Versus Arthritis Centre for Musculoskeletal Ageing Research &, National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Nottingham Biomedical Research Centre, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Royal Derby Hospital Centre (Room 3011), Derby, DE22 3DT, UK
| | - Mathew Piasecki
- Centre of Metabolism, Ageing & Physiology (COMAP), MRC-Versus Arthritis Centre for Musculoskeletal Ageing Research &, National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Nottingham Biomedical Research Centre, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Royal Derby Hospital Centre (Room 3011), Derby, DE22 3DT, UK.
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Valenčič T, Ansdell P, Brownstein CG, Spillane PM, Holobar A, Škarabot J. Motor unit discharge rate modulation during isometric contractions to failure is intensity- and modality-dependent. J Physiol 2024. [PMID: 38619366 DOI: 10.1113/jp286143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024] Open
Abstract
The physiological mechanisms determining the progressive decline in the maximal muscle torque production capacity during isometric contractions to task failure are known to depend on task demands. Task-specificity of the associated adjustments in motor unit discharge rate (MUDR), however, remains unclear. This study examined MUDR adjustments during different submaximal isometric knee extension tasks to failure. Participants performed a sustained and an intermittent task at 20% and 50% of maximal voluntary torque (MVT), respectively (Experiment 1). High-density surface EMG signals were recorded from vastus lateralis (VL) and medialis (VM) and decomposed into individual MU discharge timings, with the identified MUs tracked from recruitment to task failure. MUDR was quantified and normalised to intervals of 10% of contraction time (CT). MUDR of both muscles exhibited distinct modulation patterns in each task. During the 20% MVT sustained task, MUDR decreased until ∼50% CT, after which it gradually returned to baseline. Conversely, during the 50% MVT intermittent task, MUDR remained stable until ∼40-50% CT, after which it started to continually increase until task failure. To explore the effect of contraction intensity on the observed patterns, VL and VM MUDR was quantified during sustained contractions at 30% and 50% MVT (Experiment 2). During the 30% MVT sustained task, MUDR remained stable until ∼80-90% CT in both muscles, after which it continually increased until task failure. During the 50% MVT sustained task the increase in MUDR occurred earlier, after ∼70-80% CT. Our results suggest that adjustments in MUDR during submaximal isometric contractions to failure are contraction modality- and intensity-dependent. KEY POINTS: During prolonged muscle contractions a constant motor output can be maintained by recruitment of additional motor units and adjustments in their discharge rate. Whilst contraction-induced decrements in neuromuscular function are known to depend on task demands, task-specificity of motor unit discharge behaviour adjustments is still unclear. In this study, we tracked and compared discharge activity of several concurrently active motor units in the vastii muscles during different submaximal isometric knee extension tasks to failure, including intermittent vs. sustained contraction modalities performed in the same intensity domain (Experiment 1), and two sustained contractions performed at different intensities (Experiment 2). During each task, motor units modulated their discharge rate in a distinct, biphasic manner, with the modulation pattern depending on contraction intensity and modality. These results provide insight into motoneuronal adjustments during contraction tasks posing different demands on the neuromuscular system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamara Valenčič
- School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, Loughborough University, Loughborough, UK
| | - Paul Ansdell
- Department of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Callum G Brownstein
- School of Biomedical, Nutritional and Sport Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Padraig M Spillane
- Department of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Aleš Holobar
- Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, University of Maribor, Maribor, Slovenia
| | - Jakob Škarabot
- School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, Loughborough University, Loughborough, UK
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Colombo V, Valenčič T, Steiner K, Škarabot J, Folland J, O'Sullivan O, Kluzek S. Comparison of Blood Flow Restriction Interventions to Standard Rehabilitation After an Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury: A Systematic Review. Am J Sports Med 2024:3635465241232002. [PMID: 38591459 DOI: 10.1177/03635465241232002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/10/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Blood flow restriction training (BFR-t) data are heterogeneous. It is unclear whether rehabilitation with BFR-t after an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury is more effective in improving muscle strength and muscle size than standard rehabilitation. PURPOSE To review outcomes after an ACL injury and subsequent reconstruction in studies comparing rehabilitation with and without BFR-t. STUDY DESIGN Systematic review. Level of evidence, 3. METHODS A search of English-language human clinical studies published in the past 20 years (2002-2022) was carried out in 5 health sciences databases, involving participants aged 18-65 undergoing rehabilitation for an ACL injury. Outcomes associated with muscle strength, muscle size, and knee-specific patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) were extracted from studies meeting inclusion criteria and compared. RESULTS The literature search identified 279 studies, of which 5 met the selection criteria. Two studies suggested that BFR-t rehabilitation after an ACL injury improved knee or thigh muscle strength and muscle size compared with rehabilitation consisting of comparable and higher load resistance training, with two studies suggesting the opposite. The single study measuring PROMs showed improvement compared to traditional rehabilitation, with no difference in muscle strength or size. CONCLUSION BFR-t after an ACL injury seems to benefit muscle strength, muscle size, and PROM scores compared with standard rehabilitation alone. However, only 1 large study included all these outcomes, which has yet to be replicated in other settings. Further studies utilizing similar methods with a common set of outcome measures are required to confirm the effects of BFR-t on ACL rehabilitation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Colombo
- Academic Unit of Injury, Recovery and Inflammation Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Tamara Valenčič
- School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, Loughborough University, Loughborough, UK
| | - Kat Steiner
- Bodleian Health Care Libraries, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Jakob Škarabot
- School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, Loughborough University, Loughborough, UK
| | - Jonathan Folland
- School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, Loughborough University, Loughborough, UK
| | - Oliver O'Sullivan
- Academic Unit of Injury, Recovery and Inflammation Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
- Academic Department of Military Rehabilitation, Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre Stanford Hall, Loughborough, UK
| | - Stefan Kluzek
- Academic Unit of Injury, Recovery and Inflammation Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
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Piasecki J, Škarabot J, Spillane P, Piasecki M, Ansdell P. Sex Differences in Neuromuscular Aging: The Role of Sex Hormones. Exerc Sport Sci Rev 2024; 52:54-62. [PMID: 38329342 DOI: 10.1249/jes.0000000000000335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
Males and females experience different trajectories of neuromuscular function across the lifespan, with females demonstrating accelerated deconditioning in later life. We hypothesize that the menopause is a critical period in the female lifespan, during which the dramatic reduction in sex hormone concentrations negatively impacts synaptic input to the motoneuron pool, as well as motor unit discharge properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Piasecki
- Sport, Health and Performance Enhancement Research Centre, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham, UK
| | - Jakob Škarabot
- School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, Loughborough University, Loughborough, UK
| | - Padraig Spillane
- Department of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Mathew Piasecki
- Centre of Metabolism, Ageing and Physiology (COMAP), MRC-Versus Arthritis Centre for Musculoskeletal Ageing Research, National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Nottingham Biomedical Research Centre, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Paul Ansdell
- Department of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
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Thomas C, Kingshott RN, Allott KM, Tang JCY, Dunn R, Fraser WD, Thorley J, Virgilio N, Prawitt J, Hogervorst E, Škarabot J, Clifford T. Collagen peptide supplementation before bedtime reduces sleep fragmentation and improves cognitive function in physically active males with sleep complaints. Eur J Nutr 2024; 63:323-335. [PMID: 37874350 PMCID: PMC10799148 DOI: 10.1007/s00394-023-03267-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/25/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The primary aim of this study was to examine whether a glycine-rich collagen peptides (CP) supplement could enhance sleep quality in physically active men with self-reported sleep complaints. METHODS In a randomized, crossover design, 13 athletic males (age: 24 ± 4 years; training volume; 7 ± 3 h·wk1) with sleep complaints (Athens Insomnia Scale, 9 ± 2) consumed CP (15 g·day1) or a placebo control (CON) 1 h before bedtime for 7 nights. Sleep quality was measured with subjective sleep diaries and actigraphy for 7 nights; polysomnographic sleep and core temperature were recorded on night 7. Cognition, inflammation, and endocrine function were measured on night 7 and the following morning. Subjective sleepiness and fatigue were measured on all 7 nights. The intervention trials were separated by ≥ 7 days and preceded by a 7-night familiarisation trial. RESULTS Polysomnography showed less awakenings with CP than CON (21.3 ± 9.7 vs. 29.3 ± 13.8 counts, respectively; P = 0.028). The 7-day average for subjective awakenings were less with CP vs. CON (1.3 ± 1.5 vs. 1.9 ± 0.6 counts, respectively; P = 0.023). The proportion of correct responses on the baseline Stroop cognitive test were higher with CP than CON (1.00 ± 0.00 vs. 0.97 ± 0.05 AU, respectively; P = 0.009) the morning after night 7. There were no trial differences in core temperature, endocrine function, inflammation, subjective sleepiness, fatigue and sleep quality, or other measures of cognitive function or sleep (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION CP supplementation did not influence sleep quantity, latency, or efficiency, but reduced awakenings and improved cognitive function in physically active males with sleep complaints.
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Affiliation(s)
- Craig Thomas
- School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, Loughborough University, Loughborough, Leicestershire, LE11 3TU, UK
| | - Ruth N Kingshott
- Sheffield Children's NHS Foundation Trust, The Sleep House, Sheffield, UK
| | - Kirsty M Allott
- Sheffield Children's NHS Foundation Trust, The Sleep House, Sheffield, UK
| | - Jonathan C Y Tang
- Bioanalytical Facility, Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia, Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital Norfolk, Norwich, UK
- Clinical Biochemistry, Departments of Laboratory Medicine and Departments of Diabetes and Endocrinology Norfolk, Norwich University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Norwich, UK
| | - Rachel Dunn
- Bioanalytical Facility, Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia, Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital Norfolk, Norwich, UK
- Clinical Biochemistry, Departments of Laboratory Medicine and Departments of Diabetes and Endocrinology Norfolk, Norwich University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Norwich, UK
| | - William D Fraser
- Bioanalytical Facility, Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia, Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital Norfolk, Norwich, UK
- Clinical Biochemistry, Departments of Laboratory Medicine and Departments of Diabetes and Endocrinology Norfolk, Norwich University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Norwich, UK
| | - Josh Thorley
- School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, Loughborough University, Loughborough, Leicestershire, LE11 3TU, UK
| | | | | | - Eef Hogervorst
- School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, Loughborough University, Loughborough, Leicestershire, LE11 3TU, UK
| | - Jakob Škarabot
- School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, Loughborough University, Loughborough, Leicestershire, LE11 3TU, UK
| | - Tom Clifford
- School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, Loughborough University, Loughborough, Leicestershire, LE11 3TU, UK.
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Škarabot J, Folland JP, Forsyth J, Vazoukis A, Holobar A, Del Vecchio A. Motor Unit Discharge Characteristics and Conduction Velocity of the Vastii Muscles in Long-Term Resistance-Trained Men. Med Sci Sports Exerc 2023; 55:824-836. [PMID: 36729054 DOI: 10.1249/mss.0000000000003105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Adjustments in motor unit (MU) discharge properties have been shown after short-term resistance training; however, MU adaptations in long-term resistance-trained (RT) individuals are less clear. Here, we concurrently assessed MU discharge characteristics and MU conduction velocity in long-term RT and untrained (UT) men. METHODS Motor unit discharge characteristics (discharge rate, recruitment, and derecruitment threshold) and MU conduction velocity were assessed after the decomposition of high-density electromyograms recorded from vastus lateralis (VL) and vastus medialis (VM) of RT (>3 yr; n = 14) and UT ( n = 13) during submaximal and maximal isometric knee extension. RESULTS Resistance-trained men were on average 42% stronger (maximal voluntary force [MVF], 976.7 ± 85.4 N vs 685.5 ± 123.1 N; P < 0.0001), but exhibited similar relative MU recruitment (VL, 21.3% ± 4.3% vs 21.0% ± 2.3% MVF; VM, 24.5% ± 4.2% vs 22.7% ± 5.3% MVF) and derecruitment thresholds (VL, 20.3% ± 4.3% vs 19.8% ± 2.9% MVF; VM, 24.2% ± 4.8% vs 22.9% ± 3.7% MVF; P ≥ 0.4543). There were also no differences between groups in MU discharge rate at recruitment and derecruitment or at the plateau phase of submaximal contractions (VL, 10.6 ± 1.2 pps vs 10.3 ± 1.5 pps; VM, 10.7 ± 1.6 pps vs 10.8 ± 1.7 pps; P ≥ 0.3028). During maximal contractions of a subsample population (10 RT, 9 UT), MU discharge rate was also similar in RT compared with UT (VL, 21.1 ± 4.1 pps vs 14.0 ± 4.5 pps; VM, 19.5 ± 5.0 pps vs 17.0 ± 6.3 pps; P = 0.7173). Motor unit conduction velocity was greater in RT compared with UT individuals in both VL (4.9 ± 0.5 m·s -1 vs 4.5 ± 0.3 m·s -1 ; P < 0.0013) and VM (4.8 ± 0.5 m·s -1 vs 4.4 ± 0.3 m·s -1 ; P < 0.0073). CONCLUSIONS Resistance-trained and UT men display similar MU discharge characteristics in the knee extensor muscles during maximal and submaximal contractions. The between-group strength difference is likely explained by superior muscle morphology of RT as suggested by greater MU conduction velocity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jakob Škarabot
- School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, Loughborough University, Loughborough, UNITED KINGDOM
| | | | - Jules Forsyth
- School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, Loughborough University, Loughborough, UNITED KINGDOM
| | - Apostolos Vazoukis
- School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, Loughborough University, Loughborough, UNITED KINGDOM
| | - Aleš Holobar
- Systems Software Laboratory, Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, University of Maribor, Maribor, SLOVENIA
| | - Alessandro Del Vecchio
- Department Artificial Intelligence in Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Friedrich Alexander University, Erlangen-Nuremberg, GERMANY
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Škarabot J, Ammann C, Balshaw TG, Divjak M, Urh F, Murks N, Foffani G, Holobar A. Decoding firings of a large population of human motor units from high-density surface electromyogram in response to transcranial magnetic stimulation. J Physiol 2023; 601:1719-1744. [PMID: 36946417 PMCID: PMC10952962 DOI: 10.1113/jp284043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2022] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/23/2023] Open
Abstract
We describe a novel application of methodology for high-density surface electromyography (HDsEMG) decomposition to identify motor unit (MU) firings in response to transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). The method is based on the MU filter estimation from HDsEMG decomposition with convolution kernel compensation during voluntary isometric contractions and its application to contractions elicited by TMS. First, we simulated synthetic HDsEMG signals during voluntary contractions followed by simulated motor evoked potentials (MEPs) recruiting an increasing proportion of the motor pool. The estimation of MU filters from voluntary contractions and their application to elicited contractions resulted in high (>90%) precision and sensitivity of MU firings during MEPs. Subsequently, we conducted three experiments in humans. From HDsEMG recordings in first dorsal interosseous and tibialis anterior muscles, we demonstrated an increase in the number of identified MUs during MEPs evoked with increasing stimulation intensity, low variability in the MU firing latency and a proportion of MEP energy accounted for by decomposition similar to voluntary contractions. A negative relationship between the MU recruitment threshold and the number of identified MU firings was exhibited during the MEP recruitment curve, suggesting orderly MU recruitment. During isometric dorsiflexion we also showed a negative association between voluntary MU firing rate and the number of firings of the identified MUs during MEPs, suggesting a decrease in the probability of MU firing during MEPs with increased background MU firing rate. We demonstrate accurate identification of a large population of MU firings in a broad recruitment range in response to TMS via non-invasive HDsEMG recordings. KEY POINTS: Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) of the scalp produces multiple descending volleys, exciting motor pools in a diffuse manner. The characteristics of a motor pool response to TMS have been previously investigated with intramuscular electromyography (EMG), but this is limited in its capacity to detect many motor units (MUs) that constitute a motor evoked potential (MEP) in response to TMS. By simulating synthetic signals with known MU firing patterns, and recording high-density EMG signals from two human muscles, we show the feasibility of identifying firings of many MUs that comprise a MEP. We demonstrate the identification of firings of a large population of MUs in the broad recruitment range, up to maximal MEP amplitude, with fewer required stimuli compared to intramuscular EMG recordings. The methodology demonstrates an emerging possibility to study responses to TMS on a level of individual MUs in a non-invasive manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jakob Škarabot
- School of Sport, Exercise and Health SciencesLoughborough UniversityLoughboroughUK
| | - Claudia Ammann
- HM CINAC (Centro Integral de Neurociencias Abarca Campal), Hospital Universitario HM Puerta del SurHM HospitalesMadridSpain
- CIBERNEDInstituto de Salud Carlos IIIMadridSpain
| | - Thomas G. Balshaw
- School of Sport, Exercise and Health SciencesLoughborough UniversityLoughboroughUK
| | - Matjaž Divjak
- Systems Software Laboratory, Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computer ScienceUniversity of MariborMariborSlovenia
| | - Filip Urh
- Systems Software Laboratory, Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computer ScienceUniversity of MariborMariborSlovenia
| | - Nina Murks
- Systems Software Laboratory, Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computer ScienceUniversity of MariborMariborSlovenia
| | - Guglielmo Foffani
- HM CINAC (Centro Integral de Neurociencias Abarca Campal), Hospital Universitario HM Puerta del SurHM HospitalesMadridSpain
- CIBERNEDInstituto de Salud Carlos IIIMadridSpain
- Hospital Nacional de ParapléjicosToledoSpain
| | - Aleš Holobar
- Systems Software Laboratory, Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computer ScienceUniversity of MariborMariborSlovenia
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Škarabot J. Remote contractions to mitigate reduced persistent inward current magnitudes in motoneurons of older adults. J Physiol 2022; 600:4967-4968. [PMID: 36327131 PMCID: PMC10946521 DOI: 10.1113/jp283964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Jakob Škarabot
- School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, Loughborough University, Loughborough, UK
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Atkinson E, Škarabot J, Ansdell P, Goodall S, Howatson G, Thomas K. Does the reticulospinal tract mediate adaptation to resistance training in humans? J Appl Physiol (1985) 2022; 133:689-696. [PMID: 35834623 PMCID: PMC9467470 DOI: 10.1152/japplphysiol.00264.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Resistance training increases volitional force-producing capacity, and it is widely accepted that such an increase is partly underpinned by adaptations in the central nervous system, particularly in the early phases of training. Despite this, the neural substrate(s) responsible for mediating adaptation remains largely unknown. Most studies have focused on the corticospinal tract, the main descending pathway controlling movement in humans, with equivocal findings. It is possible that neural adaptation to resistance training is mediated by other structures; one such candidate is the reticulospinal tract. The aim of this narrative mini-review is to articulate the potential of the reticulospinal tract to underpin adaptations in muscle strength. Specifically, we 1) discuss why the structure and function of the reticulospinal tract implicate it as a potential site for adaptation; 2) review the animal and human literature that supports the idea of the reticulospinal tract as an important neural substrate underpinning adaptation to resistance training; and 3) examine the potential methodological options to assess the reticulospinal tract in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elliott Atkinson
- Department of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation, grid.42629.3bNorthumbria University, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Jakob Škarabot
- School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, grid.6571.5Loughborough University, Loughborough, United Kingdom
| | - Paul Ansdell
- Department of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation, grid.42629.3bNorthumbria University, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Stuart Goodall
- Department of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation, grid.42629.3bNorthumbria University, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Glyn Howatson
- Department of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation, grid.42629.3bNorthumbria University, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Kevin Thomas
- Department of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation, grid.42629.3bNorthumbria University, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, United Kingdom
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10
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Škarabot J, Folland JP, Holobar A, Baker SN, Del Vecchio A. Startling stimuli increase maximal motor unit discharge rate and rate of force development in humans. J Neurophysiol 2022; 128:455-469. [PMID: 35829632 PMCID: PMC9423775 DOI: 10.1152/jn.00115.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Maximal rate of force development in adult humans is determined by the maximal motor unit discharge rate, however the origin of the underlying synaptic inputs remains unclear. Here, we tested a hypothesis that the maximal motor unit discharge rate will increase in response to a startling cue, a stimulus that purportedly activates the pontomedullary reticular formation neurons that make mono- and disynaptic connections to motoneurons via fast-conducting axons. Twenty-two men were required to produce isometric knee extensor forces "as fast and as hard" as possible from rest to 75% of maximal voluntary force, in response to visual (VC), visual-auditory (VAC; 80 dB), or visual-startling cue (VSC; 110 dB). Motoneuron activity was estimated via decomposition of high-density surface electromyogram recordings over the vastus lateralis and medialis muscles. Reaction time was significantly shorter in response to VSC compared to VAC and VC. The VSC further elicited faster neuromechanical responses including a greater number of discharges per motor unit per second and greater maximal rate of force development, with no differences between VAC and VC. We provide evidence, for the first time, that the synaptic input to motoneurons increases in response to a startling cue, suggesting a contribution of subcortical pathways to maximal motoneuron output in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jakob Škarabot
- School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, grid.6571.5Loughborough University, Loughborough, United Kingdom
| | - Jonathan P Folland
- School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, grid.6571.5Loughborough University, Loughborough, United Kingdom.,Versus Arthritis Centre for Sport, Exercise and Osteoarthritis, Loughborough University, Loughborough, United Kingdom
| | - Ales Holobar
- Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, University of Maribor, Maribor, Slovenia
| | - Stuart N Baker
- Medical Faculty, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Alessandro Del Vecchio
- Department of Artificial Intelligence in Biomedical Engineering, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Bavaria, Germany
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Mesquita RNO, Taylor JL, Trajano GS, Škarabot J, Holobar A, Gonçalves BAM, Blazevich AJ. Effects of reciprocal inhibition and whole-body relaxation on persistent inward currents estimated by two different methods. J Physiol 2022; 600:2765-2787. [PMID: 35436349 PMCID: PMC9325475 DOI: 10.1113/jp282765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 04/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract Persistent inward currents (PICs) are crucial for initiation, acceleration, and maintenance of motoneuron firing. As PICs are highly sensitive to synaptic inhibition and facilitated by serotonin and noradrenaline, we hypothesised that both reciprocal inhibition (RI) induced by antagonist nerve stimulation and whole‐body relaxation (WBR) would reduce PICs in humans. To test this, we estimated PICs using the well‐established paired motor unit (MU) technique. High‐density surface electromyograms were recorded from gastrocnemius medialis during voluntary, isometric 20‐s ramp, plantarflexor contractions and decomposed into MU discharges to calculate delta frequency (ΔF). Moreover, another technique (VibStim), which evokes involuntary contractions proposed to result from PIC activation, was used. Plantarflexion torque and soleus activity were recorded during 33‐s Achilles tendon vibration and simultaneous 20‐Hz bouts of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) of triceps surae. ΔF was decreased by RI (n = 15, 5 females) and WBR (n = 15, 7 females). In VibStim, torque during vibration at the end of NMES and sustained post‐vibration torque were reduced by WBR (n = 19, 10 females), while other variables remained unchanged. All VibStim variables remained unaltered in RI (n = 20, 10 females). Analysis of multiple human MUs in this study demonstrates the ability of local, focused inhibition to attenuate the effects of PICs on motoneuron output during voluntary motor control. Moreover, it shows the potential to reduce PICs through non‐pharmacological, neuromodulatory interventions such as WBR. The absence of a consistent effect in VibStim might be explained by a floor effect resulting from low‐magnitude involuntary torque combined with the negative effects of the interventions. Key points Spinal motoneurons transmit signals to skeletal muscles to regulate their contraction. Motoneuron firing partly depends on their intrinsic properties such as the strength of persistent (long‐lasting) inward currents (PICs) that make motoneurons more responsive to excitatory input. In this study, we demonstrate that both reciprocal inhibition onto motoneurons and whole‐body relaxation reduce the contribution of PICs to human motoneuron firing. This was observed through analysis of the firing of single motor units during voluntary contractions. However, an alternative technique that involves tendon vibration and neuromuscular electrical stimulation to evoke involuntary contractions showed less effect. Thus, it remains unclear whether this alternative technique can be used to estimate PICs under all physiological conditions. These results improve our understanding of the mechanisms of PIC depression in human motoneurons. Potentially, non‐pharmacological interventions such as electrical stimulation or relaxation could attenuate unwanted PIC‐induced muscle contractions in conditions characterised by motoneuron hyperexcitability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ricardo N O Mesquita
- Centre for Human Performance, School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Perth, Australia.,Neuroscience Research Australia, Sydney, Australia
| | - Janet L Taylor
- Centre for Human Performance, School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Perth, Australia.,Neuroscience Research Australia, Sydney, Australia
| | - Gabriel S Trajano
- School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences and Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Jakob Škarabot
- School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, Loughborough University, Leicestershire, UK
| | - Aleš Holobar
- Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, University of Maribor, Maribor, Slovenia
| | - Basílio A M Gonçalves
- Griffith Centre of Biomedical and Rehabilitation Engineering (GCORE), Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Anthony J Blazevich
- Centre for Human Performance, School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Perth, Australia
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12
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Abstract
ABSTRACT Reya, M, Škarabot, J, Cvetičanin, B, and Šarabon, N. Factors underlying bench press performance in elite competitive powerlifters. J Strength Cond Res 35(8): 2179-2186, 2021-Previous investigations of 1 repetition maximum bench press (1RM BP) performance have been either descriptive or have explored a limited number of contributing variables. The purpose of this study was to investigate the interplay between structural, technical, and neuromuscular factors in relation to 1RM BP in competitive powerlifters. Thirteen national and international level male powerlifters (26 ± 9 years, 178 ± 6 cm, and 93.8 ± 9.9 kg) visited the laboratory twice. Anthropometric and ultrasound measures were taken on the first visit, whereas performance measures (voluntary activation level, isokinetic strength, and kinetic, kinematic, and electromyographic measurements during 1RM BP) were recorded on the second visit. Correlation and multiple regression were used to investigate the contribution of structural, technical, and neuromuscular variables to 1RM BP corrected for body mass using the Wilks coefficient. The highest degree of association was shown for structural (lean and bone mass, brachial index, arm circumference, and agonist cross-sectional area [CSA]; r = 0.58-0.74) followed by neuromuscular factors (elbow and shoulder flexion strength; r = 0.57-0.71), whereas technical factors did not correlate with 1RM BP performance (r ≤ 0.49). The multiple regression showed that lean body mass, brachial index, and isometric shoulder flexion torque predicted 59% of the common variance in 1RM BP. These data suggest that in a sample of elite competitive powerlifters, multiple factors contribute to 1RM BP with variables such as lean body mass, the agonist CSA, brachial index, and strength of the elbow and shoulder flexors being the greatest predictors of performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matija Reya
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Primorska, Izola, Slovenia
| | - Jakob Škarabot
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | | | - Nejc Šarabon
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Primorska, Izola, Slovenia
- S2P, Science to Practice, d.o.o., Laboratory for Motor Control and Motor Behaviour, Ljubljana, Slovenia
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13
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Škarabot J, Balshaw TG, Maeo S, Massey GJ, Lanza MB, Maden-Wilkinson TM, Folland JP. Neural adaptations to long-term resistance training: evidence for the confounding effect of muscle size on the interpretation of surface electromyography. J Appl Physiol (1985) 2021; 131:702-715. [PMID: 34166110 DOI: 10.1152/japplphysiol.00094.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
This study compared elbow flexor (EF; experiment 1) and knee extensor (KE; experiment 2) maximal compound action potential (Mmax) amplitude between long-term resistance trained (LTRT; n = 15 and n = 14, 6 ± 3 and 4 ± 1 yr of training) and untrained (UT; n = 14 and n = 49) men, and examined the effect of normalizing electromyography (EMG) during maximal voluntary torque (MVT) production to Mmax amplitude on differences between LTRT and UT. EMG was recorded from multiple sites and muscles of EF and KE, Mmax was evoked with percutaneous nerve stimulation, and muscle size was assessed with ultrasonography (thickness, EF) and magnetic resonance imaging (cross-sectional area, KE). Muscle-electrode distance (MED) was measured to account for the effect of adipose tissue on EMG and Mmax. LTRT displayed greater MVT (+66%-71%, P < 0.001), muscle size (+54%-56%, P < 0.001), and Mmax amplitudes (+29%-60%, P ≤ 0.010) even when corrected for MED (P ≤ 0.045). Mmax was associated with the size of both muscle groups (r ≥ 0.466, P ≤ 0.011). Compared with UT, LTRT had higher absolute voluntary EMG amplitude for the KE (P < 0.001), but not the EF (P = 0.195), and these differences/similarities were maintained after correction for MED; however, Mmax normalization resulted in no differences between LTRT and UT for any muscle and/or muscle group (P ≥ 0.652). The positive association between Mmax and muscle size, and no differences when accounting for peripheral electrophysiological properties (EMG/Mmax), indicates the greater absolute voluntary EMG amplitude of LTRT might be confounded by muscle morphology, rather than providing a discrete measure of central neural activity. This study therefore suggests limited agonist neural adaptation after LTRT.NEW & NOTEWORTHY In a large sample of long-term resistance-trained individuals, we showed greater maximal M-wave amplitude of the elbow flexors and knee extensors compared with untrained individuals, which appears to be at least partially mediated by differences in muscle size. The lack of group differences in voluntary EMG amplitude when normalized to maximal M-wave suggests that differences in muscle morphology might impair interpretation of voluntary EMG as an index of central neural activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jakob Škarabot
- School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, Loughborough University, Leicestershire, United Kingdom
| | - Thomas G Balshaw
- School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, Loughborough University, Leicestershire, United Kingdom.,Versus Arthritis Centre for Sport, Exercise and Osteoarthritis Research, Loughborough University, Leicestershire, United Kingdom
| | - Sumiaki Maeo
- School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, Loughborough University, Leicestershire, United Kingdom.,Faculty of Sport and Health Science, Ritsumeikan University, Shiga, Japan
| | - Garry J Massey
- School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, Loughborough University, Leicestershire, United Kingdom.,School of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
| | - Marcel B Lanza
- Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation, University of Maryland, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Thomas M Maden-Wilkinson
- School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, Loughborough University, Leicestershire, United Kingdom.,Academy of Sport and Physical Activity, Faculty of Health and Wellbeing, Sheffield Hallam University, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Jonathan P Folland
- School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, Loughborough University, Leicestershire, United Kingdom.,Versus Arthritis Centre for Sport, Exercise and Osteoarthritis Research, Loughborough University, Leicestershire, United Kingdom
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14
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Brownstein CG, Espeit L, Royer N, Ansdell P, Škarabot J, Souron R, Lapole T, Millet GY. Reductions in motoneuron excitability during sustained isometric contractions are dependent on stimulus and contraction intensity. J Neurophysiol 2021; 125:1636-1646. [PMID: 33788627 DOI: 10.1152/jn.00070.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Cervicomedullary stimulation provides a means of assessing motoneuron excitability. Previous studies demonstrated that during low-intensity sustained contractions, small cervicomedullary evoked potentials (CMEPs) conditioned using transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS-CMEPs) are reduced, whereas large TMS-CMEPs are less affected. As small TMS-CMEPs recruit motoneurons most active during low-intensity contractions whereas large TMS-CMEPs recruit a high proportion of motoneurons inactive during the task, these results suggest that reductions in motoneuron excitability could be dependent on repetitive activation. To further test this hypothesis, this study assessed changes in small and large TMS-CMEPs across low- and high-intensity contractions. Twelve participants performed a sustained isometric contraction of the elbow flexor for 4.5 min at the electromyography (EMG) level associated with 20% maximal voluntary contraction force (MVC; low intensity) and 70% MVC (high intensity). Small and large TMS-CMEPs with amplitudes of ∼15% and ∼50% Mmax at baseline, respectively, were delivered every minute throughout the tasks. Recovery measures were taken at 1-, 2.5- and 4-min postexercise. During the low-intensity trial, small TMS-CMEPs were reduced at 2-4 min (P ≤ 0.049) by up to -10% Mmax, whereas large TMS-CMEPs remained unchanged (P ≥ 0.16). During the high-intensity trial, small and large TMS-CMEPs were reduced at all time points (P < 0.01) by up to -14% and -33% Mmax, respectively, and remained below baseline during all recovery measures (P ≤ 0.02). TMS-CMEPs were unchanged relative to baseline during recovery following the low-intensity trial (P ≥ 0.24). These results provide novel insight into motoneuron excitability during and following sustained contractions at different intensities and suggest that contraction-induced reductions in motoneuron excitability depend on repetitive activation.NEW & NOTEWORTHY This study measured motoneuron excitability using cervicomedullary evoked potentials conditioned using transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS-CMEPs) of both small and large amplitudes during sustained low- and high-intensity contractions of the elbow flexors. During the low-intensity task, only the small TMS-CMEP was reduced. During the high-intensity task, both small and large TMS-CMEPs were substantially reduced. These results indicate that repetitively active motoneurons are specifically reduced in excitability compared with less active motoneurons in the same pool.
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Affiliation(s)
- Callum G Brownstein
- Inter-university Laboratory of Human Movement Science, University Lyon, Université Jean Monnet (UJM)-Saint-Etienne, Saint-Etienne, France
| | - Loïc Espeit
- Inter-university Laboratory of Human Movement Science, University Lyon, Université Jean Monnet (UJM)-Saint-Etienne, Saint-Etienne, France
| | - Nicolas Royer
- Inter-university Laboratory of Human Movement Science, University Lyon, Université Jean Monnet (UJM)-Saint-Etienne, Saint-Etienne, France
| | - Paul Ansdell
- Department of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Jakob Škarabot
- School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, Loughborough University, Leicestershire, United Kingdom
| | - Robin Souron
- Laboratory of Impact of Physical Activity on Health (IAPS), University of Toulon, France
| | - Thomas Lapole
- Inter-university Laboratory of Human Movement Science, University Lyon, Université Jean Monnet (UJM)-Saint-Etienne, Saint-Etienne, France
| | - Guillaume Y Millet
- Inter-university Laboratory of Human Movement Science, University Lyon, Université Jean Monnet (UJM)-Saint-Etienne, Saint-Etienne, France.,Institut Universitaire de France (IUF)
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15
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Škarabot J, Brownstein CG, Casolo A, Del Vecchio A, Ansdell P. The knowns and unknowns of neural adaptations to resistance training. Eur J Appl Physiol 2020; 121:675-685. [PMID: 33355714 PMCID: PMC7892509 DOI: 10.1007/s00421-020-04567-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2020] [Accepted: 11/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The initial increases in force production with resistance training are thought to be primarily underpinned by neural adaptations. This notion is firmly supported by evidence displaying motor unit adaptations following resistance training; however, the precise locus of neural adaptation remains elusive. The purpose of this review is to clarify and critically discuss the literature concerning the site(s) of putative neural adaptations to short-term resistance training. The proliferation of studies employing non-invasive stimulation techniques to investigate evoked responses have yielded variable results, but generally support the notion that resistance training alters intracortical inhibition. Nevertheless, methodological inconsistencies and the limitations of techniques, e.g. limited relation to behavioural outcomes and the inability to measure volitional muscle activity, preclude firm conclusions. Much of the literature has focused on the corticospinal tract; however, preliminary research in non-human primates suggests reticulospinal tract is a potential substrate for neural adaptations to resistance training, though human data is lacking due to methodological constraints. Recent advances in technology have provided substantial evidence of adaptations within a large motor unit population following resistance training. However, their activity represents the transformation of afferent and efferent inputs, making it challenging to establish the source of adaptation. Whilst much has been learned about the nature of neural adaptations to resistance training, the puzzle remains to be solved. Additional analyses of motoneuron firing during different training regimes or coupling with other methodologies (e.g., electroencephalography) may facilitate the estimation of the site(s) of neural adaptations to resistance training in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jakob Škarabot
- School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, Loughborough University, Loughborough, UK
| | - Callum G Brownstein
- Laboratoire Interuniversitaire de Biologie de la Motricité, Université Jean Monnet Saint-Etienne, Université Lyon, Saint-Étienne, France
| | - Andrea Casolo
- Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London, UK.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Padua, Italy
| | - Alessandro Del Vecchio
- Department of Artificial Intelligence and Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Friedrich-Alexander University, Erlangen-Nurnberg, 91052, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Paul Ansdell
- Department of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 8ST, UK.
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16
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Coratella G, Longo S, Cè E, Esposito F, de Almeida Costa Campos Y, Pereira Guimarães M, Fernandes da Silva S, Dufour SP, Hureau TJ, Lemire M, Favret F, Elmer SJ, LaStayo PC, Wernbom M, Seynnes O, Paulsen G, Bontemps B, Vercruyssen F, Gruet M, Louis J, Mourot L, Rakobowchuk M, Pageaux B, Tremblay J, Peñailillo L, Nosaka K, Hahn D, Raiteri BJ, Škarabot J, Valenzuela PL, Walsh JA, McAndrew DJ, Lepers R, Stapley PJ, Baumert P, Erskine RM, Clos P. Commentaries on Viewpoint: Distinct modalities of eccentric exercise: different recipes, not the same dish. J Appl Physiol (1985) 2020; 127:884-891. [PMID: 31525315 DOI: 10.1152/japplphysiol.00496.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Coratella
- Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Stefano Longo
- Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Emiliano Cè
- Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy,IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Galeazzi, Milan, Italy
| | - Fabio Esposito
- Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy,IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Galeazzi, Milan, Italy
| | - Yuri de Almeida Costa Campos
- Study Group and Research in Neuromuscular Responses, University of Lavras, Lavras, Brazil,Postgraduate Program of the Faculty of Physical Education and Sports of the University of Juiz de Fora, Juiz de Fora, Brazil
| | - Miller Pereira Guimarães
- Study Group and Research in Neuromuscular Responses, University of Lavras, Lavras, Brazil,Postgraduate Program of the Faculty of Physical Education and Sports of the University of Juiz de Fora, Juiz de Fora, Brazil,Presbyterian College Gammon, Lavras, Brazil
| | | | - Stéphane P. Dufour
- University of Strasbourg, Faculty of Sport Sciences, FMTS (Federation for Translational Medicine, Mitochondria, Oxidative Stress and Muscular Protection Laboratory, Strasbourg, France
| | - Thomas J. Hureau
- University of Strasbourg, Faculty of Sport Sciences, FMTS (Federation for Translational Medicine, Mitochondria, Oxidative Stress and Muscular Protection Laboratory, Strasbourg, France
| | - Marcel Lemire
- University of Strasbourg, Faculty of Sport Sciences, FMTS (Federation for Translational Medicine, Mitochondria, Oxidative Stress and Muscular Protection Laboratory, Strasbourg, France
| | - Fabrice Favret
- University of Strasbourg, Faculty of Sport Sciences, FMTS (Federation for Translational Medicine, Mitochondria, Oxidative Stress and Muscular Protection Laboratory, Strasbourg, France
| | - Steven J. Elmer
- Department of Kinesiology and Integrative Physiology, Michigan Technological University, Houghton, Michigan
| | - Paul C. LaStayo
- Department of Physical Therapy, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - Mathias Wernbom
- Center for Health and Performance, Department of Food and Nutrition and Sport Science, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden,Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Department of Health and Rehabilitation, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Olivier Seynnes
- Department of Physical Performance, Norwegian School of Sport Sciences, Oslo, Norway
| | - Gøran Paulsen
- Department of Physical Performance, Norwegian School of Sport Sciences, Oslo, Norway
| | | | | | - Mathieu Gruet
- LAMHESS, EA6312, Université de Toulon, Toulon, France
| | - Julien Louis
- Research Institute for Sport and Exercise Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Laurent Mourot
- EA3920 Prognostic Factors and Regulatory Factors of Cardiac and Vascular Pathologies, Exercise Performance Health Innovation (EPHI) platform, University of Bourgogne Franche- Comté, Besançon, France,National Research Tomsk Polytechnic University, Tomsk, Russia
| | - Mark Rakobowchuk
- Department of Biological Sciences, Thompson Rivers University, Kamloops, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Benjamin Pageaux
- École de kinésiologie et des sciences l’activité physique (EKSAP), Faculté de médecine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Canada,Centre de recherche de l’Institut universitaire de gériatrie de Montréal, Montréal, Canada
| | - Jonathan Tremblay
- École de kinésiologie et des sciences l’activité physique (EKSAP), Faculté de médecine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Canada
| | - Luis Peñailillo
- Universidad Finis Terrae, Santiago, Chile and Edith Cowan University, Perth, Australia
| | - Kazunori Nosaka
- Universidad Finis Terrae, Santiago, Chile and Edith Cowan University, Perth, Australia
| | - Daniel Hahn
- Ruhr University Bochum, Faculty of Sport Science, Human Movement Science, Bochum, Germany,School of Human Movement and Nutrition Sciences, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Brent J. Raiteri
- Ruhr University Bochum, Faculty of Sport Science, Human Movement Science, Bochum, Germany
| | - Jakob Škarabot
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | | | - Joel A. Walsh
- Neural Control of Movement Group, School of Medicine, Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health, University of Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia,Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute (IHMRI), University of Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Darryl J. McAndrew
- Neural Control of Movement Group, School of Medicine, Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health, University of Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia,Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute (IHMRI), University of Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Romuald Lepers
- CAPS UMR1093, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), UFR des Sciences du Sport, Université Bourgogne Franche-Comté, Dijon, France
| | - Paul J. Stapley
- Neural Control of Movement Group, School of Medicine, Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health, University of Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia,Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute (IHMRI), University of Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia
| | - P Baumert
- Research Institute for Sport & Exercise Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, United Kingdom,Exercise Biology Group, Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - R M Erskine
- Research Institute for Sport & Exercise Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, United Kingdom,Institute of Sport, Exercise & Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Pierre Clos
- CAPS UMR1093, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), UFR des Sciences du Sport, Université Bourgogne Franche-Comté, Dijon, France
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17
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Ansdell P, Škarabot J, Atkinson E, Corden S, Tygart A, Hicks KM, Thomas K, Hunter SK, Howatson G, Goodall S. Sex differences in fatigability following exercise normalised to the power-duration relationship. J Physiol 2020; 598:5717-5737. [PMID: 32964441 DOI: 10.1113/jp280031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2020] [Accepted: 09/07/2020] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
KEY POINTS Knee-extensors demonstrate greater fatigue resistance in females compared to males during single-limb and whole-body exercise. For single-limb exercise, the intensity-duration relationship is different between sexes, with females sustaining a greater relative intensity of exercise. This study established the power-duration relationship during cycling, then assessed fatigability during critical power-matched exercise within the heavy and severe intensity domains. When critical power and the curvature constant were expressed relative to maximal ramp test power, no sex difference was observed. No sex difference in time to task failure was observed in either trial. During heavy and severe intensity cycling, females experienced lesser muscle de-oxygenation. Following both trials, females experienced lesser reductions in knee-extensor contractile function, and following heavy intensity exercise, females experienced less reduction in voluntary activation. These data demonstrate that whilst the relative power-duration relationship is not different between males and females, the mechanisms of fatigability during critical power-matched exercise are mediated by sex. ABSTRACT Due to morphological differences, females demonstrate greater fatigue resistance of locomotor muscle during single-limb and whole-body exercise modalities. Whilst females sustain a greater relative intensity of single-limb, isometric exercise than males, limited investigation has been performed during whole-body exercise. Accordingly, this study established the power-duration relationship during cycling in 18 trained participants (eight females). Subsequently, constant-load exercise was performed at critical power (CP)-matched intensities within the heavy and severe domains, with the mechanisms of fatigability assessed via non-invasive neurostimulation, near-infrared spectroscopy and pulmonary gas exchange during and following exercise. Relative CP (72 ± 5 vs. 74 ± 2% Pmax , P = 0.210) and curvature constant (51 ± 11 vs. 52 ± 10 J Pmax -1 , P = 0.733) of the power-duration relationship were similar between males and females. Subsequent heavy (P = 0.758) and severe intensity (P = 0.645) exercise time to task failures were not different between sexes. However, females experienced lesser reductions in contractile function at task failure (P ≤ 0.020), and greater vastus lateralis oxygenation (P ≤ 0.039) during both trials. Reductions in voluntary activation occurred following both trials (P < 0.001), but were less in females following the heavy trial (P = 0.036). Furthermore, during the heavy intensity trial only, corticospinal excitability was reduced at the cortical (P = 0.020) and spinal (P = 0.036) levels, but these reductions were not sex-dependent. Other than a lower respiratory exchange ratio in the heavy trial for females (P = 0.039), no gas exchange variables differed between sexes (P ≥ 0.052). Collectively, these data demonstrate that whilst the relative power-duration relationship is not different between males and females, the mechanisms of fatigability during CP-matched exercise above and below CP are mediated by sex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Ansdell
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Jakob Škarabot
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.,School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, Loughborough University, Loughborough, UK
| | - Elliott Atkinson
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Sarah Corden
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Amber Tygart
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Kirsty M Hicks
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Kevin Thomas
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Sandra K Hunter
- Department of Physical Therapy, Marquette University, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Glyn Howatson
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.,Water Research Group, School of Environmental Sciences and Development, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | - Stuart Goodall
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
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18
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Ansdell P, Škarabot J, Atkinson E, Corden S, Tygart A, Hicks KM, Thomas K, Hunter SK, Howatson G, Goodall S. Sex Differences In Fatigability During Metabolically-matched Locomotor Exercise: An Integrative Approach. Med Sci Sports Exerc 2020. [DOI: 10.1249/01.mss.0000687052.24766.72] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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19
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Mesquita RNO, Škarabot J, Pearcey GEP. Low‐threshold motor units can be a pain during experimental muscle pain. J Physiol 2020; 598:2545-2547. [DOI: 10.1113/jp279872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2020] [Accepted: 05/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | - Jakob Škarabot
- School of SportExercise and Health SciencesLoughborough University Leicestershire United Kingdom
| | - Gregory E. P. Pearcey
- Department of PhysiologyFeinberg School of MedicineNorthwestern University Chicago IL USA
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Ansdell P, Brownstein CG, Škarabot J, Angius L, Kidgell D, Frazer A, Hicks KM, Durbaba R, Howatson G, Goodall S, Thomas K. Task‐specific strength increases after lower‐limb compound resistance training occurred in the absence of corticospinal changes in vastus lateralis. Exp Physiol 2020; 105:1132-1150. [DOI: 10.1113/ep088629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2020] [Accepted: 04/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Paul Ansdell
- Faculty of Health and Life SciencesNorthumbria University Newcastle upon Tyne UK
| | - Callum G. Brownstein
- Faculty of Health and Life SciencesNorthumbria University Newcastle upon Tyne UK
- Laboratoire Interuniversitaire de Biologie de la MotricitéUniversité Jean Monnet Saint Etienne, Université Lyon Lyon France
| | - Jakob Škarabot
- Faculty of Health and Life SciencesNorthumbria University Newcastle upon Tyne UK
- School of SportExercise and Health SciencesLoughborough University Loughborough UK
| | - Luca Angius
- Faculty of Health and Life SciencesNorthumbria University Newcastle upon Tyne UK
| | - Dawson Kidgell
- Department of PhysiotherapySchool of Primary and Allied Health CareFaculty of MedicineNursing and Health SciencesMonash University Melbourne Australia
| | - Ashlyn Frazer
- Department of PhysiotherapySchool of Primary and Allied Health CareFaculty of MedicineNursing and Health SciencesMonash University Melbourne Australia
| | - Kirsty M. Hicks
- Faculty of Health and Life SciencesNorthumbria University Newcastle upon Tyne UK
| | - Rade Durbaba
- Faculty of Health and Life SciencesNorthumbria University Newcastle upon Tyne UK
| | - Glyn Howatson
- Faculty of Health and Life SciencesNorthumbria University Newcastle upon Tyne UK
- Water Research GroupSchool of Biological SciencesNorth West University Potchefstroom South Africa
| | - Stuart Goodall
- Faculty of Health and Life SciencesNorthumbria University Newcastle upon Tyne UK
| | - Kevin Thomas
- Faculty of Health and Life SciencesNorthumbria University Newcastle upon Tyne UK
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21
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Škarabot J, Ansdell P, Howatson G, Goodall S, Durbaba R. Corticospinal responses during passive shortening and lengthening of tibialis anterior and soleus in older compared to younger adults. Exp Physiol 2019; 105:419-426. [PMID: 31860743 DOI: 10.1113/ep088204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2019] [Accepted: 12/18/2019] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
NEW FINDINGS What is the central question of this study? Are there age-related differences in corticospinal responses whilst passively changing muscle length? What is the main finding and its importance? In contrast to young, older adults exhibited no modulation of corticospinal excitability in tibialis anterior during passive ankle movement. These data show impaired sensorimotor response in older adults during length changes of tibialis anterior, thus contributing to our understanding of age-related changes in sensorimotor control. ABSTRACT Corticospinal responses have been shown to increase and decrease with passive muscle shortening and lengthening, respectively, as a result of changes in muscle spindle afferent feedback. The ageing sensory system is accompanied by a number of alterations that might influence the processing and integration of sensory information. Consequently, corticospinal excitability might be modulated differently whilst changing muscle length. In 10 older adults (66 ± 4 years), corticospinal responses (MEP/Mmax ) were evoked in a static position, and during passive shortening and lengthening of soleus (SOL) and tibialis anterior (TA), and these data were compared to the re-analysed data pool of 18 younger adults (25 ± 4 years) published previously. Resting motor threshold was greater in SOL compared to TA (P < 0.001), but did not differ between young and older (P = 0.405). No differences were observed in MEP/Mmax between the static position, passive shortening or lengthening in SOL (young: all 0.02 ± 0.01; older: 0.05 ± 0.04, 0.03 ± 0.02 and 0.04 ± 0.01, respectively; P = 0.298), and responses were not dependent on age (P = 0.090). Conversely, corticospinal responses in TA were modulated differently between the age groups (P = 0.002), with greater MEP/Mmax during passive shortening (0.22 ± 0.12) compared to passive lengthening (0.13 ± 0.10) and static position (0.10 ± 0.05) in young (P < 0.001), but unchanged in older adults (0.19 ± 0.11, 0.22 ± 0.11 and 0.18 ± 0.07, respectively; P ≥ 0.867). The present experiment shows that length-dependent changes in corticospinal excitability in TA of the young are not evident in older adults. This suggests impaired sensorimotor response during muscle length changes in older age that might only be present in ankle flexors, but not extensors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jakob Škarabot
- Faculty of Health & Life Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Paul Ansdell
- Faculty of Health & Life Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Glyn Howatson
- Faculty of Health & Life Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.,Water Research Group, School of Environmental Sciences and Development, Northwest University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | - Stuart Goodall
- Faculty of Health & Life Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Rade Durbaba
- Faculty of Health & Life Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
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22
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Ansdell P, Brownstein CG, Škarabot J, Hicks KM, Howatson G, Thomas K, Hunter SK, Goodall S. Methodological issues influence determination of critical force during intermittent exercise: authors’ reply. J Physiol 2019; 597:5987-5989. [DOI: 10.1113/jp279085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2019] [Accepted: 10/22/2019] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Paul Ansdell
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences Northumbria University Newcastle upon Tyne UK
| | - Callum G. Brownstein
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences Northumbria University Newcastle upon Tyne UK
- Université Lyon, UJM‐Saint‐Etienne Inter‐university Laboratory of Human Movement Biology Saint‐Etienne France
| | - Jakob Škarabot
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences Northumbria University Newcastle upon Tyne UK
| | - Kirsty M. Hicks
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences Northumbria University Newcastle upon Tyne UK
| | - Glyn Howatson
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences Northumbria University Newcastle upon Tyne UK
- Water Research Group, School of Environmental Sciences and Development Northwest University Potchefstroom South Africa
| | - Kevin Thomas
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences Northumbria University Newcastle upon Tyne UK
| | - Sandra K. Hunter
- Department of Physical Therapy Marquette University Milwaukee WI USA
| | - Stuart Goodall
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences Northumbria University Newcastle upon Tyne UK
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23
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Škarabot J, Ansdell P, Temesi J, Howatson G, Goodall S, Durbaba R. Neurophysiological responses and adaptation following repeated bouts of maximal lengthening contractions in young and older adults. J Appl Physiol (1985) 2019; 127:1224-1237. [DOI: 10.1152/japplphysiol.00494.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
A bout of maximal lengthening contractions is known to produce muscle damage, but confers protection against subsequent damaging bouts, with both tending to be lower in older adults. Neural factors contribute to this adaptation, but the role of the corticospinal pathway remains unclear. Twelve young (27 ± 5 yr) and 11 older adults (66 ± 4 yr) performed two bouts of 60 maximal lengthening dorsiflexions 2 weeks apart. Neuromuscular responses were measured preexercise, immediately postexercise, and at 24 and 72 h following both bouts. The initial bout resulted in prolonged reductions in maximal voluntary torque (MVC; immediately postexercise onward, P < 0.001) and increased creatine kinase (from 24 h onward, P = 0.001), with both responses being attenuated following the second bout ( P < 0.015), demonstrating adaptation. Smaller reductions in MVC following both bouts occurred in older adults ( P = 0.005). Intracortical facilitation showed no changes ( P ≥ 0.245). Motor-evoked potentials increased 24 and 72 h postexercise in young ( P ≤ 0.038). Torque variability ( P ≤ 0.041) and H-reflex size ( P = 0.024) increased, while short-interval intracortical inhibition (SICI; P = 0.019) and the silent period duration (SP) decreased ( P = 0.001) in both groups immediately postexercise. The SP decrease was smaller following the second bout ( P = 0.021), and there was an association between the change in SICI and reduction in MVC 24 h postexercise in young adults ( R = −0.47, P = 0.036). Changes in neurophysiological responses were mostly limited to immediately postexercise, suggesting a modest role in adaptation. In young adults, neural inhibitory changes are linked to the extent of MVC reduction, possibly mediated by the muscle damage–related afferent feedback. Older adults incurred less muscle damage, which has implications for exercise prescription. NEW & NOTEWORTHY This is the first study to have collectively assessed the role of corticospinal, spinal, and intracortical activity in muscle damage attenuation following repeated bouts of exercise in young and older adults. Lower levels of muscle damage in older adults are not related to their neurophysiological responses. Neural inhibition transiently changed, which might be related to the extent of muscle damage; however, the role of processes along the corticospinal pathway in the adaptive response is limited.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jakob Škarabot
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, England, United Kingdom
| | - Paul Ansdell
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, England, United Kingdom
| | - John Temesi
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, England, United Kingdom
| | - Glyn Howatson
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, England, United Kingdom
- Water Research Group, School of Environmental Sciences and Development, Northwest University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | - Stuart Goodall
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, England, United Kingdom
| | - Rade Durbaba
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, England, United Kingdom
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24
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Ansdell P, Brownstein CG, Škarabot J, Hicks KM, Howatson G, Thomas K, Hunter SK, Goodall S. Sex differences in fatigability and recovery relative to the intensity-duration relationship. J Physiol 2019; 597:5577-5595. [PMID: 31529693 DOI: 10.1113/jp278699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2019] [Accepted: 09/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
KEY POINTS Females demonstrate greater fatigue resistance than males during contractions at intensities relative to maximum force. However, previous studies have not accounted for the influence of metabolic thresholds on fatigability. This study is the first to test whether sex differences in fatigability exist when exercise intensity is normalised relative to a metabolic threshold: the critical intensity derived from assessment of the intensity-duration relationship during intermittent, isometric knee extensor contractions. We show that critical intensity in females occurred at a higher percentage of maximum force compared to males. Furthermore, females demonstrated greater fatigue resistance at exercise intensities above and below this metabolic threshold. Our data suggest that the sex difference was mediated by lesser deoxygenation of the knee extensors during exercise. These data highlight the importance of accounting for metabolic thresholds when comparing fatigability between sexes, whilst emphasising the notion that male data are not generalisable to female populations. ABSTRACT Females are less fatigable than males during isometric exercise at intensities relative to maximal voluntary contraction (MVC); however, whether a sex difference in fatigability exists when exercise is prescribed relative to a critical intensity is unknown. This study established the intensity-duration relationship, and compared fatigability and recovery between sexes following intermittent isometric contractions normalised to critical intensity. Twenty participants (10 females) completed four intermittent isometric knee extension trials to task failure to determine critical intensity and the curvature constant (W'), followed by fatiguing tasks at +10% and -10% relative to critical intensity. Neuromuscular assessments were completed at baseline and for 45 min post-exercise. Non-invasive neurostimulation, near-infrared spectroscopy, and non-invasive haemodynamic monitoring were used to elucidate the physiological mechanisms responsible for sex differences. Females demonstrated a greater critical intensity relative to MVC than males (25 ± 3 vs. 21 ± 2% MVC, P = 0.003), with no sex difference for W' (18,206 ± 6331 vs. 18,756 ± 5762 N s, P = 0.850). Time to task failure was greater for females (62.37 ± 17.25 vs. 30.43 ± 12.75 min, P < 0.001) during the +10% trial, and contractile function recovered faster post-exercise (P = 0.034). During the -10% trial females experienced less contractile dysfunction (P = 0.011). Throughout the +10% trial, females demonstrated lesser decreases in deoxyhaemoglobin (P = 0.007) and an attenuated exercise pressor reflex. These data show that a sex difference in fatigability exists even when exercise is matched for critical intensity. We propose that greater oxygen availability during exercise permits females to sustain a higher relative intensity than males, and is an explanatory factor for the sex difference in fatigability during intermittent, isometric contractions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Ansdell
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
| | - Callum G Brownstein
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK.,Université Lyon, UJM-Saint-Etienne, Inter-university Laboratory of Human Movement Biology, Saint-Etienne, France
| | - Jakob Škarabot
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
| | - Kirsty M Hicks
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
| | - Glyn Howatson
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK.,Water Research Group, School of Environmental Sciences and Development, Northwest University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | - Kevin Thomas
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
| | - Sandra K Hunter
- Department of Physical Therapy, Marquette University, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Stuart Goodall
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
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25
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Škarabot J, Mesquita RNO, Ansdell P. Elucidating the neurophysiology of local vibration: changes in neuromodulatory drive rather than presynaptic inhibition? J Physiol 2019; 597:5753-5755. [PMID: 31612999 DOI: 10.1113/jp279018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2019] [Accepted: 10/11/2019] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Jakob Škarabot
- School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, Loughborough University, Loughborough, UK
| | - Ricardo N O Mesquita
- Centre for Exercise and Sport Science Research (CESSR), School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, Australia
| | - Paul Ansdell
- Department of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Health & Life Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
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26
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Škarabot J, Ansdell P, Brownstein CG, Hicks KM, Howatson G, Goodall S, Durbaba R. Corticospinal excitability of tibialis anterior and soleus differs during passive ankle movement. Exp Brain Res 2019; 237:2239-2254. [PMID: 31243484 PMCID: PMC6675771 DOI: 10.1007/s00221-019-05590-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2019] [Accepted: 06/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to assess corticospinal excitability of soleus (SOL) and tibialis anterior (TA) at a segmental level during passive ankle movement. Four experimental components were performed to assess the effects of passive ankle movement and muscle length on corticospinal excitability (MEP/Mmax) at different muscle lengths, subcortical excitability at the level of lumbar spinal segments (LEP/Mmax), intracortical inhibition (SICI) and facilitation (ICF), and H-reflex in SOL and TA. In addition, the degree of fascicle length changes between SOL and TA was assessed in a subpopulation during passive ankle movement. Fascicles shortened and lengthened with joint movement during passive shortening and lengthening of SOL and TA to a similar degree (p < 0.001). Resting motor threshold was greater in SOL compared to TA (p ≤ 0.014). MEP/Mmax was facilitated in TA during passive shortening relative to the static position (p ≤ 0.023) and passive lengthening (p ≤ 0.001), but remained similar during passive ankle movement in SOL (p ≥ 0.497), regardless of muscle length at the point of stimulus (p = 0.922). LEP/Mmax (SOL: p = 0.075, TA: p = 0.071), SICI (SOL: p = 0.427, TA: p = 0.540), and ICF (SOL: p = 0.177, TA: p = 0.777) remained similar during passive ankle movement. H-reflex was not different across conditions in TA (p = 0.258), but was reduced during passive lengthening compared to shortening in SOL (p = 0.048). These results suggest a differential modulation of corticospinal excitability between plantar and dorsiflexors during passive movement. The corticospinal behaviour observed might be mediated by an increase in corticospinal drive as a result of reduced afferent input during muscle shortening and appears to be flexor-biased.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jakob Škarabot
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, England, NE1 8ST, UK
| | - Paul Ansdell
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, England, NE1 8ST, UK
| | - Callum G Brownstein
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, England, NE1 8ST, UK.,Univ Lyon, UJM-Saint-Etienne, Laboratoire Interuniversitaire de Biologie de la Motricité, EA 7424, 42023, Saint-Étienne, France
| | - Kirsty M Hicks
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, England, NE1 8ST, UK
| | - Glyn Howatson
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, England, NE1 8ST, UK.,Water Research Group, School of Environmental Sciences and Development, Northwest University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | - Stuart Goodall
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, England, NE1 8ST, UK
| | - Rade Durbaba
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, England, NE1 8ST, UK.
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27
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Brownstein CG, Ansdell P, Škarabot J, McHugh MP, Howatson G, Goodall S, Thomas K. The Effect of Phase Change Material on Recovery of Neuromuscular Function Following Competitive Soccer Match-Play. Front Physiol 2019; 10:647. [PMID: 31244667 PMCID: PMC6562676 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2019.00647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2018] [Accepted: 05/07/2019] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Aim: Cryotherapy is commonly implemented following soccer match-play in an attempt to accelerate the natural time-course of recovery, but the effect of this intervention on neuromuscular function is unknown. The aim of the present study was to examine the effect of donning lower-body garments fitted with cooled phase change material (PCM) on recovery of neuromuscular function following competitive soccer match-play. Methods: Using a randomized, crossover design, 11 male semi-professional soccer players wore PCM cooled to 15°C (PCMcold) or left at ambient temperature (PCMamb; sham control) for 3 h following soccer match-play. Pre-, and 24, 48, and 72 h post-match, participants completed a battery of neuromuscular, physical, and perceptual tests. Maximal voluntary contraction force (MVC) and twitch responses to electrical (femoral nerve) and magnetic (motor cortex) stimulation (TMS) during isometric knee-extension and at rest were measured to assess central nervous system (CNS) (voluntary activation, VA) and muscle contractile (quadriceps potentiated twitch force, Qtw,pot) function. Fatigue and perceptions of muscle soreness were assessed via visual analog scales, and physical function was assessed through measures of jump [countermovement jump (CMJ) height and reactive strength index (RSI)] performance. A belief questionnaire was completed pre- and post-intervention to determine the perceived effectiveness of each garment. Results: Competitive soccer match-play elicited persistent decrements in MVC, VA measured with femoral nerve stimulation, Qtw,pot, as well as reactive strength, fatigue and muscle soreness (P < 0.05). Both MVC and VA were higher at 48 h post-match after wearing PCMcold compared with PCMamb (P < 0.05). However, there was no effect of PCM on the magnitude or time-course of recovery for any other neuromuscular, physical function, or perceptual indices studied (P > 0.05). The belief questionnaire revealed that players perceived that both PCMcold and PCMamb were moderately effective in improving recovery, with no difference between the two interventions (P = 0.56). Conclusion: Although wearing cooled PCM garments improved MVC and VA 48 h following match-play, the lack of effect on measures of physical function or perceptual responses to match-play suggest that PCM offers a limited benefit to the recovery process. The lack of effect could have been due to the relatively small magnitude of change in most of the outcome measures studied.
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Affiliation(s)
- Callum G Brownstein
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom.,Univ Lyon, UJM-Saint-Etienne, Laboratoire Interuniversitaire de Biologie de la Motricité, Saint-Etienne, France
| | - Paul Ansdell
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Jakob Škarabot
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Malachy P McHugh
- Nicholas Institute of Sports Medicine and Athletic Trauma, Lenox Hill Hospital, New York, NY, United States
| | - Glyn Howatson
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom.,Water Research Group, School of Environmental Sciences and Development, Northwest University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | - Stuart Goodall
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Kevin Thomas
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
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28
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Ansdell P, Brownstein CG, Škarabot J, Hicks KM, Simoes DCM, Thomas K, Howatson G, Hunter SK, Goodall S. Menstrual cycle-associated modulations in neuromuscular function and fatigability of the knee extensors in eumenorrheic women. J Appl Physiol (1985) 2019; 126:1701-1712. [DOI: 10.1152/japplphysiol.01041.2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Sex hormone concentrations of eumenorrheic women typically fluctuate across the menstrual cycle and can affect neural function such that estrogen has neuroexcitatory effects, and progesterone induces inhibition. However, the effects of these changes on corticospinal and intracortical circuitry and the motor performance of the knee extensors are unknown. The present two-part investigation aimed to 1) determine the measurement error of an exercise task, transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)-, and motor nerve stimulation (MNS)-derived responses in women ingesting a monophasic oral contraceptive pill (hormonally-constant) and 2) investigate whether these measures were modulated by menstrual cycle phase (MCP), by examining them before and after an intermittent isometric fatiguing task (60% of maximal voluntary contraction, MVC) with the knee extensors until task failure in eumenorrheic women on days 2, 14, and 21 of the menstrual cycle. The repeatability of neuromuscular measures at baseline and fatigability ranged between moderate and excellent in women taking the oral contraceptive pill. MVC was not affected by MCP ( P = 0.790). Voluntary activation (MNS and TMS) peaked on day 14 ( P = 0.007 and 0.008, respectively). Whereas corticospinal excitability was unchanged, short-interval intracortical inhibition was greatest on day 21 compared with days 14 and 2 ( P < 0.001). Additionally, time to task failure was longer on day 21 than on both days 14 and 2 (24 and 36%, respectively, P = 0.030). The observed changes were larger than the associated measurement errors. These data demonstrate that neuromuscular function and fatigability of the knee extensors vary across the menstrual cycle and may influence exercise performance involving locomotor muscles. NEW & NOTEWORTHY The present two-part study first demonstrated the repeatability of transcranial magnetic stimulation- and electrical motor nerve stimulation-evoked variables in a hormonally constant female population. Subsequently, it was demonstrated that the eumenorrheic menstrual cycle affects neuromuscular function. Changing concentrations of neuroactive hormones corresponded to greater voluntary activation on day 14, greater intracortical inhibition on day 21, and lowest fatigability on day 21. These alterations of knee extensor neuromuscular function have implications for locomotor activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Ansdell
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Callum G. Brownstein
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
- Université Lyon, UJM-Saint-Etienne, Inter-university Laboratory of Human Movement Biology, Saint-Etienne, France
| | - Jakob Škarabot
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Kirsty M. Hicks
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Davina C. M. Simoes
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Kevin Thomas
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Glyn Howatson
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
- Water Research Group, School of Environmental Sciences and Development, Northwest University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | - Sandra K. Hunter
- Exercise Science Program, Department of Physical Therapy, Marquette University, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
| | - Stuart Goodall
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
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29
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Škarabot J, Mesquita RNO, Brownstein CG, Ansdell P. Myths and Methodologies: How loud is the story told by the transcranial magnetic stimulation-evoked silent period? Exp Physiol 2019; 104:635-642. [PMID: 30830992 DOI: 10.1113/ep087557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2018] [Accepted: 03/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
NEW FINDINGS What is the topic of this review? The origin, interpretation and methodological constraints of the silent period induced by transcranial magnetic stimulation are reviewed. What advances does it highlight? The silent period is generated by both cortical and spinal mechanisms. Therefore, it seems inappropriate to preface silent period with 'cortical' unless additional measures are taken. Owing to many confounding variables, a standardized approach to the silent period measurement cannot be suggested. Rather, recommendations of best practice are provided based on the available evidence and the context of the research question. ABSTRACT Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) of the motor cortex evokes a response in the muscle that can be recorded via electromyography (EMG). One component of this response, when elicited during a voluntary contraction, is a period of EMG silence, termed the silent period (SP), which follows a motor evoked potential (MEP). Modulation of SP duration was long thought to reflect the degree of intracortical inhibition. However, the evidence presented in this review suggests that both cortical and spinal mechanisms contribute to generation of the SP, which makes prefacing SP with 'cortical' misleading. Further investigations with multi-methodological approaches, such as TMS-EEG coupling or interaction of TMS with neuroactive drugs, are needed to make such inferences with greater confidence. A multitude of methodological factors can influence the SP and thus confound the interpretation of this measure; namely, background muscle activity, instructions given to the participant, stimulus intensity and the size of the MEP preceding the SP, and the approach to analysis. A systematic understanding of how the confounding factors influence the interpretation of SP is lacking, which makes standardization of the methodology difficult to conceptualize. Instead, the methodology should be guided through the lens of the research question and the population studied, ensuring greater reproducibility, repeatability and comparability of data sets. Recommendations are provided for the best practice within a given context of the experimental design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jakob Škarabot
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Ricardo N O Mesquita
- Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Callum G Brownstein
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.,Univ Lyon, UJM Saint-Etienne, Laboratoire Interuniversitaire de Biologie de la Motricité, Saint-Étienne, France
| | - Paul Ansdell
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
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Grabow L, Young JD, Alcock LR, Quigley PJ, Byrne JM, Granacher U, Škarabot J, Behm DG. Higher Quadriceps Roller Massage Forces Do Not Amplify Range-of-Motion Increases nor Impair Strength and Jump Performance. J Strength Cond Res 2019; 32:3059-3069. [PMID: 30152808 DOI: 10.1519/jsc.0000000000001906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Grabow, L, Young, JD, Alcock, LR, Quigley, PJ, Byrne, JM, Granacher, U, Škarabot, J, and Behm, DG. Higher quadriceps roller massage forces do not amplify range-of-motion increases nor impair strength and jump performance. J Strength Cond Res 32(11): 3059-3069, 2018-Roller massage (RM) has been reported to increase range of motion (ROM) without subsequent performance decrements. However, the effects of different rolling forces have not been examined. The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of sham (RMsham), moderate (RMmod), and high (RMhigh) RM forces, calculated relative to the individuals' pain perception, on ROM, strength, and jump parameters. Sixteen healthy individuals (27 ± 4 years) participated in this study. The intervention involved three 60-second quadriceps RM bouts with RMlow (3.9/10 ± 0.64 rating of perceived pain [RPP]), RMmod (6.2/10 ± 0.64 RPP), and RMhigh (8.2/10 ± 0.44 RPP) pain conditions, respectively. A within-subject design was used to assess dependent variables (active and passive knee flexion ROM, single-leg drop jump [DJ] height, DJ contact time, DJ performance index, maximum voluntary isometric contraction [MVIC] force, and force produced in the first 200 milliseconds [F200] of the knee extensors and flexors). A 2-way repeated measures analysis of variance showed a main effect of testing time in active (p < 0.001, d = 2.54) and passive (p < 0.001, d = 3.22) ROM. Independent of the RM forces, active and passive ROM increased by 7.0% (p = 0.03, d = 2.25) and 15.4% (p < 0.001, d = 3.73) from premeasure to postmeasure, respectively. Drop jump and MVIC parameters were unaffected from pretest to posttest (p > 0.05, d = 0.33-0.84). Roller massage can be efficiently used to increase ROM without substantial pain and without subsequent performance impairments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lena Grabow
- Division of Training and Movement Sciences, University of Potsdam, Potsdam, Germany
| | - James D Young
- School of Human Kinetics and Recreation, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada
| | - Lynsey R Alcock
- School of Human Kinetics and Recreation, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada
| | - Patrick J Quigley
- School of Human Kinetics and Recreation, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada
| | - Jeannette M Byrne
- School of Human Kinetics and Recreation, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada
| | - Urs Granacher
- Division of Training and Movement Sciences, University of Potsdam, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Jakob Škarabot
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - David G Behm
- School of Human Kinetics and Recreation, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada
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31
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Škarabot J, Ansdell P, Brownstein CG, Hicks KM, Howatson G, Goodall S, Durbaba R. Reduced corticospinal responses in older compared with younger adults during submaximal isometric, shortening, and lengthening contractions. J Appl Physiol (1985) 2019; 126:1015-1031. [PMID: 30730812 DOI: 10.1152/japplphysiol.00987.2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to assess differences in motor performance, as well as corticospinal and spinal responses to transcranial magnetic and percutaneous nerve stimulation, respectively, during submaximal isometric, shortening, and lengthening contractions between younger and older adults. Fifteen younger [26 yr (SD 4); 7 women, 8 men] and 14 older [64 yr (SD 3); 5 women, 9 men] adults performed isometric and shortening and lengthening dorsiflexion on an isokinetic dynamometer (5°/s) at 25% and 50% of contraction type-specific maximums. Motor evoked potentials (MEPs) and H reflexes were recorded at anatomical zero. Maximal dorsiflexor torque was greater during lengthening compared with shortening and isometric contractions ( P < 0.001) but was not age dependent ( P = 0.158). However, torque variability was greater in older compared with young adults ( P < 0.001). Background electromyographic (EMG) activity was greater in older compared with younger adults ( P < 0.005) and was contraction type dependent ( P < 0.001). As evoked responses are influenced by both the maximal level of excitation and background EMG activity, the responses were additionally normalized {[MEP/maximum M wave (Mmax)]/root-mean-square EMG activity (RMS) and [H reflex (H)/Mmax]/RMS}. (MEP/Mmax)/RMS and (H/Mmax)/RMS were similar across contraction types but were greater in young compared with older adults ( P < 0.001). Peripheral motor conduction times were prolonged in older adults ( P = 0.003), whereas peripheral sensory conduction times and central motor conduction times were not age dependent ( P ≥ 0.356). These data suggest that age-related changes throughout the central nervous system serve to accommodate contraction type-specific motor control. Moreover, a reduction in corticospinal responses and increased torque variability seem to occur without a significant reduction in maximal torque-producing capacity during older age. NEW & NOTEWORTHY This is the first study to have explored corticospinal and spinal responses with aging during submaximal contractions of different types (isometric, shortening, and lengthening) in lower limb musculature. It is demonstrated that despite preserved maximal torque production capacity corticospinal responses are reduced in older compared with younger adults across contraction types along with increased torque variability during dynamic contractions. This suggests that the age-related corticospinal changes serve to accommodate contraction type-specific motor control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jakob Škarabot
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Northumbria University , Newcastle Upon Tyne , United Kingdom
| | - Paul Ansdell
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Northumbria University , Newcastle Upon Tyne , United Kingdom
| | - Callum G Brownstein
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Northumbria University , Newcastle Upon Tyne , United Kingdom.,Université Lyon, UJM-Saint-Etienne, Inter-university Laboratory of Human Movement Biology, Saint-Etienne, France
| | - Kirsty M Hicks
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Northumbria University , Newcastle Upon Tyne , United Kingdom
| | - Glyn Howatson
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Northumbria University , Newcastle Upon Tyne , United Kingdom.,Water Research Group, School of Environmental Sciences and Development, Northwest University , Potchefstroom , South Africa
| | - Stuart Goodall
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Northumbria University , Newcastle Upon Tyne , United Kingdom
| | - Rade Durbaba
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Northumbria University , Newcastle Upon Tyne , United Kingdom
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32
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Monteiro ER, da Silva Novaes J, Cavanaugh MT, Hoogenboom BJ, Steele J, Vingren JL, Škarabot J. Quadriceps foam rolling and rolling massage increases hip flexion and extension passive range-of-motion. J Bodyw Mov Ther 2019; 23:575-580. [PMID: 31563372 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbmt.2019.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2019] [Accepted: 01/25/2019] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Increases in joint range-of-motion may be beneficial for improving performance and reducing injury risk. This study investigated the effects of different self-massage volumes and modalities on passive hip range-of-motion. Twenty-five recreationally resistance-trained men performed four experimental protocols using a counterbalanced, randomized, and within-subjects design; foam rolling (FR) or roller massage (RM) for 60 or 120-s. Passive hip flexion and extension range-of-motion were measured in a counterbalanced and randomized order via manual goniometry before self-massage (baseline) and immediately, 10-, 20-, and 30-min following each self-massage intervention. Following FR or RM of quadriceps, there was an increase in hip flexion range-of-motion at Post-0 (FR: Δ = 19.28°; RM: Δ = 14.96°), Post-10 (FR: Δ = 13.03°; RM: Δ = 10.40°), and Post-20 (FR: Δ = 6.00°; RM: Δ = 4.64°) for all protocols, but these did not exceed the minimum detectable change at Post-10 for RM60 and RM120, and Post-20 for FR60, FR120, RM60, and RM120. Similarly, hip extension range-of-motion increased at Post-0 (FR: Δ = 8.56°; RM: Δ = 6.56°), Post-10 (FR: Δ = 4.64°; RM: Δ = 3.92°), and Post-20 (FR: Δ = 2.80°; RM: Δ = 1.92°), but did not exceed the minimum detectable change at Post-10 for FR60, RM60, and RM120, and Post-20 for FR60, FR120, RM60, and RM120. In conclusion, both FR and RM increased hip range-of-motion but larger volumes (120- vs. 60-second) and FR produced the greatest increases. These findings have implications for self-massage prescription and implementation, in both rehabilitation and athletic populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Estêvão Rios Monteiro
- Department of Gymnastics, School of Physical Education and Sports, Federal University of Rio De Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
| | - Jefferson da Silva Novaes
- Department of Gymnastics, School of Physical Education and Sports, Federal University of Rio De Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; College of Physical Education and Sports, Federal University of Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
| | - Mark Tyler Cavanaugh
- School of Human Kinetics and Recreation, Memorial University of Newfoundland, Canada.
| | | | - James Steele
- School of Sport, Health, and Social Science, Southampton Solent University, UK; Ukactive Research Institute, London, UK.
| | - Jakob L Vingren
- Applied Physiology Laboratory, Department of Kinesiology, Health Promotion and Recreation, University of North Texas, USA.
| | - Jakob Škarabot
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK.
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33
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Škarabot J, Ansdell P, Brownstein CG, Thomas K, Howatson G, Goodall S, Durbaba R. Electrical stimulation of human corticospinal axons at the level of the lumbar spinal segments. Eur J Neurosci 2019; 49:1254-1267. [PMID: 30589956 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.14321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2018] [Revised: 11/27/2018] [Accepted: 12/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Electrical stimulation over the mastoids or thoracic spinous processes has been used to assess subcortical contribution to corticospinal excitability, but responses are difficult to evoke in the resting lower limbs or are limited to only a few muscle groups. This might be mitigated by delivering the stimuli lower on the spinal column, where the descending tracts contain a greater relative density of motoneurons projecting to lower limb muscles. We investigated activation of the corticospinal axons innervating tibialis anterior (TA) and rectus femoris (RF) by applying a single electrical stimulus over the first lumbar spinous process (LS). LS was paired with transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) at interstimulus intervals (ISIs) of -16 (TMS before LS) to 14 ms (LS before TMS). The relationship between muscle contraction strength (10%-100% maximal) and the amplitude of single-pulse TMS and LS responses was also investigated. Compared to the responses to TMS alone, responses to paired stimulation were significantly occluded in both muscles for ISIs ≥-8 ms (p ≤ 0.035), consistent with collision of descending volleys from TMS with antidromic volleys originating from LS. This suggests that TMS and LS activate some of the same corticospinal axons. Additionally, the amplitude of TMS and LS responses increased with increasing contraction strengths with no change in onset latency, suggesting responses to LS are evoked transsynaptically and have a monosynaptic component. Taken together, these experiments provide evidence that LS is an alternative method that could be used to discern segmental changes in the corticospinal tract when targeting lower limb muscles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jakob Škarabot
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Paul Ansdell
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Callum G Brownstein
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Kevin Thomas
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Glyn Howatson
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.,Water Research Group, School of Environmental Sciences and Development, Northwest University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | - Stuart Goodall
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Rade Durbaba
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
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34
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Škarabot J, Tallent J, Goodall S, Durbaba R, Howatson G. Corticospinal excitability during shortening and lengthening actions with incremental torque output. Exp Physiol 2018; 103:1586-1592. [DOI: 10.1113/ep087347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2018] [Accepted: 10/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jakob Škarabot
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences; Northumbria University; Newcastle upon Tyne United Kingdom
| | - Jamie Tallent
- School of Sport Health and Applied Science; St Mary's University; Twickenham United Kingdom
| | - Stuart Goodall
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences; Northumbria University; Newcastle upon Tyne United Kingdom
| | - Rade Durbaba
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences; Northumbria University; Newcastle upon Tyne United Kingdom
| | - Glyn Howatson
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences; Northumbria University; Newcastle upon Tyne United Kingdom
- Water Research Group; School of Environmental Sciences and Development; Northwest University; Potchefstroom South Africa
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35
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Brownstein CG, Ansdell P, Škarabot J, Howatson G, Goodall S, Thomas K. An optimal protocol for measurement of corticospinal excitability, short intracortical inhibition and intracortical facilitation in the rectus femoris. J Neurol Sci 2018; 394:45-56. [PMID: 30216757 DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2018.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2018] [Revised: 08/30/2018] [Accepted: 09/04/2018] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
The study aimed to determine the optimal application of single- and paired-pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) in the rectus femoris. Twenty-nine male adults participated in the study, which involved 5 separate experiments. Experiments 1 to 3 assessed the effect of conditioning stimulus (CS) intensity (60, 70, 80 and 90% active motor threshold, AMT), contraction strength (5, 10, 20 and 50% maximum voluntary contraction, MVC), and inter-stimulus interval (ISI, 2-5 ms for short-interval intracortical inhibition, SICI and 10-15 ms for intracortical facilitation, ICF) on SICI and ICF. In Experiment 4, 30 measurements of corticospinal excitability (CSE), SICI and ICF were recorded, with the minimum number of consecutive measurements required as a probability of falling within the 95% CI determined. In Experiment 5, within- and between-day reliability of CSE, SICI and ICF was assessed. The results suggest that for SICI, a CS of 70% AMT, ISI of 2 ms, and contraction strength of 5 or 10% MVC induces the greatest level of inhibition. Negligible differences in ICF were seen across stimulus variables. The minimum number of measurements required to obtain an accurate estimate of CSE, SICI and ICF was 21, 18 and 17, respectively. Using the optimal stimulus variables and number of measurements, CSE, SICI and ICF can be measured reliably both within- and between-days (intraclass correlation coefficient, ICC ≥ 0.87, ≥0.74, and ≥0.61, respectively). The current findings can be used to guide future investigations using single- and paired-pulse TMS to elicit responses in the rectus femoris.
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Affiliation(s)
- Callum G Brownstein
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Paul Ansdell
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Jakob Škarabot
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Glyn Howatson
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, United Kingdom; Water Research Group, School of Environmental Sciences and Development, Northwest University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | - Stuart Goodall
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Kevin Thomas
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, United Kingdom.
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36
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Brownstein CG, Ansdell P, Škarabot J, Frazer A, Kidgell D, Howatson G, Goodall S, Thomas K. Motor cortical and corticospinal function differ during an isometric squat compared with isometric knee extension. Exp Physiol 2018; 103:1251-1263. [DOI: 10.1113/ep086982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2018] [Accepted: 06/19/2018] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Callum G. Brownstein
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Department of Sport, Exercise & Rehabilitation; Northumbria University; Newcastle UK
| | - Paul Ansdell
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Department of Sport, Exercise & Rehabilitation; Northumbria University; Newcastle UK
| | - Jakob Škarabot
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Department of Sport, Exercise & Rehabilitation; Northumbria University; Newcastle UK
| | - Ash Frazer
- Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, School of Primary and Allied Health Care; Monash University; Melbourne Victoria Australia
| | - Dawson Kidgell
- Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, School of Primary and Allied Health Care; Monash University; Melbourne Victoria Australia
| | - Glyn Howatson
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Department of Sport, Exercise & Rehabilitation; Northumbria University; Newcastle UK
- Water Research Group, School of Environmental Sciences and Development; Northwest University; Potchefstroom South Africa
| | - Stuart Goodall
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Department of Sport, Exercise & Rehabilitation; Northumbria University; Newcastle UK
| | - Kevin Thomas
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Department of Sport, Exercise & Rehabilitation; Northumbria University; Newcastle UK
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37
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Škarabot J, Ansdell P, Brownstein C, Howatson G, Goodall S, Durbaba R. Differences in force normalising procedures during submaximal anisometric contractions. J Electromyogr Kinesiol 2018; 41:82-88. [PMID: 29857263 DOI: 10.1016/j.jelekin.2018.05.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2018] [Revised: 05/22/2018] [Accepted: 05/25/2018] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Eccentric contractions are thought to require a unique neural activation strategy. However, due to greater intrinsic force generating capacity of muscle fibres during eccentric contraction, the understanding of neural modulation of different contraction types during submaximal contractions may be impeded by the force normalisation procedure employed. In the present experiment, subjects performed maximal isometric dorsiflexion at shorter (80°), intermediate (90°) and longer (100°) muscle lengths, and maximal concentric and eccentric contractions. Thereafter, submaximal concentric and eccentric contractions were performed normalised to either isometric maximum at 90° (ISO), contraction type specific maximum (CTS) or muscle length specific maximum (MLS). When using ISO or MLS for normalisation, mean submaximal eccentric torque levels were significantly lower when compared to CTS normalisation (11 and 7% lower compared to CTS; p = 0.003 and p = 0.018 for ISO and MLS, respectively). These experimentally observed differences closely matched those expected from the predictive model. During submaximal concentric contraction, mean torque levels were similar between ISO and CTS normalisation with similar discrepancies noted in EMG activity. These findings suggest that normalising to ISO and MLS might not be accurate for assessment and prescription of submaximal eccentric contractions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jakob Škarabot
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, England, United Kingdom.
| | - Paul Ansdell
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, England, United Kingdom
| | - Callum Brownstein
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, England, United Kingdom
| | - Glyn Howatson
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, England, United Kingdom; Water Research Group, School of Environmental Sciences and Development, Northwest University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | - Stuart Goodall
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, England, United Kingdom
| | - Rade Durbaba
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, England, United Kingdom
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38
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Monteiro ER, Vigotsky AD, Novaes JDS, Škarabot J. ACUTE EFFECTS OF DIFFERENT ANTERIOR THIGH SELF-MASSAGE ON HIP RANGE-OF-MOTION IN TRAINED MEN. Int J Sports Phys Ther 2018; 13:104-113. [PMID: 29484247 PMCID: PMC5808005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Self-massage is a ubiquitous intervention similar to massage, but performed by the recipient him- or herself rather than by a therapist, most often using a tool (e.g., foam roller, roller massager). Self-massage has been found to have a wide range of effects. It is particularly known for increasing flexibility acutely, although not always. The variability of the results in previous studies may potentially be a function of the tool used. Recent findings also suggest that self-massage exerts global effects. Therefore, increased flexibility should be expected in the areas adjacent to the ones treated. PURPOSE To investigate the acute effects of foam rolling and rolling massage of anterior thigh on hip range-of-motion (ROM) - i.e., hip extension and hip flexion - in trained men. METHODS Eighteen recreationally active, resistance trained males visited the lab on two occasions over a 4-day period separated by at least a day. Each session included two baseline ROM measures of passive hip flexion and extension taken in a randomized fashion. Recording of baseline measures was followed by the intervention of the day, which was either foam rolling or rolling massage of the anterior thigh as per randomization. Immediately post intervention, passive hip flexion and hip extension ROM were reassessed. In order to assess the time course of improvements in ROM, hip flexion and hip extension ROM were reevaluated at 10, 20, and 30 minutes post-intervention. RESULTS Hip flexion and hip extension ROM increased immediately following both interventions (foam rolling or roller massager) and remained increased for 30 minutes post intervention. Foam rolling was statistically superior in improving hip flexion and hip extension ROM immediately post intervention. However, immediately post-intervention was the only time point that measurements exceeded the minimum detectable change for both interventions. CONCLUSION Both foam rolling and rolling massage appear to be effective interventions for improving hip flexion and extension ROM when applied to the anterior thigh, but the observed effects are transient in nature. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 2b.
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Affiliation(s)
- Estêvão Rios Monteiro
- Department of Gymnastics, School of Physical Education and Sports, Federal University of Rio De Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Andrew D. Vigotsky
- Leon Root, M.D. Motion Analysis Laboratory, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, NY
| | - Jefferson da Silva Novaes
- Department of Gymnastics, School of Physical Education and Sports, Federal University of Rio De Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Jakob Škarabot
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, England, United Kindgom
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Monteiro ER, Vigotsky A, Škarabot J, Brown AF, Ferreira de Melo Fiuza AG, Gomes TM, Halperin I, da Silva Novaes J. Acute effects of different foam rolling volumes in the interset rest period on maximum repetition performance. Hong Kong Physiother J 2017; 36:57-62. [PMID: 30931039 PMCID: PMC6385092 DOI: 10.1016/j.hkpj.2017.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Foam rolling (FR) is a ubiquitous intervention utilised for the purpose of acutely increasing the range of motion without subsequent decreases in performance. Thus, it is commonly used during the periworkout period—that is, prior to, during, or after an athlete's workout. Objective: This study investigated how different FR durations applied to the quadriceps during the interset rest periods affects the numbers of repetitions in the knee extension exercise. Methods: Twenty-five females completed four sets of knee extensions with 10 repetitions of maximum load to concentric failure on four occasions. Between each set, a 4-minute rest interval was implemented in which participants either passively rested or performed FR for different durations (60 seconds, 90 seconds, and 120 seconds). The 95% confidence intervals revealed a dose-dependent relationship in which longer durations of FR resulted in fewer completed repetitions. Results: On average, the number of repetitions with PR was 13.8% greater than that in FR120, 8.6% greater than that in FR90, and 9.1% greater than that in FR60. Conclusion: For the purposes of performance and likely adaptation, interset FR seems to be detrimental to a person's ability to continually produce force, and should not be applied to the agonist muscle group between sets of knee extensions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Estêvão Rios Monteiro
- Department of Gymnastics, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Andrew Vigotsky
- Leon Root M.D. Motion Analysis Laboratory, Department of Rehabilitation, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jakob Škarabot
- Department of Biology of Physical Activity, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland
| | | | | | - Thiago Matassoli Gomes
- Department of Gymnastics, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.,Estácio de Sá University, Exercise Physiology Laboratory - LAFIEX, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Israel Halperin
- School of Exercise and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Western Australia, Australia
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Monteiro ER, Škarabot J, Vigotsky AD, Brown AF, Gomes TM, Novaes JDS. ACUTE EFFECTS OF DIFFERENT SELF-MASSAGE VOLUMES ON THE FMS™ OVERHEAD DEEP SQUAT PERFORMANCE. Int J Sports Phys Ther 2017; 12:94-104. [PMID: 28217420 PMCID: PMC5294950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Functional Movement Screen (FMS™) is a battery of tests designed to assess movement competency; the overhead deep squat test, specifically, has been shown to be an accurate predictor of overall FMS™ scores. Self-massage (SM) is a ubiquitous warm-up utilized to increase joint range of motion and, therefore, may be effective for improving performance of the overhead deep squat test. PURPOSE To examine how different doses (30, 60, 90, and 120 seconds) of SM of different areas of the body (plantar fascia, latissimus dorsi, and lateral thigh) affects the score obtained on an overhead deep squat test. METHODS Twenty recreationally active females were recruited to be tested on four occasions: sessions one and two consisted of baseline testing, session three consisted of SM applied to the lateral thigh, and session four consisted of SM applied to the lateral torso and plantar fascia. RESULTS In all SM conditions, at least 90 seconds was required for a change in deep squat score from baseline; therefore, it is concluded that SM the lateral torso, plantar fascia, and lateral thigh for 90 seconds or more are effective interventions for acutely improving overhead deep squat scores. CONCLUSION Self-massage appears to be an effective modality for inducing acute improvements in the performance of the FMS™ overhead deep squat in all conditions tested. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 2b.
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Affiliation(s)
- Estêvão Rios Monteiro
- Department of Gymnastics, School of Physical Education and Sports, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Jakob Škarabot
- Department of Biology of Physical Activity, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Andrew D Vigotsky
- Leon Root, M.D. Motion Analysis Laboratory, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, NY, USA
| | - Amanda Fernandes Brown
- Department of Gymnastics, School of Physical Education and Sports, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | - Jefferson da Silva Novaes
- Department of Gymnastics, School of Physical Education and Sports, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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Monteiro ER, Škarabot J, Vigotsky AD, Brown AF, Gomes TM, Novaes JDS. MAXIMUM REPETITION PERFORMANCE AFTER DIFFERENT ANTAGONIST FOAM ROLLING VOLUMES IN THE INTER-SET REST PERIOD. Int J Sports Phys Ther 2017; 12:76-84. [PMID: 28217418 PMCID: PMC5294949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Foam rollers, or other similar devices, are a method for acutely increasing range of motion, but in contrast to static stretching, do not appear to have detrimental effects on neuromuscular performance. PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of different volumes (60 and 120 seconds) of foam rolling of the hamstrings during the inter-set rest period on repetition performance of the knee extension exercise. METHODS Twenty-five recreationally active females were recruited for the study (27.8 ± 3.6 years, 168.4 ± 7.2 cm, 69.1 ± 10.2 kg, 27.2 ± 2.1 m2/kg). Initially, subjects underwent a ten-repetition maximum testing and retesting, respectively. Thereafter, the experiment involved three sets of knee extensions with a pre-determined 10 RM load to concentric failure with the goal of completing the maximum number of repetitions. During the inter-set rest period, either passive rest or foam rolling of different durations (60 and 120 seconds) in a randomized order was employed. RESULTS Ninety-five percent confidence intervals revealed dose-dependent, detrimental effects, with more time spent foam rolling resulting in fewer repetitions (Cohen's d of 2.0 and 1.2 for 120 and 60 seconds, respectively, in comparison with passive rest). CONCLUSION The results of the present study suggest that more inter-set foam rolling applied to the antagonist muscle group is detrimental to the ability to continually produce force. The finding that inter-set foam rolling of the antagonist muscle group decreases maximum repetition performance has implications for foam rolling prescription and implementation, in both rehabilitation and athletic populations. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 2b.
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Affiliation(s)
- Estêvão Rios Monteiro
- Department of Gymnastics, School of Physical Education and Sports, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Jakob Škarabot
- Department of Biology of Physical Activity, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Andrew D. Vigotsky
- Leon Root, M.D. Motion Analysis Laboratory, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, NY
| | - Amanda Fernandes Brown
- Department of Gymnastics, School of Physical Education and Sports, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | - Jefferson da Silva Novaes
- Department of Gymnastics, School of Physical Education and Sports, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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Škarabot J, Beardsley C, Štirn I. Comparing the effects of self-myofascial release with static stretching on ankle range-of-motion in adolescent athletes. Int J Sports Phys Ther 2015; 10:203-212. [PMID: 25883869 PMCID: PMC4387728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Increased flexibility is often desirable immediately prior to sports performance. Static stretching (SS) has historically been the main method for increasing joint range-of-motion (ROM) acutely. However, SS is associated with acute reductions in performance. Foam rolling (FR) is a form of self-myofascial release (SMR) that also increases joint ROM acutely but does not seem to reduce force production. However, FR has never previously been studied in resistance-trained athletes, in adolescents, or in individuals accustomed to SMR. OBJECTIVE To compare the effects of SS and FR and a combination of both (FR+SS) of the plantarflexors on passive ankle dorsiflexion ROM in resistance-trained, adolescent athletes with at least six months of FR experience. METHODS Eleven resistance-trained, adolescent athletes with at least six months of both resistance-training and FR experience were tested on three separate occasions in a randomized cross-over design. The subjects were assessed for passive ankle dorsiflexion ROM after a period of passive rest pre-intervention, immediately post-intervention and after 10, 15, and 20 minutes of passive rest. Following the pre-intervention test, the subjects randomly performed either SS, FR or FR+SS. SS and FR each comprised 3 sets of 30 seconds of the intervention with 10 seconds of inter-set rest. FR+SS comprised the protocol from the FR condition followed by the protocol from the SS condition in sequence. RESULTS A significant effect of time was found for SS, FR and FR+SS. Post hoc testing revealed increases in ROM between baseline and post-intervention by 6.2% for SS (p < 0.05) and 9.1% for FR+SS (p < 0.05) but not for FR alone. Post hoc testing did not reveal any other significant differences between baseline and any other time point for any condition. A significant effect of condition was observed immediately post-intervention. Post hoc testing revealed that FR+SS was superior to FR (p < 0.05) for increasing ROM. CONCLUSIONS FR, SS and FR+SS all lead to acute increases in flexibility and FR+SS appears to have an additive effect in comparison with FR alone. All three interventions (FR, SS and FR+SS) have time courses that lasted less than 10 minutes. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 2c.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jakob Škarabot
- Faculty of Sport, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Chris Beardsley
- Strength and Conditioning Research Limited, Holborn, London, United Kingdom
| | - Igor Štirn
- Faculty of Sport, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
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