Biochemical aspects of peripheral muscle fatigue. A review.
Muscular fatigue is of critical importance to performance and as such has been the subject of numerous investigations. However, a clear cause remains elusive. Although many factors have been identified, this review deals only with those which occur distal to the neuromuscular junction. Factors discussed include: energy supply (ATP/creatine phosphate, glycogen, oxygen, and free fatty acids); the accumulation of metabolites (lactate/hydrogen ions, calcium, ammonium, electrolyte and water shifts); and, the special case of eccentric work. The results of many studies using various methodologies are examined. Peripheral fatigue appears to be a complex series of interactions with variable influence on the development of fatigue depending upon the nature of the work performed.
Roberts
D
D
Department of Physical Education, University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
Smith
D J
DJ
D004734:Energy Metabolism; D005221:Fatigue / Q000209:etiology / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D007537:Isometric Contraction; D009132:Muscles / Q000378:metabolism*; D010807:Physical Endurance