Moderate-intensity muscle pain can be produced and sustained during cycle ergometry.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this experiment was to determine whether moderate-intensity quadriceps muscle pain could be produced and sustained during cycle ergometry.


METHODS
12 women volunteers completed a peak cycle ergometry test during which quadriceps muscle pain-intensity ratings were obtained using a 0-10 scale. On a subsequent day, participants cycled for 20 min beginning at the power output associated with quadriceps muscle pain threshold during the peak test. Participants manipulated power output during the first 10 s of each minute to produce and sustain moderate-intensity quadriceps muscle pain. During the last 20 s of each minute, VO2, ratings of quadriceps muscle pain intensity, and ratings of perceived exertion (Borg 6-20) were obtained.


RESULTS
Moderate-intensity quadriceps pain ratings were achieved within 4 min, during which time the average power output was increased from 124 to 138 W. Pain-intensity ratings were unchanged from minutes 4 to 20 (F = 0.94; df = 16, 176; P = 0.52; eta2 = 0.079). Quadriceps RPE responses mimicked the pain responses. To sustain a moderate-intensity quadriceps pain participants reduced power output significantly (F = 7.75; df = 16, 176; P < 0.001; eta2 = 0.413) and in a linear fashion by 21.7 W (15.7%). The changes in % VO2peak were similar in pattern to the changes in power output but smaller in magnitude.


CONCLUSIONS
1) College women can produce and sustain a moderate-intensity quadriceps muscle pain during cycle ergometry, 2) moderate-intensity quadriceps muscle pain is sustained by reducing power output, and 3) sustaining moderate-intensity quadriceps muscle pain during short duration cycling is associated with a "hard" perceptual effort and 69-74% VO2peak.
O'Connor
P J
PJ
Department of Exercise Science, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602-6554, USA. poconnor@coe.uga.edu
Cook
D B
DB
D000328:Adult; D001642:Bicycling / Q000502:physiology*; D005080:Exercise Test; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000473:pathology* / Q000502:physiology; D010146:Pain / Q000503:physiopathology*; D010147:Pain Measurement; D010807:Physical Endurance