Mechanomyographic responses to continuous, constant power output cycle ergometry.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of the present investigation was to examine the mechanomyographic (MMG) and electromyographic (EMG) responses to continuous, constant power output cycle ergometer workbouts.


METHODS
Eight adult male volunteers (mean age +/- SD = 22 +/- 2 yrs) performed three continuous, one-hour workbouts at 28, 35, and 42% of peak power (Ppeak).


RESULTS
The slope coefficients for the mean normalized MMG amplitude versus time relationships were significantly (p < 0.05) less than zero, while the slope coefficients for the mean normalized EMG amplitude versus time relationships were significantly (p < 0.05) greater than zero.


CONCLUSIONS
The results indicated dissociation between the patterns of the mechanical (MMG) and electrical (EMG) activity of the vastus lateralis during continuous cycle ergometry at low power outputs. The increases in EMG amplitude were likely due to the recruitment of additional motor units. The decreases in MMG amplitude across time may have been due to the phenomenon known as "muscular wisdom" and/or decreases in muscular compliance.
Perry
S R
SR
Department of Health and Human Performance, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE 68588-0229, USA. srperry@unlserve.unl.edu
Housh
T J
TJ
Johnson
G O
GO
Ebersole
K T
KT
Bull
A J
AJ
D000328:Adult; D004576:Electromyography; D005080:Exercise Test; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009046:Motor Neurons / Q000502:physiology*; D009119:Muscle Contraction / Q000502:physiology*; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000294:innervation*; D010807:Physical Endurance / Q000502:physiology; D005082:Physical Exertion / Q000502:physiology; D011999:Recruitment, Neurophysiological / Q000502:physiology*; D012016:Reference Values