Changes in muscle activity and kinematics of highly trained cyclists during fatigue.

ABSTRACT: Muscle fatigue may alter kinematics and contribute to repetitive strain injuries. This study quantified how both localized muscle fatigue and movement kinematics change over time during exhaustive cycling. Seven highly trained cyclists rode a stationary bicycle ergometer at 100% of their maximum oxygen consumption (VO(2) max) until voluntary exhaustion. Cycling kinematics and electromyography (EMG) activity from select lower extremity muscles were recorded. Cross-correlations were computed to quantify how EMG median frequencies (MDFs) changed with changes in movement kinematics. All athletes maintained both cadence and power output for approximately 90% of the trial duration. Significant sustained muscle fatigue occurred in 18 of 28 muscles tested, most prominently in the biceps femoris (p

SUBMITTER: Dingwell JB 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2905840 | biostudies-literature | 2008 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature