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Spatial EMG potential distribution of biceps brachii muscle during resistance training and detraining

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Abstract

Purpose

We investigated the effect of resistance training and detraining on the spatial distribution pattern of surface electromyography (SEMG) of the biceps brachii.

Methods

Ten male subjects completed 6 weeks of resistance training of one arm and 8 weeks of detraining. During training and detraining periods, spatial distribution patterns of SEMG were measured and quantified with 64 two-dimensional electrodes.

Results

MVC, muscle thickness, and SEMG amplitude of the trained arm were significantly greater than those of the untrained arm after the 6 weeks of resistance training (p < 0.05), but these differences were no longer observed after 2 months of detraining. On the other hand, no significant differences in the spatial distribution pattern of SEMG were observed between the arms.

Conclusion

Spatial distribution pattern of SEMG was not changed during resistance training and detraining periods. This suggests that detectable adaptations in the motor unit recruitment pattern do not occur during regular resistance training.

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Abbreviations

ARV:

Average rectified value

BB:

Biceps brachii

SEMG:

Surface electromyography

MVC:

Maximal voluntary contraction

MU:

Motor unit

1RM:

One repetition maximum,

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Acknowledgments

This research was supported by JSPS KAKENHI, a Grant-Aid for Research Activity Start-up (No. 24800071) and Japanese Council for Science, Technology and Innovation (CSTI), Cross-ministerial Strategic Innovation Promotion Program (SIP Project ID 14533567).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Laboratory of Neuromuscular Biomechanics, School of International Liberal Studies, Chukyo University, Yagotohonmachi, Showa-ku, Nagoya, 466-8666, Japan

    Kohei Watanabe

  2. Laboratory of Neurophysiology, Graduate School of Human and Environmental Studies, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan

    Motoki Kouzaki

  3. Laboratory of Applied Physiology, Graduate School of Human and Environmental Studies, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan

    Toshio Moritani

Authors
  1. Kohei Watanabe
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  2. Motoki Kouzaki
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  3. Toshio Moritani
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Kohei Watanabe.

Additional information

Communicated by Nicolas Place.

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Watanabe, K., Kouzaki, M. & Moritani, T. Spatial EMG potential distribution of biceps brachii muscle during resistance training and detraining. Eur J Appl Physiol 115, 2661–2670 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-015-3237-2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-015-3237-2

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