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Inter-individual variability in the patterns of responses for electromyography and mechanomyography during cycle ergometry using an RPE-clamp model

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European Journal of Applied Physiology Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Purpose

To examine inter-individual variability versus composite models for the patterns of responses for electromyography (EMG) and mechanomyography (MMG) versus time relationships during moderate and heavy cycle ergometry using a rating of perceived exertion (RPE) clamp model.

Methods

EMG amplitude (amplitude root-mean-square, RMS), EMG mean power frequency (MPF), MMG-RMS, and MMG-MPF were collected during two, 60-min rides at a moderate (RPE at the gas exchange threshold; RPEGET) and heavy (RPE at 15 % above the GET; RPEGET+15 %) intensity when RPE was held constant (clamped). Composite (mean) and individual responses for EMG and MMG parameters were compared during each 60-min ride.

Results

There was great inter-individual variability for each EMG and MMG parameters at RPEGET and RPEGET+15 %. Composite models showed decreases in EMG-RMS (r 2 = −0.92 and R 2 = 0.96), increases in EMG-MPF (R 2 = 0.90), increases in MMG-RMS (r 2 = 0.81 and 0.55), and either no change or a decrease (r 2 = 0.34) in MMG-MPF at RPEGET and RPEGET+15 %, respectively.

Conclusions

The results of the present study indicated that there were differences between composite and individual patterns of responses for EMG and MMG parameters during moderate and heavy cycle ergometry at a constant RPE. Thus, composite models did not represent the unique muscle activation strategies exhibited by individual responses when cycling in the moderate and heavy intensity domains when using an RPE-clamp model.

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Abbreviations

AMP:

Amplitude

(La)b :

Blood lactate concentration

EMG:

Electromyography

GET:

Gas exchange threshold

GET + 15 %:

15 % above the gas exchange threshold

HR:

Heart rate

MMG:

Mechanomyography

MPF:

Mean power frequency

MU:

Motor unit

PO:

Power output

RCP:

Respiratory compensation point

RMS:

Amplitude, root-mean-square

RPE:

Rating of perceived exertion

RPEGET :

The RPE corresponding to the gas exchange threshold

RPEGET+15 % :

The RPE corresponding to 15 % above the gas exchange threshold

RPEPeak :

Rating of perceived exertion peak

T7 :

Minute 7

T60 :

Minute 60

\(\dot{V}\)CO2 :

Carbon dioxide production rate

\(\dot{V}_{E}\) :

Minute ventilation rate

VL:

Vastus lateralis

\(\dot{V}\)O2 :

Oxygen consumption rate

\(\dot{V}{\text{O}}_{{2{\text{Peak}}}}\) :

Peak oxygen consumption rate

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Correspondence to Kristen C. Cochrane-Snyman.

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The authors have no conflicts of interest to report in relation to this original research study and manuscript.

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Communicated by Toshio Moritani.

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Cochrane-Snyman, K.C., Housh, T.J., Smith, C.M. et al. Inter-individual variability in the patterns of responses for electromyography and mechanomyography during cycle ergometry using an RPE-clamp model. Eur J Appl Physiol 116, 1639–1649 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-016-3394-y

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-016-3394-y

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