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Effect of exercise-induced fatigue on position sense of the knee in the elderly

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Abstract

Previously, data on the effects of muscle fatigue on joint position sense (JPS) have been provided. However, to our knowledge, no studies have been conducted so far to assess the effects of local muscle fatigue on elderly proprioception. Thus, the purpose of the present study was to determine the effects of local muscle fatigue on knee JPS in old-age-subjects. Sixteen male volunteers (mean age ± SD: 69.81 ± 3.92 years) participated in this study. Each subject completed all of the data collection in one morning session; JPS measures were obtained prior to and immediately after the fatigue protocol. JPS was evaluated by the technique of open-kinetic chain and active knee positioning, and was reported using absolute, relative and variable angular errors. The fatigue protocol applied to the lower extremity consisted of 30 maximum concentric repetitions of the knee extensors and flexors muscles on an isokinetic dynamometer at an angular velocity of 120 s−1 (2.09 rad s−1). The results showed that peak torque of knee extensor and flexor muscles was significantly decreased from rest to post exercise-induced fatigue. After local load to the knee muscles, a significant increase of absolute angular error was observed (2.56°). The relative error showed the directional bias in the extension movement. However, the reliability and accuracy of estimating knee angles as showed by the variable error is similar at both times. It can be concluded that exercise-induced local muscle fatigue alters knee JPS in old age adults.

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Acknowledgments

We would like to thank Professor João Paulo Vilas-Boas, director of the Biomechanics Laboratory of the Faculty of Sport, University of Porto, and Professor José Soares, director of the Sport Physiology Laboratory of the Faculty of Sport, University of Porto for the use of facilities, and also Engineer Pedro Magalhães for his kind assistance in the kinematic analysis and related procedures.

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  1. Research Centre in Physical Activity, Health and Leisure, University of Porto, Faculty of Sport, Rua Dr. Plácido Costa, 91, 4200.450, Porto, Portugal

    Fernando Ribeiro, Jorge Mota & José Oliveira

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  1. Fernando Ribeiro
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  2. Jorge Mota
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  3. José Oliveira
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Correspondence to Fernando Ribeiro.

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Ribeiro, F., Mota, J. & Oliveira, J. Effect of exercise-induced fatigue on position sense of the knee in the elderly. Eur J Appl Physiol 99, 379–385 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-006-0357-8

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