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Selective muscle contraction during plantarflexion is incompatible with maximal voluntary torque assessment

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Abstract

Objective

Large variations in maximal voluntary torque are reported in the literature during isometric plantarflexion contractions. We propose that these differences, which could reach 40 % across similar studies, could be explained by differences in the instructions provided, and notably by instructions as to favoring or not multi-joint contractions.

Method

Sixteen participants were placed on an isokinetic ergometer in 3 different positions, supine, prone and seated, with the ankle in the neutral position, and instructed to create maximal force on the footplate by conforming to instructions that favored either isolated (ISOL) or multi-joint (ALL) isometric contractions. Torque, foot kinematics and the electromyographic activity of seven muscles of the lower limb have been recorded.

Results

Joint torques were greater in ALL compared to ISOL (p < 0.05) with gains of 43.5 (25.4–170.6) %, 42.5 (1.4–194.6) % and 15.3 (9.3–71.9) % in the supine, prone and seated position, respectively [values are given as median (range)]. The results of this study suggested that forces created by muscles that do not span over the ankle joint significantly influenced the measured joint torque. Nevertheless, the observed gains in torque were associated with greater plantarflexor muscles activation, showing that the ISOL condition may have induced a form of inhibition of these muscles.

Conclusions

The results of this study suggest that using isolated contractions, hence constrained testing protocols, cannot provide optimal conditions for MVC testing, notably for plantarflexor muscles, which seem to be extremely sensitive to such constrained conditions.

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Abbreviations

ALL:

Multi-joint contractions condition

ANOVA:

Analysis of variance

CR:

Center of rotation

EMG:

Electromyographic signal

EMGmax :

Maximal electromyographic (EMG) value obtained over all conditions

GM:

Gastrocnemius medialis

G max :

Gluteus maximus

ISOL:

Isolated contractions condition

MVC:

Maximal voluntary contraction

RF:

Rectus femoris

SCoRE:

Symmetrical centre of rotation estimation method

SCS:

Segment coordinate system

SD:

Standard deviation

Sol:

Soleus

ST:

Semi tendinosus

TA:

Tibialis anterior

VL:

Vastus lateralis

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. UPS, PRISSMH, University of Toulouse, 118 route de Narbonne, 31062, Toulouse Cedex 9, France

    Nicolas A. Turpin, Antony Costes, David Villeger & Bruno Watier

  2. CNRS LAAS, 7 Avenue du colonel Roche, 31077, Toulouse, France

    Bruno Watier

  3. PRISSMH-EA 4561-F2SMH, Pôle Sport, 118 route de Narbonne, 31062, Toulouse Cedex 9, France

    Bruno Watier

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  1. Nicolas A. Turpin
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  2. Antony Costes
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  3. David Villeger
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  4. Bruno Watier
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Correspondence to Bruno Watier.

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Communicated by Nicolas Place.

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Turpin, N.A., Costes, A., Villeger, D. et al. Selective muscle contraction during plantarflexion is incompatible with maximal voluntary torque assessment. Eur J Appl Physiol 114, 1667–1677 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-014-2900-3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-014-2900-3

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