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Endurance training alters motor unit activation strategies for the vastus lateralis, yet sex-related differences and relationships with muscle size remain

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Abstract

Purpose

To examine the effects of 10 weeks of endurance cycling training on mechanomyographic amplitude (MMGRMS)–torque relationships and muscle cross-sectional area (mCSA) of the vastus lateralis (VL) for 10 sedentary males (Age ± SD; 20.2 ± 1.9 years) and 14 sedentary females (21.9 ± 5.3 years).

Methods

Participants performed maximal voluntary contractions (MVCs) and an isometric ramp up muscle action to 70% MVC of the knee extensors before (PRE) and after training at the same absolute pre-treatment submaximal torque (POSTABS). MMG was recorded from the VL and b terms were calculated from the natural log-transformed MMGRMS–torque relationships for each subject. mCSA was determined with ultrasonography.

Results

Cycling decreased MVCs from pre- (168.10 ± 58.49 Nm) to post-training (160.78 ± 58.39 Nm; p = 0.005) without changes in mCSA. The b terms were greater for POSTABS (0.623 ± 0.204) than PRE (0.540 ± 0.226; p = 0.012) and for males (0.717 ± 0.171) than females (0.484 ± 0.168; p = 0.003). mCSA was correlated with the b terms for PRE (p < 0.001, r = 0.674) and POSTABS (p = 0.020, r = 0.471).

Conclusion

The decrease in MVC and increase in MMGRMS (b terms) post-training suggests increased motor unit (MU) recruitment to match pre-training torques. The greater acceleration in the b terms by males may reflect sex-related differences in fiber-type area. MMGRMS–torque relationships during a high-intensity contraction provided insight on MU activation strategies following endurance training and between sexes. Furthermore, the findings suggest a relationship between MMGRMS and muscle size.

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Abbreviations

ANOVA:

Analysis of variance

HRR:

Heart rate reserve

mCSA:

Muscle cross sectional area

MHC:

Myosin heavy chain

MMGRMS :

Mechanomyographic amplitude

MVC:

Maximal voluntary contraction

MU:

Motor unit

POSTABS :

Post absolute torque level

sFAT:

Subcutaneous fat

VL:

Vastus lateralis

VO2MAX :

Maximal aerobic capacity

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Acknowledgements

We would like to thank P.R. Maier and J.D. Lippman who aided in data collection and analysis, as well as each subject for their selfless participation.

Funding

This publication was made possible by a National Strength and Conditioning Association Foundation (NSCAF) Graduate Research Doctoral Grant FND0074499 and a University of Kansas Doctoral Student Research Fund (DSRF) grant.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Applied Neuromuscular Physiology Laboratory, Department of Kinesiology, Applied Health, and Recreation, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, 74078, USA

    Stephanie A. Sontag & Michael A. Trevino

  2. Neuromechanics Laboratory, Department of Health, Sport, and Exercise Sciences, The University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, 66045, USA

    Trent J. Herda

  3. Neuromuscular Research Laboratory, Department of Sports Medicine and Nutrition, University of Pittsburg, Pittsburgh, PA, 15203, USA

    Adam J. Sterczala

  4. Department of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering, The University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, 66045, USA

    Jonathan D. Miller

  5. Department of Exercise Science and Public Health, Baker University, Baldwin City, KS, 66006, USA

    Mandy E. Parra

  6. Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, T2N 1N4, USA

    Hannah L. Dimmick

  7. Department of Human Physiology, Gonzaga University, Spokane, WA, USA

    Jake Deckert

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  1. Stephanie A. Sontag
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Contributions

MAT and TJH designed the experiments. SAS, MAT, AJS, JDM, MEP, HLD, and JAD conducted the experiments. SAS, MAT, TJH, AJS, JDM, MEP, HLD, and JAD analyzed the data. SAS and MAT wrote the manuscript. SAS and MAT edited and revised the manuscript. All authors approved the final version of the manuscript submitted for publication and agree to be accountable for all aspects of the work. All persons designated as authors qualify for authorship, and all those who qualify for authorship are listed.

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Michael A. Trevino.

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Communicated by Toshio moritani.

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Sontag, S.A., Trevino, M.A., Herda, T.J. et al. Endurance training alters motor unit activation strategies for the vastus lateralis, yet sex-related differences and relationships with muscle size remain. Eur J Appl Physiol 121, 1367–1377 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-021-04622-7

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