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Biceps brachii elastography in well-trained men post eccentric exercise-induced muscle damage

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Abstract

Purpose

Recent advancements in elastography techniques, specifically supersonic shearwave elastography (SWE), have enabled non-invasive assessment of muscle stiffness. However, there is limited research on the immediate and short-term effects of eccentric exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD) in well-trained individuals. This study aimed to follow up on the effects of eccentric training on the biceps brachialis stiffness by supersonic shearwave imaging (SSI) as well as the soreness and elbow flexion maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC), immediately post-intervention, at 10 min, 48 h, and 96 h in well-trained men.

Methods

Thirteen well-trained males participated in the study. Baseline measurements of elastography images, MVIC of the elbow flexors, and muscle soreness were obtained. The participants performed an eccentric exercise protocol (4 sets X 10 repetitions) on the dynamometer isokinetic and elastography measurements were repeated immediately post-exercise, at 10 min, 48 h, and 96 h.

Results

Significant reductions in stiffness (measured by shear modulus (µ)) were observed immediately and at 10 min post-exercise. MVIC exhibited significant reductions immediately after, 10 min, and 48 h compared to baseline measurements. Muscle soreness peaked at 48 h, persisting until 96 h.

Conclusions

The BB stiffness and MVIC reduction immediately post-eccentric exercise in well-trained men, suggest the potential involvement of mechanical stress and sarcomere rupture. Trained individuals may exhibit a distinct response to EIMD compared to untrained individuals, highlighting the applicability of elastography in monitoring acute biomechanical changes following high-intensity exercise.

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Data and materials availability

The data that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.

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Acknowledgements

The authors acknowledge the financial support of the Brazilian Research agencies FAPERJ (Grant n° E-26/202955/2017) and FINEP (Grant n°. 01.23.4567.89). Author Maria Clara A. Brandão has received research support from CNPq.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Laboratório de Biomecânica Muscular, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Avenida Horácio de Macedo, 2030, Centro de Tecnologia, Bloco I, Subsolo 044C, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 21949-900, Brazil

    Maria Clara Albuquerque Brandão, Lino de Azevedo Matias, Thiago Torres da Matta & Liliam Fernandes de Oliveira

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  1. Maria Clara Albuquerque Brandão
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  2. Lino de Azevedo Matias
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  3. Thiago Torres da Matta
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Contributions

All authors contributed to the study conception and design. Material preparation, data collection and analysis were performed by Maria Clara A. Brandão and Lino de Azevedo Matias. The first draft of the manuscript was written by Thiago Torres da Matta. The second draft of the manuscript was written by Maria Clara A. Brandão and Liliam Fernandes de Oliveira. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.

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Correspondence to Maria Clara Albuquerque Brandão.

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This study was performed in line with the principles of the Declaration of Helsinki. Approval by the Ethics Committee of Clementino Fraga Filho University Hospital (n° 3.031.279).

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Brandão, M.C.A., Matias, L.A., da Matta, T.T. et al. Biceps brachii elastography in well-trained men post eccentric exercise-induced muscle damage. J Ultrasound (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40477-024-00886-9

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