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Neural and muscular changes to detraining after electrostimulation training
Julien Gondin1, Marie Guette, Yves Ballay
1Faculté des Sciences du Sport, INSERM/ERM 207 Motricité-Plasticité, UFR STAPS, BP 27877, 21078, Dijon Cedex, France. julien.gondin@u-bourgogne.fr
European Journal of Applied Physiology
|March 10, 2006
Summary
Detraining after electrostimulation (ES) training led to significant losses in knee extensor strength, neural drive, and muscle size. However, muscle size preservation contributed to maintained strength gains post-training.
Area of Science:
- Exercise Physiology
- Neuromuscular Adaptations
- Muscle Physiology
Background:
- Electrostimulation (ES) training is utilized to enhance muscle strength and size.
- Understanding detraining effects is crucial for maintaining training-induced adaptations.
- Neural and muscular factors contribute to muscle strength regulation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of detraining on muscle strength, neural, and muscular properties following ES training.
- To determine the contribution of neural and muscular changes to strength loss during detraining.
Main Methods:
- Eight-week isometric ES training program in nine male subjects.
- Measurements included knee extensor torque, electromyographic (EMG) activity, muscle activation (twitch interpolation), and quadriceps anatomical cross-sectional area (ACSA).
- Testing occurred before training, after training, and after 4 weeks of detraining.
Main Results:
- ES training increased knee extensor torque (+26%), vastii EMG activity (+43%), muscle activation (+6%), and quadriceps ACSA (+6%).
- Detraining resulted in decreased MVC (-9%), EMG activity (-20%), muscle activation (-5%), and ACSA (-3%).
- Post-detraining MVC remained elevated (+14%) due to preserved muscle size, not neural activation.
Conclusions:
- Voluntary torque losses after detraining are attributable to both neural and muscular alterations.
- Muscle size preservation plays a role in maintaining elevated strength levels post-detraining.
- Muscle size adaptations appear to diminish more slowly than neural drive reductions.