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Published on: July 27, 2015
Neuromuscular fatigue of the knee extensors during repeated maximal intensity intermittent-sprints on a cycle
Gregory E P Pearcey1, Justin R Murphy, David G Behm
1School of Human Kinetics and Recreation, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. 230 Elizabeth Avenue, John's, NL, Canada, A1C 5S7.
Introduction:
We studied the time course of neuromuscular fatigue during maximal intensity intermittent-sprint cycling.
Methods:
Eight participants completed 10, 10-s sprints interspersed with 180 s of recovery. The power outputs were recorded for each sprint. Knee extensor maximum voluntary contraction (MVC) force, voluntary activation, and evoked contractile properties were recorded presprint, postsprint 5, and postsprint 10.
Results:
Total work over the 10 sprints decreased significantly (P < 0.05) and could be described by 2 linear relationships from sprints 1-5 compared with sprints 6-10. Participants had significantly (P < 0.05) lower MVC and twitch forces postsprint 5 compared with presprint. MVC, voluntary activation, and twitch force were decreased (P < 0.05) postsprint 10 compared with postsprint 5.
Conclusions:
The maximal intermittent sprints induced neuromuscular fatigue. Neuromuscular fatigue in the first 5 sprints was mainly peripheral, whereas in the last 5 sprints it was both peripheral and central.
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