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Determining The Electromyographic Fatigue Threshold Following a Single Visit Exercise Test
Published on: July 27, 2015
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An electromyographic-based test for estimating neuromuscular fatigue during incremental treadmill running
Clayton L Camic1, Attila J Kovacs, Evan A Enquist
1Human Performance Laboratory, Exercise and Sport Science, University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, La Crosse, Wisconsin 54601, USA.
Physiological Measurement
|November 13, 2014
Summary
This study adapted a model for estimating physical working capacity at the fatigue threshold (PWCFT) for treadmill running. The PWCFT running velocity may help differentiate exercise intensity domains.
Area of Science:
- Exercise Physiology
- Sports Science
- Biomechanics
Background:
- The physical working capacity at the fatigue threshold (PWCFT) is typically estimated using electromyographic (EMG) data during cycle ergometry.
- Applying this model to running could establish a new neuromuscular fatigue threshold for running.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if the PWCFT model can be applied to treadmill running to derive a running neuromuscular fatigue threshold.
- To compare running velocities at the PWCFT, ventilatory threshold (VT), and respiratory compensation point (RCP).
Main Methods:
- Fifteen college-aged subjects performed an incremental treadmill test to exhaustion.
- Surface EMG signals were recorded from the vastus lateralis muscle.
- Running velocities associated with PWCFT, VT, and RCP were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Significant differences were found between running velocities at VT and PWCFT, and VT and RCP (p < 0.05).
- No significant difference was observed between PWCFT and RCP running velocities.
- The PWCFT model was applicable to incremental treadmill testing.
Conclusions:
- The PWCFT model can estimate maximal running velocity before neuromuscular fatigue onset.
- PWCFT, similar to RCP, may help distinguish between heavy and severe exercise intensity domains.
