Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 16, 2026
Determining The Electromyographic Fatigue Threshold Following a Single Visit Exercise Test
Published on: July 27, 2015
Utility of electromyographic fatigue threshold during treadmill running
Luciano F Crozara1, Alex Castro1, Antonio F De Almeida Neto1
1Department of Physical Education, São Paulo State University, 1515, 24 A Avenue, Bela Vista, 13506-900, Rio Claro, São Paulo, Brazil.
Introduction:
We investigated 2 different methods for determining muscle fatigue threshold by electromyography (EMG).
Methods:
Thirteen subjects completed an incremental treadmill running protocol for EMG fatigue threshold (EMGFT ) determination based on the critical power concept (EMGFT 1) and the breakpoint in the linear relationship between EMG amplitude and exercise intensity (EMGFT 2). Then, both the EMGFT 1 and EMGFT 2 were tested in a continuous treadmill running protocol. EMG was recorded from the rectus femoris (RF), vastus lateralis (VL), biceps femoris (BF), and lateral gastrocnemius (LG) muscles.
Results:
For BF, EMGFT 2 was higher than EMGFT 1, and EMGFT 1 for BF was lower than EMGFT 1 for LG. EMG of RF was higher at EMGFT 2 than at EMGFT 1, and LG EMG was lower at EMGFT 2.
Conclusions:
EMGFT can be determined during a single treadmill running test, and EMGFT 1 may be the most appropriate method to estimate the muscle fatigue threshold during running.
Related Concept Videos
01:26Exercise Stress Test
Exercise stress testing, commonly known as a treadmill test, is a noninvasive procedure used to evaluate cardiovascular function and diagnose heart conditions.
Definition
An exercise stress test measures the heart's response to exertion using a treadmill or stationary bicycle. Chest electrodes record the heart's electrical activity through an ECG, and blood pressure is monitored regularly.
Purposes
01:24Muscle Recovery and Fatigue