Biochemical aspects of peripheral muscle fatigue. A review

Muscular fatigue is of critical importance to performance and as such has been the subject of numerous investigations. However, a clear cause remains elusive. Although many factors have been identified, this review deals only with those which occur distal to the neuromuscular junction. Factors discussed include: energy supply (ATP/creatine phosphate, glycogen, oxygen, and free fatty acids); the accumulation of metabolites (lactate/hydrogen ions, calcium, ammonium, electrolyte and water shifts); and, the special case of eccentric work. The results of many studies using various methodologies are examined. Peripheral fatigue appears to be a complex series of interactions with variable influence on the development of fatigue depending upon the nature of the work performed.