Force, endurance time, and cardiovascular responses in voluntary isometric contractions of different muscle groups

A study was made to reinvestigate the general validity of the force/endurance relation of isometric contractions. Relative force development, mean bioelectrical muscle activity and circulatory responses (blood pressure, interbeat interval) during isometric contractions of different muscle groups were compared. 6 men performed maximum isometric contractions of foot plantar- and dorsalflexors and hand flexors lasting 10 minutes. The hydrostatic blood pressure was varied by placing subject's arms and legs in two different positions, high and low. 9 Women performed plantarflexion and dorsalflexion with maximum strength and at constant load of 60% MVC to exhaustion. The results confirm that the force/endurance relationship during isometric exercise is not a biological constant, applicable for all muscles. The fibre composition of the muscle and the blood pressure varied by different hydrostatic components are discussed as factors causing differences in force/endurance relationship.