Respiratory Muscle Fatigue Alters Cycling Performance and Locomotor Muscle Fatigue

This study aimed to determine if preexisting respiratory muscle fatigue (RMF) alters motoneuronal output, locomotor muscle fatigue, and cycling performance.

Eight trained male cyclists performed 5-km cycling time trials after a resistive breathing task that induced RMF and under control conditions (CON). Motoneuronal output was estimated using vastus lateralis surface electromyography, and locomotor muscle fatigue was quantified as the change in potentiated quadriceps twitch force from preexercise to postexercise.

Time to complete the time trial was 1.9% ± 0.9% longer in RMF compared with CON (P < 0.001). Estimated motoneuronal output was lower in RMF compared with CON during 1 km (45% ± 11% vs 53% ± 13%, P = 0.004) and 2 km (45% ± 14% vs 51% ± 14%, P = 0.008), but was not different thereafter. Ventilation was lower in RMF compared with CON during 1 km (114 ± 19 vs 135 ± 24 L·min, P = 0.003) and 2 km (136 ± 23 vs 152 ± 31 L·min, P = 0.009); however, ratings of dyspnea were similar. After the 5-km time trial, locomotor muscle fatigue was attenuated in RMF compared with CON (-22% ± 6%, vs -28% ± 7%, P = 0.02).

Alterations to dyspnea for a given ventilation seem to have constrained power output during cycling exercise, thereby limiting the development of locomotor muscle fatigue. These findings indicate that the respiratory system is an integral component in a global feedback loop that regulates exercise performance and the development of locomotor muscle fatigue.