Oxygen Consumption (VO₂) and Surface Electromyography (sEMG) during Moderate-Strength Training Exercises

Area of Science:

• Exercise Physiology
• Biomedical Engineering
• Sports Science

Background:

• Oxygen consumption (VO2) is a key indicator of exercise intensity.
• Surface electromyography (sEMG) measures muscle electrical activity.
• Predicting VO2 during strength training can optimize exercise prescription.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between VO2 and sEMG of upper and lower body muscles.
• To develop predictive models for VO2 based on sEMG during strength training.
• To compare prediction accuracy between untrained and trained individuals.

Main Methods:

• 11 participants (untrained and trained) performed shoulder press, deadlift, and squat exercises.
• VO2 was measured using indirect calorimetry (Cortex Metalyzer 3B).
• sEMG data from deltoid, erector spinae, quadriceps, and hamstring muscles were recorded and analyzed using generalized estimating equation (GEE) modeling.

Main Results:

• Significant VO2 prediction models were established using sEMG RMS values for all exercises in both groups.
• Models showed varying predictive power across different exercises and participant groups.
• GEE models demonstrated significant predictive capabilities for VO2 during moderate-intensity strength training.

Conclusions:

• sEMG is a viable tool for predicting oxygen consumption during strength training exercises.
• Predictive models can be tailored for untrained and trained individuals.
• This approach offers a non-invasive method to estimate metabolic cost during resistance exercise.