Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 9, 2025
07:22
Measuring the Motor Aspect of Cancer-Related Fatigue using a Handheld Dynamometer
Published on: February 20, 2020
5.9K
Wrist Extensor Muscle Fatigue During a Dual Task With Two Muscular and Cognitive Load Levels in Younger and Older
Florestan Wagenblast1, Thomas Läubli1, Robert Seibt1
1Institute of Occupational and Social Medicine and Health Services Research, University Hospital Tübingen, Germany.
Human Factors
|December 7, 2023
Summary
Concurrent physical and cognitive demands, along with age, influence muscle fatigue indicators at the wrist. Increased cognitive load and older age may suggest muscular adaptations during fatigue onset.
Area of Science:
- Occupational health and ergonomics
- Neuroscience
- Biomechanics
Background:
- Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are a significant concern in workplaces where physical and cognitive demands often coexist.
- Limited research exists on the risk indicators for MSDs under simultaneous physical and cognitive workloads.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of combined physical and cognitive demands on wrist muscle fatigue indicators.
- To explore the influence of participant age on these fatigue responses.
Main Methods:
- Twenty-four older (mean age 60) and 24 younger (mean age 23) adults performed dual tasks involving force tracking at 5% and 10% of maximum voluntary contraction (MVC) with easy or difficult cognitive loads.
- Muscle fatigue was assessed via MVC decline and surface electromyography (sEMG) changes (root mean square: RMS, median frequency: MF) in extensor digitorum (ED) and extensor carpi ulnaris (EU) muscles.
Main Results:
- All participants showed decreased MVC at 10% MVC.
- RMS increased and MF decreased in both muscles, irrespective of age, muscular, or cognitive load.
- A trend for more pronounced MF changes in the EU muscle of older adults was observed under higher cognitive and lower muscular load, though not statistically significant.
Conclusions:
- No significant interaction was found between muscle fatigue, cognitive load, and age regarding MVC.
- Observed tendencies in muscle activity suggest potential muscular adaptations in older adults under increased cognitive load, even with early fatigue signs.
Related Concept Videos
01:17Muscles of the Forearm that Move the Hand and Fingers
1.0K
The muscles of the forearm that move the wrist, hand, and digits are numerous and diverse. They can be classified into two groups based on their location and function — the anterior and posterior compartment muscles.
Anterior Compartment
The anterior compartment muscles originate from the humerus. They primarily function as flexors and are also known as flexor muscles. They typically insert on the carpals, metacarpals, and phalanges. The superficial layer includes the flexor carpi...
Anterior Compartment
The anterior compartment muscles originate from the humerus. They primarily function as flexors and are also known as flexor muscles. They typically insert on the carpals, metacarpals, and phalanges. The superficial layer includes the flexor carpi...
1.0K
01:26Exercise Stress Test
234
Introduction
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
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
234
01:21Fatigue
185
Fatigue occurs when materials rupture under repeated or fluctuating loads, even at stress levels far below their static breaking strength. It typically results in brittle failure, even for ductile materials. It is a critical consideration in designing machines and structural components subjected to repetitive or varying loads. The nature of these loadings can range from fluctuating loads like unbalanced pump impellers causing vibrations to repeatedly bending a thin steel rod wire back and forth...
185
01:16Muscles that Move the Forearm
1.6K
The muscles that move the forearms can be divided into four groups: forearm flexors, forearm extensors, forearm pronators, and forearm supinators. The flexors and extensors act on the elbow joint, while the pronators and supinators act on the radioulnar joints.
Forearm Flexors
The biceps brachii, brachialis, and brachioradialis are forearm flexors. The biceps brachii is made up of two heads. Its long head originates at the supraglenoid tubercle of the scapula, whereas that of the short head is...
Forearm Flexors
The biceps brachii, brachialis, and brachioradialis are forearm flexors. The biceps brachii is made up of two heads. Its long head originates at the supraglenoid tubercle of the scapula, whereas that of the short head is...
1.6K
01:27Exercise and Muscle Performance
1.5K
Exercise induces a range of adaptations in muscle tissue, depending on the type and duration of activity. Such physical training can be broadly categorized into two types: endurance exercises and resistance exercises.
Endurance exercises
Endurance exercises involve running, swimming, or cycling, which require repetitive movements with low force output. When a person engages in endurance exercise, a few noticeable changes occur in their skeletal muscles. For instance, the number of capillaries...
Endurance exercises
Endurance exercises involve running, swimming, or cycling, which require repetitive movements with low force output. When a person engages in endurance exercise, a few noticeable changes occur in their skeletal muscles. For instance, the number of capillaries...
1.5K