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Forearm tremor in relation to selected physiological and body dimensional variables
J T Viitasalo1, S Mikkonen, M Salonen
1Research Institute for Olympic Sports, Jyväskylä, Finland.
The Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness
|September 1, 1994
Summary
Forearm tremor frequency in athletes is significantly influenced by arm mass, not muscle fiber composition. Arm mass is the primary factor affecting tremor characteristics, highlighting motor unit firing properties as a key determinant.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Human Physiology
- Motor Control
Background:
- Forearm tremor is a common physiological phenomenon.
- Understanding factors influencing tremor characteristics is crucial for athletic performance and injury prevention.
- Previous research has explored various factors, but the specific relationships between body dimensional, muscle structure, and training variables and forearm tremor remain less understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the interrelationships between forearm tremor characteristics and variables such as body dimensions, muscle structure, muscular strength, and training background in male athletes.
- To identify which specific variables significantly correlate with and explain the observed tremor frequency characteristics.
Main Methods:
- Isometric dominant upper extremity elbow flexions were performed by 13 male students with athletic backgrounds.
- Forearm tremor was measured using an accelerometer attached to a cuff, and the power spectrum density function was analyzed.
- Muscle fiber composition was determined through biopsy of the M. vastus lateralis.
- Statistical analyses, including correlation and partial correlation, were employed to examine relationships between variables.
Main Results:
- Arm mass and muscle fiber composition showed statistically significant correlations with tremor frequency characteristics.
- Arm mass emerged as the sole significant predictor of tremor frequency characteristics.
- The influence of muscle structure variables on tremor frequency was minimal when the effect of arm mass was statistically controlled.
Conclusions:
- Arm mass is a primary determinant of forearm tremor frequency characteristics in male athletes.
- Interindividual differences in motor unit firing properties are likely responsible for the observed relationship between arm mass and tremor frequency.
- Further research should explore the role of motor unit activity in modulating tremor during physical tasks.