Correlation between muscle metabolism and changes in M-wave and surface electromyogram: dynamic constant load leg exercise in untrained subjects

In untrained subjects exercising on a cycle at constant work loads presented at a sub- or suprathreshold level, reduced M wave amplitude with lengthening of duration was measured in vastus lateralis muscle during and after suprathreshold exercise. M wave changes were correlated with increased blood lactate concentration. At the two work load levels, the increase in root mean square of EMG was rapidly closely adjusted to that of oxygen consumption, confirming the reality of adaptative reflex mechanisms in leg muscles during cycling.