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European Journal of Applied Physiology

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Open Access 01-06-2020 | Original Article

A model-based estimation of critical torques reduces the experimental effort compared to conventional testing

Authors: Johannes L. Herold, Andreas Sommer

Published in: European Journal of Applied Physiology | Issue 6/2020

Abstract

Purpose

Critical torque (CT) is an important fatigue threshold in exercise physiology and can be used to analyze, predict, or optimize performance. The objective of this work is to reduce the experimental effort when estimating CTs for sustained and intermittent isometric contractions using a model-based approach.

Materials and methods

We employ a phenomenological model of the time course of maximum voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) torque and compute the highest sustainable torque output by solving an optimization problem. We then show that our results are consistent with the steady states obtained when simulating periodic maximum loading schemes. These simulations correspond to all-out tests, which are used to estimate CTs in practice. Based on these observations, the estimation of CTs can be formulated mathematically as a parameter estimation problem. To minimize the statistical uncertainty of the parameter estimates and consequently of the estimated CTs, we compute optimized testing sessions. This reduces the experimental effort even further.

Results

We estimate CTs of the elbow flexors for sustained isometric contractions to be 28% of baseline MVIC torque and for intermittent isometric contractions consisting of a 3 s contraction followed by 2 s rest to be 41% of baseline MVIC torque. We show that a single optimized testing session is sufficient when using our approach.

Conclusions

Our approach reduces the experimental effort considerably when estimating CTs for sustained and intermittent isometric contractions.

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Title: A model-based estimation of critical torques reduces the experimental effort compared to conventional testing
Authors: Johannes L. Herold
Andreas Sommer
Publication date: 01-06-2020
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: European Journal of Applied Physiology / Issue 6/2020
Print ISSN: 1439-6319
Electronic ISSN: 1439-6327
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-020-04358-w

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

A model-based estimation of critical torques reduces the experimental effort compared to conventional testing

Abstract

Purpose

Materials and methods

Results

Conclusions

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Materials and methods

Results

Conclusions

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