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01-08-2017 | Original Article

Central activation, metabolites, and calcium handling during fatigue with repeated maximal isometric contractions in human muscle

Authors: Simeon P. Cairns, Luke A. G. Inman, Caroline P. MacManus, Ingrid G. L. van de Port, Patricia A. Ruell, Jeanette M. Thom, Martin W. Thompson

Published in: European Journal of Applied Physiology | Issue 8/2017

Abstract

Purpose

To determine the roles of calcium (Ca²⁺) handling by sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) and central activation impairment (i.e., central fatigue) during fatigue with repeated maximal voluntary isometric contractions (MVC) in human muscles.

Methods

Contractile performance was assessed during 3 min of repeated MVCs (7-s contraction, 3-s rest, n = 17). In ten participants, in vitro SR Ca²⁺-handling, metabolites, and fibre-type composition were quantified in biopsy samples from quadriceps muscle, along with plasma venous [K⁺]. In 11 participants, central fatigue was compared using tetanic stimulation superimposed on MVC in quadriceps and adductor pollicis muscles.

Results

The decline of peak MVC force with fatigue was similar for both muscles. Fatigue resistance correlated directly with % type I fibre area in quadriceps (r = 0.77, P = 0.009). The maximal rate of ryanodine-induced Ca²⁺-release and Ca²⁺-uptake fell by 31 ± 26 and 28 ± 13%, respectively. The tetanic force depression was correlated with the combined reduction of ATP and PCr, and increase of lactate (r = 0.77, P = 0.009). Plasma venous [K⁺] increased from 4.0 ± 0.3 to 5.4 ± 0.8 mM over 1–3-min exercise. Central fatigue occurred during the early contractions in the quadriceps in 7 out of 17 participants (central activation ratio fell from 0.98 ± 0.05 to 0.86 ± 0.11 at 1 min), but dwindled at exercise cessation. Central fatigue was seldom apparent in adductor pollicis.

Conclusions

Fatigue with repeated MVC in human limb muscles mainly involves peripheral aspects which include impaired SR Ca²⁺-handling and we speculate that anaerobic metabolite changes are involved. A faster early force loss in quadriceps muscle with some participants is attributed to central fatigue.

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Title: Central activation, metabolites, and calcium handling during fatigue with repeated maximal isometric contractions in human muscle
Authors: Simeon P. Cairns
Luke A. G. Inman
Caroline P. MacManus
Ingrid G. L. van de Port
Patricia A. Ruell
Jeanette M. Thom
Martin W. Thompson
Publication date: 01-08-2017
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: European Journal of Applied Physiology / Issue 8/2017
Print ISSN: 1439-6319
Electronic ISSN: 1439-6327
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-017-3640-y

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Central activation, metabolites, and calcium handling during fatigue with repeated maximal isometric contractions in human muscle

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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