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Published in: European Journal of Applied Physiology 9/2016

01-09-2016 | Original Article

Inter-individual variability in the patterns of responses for electromyography and mechanomyography during cycle ergometry using an RPE-clamp model

Authors: Kristen C. Cochrane-Snyman, Terry J. Housh, Cory M. Smith, Ethan C. Hill, Nathaniel D. M. Jenkins, Richard J. Schmidt, Glen O. Johnson

Published in: European Journal of Applied Physiology | Issue 9/2016

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Abstract

Purpose

To examine inter-individual variability versus composite models for the patterns of responses for electromyography (EMG) and mechanomyography (MMG) versus time relationships during moderate and heavy cycle ergometry using a rating of perceived exertion (RPE) clamp model.

Methods

EMG amplitude (amplitude root-mean-square, RMS), EMG mean power frequency (MPF), MMG-RMS, and MMG-MPF were collected during two, 60-min rides at a moderate (RPE at the gas exchange threshold; RPEGET) and heavy (RPE at 15 % above the GET; RPEGET+15 %) intensity when RPE was held constant (clamped). Composite (mean) and individual responses for EMG and MMG parameters were compared during each 60-min ride.

Results

There was great inter-individual variability for each EMG and MMG parameters at RPEGET and RPEGET+15 %. Composite models showed decreases in EMG-RMS (r 2 = −0.92 and R 2 = 0.96), increases in EMG-MPF (R 2 = 0.90), increases in MMG-RMS (r 2 = 0.81 and 0.55), and either no change or a decrease (r 2 = 0.34) in MMG-MPF at RPEGET and RPEGET+15 %, respectively.

Conclusions

The results of the present study indicated that there were differences between composite and individual patterns of responses for EMG and MMG parameters during moderate and heavy cycle ergometry at a constant RPE. Thus, composite models did not represent the unique muscle activation strategies exhibited by individual responses when cycling in the moderate and heavy intensity domains when using an RPE-clamp model.
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Metadata
Title
Inter-individual variability in the patterns of responses for electromyography and mechanomyography during cycle ergometry using an RPE-clamp model
Authors
Kristen C. Cochrane-Snyman
Terry J. Housh
Cory M. Smith
Ethan C. Hill
Nathaniel D. M. Jenkins
Richard J. Schmidt
Glen O. Johnson
Publication date
01-09-2016
Publisher
Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in
European Journal of Applied Physiology / Issue 9/2016
Print ISSN: 1439-6319
Electronic ISSN: 1439-6327
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-016-3394-y

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