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01-01-2009 | Original Article

Electrical and mechanical response of finger flexor muscles during voluntary isometric contractions in elite rock-climbers

Authors: Fabio Esposito, Eloisa Limonta, Emiliano Cè, Massimiliano Gobbo, Arsenio Veicsteinas, Claudio Orizio

Published in: European Journal of Applied Physiology | Issue 1/2009

Abstract

To determine the differences between rock-climbers and controls in finger flexor (FF) motor units (MUs) features and activation strategy, eleven climbers and ten controls volunteered for the study. After maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) assessment, five levels of isometric contractions at 20, 40, 60, 80 and 100% MVC were performed. During contractions, electromyogram (EMG) and mechanomyogram (MMG) were recorded, from which the root mean square (RMS) and mean frequency (MF) were calculated. Climbers showed significantly higher MVC. EMG RMS was statistically higher in climbers than in controls from 60 to 100% MVC. In climbers MMG RMS increased up to 80% MVC, whereas in controls it increased only up to 60% MVC. MMG MF was higher in climbers than in controls from 60 to 100% MVC (P < 0.05). EMG–MMG combined analysis revealed significant differences in MU activation strategy between the two groups. The results are compatible with a shift of climbers’ muscles toward faster MUs.

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Title: Electrical and mechanical response of finger flexor muscles during voluntary isometric contractions in elite rock-climbers
Authors: Fabio Esposito
Eloisa Limonta
Emiliano Cè
Massimiliano Gobbo
Arsenio Veicsteinas
Claudio Orizio
Publication date: 01-01-2009
Publisher: Springer-Verlag
Published in: European Journal of Applied Physiology / Issue 1/2009
Print ISSN: 1439-6319
Electronic ISSN: 1439-6327
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-008-0877-5

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Electrical and mechanical response of finger flexor muscles during voluntary isometric contractions in elite rock-climbers

Abstract

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

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