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01-05-2019 | Original Article

The effects of local muscle temperature on force variability

Authors: Matthew M. Mallette, Lara A. Green, Gary J. Hodges, Reno E. Fernley, David A. Gabriel, Michael W. R. Holmes, Stephen S. Cheung

Published in: European Journal of Applied Physiology | Issue 5/2019

Abstract

Purpose

Force variability is affected by environmental temperature, but whether the changes are from altered muscle temperature or proprioception are unclear. We tested how forearm muscle warming and cooling affected a force tracking task.

Methods

Twelve males and four females completed evoked, maximal, and isometric wrist flexion contractions (0–30% maximal) during thermoneutral-, warm-, and cold-muscle conditions. Forearm muscle temperature was manipulated using neutral (~ 33 °C), hot (~ 44 °C), or cold (~ 13 °C) water circulated through a tube-lined sleeve. Evoked and voluntary contractions were performed before and after thermal manipulations.

Results

Thermal manipulations altered contractile properties as evident in the twitch half-relaxation time, rate of force development, and duration (all P < 0.05), suggesting that muscle temperature was successfully altered. Changes in surface electromyography of the flexor carpi radialis root-mean-square amplitude and mean power frequency between temperature conditions (all P < 0.05) also indicate muscle temperature changes. No changes to root-mean-square error or variance ratio of the force trace were observed with muscle temperature changes (both P > 0.05). Muscle temperature changes did not have a consistent effect on coefficient of variation during each plateau of the staircase contraction.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that the ability to perform a multi-plateaued isometric force task is not affected by changes to forearm muscle temperature. As the thermal manipulation was limited to the forearm, changes to hand temperature would be minimal, thus, proprioception in the wrist and hand was preserved allowing performance to be maintained. Therefore, modest changes to forearm muscle temperature are not likely to affect force variability if proprioception is maintained.

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Title: The effects of local muscle temperature on force variability
Authors: Matthew M. Mallette
Lara A. Green
Gary J. Hodges
Reno E. Fernley
David A. Gabriel
Michael W. R. Holmes
Stephen S. Cheung
Publication date: 01-05-2019
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: European Journal of Applied Physiology / Issue 5/2019
Print ISSN: 1439-6319
Electronic ISSN: 1439-6327
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-019-04112-x

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

The effects of local muscle temperature on force variability

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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