Exercise-Induced Fatigue in Hamstring versus Quadriceps Muscles and Consequences on the Torque–Duration Relationship in Men

Purpose The present study investigated the mechanisms of neuromuscular fatigue in quadriceps and hamstring muscles and its consequences on the torque–duration relationship. Methods Twelve healthy men performed a 5-min all-out exercise (3-s contraction, 2-s relaxation) with either quadriceps or hamstring muscles on separate days. Central fatigue and peripheral fatigue were quantified via changes in pre- to postexercise voluntary activation (VA) and potentiated twitch (PTw) torque evoked by supramaximal electrical stimulation, respectively. Critical torque was determined as the mean torque of the last six contractions, whereas W′ was calculated as the torque impulse done above critical torque. Results After exercise, maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) decreased to a greater magnitude (P
Source: Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise - Category: Sports Medicine Tags: BASIC SCIENCES Source Type: research