Journal of Electromyography and Kinesiology
Volume 20, Issue 4 , Pages 608-618, August 2010

Disturbed motor control of rhythmic movement at 2 h and delayed after maximal eccentric actions

  • Reijo Bottas

      Affiliations

    • University of Jyväskylä, Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, Department of Sport Sciences, Jyväskylä, Finland
    • Corresponding Author InformationCorresponding author. Address: P.O. Box 35, 40014 Jyväskylä, Finland.
  • ,
  • Kari Miettunen

      Affiliations

    • University of Jyväskylä, Neuromuscular Research Center, Department of Biology of Physical Activity, Jyväskylä, Finland
  • ,
  • Paavo V. Komi

      Affiliations

    • University of Jyväskylä, Neuromuscular Research Center, Department of Biology of Physical Activity, Jyväskylä, Finland
  • ,
  • Vesa Linnamo

      Affiliations

    • University of Jyväskylä, Neuromuscular Research Center, Department of Biology of Physical Activity, Jyväskylä, Finland

Received 21 August 2008; received in revised form 19 December 2008; accepted 30 November 2009. published online 11 January 2010.

Abstract 

The aim of this study was to examine the influence of exercise-induced muscle damage on elbow rhythmic movement (RM) performance and neural activity pattern and to investigate whether this influence is joint angle specific. Ten males performed an exercise of 50 maximal eccentric elbow flexions in isokinetic machine with duty cycle of 1:15. Maximal dynamic and isometric force tests (90°, 110° and 130° elbow angle) and both active and passive stretch reflex tests of elbow flexors were applied to the elbow joint. The intentional RM was performed in the horizontal plane at elbow angles; 60–120° (SA-RM), 80–140° (MA-RM) and 100–160° (LA-RM). All measurements together with the determination of muscle soreness, swelling, passive stiffness, serum creatine kinase were conducted before, immediately and 2h as well as 2days, 4days, 6days and 8days post-exercise. Repeated maximal eccentric actions modified the RM trajectory symmetry acutely (SA-RM) and delayed (SA/MA/LA-RM) until the entire follow up of 8days. Acutely lowered MA-RM peak velocity together with reduced activity of biceps brachii (BB) at every RM range, reflected a poorer acceleration and deceleration capacity of elbow flexors. A large acute drop of BB EMG burst amplitude together with parallel decrease in BB active stretch reflex amplitude, especially 2h post-exercise, suggested an inhibitory effect originating most likely from groups III/IV mechano-nociceptors.

Keywords: Eccentric exercise, Muscle damage, Rhythmic movement, Movement control

To access this article, please choose from the options below

Login to an existing account or Register a new account.

  • Purchase this article for 31.50 USD (You must login/register to purchase this article)

    Online access for 24 hours. The PDF version can be downloaded as your permanent record.

  • Subscribe to this title

    Get unlimited online access to this article and all other articles in this title 24/7 for one year.

  • Claim access now

    For current subscribers with Society Membership or Account Number.

  • Visit SciVerse ScienceDirect to see if you have access via your institution.
 

PII: S1050-6411(09)00177-1

doi:10.1016/j.jelekin.2009.11.010

Journal of Electromyography and Kinesiology
Volume 20, Issue 4 , Pages 608-618, August 2010