Upper-Limb Muscle Fatigability in Para-Athletes Quantified as the Rate of Force Development in Rapid Contractions of Submaximal Amplitude

J. Funct. Morphol. Kinesiol., 2024 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/jfmk9020108 · Published: June 20, 2024

Neurology Orthopedics Musculoskeletal Medicine

Simple Explanation

This study compares how quickly elbow muscles can generate force in athletes with amputations (AMP) and those with spinal cord injuries (SCI). It looks at both maximum force and how quickly they can produce force in rapid, submaximal contractions before and after a fatiguing arm exercise. The study found that SCI athletes had lower maximal strength and force development rates compared to AMP athletes. However, both groups showed similar decreases in maximal strength and force development after the fatiguing exercise. The ability to perform rapid contractions at submaximal levels decreased after the fatiguing task, especially in SCI athletes. This suggests that muscle fatigue affects not only maximal force but also the quickness of movements used in daily activities.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

20 para-athletes (10 with amputation, 10 with spinal cord injury)

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
SCI athletes had lower MVF and RFDpeak values than AMP athletes.
2
After the fatiguing task, SCI and AMP showed a similar decrease of both MVF and RFDpeak.
3
The RFD-SF decreased more in SCI than in AMP, meaning that the quickness of ballistic contractions of submaximal amplitude decreased after the fatiguing task.

Research Summary

This study assessed neuromuscular fatigue by comparing rapid force production in elbow flexors and extensors between athletes with amputation (AMP) and spinal cord injury (SCI). SCI athletes exhibited lower maximum voluntary force (MVF) and rate of force development (RFD) levels compared to AMP athletes, highlighting the impact of spinal cord injury on upper limb neuromuscular function. The study demonstrated that muscle fatigability impacts not only maximal force expression but also the quickness of ballistic contractions of submaximal amplitudes, especially in para-athletes with spinal cord injury.

Practical Implications

Training Strategies

Tailor training programs to address the specific fatigability characteristics of SCI and AMP athletes, focusing on improving early RFD.

Rehabilitation

Incorporate exercises that target the quickness of submaximal contractions to improve functional performance in daily activities for para-athletes.

Assistive Devices

Develop assistive devices that account for the impact of muscle fatigue on rapid force production to enhance usability and reduce strain.

Study Limitations

1
Small sample size
2
Presence of wheelchair users in the amputation group may have influenced results.
3
Fatigability of shoulder muscles was not tested.

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