Different neuromuscular recruitment patterns during eccentric, concentric and isometric contractions

Aim. The purpose of this study was to determine the neuromuscular fatigue p rofiles during 100 s isometric (ISO), concentric (CON), and eccentric (ECC) activity. Methods. Twelve subjects (age 25.1+/-3.7 years, mass 70.1+/-8.2 kg, mean+/- SD) performed ISO, CON and ECC maximal voluntary contractions and 100 s end urance trials on an isokinetic dynamometer. Raw EMG data were recorded thro ughout each trial from the rectus femoris of the right limb. Corresponding data for integrated electromyography (IEMG), percentile frequency shifts (M PFS) and peak torque output were divided into five 5 s epochs and subsequen tly normalised with the first epoch being the reference point, in order to assess changes over time. Results. There were no significant differences between ECC, CON and ISO pea k torque output (211+/-63 vs 169+/-41 vs 177+/-61 Nm; ECC, CON, ISO) and IE MG activity (280+/-143 vs 305+/-146 vs 287+/-143 mV; ECC, CON, ISO) during maximal contractions. Serial reductions in torque output were greatest in I SO in which torque output during the final epoch was 31+/-13% of initial va lues, similar to the final torque values in CON (58+/-15%), but significant ly less than ECC (108.6+/-38.6%; P<0.001) values. In CON and ECC, IEMG was maintained (95+/-27% and 93+/-21%; CON and ECC), whereas IEMG for ISO decre ased to 38+/-13% of initial values. The greatest reduction in MPFS occurred in CON (69+/-10%) compared to ISO (78+/-9%; P<0.05) and ECC (93+/-6%; P<0. 001). Conclusion. These data demonstrate distinct neuromuscular fatigue profiles for the different types of muscle contraction. Whereas eccentric activity w as largely fatigue resistant, isometric and concentric contractions display ed different neuromuscular fatigue profiles. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.