Isometric Knee Extension and Plantar Flexion Muscle Fatigue and Fiber Type Composition in Female Distance Runners |
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| Authors: | Walter Kroll Priscilla M Clarkson Anthony M Melchionda Anthony Wilcox |
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| Institution: | 1. Department of Exercise Science;2. University Health Service, University of Massachusetts , Amherst , MA , 01003 , USA |
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| Abstract: | Abstract Plantar flexion and knee extension fatigue patterns elicited by 25 serial isometric contractions were assessed on eight female distance runners. Fiber type composition of the vastus lateralis and gastrocnemius muscles was examined by a needle biopsy technique. Two different isometric exercise regimens were administered: 10-sec contractions separated by 5-sec intertrial rest (10:5) designed to elicit a rapid rate of fatigue, and 10-sec contractions separated by 20-sec intertrial rest (10:20) designed to induce less fatigue. No fatigue pattern was found for the 10:20 regimen which was consistent with previous data on male distance runners but unlike male power athletes who did exhibit significant fatigue. Significant fatigue decrements were found for the 10:5 knee extension (55.7%) and plantar flexion (75.8%) conditions. Fiber type composition and fatigue decrements did not correlate. Knee extension and plantar flexion maximum strength correlated significantly with the amount of fatigue induced with r's of .82 and .83, respectively. For each separate muscle group, maximum isometric strength was a better predictor of fatigability than fiber type composition. Even though differences in maximal strength and muscle mass existed between knee extension and plantar flexion muscle groups, elicited fatigue curves were similar in pattern differing only in absolute level. High versus low strength classification analysis showed similar knee extension but dissimilar plantar flexion fatigue patterns. Results suggest that the role of fiber type composition, muscle mass, and maximum strength level as they influence local muscular fatigue patterns must be elucidated for each muscle group separately. |
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| Keywords: | isometric strength fatigability fiber type composition female distance runners |
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