Research article summary (published 14 Jul 2008):

Interindividual variability of electromyographic patterns and pedal force profiles in trained cyclists.

Full Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine whether high inter-individual variability of the electromyographic (EMG) patterns during pedaling is accompanied by variability in the pedal force application patterns. Eleven male experienced cyclists were tested at two submaximal power outputs (150 and 250 W). Pedal force components (effective and total forces) and index of mechanical effectiveness were measured continuously using instrumented pedals and were synchronized with surface electromyography signals measured in ten lower limb muscles. The intersubject variability of EMG and mechanical patterns was assessed using standard deviation, mean deviation, variance ratio and coefficient of cross-correlation (_R(0), with lag time = 0). The results demonstrated a high intersubject variability of EMG patterns at both exercise intensities for biarticular muscles as a whole (and especially for Gastrocnemius lateralis and Rectus femoris) and for one monoarticular muscle (Tibialis anterior). However, this heterogeneity of EMG patterns is not accompanied by a so high intersubject variability in pedal force application patterns. A very low variability in the three mechanical profiles (effective force, total force and index of mechanical effectiveness) was obtained in the propulsive downstroke phase, although a greater variability in these mechanical patterns was found during upstroke and around the top dead center, and at 250 W when compared to 150 W. Overall, these results provide additional evidence for redundancy in the neuromuscular system.

Author information

Author/s: Hug, François (F); Drouet, Jean Marc (JM); Champoux, Yvan (Y); Couturier, Antoine (A); Dorel, Sylvain (S);

Affiliation: Research Mission, Laboratory of Biomechanics and Physiology, National Institute for Sports and Physical Education, 11 Avenue du Tremblay, Paris, France. francois.hug(-atsign-)univ-nantes.fr

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Journal Article; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

Journal: European journal of applied physiology (Eur J Appl Physiol), published in Germany. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2008-Nov; vol 104 (issue 4) : pp 667-78

Dates: Created 2008/10/07; Completed 2008/12/18;

PMID: 18629533, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 2/18/2009, IMS Date: )

Sourced from the National Library of Medicine. Abstract text and other information may be subject to copyright.

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MeSH headings (categories)

This article was linked to the MESH Headings shown below.

Adolescent Bicycling Biomechanics Electromyography Humans Leg - physiology Male

Male Models, Biological Muscle Contraction - physiology Muscle Strength - physiology Muscle, Skeletal - physiology Observer Variation Young Adult

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