Physical requirements in Olympic sailing

Abstract

Physical fitness and muscular strength are important performance parameters in Olympic sailing although their relative importance changes between classes. The Olympic format consists of eight yacht types combined into 10 so-called events with total 15 sailors (male and female) in a complete national Olympic delegation. The yachts have different requirements with respect to handling, and moreover, each sailor plays a specific role when sailing. Therefore physical demands remain heterogeneous for Olympic sailors. Previous studies have mainly examined sailors where ‘hiking’ (the task of leaning over the side of the yacht to increase righting moment) is the primary requirement. Other than the ability to sustain prolonged quasi-isometric contractions, hiking seems to require significant maximal muscle strength especially in knee extensors, hip flexors and abdominal and lower back muscles. Another group of studies has investigated boardsailing and provided evidence to show that windsurfing requires very high aerobic and anaerobic capacity. Although data exist on other types of sailors, the information is limited, and moreover the profile of the Olympic events has changed markedly over the last few years to involve more agile, fast and spectacular yachts. The change of events in Olympic sailing has likely added to physical requirements; however, data on sailors in the modern-type yachts are scarce. The present paper describes the recent developments in Olympic sailing with respect to yacht types, and reviews the existing knowledge on physical requirements in modern Olympic sailing. Finally, recommendations for future research in sailing are given.     

Differences in trunk and thigh muscle strength,endurance and thickness between elite sailors and non-sailors

Dinghy sailors lean their upper body over the windward side of the boat (‘hiking’) to keep the boat’s balance and maximise its speed. Sustaining the hiking position is essential for competitive performance and this study examined sport-specific differences of muscles relevant for hiking in elite sailors. Knee extensor muscle strength as well as trunk muscle strength, muscle endurance and muscle thickness were assessed in elite dinghy sailors (n = 15) and compared to matched, non-sailing controls (n = 15). Isometric extensor strength was significantly higher in sailors at 60° (+14%) but not at 20° knee flexion. Sailors showed significantly higher trunk flexor (but not extensor) strength under isometric (+18%) and eccentric (+11%) conditions, which was associated to greater muscle thickness (rectus abdominis +40%; external oblique +26%) and higher endurance for ventral (+66%) and lateral (+61%) muscle chains compared to non-sailors. Greater muscles thickness and the particular biomechanical requirements to maintain the hiking position may drive the increases in isometric and eccentric muscle strength as well as ventral and lateral trunk endurance. The current findings identified sport-specific muscle function differences and provide performance benchmarks for muscle strength and endurance in elite sailors.     

Quadriceps muscle blood flow and oxygen availability during repetitive bouts of isometric exercise in simulated sailing

Abstract

In this study, we wished to determine whether the observed reduction in quadriceps muscle oxygen availability, reported during repetitive bouts of isometric exercise in simulated sailing efforts (i.e. hiking), is because of restricted muscle blood flow. Six national-squad Laser sailors initially performed three successive 3-min hiking bouts followed by three successive 3-min cycling tests sustained at constant intensities reproducing the cardiac output recorded during each of the three hiking bouts. The blood flow index (BFI) was determined from assessment of the vastus lateralis using near-infrared spectroscopy in association with the light-absorbing tracer indocyanine green dye, while cardiac output was determined from impedance cardiography. At equivalent cardiac outputs (ranging from 10.3±0.5 to 14.8±0.86 L · min^?1), the increase from baseline in vastus lateralis BFI across the three hiking bouts (from 1.1±0.2 to 3.1±0.6 nM · s^?1) was lower (P = 0.036) than that seen during the three cycling bouts (from 1.1±0.2 to 7.2±1.4 nM · s^?1) (Cohen's d: 3.80 nM · s^?1), whereas the increase from baseline in deoxygenated haemoglobin (by ～17.0±2.9 μM) (an index of tissue oxygen extraction) was greater (P = 0.006) during hiking than cycling (by ～5.3±2.7 μM) (Cohen's d: 4.17 μM). The results suggest that reduced vastus lateralis muscle oxygen availability during hiking arises from restricted muscle blood flow in the isometrically acting quadriceps muscles.     

Isometric quadriceps strength determines sailing performance and neuromuscular fatigue during an upwind sailing emulation

This study investigates the physiological responses to upwind sailing on a laser emulation ergometer and analyses the components of the physical profile that determine the physiological responses related to sailing level. Ten male high-level laser sailors performed an upwind sailing test, incremental cycling test and quadriceps strength test. During the upwind sailing test, heart rate (HR), oxygen uptake, ventilation, respiratory exchange ratio, rating of perceived exertion (RPE) and lactate concentration were measured, combined with near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) and electromyography (EMG) registration of the M. Vastus lateralis. Repeated measures ANOVA showed for the cardio-respiratory, metabolic and muscles responses (mean power frequency [MPF], root mean square [RMS], deoxy[Hb+Mb]) during the upwind sailing test an initial significant increase followed by a stabilisation, despite a constant increase in RPE. Stepwise regression analysis showed that better sailing level was for 46.5% predicted by lower MPF decrease. Lower MPF decrease was for 57.8% predicted by a higher maximal isometric quadriceps strength. In conclusion, this study indicates that higher sailing level was mainly determined by a lower rate of neuromuscular fatigue during the upwind sailing test (as indicated by MPF decrease). Additionally, the level of neuromuscular fatigue was mainly determined by higher maximal isometric quadriceps strength stressing the importance of resistance training in the planning of training.     

Hiking physiology and the "quasi-isometric" concept

The literature indicates that the heart rate of a planing-dinghy sailor, in winds of 4 - 5 m . s(-1), is in the range seen in aerobic athletes, yet oxygen consumption (VO(2)) is roughly half that of the same individual cycling at that heart rate. Thus, although upper-body dynamic activity is a contributing factor, the dominant physiological demand must be the "quasi-isometric" stress on the lower-body anterior muscles - especially the quadriceps, which appears to impose 40 - 50% of the total oxygen demand in a typical hiking posture. Therefore, a non-trivial part of the sailor's fitness training should involve sustained quadriceps stress. Estimates of this stress on water vary widely in the literature, but about 25 - 30% maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) tallies with endurance times recorded both in the literature and in an outline of new work reported here. Muscle blood flow is restricted under such a load, but not occluded. Laser Doppler measurements of femoral blood flow on a leg-extension ergometer found similar values during 10 - 30% MVC, much less at 40%, and marked hyperaemia on relaxation from 20% MVC or more - implying metabolic debt. Adding low-amplitude alternating leg movements while holding the same overall load stationary, and therefore increasing only internal not external work, further elevates blood flow and VO(2) both during and after exercise. Femoral-vein lactate concentration is also higher after these movements. Speculations that unusually dynamic lower-body movements by elite sailors might assist hiking endurance are not supported by these findings. Nevertheless, afloat or ashore, capillary lactate concentrations hardly ever exceed 5 mmol . l(-1), even during the post-exercise surge - challenging assumptions that the quadriceps had been profoundly anaerobic while under load. On the contrary, it appears that aerobic metabolism contributes substantially, if not completely, to energy supply. A preliminary comparison of elite sailors with aerobic athletes suggests that isometric endurance at a given percentage MVC does not differ between the two groups, but the sailors have higher MVCs. In individuals not highly strength-trained, greater electromyogram activity immediately before capitulation than in an MVC performed while fresh indicates that physiological (not just volitional) limits have been reached. It is concluded that the literature and the outline of my recent work with colleagues support the view that the predominant physiological load during single-handed dinghy sailing is quasi-isometric in form and accounts for roughly half of the metabolic demand. Any more complete account of the physiology of hiking will require simultaneous on-water measurement of electromyographic, cardiovascular, and metabolic indicators in sailors extending from club to Gold Medal standard.     

Hiking strap force decreases during sustained upwind sailing

The hypothesis, that sailing upwind in wind speeds above 12 knots causes fatigue, which manifests as a reduction in exerted hiking strap force and/or maximal isometric voluntary contraction force (MVC) of the knee extensors, was evaluated. Additionally, it was investigated if a relationship exists between maximal exerted hiking force (hMVC) and sailing performance. In part 1 of the study, 12 national level athletes sailed upwind for 2?×?10?min while hiking strap forces were continuously acquired. Before, in between and after sailing periods, the MVC of the knee extensors was measured. In part 2 of the study, hMVC was measured dry land in a hiking bench and correlated with the overall results at a national championship. Hiking strap force decreased from the first to the last minute in both 10?min sailing periods (430?±?131 vs. 285?±?130?N, P?<?.001 and 369?±?74 vs. 267?±?97 N, P?<?.001, respectively), but MVC was similar before, between and after the two 10?min sailing periods (878?±?215 vs. 852?±?202 vs. 844?±?211 130?N). In part 2, a significant positive correlation (r²?=?0.619, P?<?.01) was observed between hMVC and regatta results. In conclusion, upwind sailing in wind speeds above 12 knots causes sailing-specific fatigue as evidenced by a marked reduction in exerted hiking strap force. However, MVC of the knee extensors was not compromised ～45?s after hiking was terminated. Additionally, sailing performance is related to maximal hiking force.     

Quadriceps muscle blood flow and oxygen availability during repetitive bouts of isometric exercise in simulated sailing

In this study, we wished to determine whether the observed reduction in quadriceps muscle oxygen availability, reported during repetitive bouts of isometric exercise in simulated sailing efforts (i.e. hiking), is because of restricted muscle blood flow. Six national-squad Laser sailors initially performed three successive 3-min hiking bouts followed by three successive 3-min cycling tests sustained at constant intensities reproducing the cardiac output recorded during each of the three hiking bouts. The blood flow index (BFI) was determined from assessment of the vastus lateralis using near-infrared spectroscopy in association with the light-absorbing tracer indocyanine green dye, while cardiac output was determined from impedance cardiography. At equivalent cardiac outputs (ranging from 10.3±0.5 to 14.8±0.86 L · min(-1)), the increase from baseline in vastus lateralis BFI across the three hiking bouts (from 1.1±0.2 to 3.1±0.6 nM · s(-1)) was lower (P = 0.036) than that seen during the three cycling bouts (from 1.1±0.2 to 7.2±1.4 nM · s(-1)) (Cohen's d: 3.80 nM · s(-1)), whereas the increase from baseline in deoxygenated haemoglobin (by ～17.0±2.9 μM) (an index of tissue oxygen extraction) was greater (P = 0.006) during hiking than cycling (by ～5.3±2.7 μM) (Cohen's d: 4.17 μM). The results suggest that reduced vastus lateralis muscle oxygen availability during hiking arises from restricted muscle blood flow in the isometrically acting quadriceps muscles.     

Yacht type and crew-specific differences in anthropometric, aerobic capacity, and muscle strength parameters among international Olympic class sailors

Physical fitness and muscular strength are important performance factors for Olympic class sailors, but the physical demands vary greatly between yacht classes, and limited information is available regarding the physical demands for the different crew positions. In the present paper, strength and aerobic capacity data from elite Olympic sailors are presented and compared with previous findings. Furthermore, a system for classification of Olympic class sailors is suggested. Peak aerobic capacity (peak oxygen uptake, VO(2peak)) and maximal isometric and isokinetic muscle strength of the knee extensors and flexors were assessed, together with the hamstring/quadriceps strength ratio (H/Q ratio). Peak aerobic capacity (ml O(2) . min(-1) . kg(-2/3)) was as follows: males - static hikers (n = 5) 215, s = 7; dynamic hikers (n = 8) 252, s = 17; trapezing helmsmen (n = 6) 234, s = 15; trapezing crew (n = 10) 239, s = 16; females - dynamic hikers (n = 6) 194, s = 16; trapezing crew (n = 2) 200, s = 13. Strength data for hikers, presented as peak moments (normalized to body weight) obtained during eccentric, isometric, and concentric contraction (Nm . kg(-1)) respectively were as follows: males - quadriceps: 3.66 (s = 0.68), 3.97 (s = 0.66), 1.82 (s = 0.34); hamstrings: 1.93 (s = 0.22), 1.38 (s = 0.41), 1.05 (s = 0.21); females - quadriceps: 3.84 (s = 0.71), 3.81 (s = 0.58), 1.60 (s = 0.28); hamstrings: 1.75 (s = 0.23), 1.10 (s = 0.16), 0.84 (s = 0.13). The peak moment based H/Q ratios for slow eccentric and concentric contractions were 0.42 (s = 0.11) and 0.39 (s = 0.04) for males and 0.43 (s = 0.06) and 0.39 (s = 0.04) for females respectively. Elite Olympic class sailors demonstrated high VO(2peak) values comparable to those observed in other non-endurance sports. The strength data revealed very high quadriceps strength for hikers, which is likely a result of the high muscle forces encountered during sailing, and a low H/Q ratio. To ensure optimal knee joint stabilization during sailing and other training activities, it is suggested that hikers should counter this strength imbalance by performing additional strength training for the hamstrings muscle group.     

Sleep restriction and degraded reaction-time performance in Figaro solo sailing races

Abstract

In solo offshore sailing races like those of the Solitaire du Figaro, sleep must be obtained in multiple short bouts to maintain competitive performance and safety. Little is known about the amount of sleep restriction experienced at sea and the effects that fatigue from sleep loss have on sailors’ performance. Therefore, we assessed sleep in sailors of yachts in the Figaro 2 Beneteau class during races and compared response times on a serial simple reaction-time test before and after races. Twelve men (professional sailors) recorded their sleep and measured their response times during one of the three single-handed races of 150, 300 and 350 nautical miles (nominally 24–50 h in duration). Total estimated sleep duration at sea indicated considerable sleep insufficiency. Response times were slower after races than before. The results suggest that professional sailors incur severe sleep loss and demonstrate marked performance impairment when competing in one- to two-day solo sailing races. Competitive performance could be improved by actively managing sleep during solo offshore sailing races.     

Physiological responses of elite Laser sailors to 30 minutes of simulated upwind sailing

In this study, we tested the hypothesis that elite dinghy sailing is a whole-body, dynamic, repeated-effort sport, and that increased heart rate and oxygen consumption reflect its dynamic element. Six elite male Laser sailors (mean age 19.7 years, s = 1.82; height 1.81 m, s = 0.03; body mass 78.0 kg, s = 4.1) performed a cycle ergometer test to volitional exhaustion to determine peak oxygen uptake (VO(2peak)) and a simulated 30-min upwind leg sail on a specially constructed Laser sailing ergometer. The simulation protocol was based on video analysis of previous Laser World Championships. Expired gases were collected in Douglas bags, heart rate recorded at rest and after every 5 min, and pre- and post-simulation capillary blood samples taken for blood lactate analysis. Results were analysed with a one-way analysis of variance. Mean VO(2peak) was 4.32 l . min(-1) (s = 0.16). Mean simulation VO(2) was 2.51 l . min(-1) (s = 0.24) and peaked at 2.58 l . min(-1) (s = 0.25) during the 5th minute. Mean simulation heart rate was 156 beats . min(-1) (s = 8), peaking during the final minute at 160 beats . min(-1) (s = 10). These results suggest that, unlike pseudo-isometric static hiking, elite dinghy sailing demands a substantial proportion (58%VO(2peak), s = 5.6) of aerobic capacity.     

Knee extension fatigue attenuates repeated force production of the elbow flexors

Abstract

Non-local muscle fatigue has been demonstrated with unilateral activities, where fatiguing one limb alters opposite limb forces. Fewer studies have examined if non-local fatigue occurs with unrelated muscles. The purpose of this study was to investigate if knee extensors fatigue alters elbow flexors force and electromyography (EMG) activity. Eighteen males completed a control and fatiguing session (randomised). Blood lactate was initially sampled followed by three maximal voluntary contractions (MVC) with the elbow flexors and two with the knee extensors. Thereafter, subjects either sat (control) or performed five sets of bilateral dynamic knee extensions to exhaustion using a load equal to the dominant limb MVC (1-min rest between sets). Immediately afterwards, subjects were assessed for blood lactate and unilateral knee extensors MVC, and after 1 min performed a single unilateral elbow flexor MVC. Two minutes later, subjects performed 12 unilateral elbow flexor MVCs (5 s contraction/10 s rest) followed by a third blood lactate test. Compared to control, knee extensor force dropped by 35% (p < 0.001; ES = 1.6) and blood lactate increased by 18% (p < 0.001; ES = 2.8). Elbow flexor forces were lower after the fatiguing protocol only during the last five MVCs (p < 0.05; ES = ～0.58; ～5%). No changes occurred between conditions in EMG. Elbow flexor forces significantly decreased after knee extensors fatigue. The effect was revealed during the later stages of the repeated MVCs protocol, demonstrating that non-local fatigue may have a stronger effect on repeated rather than on single attempts of maximal force production.     

划船运动员静力及动力性肌肉运动疲劳时肌氧含量的变化特征及对EMG参数的影响

研究目的：1）研究静力和动力性肌肉运动疲劳时肌肉氧含量的变化特点厦其规律；2）了解静力性、动力性递增强度运动时EMG参数变化；3）探讨肌氧含量与EMG参数变化之间的关系，为肌肉疲劳时影响肌电肌氧机制提供可能的理论基础。研究方法：1）肌氧含量的测试：探头纵向旋转让光源和检测器的轴线平行于股外侧肌外侧头大腿测定运动时肌氧含量的变化；2）肌电的测试：采用表面肌电图的测量，得出表面电图各指标参数；3）静力负荷等长收缩：通过力量传感器测出其最大肌肉收缩所对应的MVC；4）动力性负荷运动：采取功率自行车逐级递增负荷的测试方法作为肌肉的动力性运动，同步记录EMG参数，并在每一级负荷朱30S采血测定血乳酸浓度。结论：静力性运动时E／T值大幅度增大的时间大多出现在肌氧停止下降之后，肌氧的降低程度与肌肉疲劳程度有关。动力性运动时血乳酸值随负荷而增加，IEMG的变化趋势与血乳酸相似，IEMG、Oxy-Hb、BI值三者呈非常显著性相关，表明肌肉疲劳时肌肉氧供和内环境的改变也是影响EMG信号的重要因素。     

Metabolic demand and muscle damage induced by eccentric cycling of knee extensor and flexor muscles

The aim of this study was to examine the metabolic demand and extent of muscle damage of eccentric cycling targeting knee flexor (FLEX) and knee extensor (EXT) muscles. Methods: Eight sedentary men (23.3?±?0.7?y) underwent two eccentric cycling sessions (EXT and FLEX) of 30?min each, at 60% of the maximum power output. Oxygen consumption (VO₂), heart rate (HR) and rated perceived exertion (RPE) were measured during cycling. Countermovement and squat jumps (CMJ and SJ), muscle flexibility, muscle soreness and pain pressure threshold (PPT) of knee extensor and flexor muscles were measured before, immediately after and 1–4 days after cycling. Results: FLEX showed greater VO₂ (+23%), HR (+14%) and RPE (+18%) than EXT. CMJ and SJ performance decreased similarly after cycling. Muscle soreness increased more after EXT than FLEX and PPT decreased in knee extensor muscles after EXT and decreased in knee flexor muscles after FLEX. Greater loss of muscle flexibility in knee flexor muscles after FLEX was observed. Conclusion: Eccentric cycling of knee flexor muscles is metabolically more demanding than that of knee extensors, however muscle damage induced is similar. Knee flexors experienced greater loss of muscle flexibility possibly due to increased muscle stiffness following eccentric contractions.     

Electromyography activities for shoulder muscles over various movements on different torque changes

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to investigate the patterns of shoulder muscle activation and joint torques during maximal effort eccentric contractions with shoulder extension, abduction, and diagonal movements on the isokinetic device. Participants in this investigation were nine men and four women with no history of shoulder injury or disorders. They all participated in overhead sports at least three days a week, and volunteered to participate in this study for shoulder isokinetic muscle strength testing. They performed eccentric muscle action with shoulder flexion, abduction, and diagonal movements at velocities of 60 rad·s^?1 and 180 rad· s^?1, which was followed alternately by passive shoulder flexion, abduction and diagonal movement at a velocity of 30 rad· s^?1, and total range of motion was standardised to 90°. Electromyography (EMG) and torque values were calculated to every 10°, except for the start and end 5° during each task. During each test, the isokinetic force output and muscle activation were synchronised. EMG data were normalised by percentage of maximum voluntary isometric contraction (%MVIC). EMG signals were recorded by surface EMG from the anterior deltoid (AD), middle deltoid (MD), posterior deltoid (PD), upper trapezius (UT), middle trapezius (MT), and biceps brachii (BB) muscles during this test. All of the muscle patterns were significantly decreased at the last compared with the initial part during eccentric shoulder flexion movement, except for the BB muscle (P < 0.05). AD and BB muscles played a similar role when peak torque was generated under load during eccentric muscle action with varying shoulder movements. PD and UT muscle activities were significantly lower than the other muscle activities during eccentric contraction with shoulder flexion and abduction movements, and the PD and UT muscles played a significant role in conjunction with MD and MT muscles in varying degrees during eccentric contraction with shoulder diagonal movements at 180 rad·s^?1 (P < 0.05). Our study demonstrated that MT muscle activity was greatly influenced when torque values showed a peak moment under load during maximum effort, eccentric contraction with shoulder abduction and diagonal movements. However, the MD, PD, UT, and MT muscle activities had no great influence when peak torque was generated under load during eccentric muscle action with shoulder diagonal movement at high velocity. The present study suggested that varying eccentric muscle activity patterns may be needed to investigate proper training and functional contributions of upper extremity muscles to stabilisation of the shoulder joint when peak torque was generated under load.     

Biomechanical factors affecting energy cost during running utilising different slopes

ABSTRACT

This study aimed to examine the characteristics of electromyography (EMG) and kinematics of the supporting leg affecting energy cost while running at incline, level, and decline slopes. Twelve male Japanese middle- and long-distance runners volunteered for this study. The subjects were asked to run at 13.5 km·h^?1 on a treadmill under three slope conditions. Sagittal plane kinematics and the EMG of the lower limb muscles, respiratory gases were recorded. Energy cost differed significantly between slopes, being the lowest in decline slope and the greatest in incline slope. Integrated EMG (iEMG) of leg extensor muscles was greater in the incline slope than in the decline slope, and iEMG of the gastrocnemius and soleus muscles correlated positively with energy cost. The knee and ankle joint kinematics were associated with energy cost during running. In incline slope, the knee and ankle joints were more extended (plantarflexed) to lift the body. These movements may disturb the coordination between the ankle and knee joints. The gastrocnemius muscle would do greater mechanical work to plantarflex the ankle joint rather than transfer mechanical energy as well as greater mechanical work of mono-articular muscles. These muscular activities would increase energy cost.     

Hamstring muscles’ function deficit during overground sprinting in track and field athletes with a history of strain injury

ABSTRACT

In this study, we aimed to clarify the characteristics of neuromuscular function, kinetics, and kinematics of the lower extremity during sprinting in track and field athletes with a history of strain injury. Ten male college sprinters with a history of unilateral hamstring injury performed maximum effort sprint on an athletic track. The electromyographic (EMG) activity of the long head of the biceps femoris (BFlh) and gluteus maximus (Gmax) muscles and three-dimensional kinematic data were recorded. Bilateral comparisons were performed for the EMG activities, pelvic anterior tilt angle, hip and knee joint angles and torques, and the musculotendon length of BFlh. The activity of BFlh in the previously injured limb was significantly lower than that in the uninjured limb during the late-swing phase of sprinting (p < 0.05). However, the EMG activity of Gmax was not significantly different between the previously injured and uninjured limbs. Furthermore, during the late-swing phase, a significantly more flexed knee angle (p < 0.05) and a decrease in BFlh muscle length (p < 0.05) were noted in the injured limb. It was concluded that previously injured hamstring muscles demonstrate functional deficits during the late swing phase of sprinting in comparison with the uninjured contralateral muscles.     

Altered multi-muscle coordination patterns in habitual forefoot runners during a prolonged,exhaustive run

Abstract

Introduction: In response to fatigue during an exhaustive treadmill run, forefoot runner’s muscles must adapt to maintain their pace. From a neuromuscular control perspective, certain muscles may not be able to sustain the force to meet the run’s demands; thus, there may be alternative muscle coordination in the lower extremity that allows for continued running for an extended period of time. The aim of this study was to quantify the change in muscle coordination during a prolonged run in forefoot runners.

Methods: Thirteen forefoot runners performed exhaustive treadmill runs (mean duration: 15.4?±?2.2?min). The muscle coordination of seven lower extremity muscles was quantified using a high-resolution time–frequency analysis together with a pattern recognition algorithm.

Results: The mean EMG intensity for the lateral and medial gastrocnemius muscles decreased with the run (p?=?0.02; 0.06). The weight factors of the second principal pattern decrease by 128.01% by the end of run (p?=?0.05, Cohen’s d?=?0.42) representing a relatively greater biceps femoris activation in midstance but smaller midstance rectus femoris, vastus medialis, triceps surae, and tibialis anterior activation.

Discussion: These results suggest that forefoot runners cannot sustain plantar flexor activation throughout an exhaustive run and change their muscle coordination strategy as a compensation. Understanding the underlying compensation mechanisms humans use to cope with fatigue will help to inform training modalities to enhance these late stage muscle activation strategies for athletes with the goal of improving performance and reducing injury.     

Evaluation of mean power spectral frequency of EMG signal during 100 metre crawl

Abstract

The aim of our study was to compare mean frequency (MNF) decrease in some upper body muscles during a 100-metre all-out crawl by using two different normalization methods: firstly, when MNF at the end of swimming (MNF_Send) was normalized with respect to its initial value at the beginning and expressed with a fatigue index (FI) labelled FI_start, and secondly when MNF_min was used to calculate FI_min. MNF_min presented the lowest MNF obtained during isometric contractions until exhaustion executed on land after swimming for each of three observed muscles – triceps brachii (TB), latissimus dorsi (LD) and pectoralis major (PM). Eleven experienced swimmers participated in the study and surface electromyography (EMG) signals from TB, the upper and lower parts of LD (LD1 and LD2 respectively) and the upper and lower parts of PM (PM1 and PM2 respectively) were recorded during both swimming and isometric contractions. Results showed no differences in FI_start; however, when FI_min values were compared differences between the muscles were found (P<0.05). The triceps brachii (TB) and the upper part of the latissimus dorsi muscles (LD1) showed the lowest FI_min (40.0±15.7 and 40.7±24.4 respectively), which implied that MNF_Send obtained from these muscles most closely approached their respective MNF_min values during swimming. This might suggest that these muscles fatigued more than other observed muscles. The use of a different type of muscle contraction for calculating FI_min (isometric versus dynamic) might represent a drawback to our study, but this approach could be acceptable when between-muscle comparisons are made.     

Quadriceps EMG muscle activation during accurate soccer instep kicking

Six competitive soccer players were recruited to examine EMG activation in three quadriceps muscles during a kicking accuracy task. Participants performed three maximum instep place kicks of a stationary ball, 11 m perpendicular from the centre of the goal line towards targets (0.75 m(2)) in the four corners of the goal. Surface EMG of the vastus lateralis, vastus medialis, and rectus femoris of the kicking leg was normalized and averaged across all participants to compare between muscles, targets, and the phase of the kick. Although no significant difference were observed between muscles or kick phases, kicks to the right targets produced significantly greater muscle activity than those towards the left targets (P < 0.01). In addition, kicks towards the top right target demonstrated significantly greater muscle activity than towards the top and bottom left (P < 0.01). Under accurate soccer shooting conditions, kicks aimed to the top right corner of the goal demonstrated a higher level of quadriceps muscle activation than those towards the other corners.     

Fatigue increases ankle sprain risk in badminton players: A biomechanical study

ABSTRACT

Ankle sprains are the most common injury in regular badminton players and usually occur at the end of a match or training. The purpose of the present study was to examine the influence of fatigue produced by badminton practice on the lower limb biomechanics of badminton players. It was hypothesized that fatigue induces ankle kinematic and lower leg muscle activity changes which may increase the risk of ankle sprain. Ankle kinematics, ankle kinetics and muscles activities of 17 regular badminton players were recorded during lateral jumps before and after an intense badminton practice session. Post-fatigue, ankle inversion at foot strike and peak ankle inversion increased (+2.6°, p = 0.003 and +2.5°, p = 0.005, respectively). EMG pre-activation within 100 ms before foot landing significantly decreased after fatigue for soleus (?23.4%, p = 0.031), gastrocnemius lateralis (?12.2%, p = 0.035), gastrocnemius medialis (?23.3%, p = 0.047) and peroneus brevis (?17.4%, p = 0.036). These results demonstrate impaired biomechanics of badminton players when fatigue increases, which may cause a greater risk of experiencing an ankle sprain injury.