Search

The effect of visual feedback on enhancing isometric maximal voluntary contractions (MVC) was evaluated. Twelve adults performed plantar-flexion and dorsi-flexion MVCs in 3 conditions (no visual feedback, visual feedback, and visual feedback with target). There was no significant effect of visual conditions on dorsi-flexion MVC but there was an effect on plantar-flexion. Irrespective of whether a target was evident, visual feedback increased plantar-flexion MVC by ~15%. This study highlights the importance of optimal feedback to enhance MVC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of localised head and neck per-cooling on central and peripheral fatigue during high thermal strain was investigated. Fourteen participants cycled for 60 min at 50% peak oxygen uptake on 3 occasions: thermoneutral control (CON; 18 °C), hot (HOT; 35 °C), and HOT with head and neck cooling (HOT cooling ). Maximal voluntary force (MVF) and central activation ratio (CAR) of the knee extensors were measured every 30 s during a sustained maximal voluntary contraction (MVC). Triplet peak force was measured following cycling, before and after the MVC. Rectal temperatures were higher in HOT cooling (39.2 ± 0.6 °C) and HOT (39.3 ± 0.5 °C) than CON (38.1 ± 0.3 °C; P < 0.05). Head and neck thermal sensation was similar in HOT cooling (4.2 ± 1.4) and CON (4.4 ± 0.9; P > 0.05) but lower than HOT (5.9 ± 1.5; P < 0.05). MVF and CAR were lower in HOT than CON throughout the MVC ( P < 0.05). MVF and CAR were also lower in HOT cooling than CON at 5, 60, and 120 s, but similar at 30 and 90 s into the MVC ( P > 0.05). Furthermore, they were greater in HOT cooling than HOT at 30 s, whilst triplet peak force was preserved in HOT after MVC. These results provide evidence that central fatigue following exercise in the heat is partially attenuated with head and neck cooling, which may be at the expense of greater peripheral fatigue. Novelty Central fatigue was greatest during hyperthermia. Head and neck cooling partially attenuated the greater central fatigue in the heat. Per-cooling led to more voluntary force production and more peripheral fatigue.

Neuromuscular fatigue occurs when an individual's capacity to produce force or power is impaired. Repeated sprint exercise requires an individual to physically exert themselves at near-maximal to maximal capacity for multiple short-duration bouts, is extremely taxing on the neuromuscular system, and consequently leads to the rapid development of neuromuscular fatigue. During repeated sprint exercise the development of neuromuscular fatigue is underlined by a combination of central and peripheral fatigue. However, there are a number of methodological considerations that complicate the quantification of the development of neuromuscular fatigue. The main goal of this review is to synthesize the results from recent investigations on the development of neuromuscular fatigue during repeated sprint exercise. Hence, we summarize the overall development of neuromuscular fatigue, explain how recovery time may alter the development of neuromuscular fatigue, outline the contributions of peripheral and central fatigue to neuromuscular fatigue, and provide some methodological considerations for quantifying neuromuscular fatigue during repeated sprint exercise.