Differential responses in intramuscular pressure and EMG fatigue indicators during low‐ vs. high‐level isometric contractions to fatigue

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Abstract
This study investigated changes in intramuscular pressure (IMP) and surface electromyographic (EMG) parameters (mean frequency of the power spectrum, fmean; and signal amplitude denoted as root mean square, RMS) during contractions to fatigue at 25 and 70% of maximal voluntary contraction (MVC). Parameters were recorded simultaneously from the vastus lateralis muscle during knee extension. A significant decrease in fmean occurred with time at both contraction levels; however, the rate of decline (slope) was greater at 70% MVC. RMS increased throughout the contractions at both levels, with the relative increase being significantly greater for 25% MVC. IMP increased during 25% MVC but did not change during the 70% MVC contraction. IMP at rest was significantly higher post‐contractions than it was pre‐contractions at 25% MVC (21.1 vs. 8.0 mmHg, P < 0.01) and 70% MVC (13.7 vs. 8.6 mmHg, P < 0.01). Consequently, post‐contraction IMP was higher at 25% MVC than at 70% MVC (P < 0.01). IMP changes throughout the fatiguing contractions correlated negatively with fmean and positively with RMS at both MVC levels; however, these correlations were better at 25% MVC. The extent of intramuscular water accumulation is discussed as a major cause of the difference in IMP changes between 25% and 70% MVC. Significant differences in the rate of change for all parameters between high vs. low contraction levels may suggest a common mechanism governing changes in IMP and EMG fatigue indicators.

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