Journal of science and medicine in sport
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The purpose of this study was to determine whether the previously reported muscle weakness and increases in EMG and EMG/force ratio after eccentric exercise were related to ensuing soreness or simply to the exercise mode. Delayed-onset muscle soreness, maximal voluntary force and the surface electromyogram (EMG) of the quadriceps were studied in 10 healthy male subjects following 20 min of bench-stepping with a constant leading leg. Prior to stepping and at 0, 0.25, 0.50, 0.75, 1, 3, 24 and 48 h afterwards the subjects performed a 30 s isometric maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) of the extensors of each leg during which the isometric force and the root mean square voltage of the surface EMG (rms EMG) were recorded. ⋯ There were no significant differences between sore and non-sore muscles in muscle weakness, fatigue during 30 s, the EMG amplitudes or the EMG/force ratios during peak force and the 30 s MVC (p >0.05). Muscle weakness following eccentric exercise was related to the exercise mode and was independent of subsequent soreness. Both weakness and soreness may be related to muscle damage, but involve different mechanisms.
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In 1981 the Commonwealth Government established the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS). The Australian Sports Commission (ASC) which administers the AIS has 2 objectives: (1) excellence in sports performances; and (2) increased participation in sports and sports activities. State-based institutes of sport have also been established with the same or very similar objectives. ⋯ Current data on physical activity patterns of Australians suggest the second objective has not been met. Focusing attention on and achieving the first objective does not appear to have any bearing on the second objective. It is time to revisit the notion that elite sporting success leads to greater mass participation as a result of the so-called 'trickle-down' effect.
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Comparative Study
The relationship between aerobic fitness and both power output and subsequent recovery during maximal intermittent exercise.
The primary aim of the study was to establish a link between aerobic adaptation and both the recovery from maximal short duration exercise, and the ability to maintain power output in a subsequent bout. The question as to whether the aerobic adaptations facilitating recovery are centrally or peripherally located was also examined. Male university level rugby and soccer players (n=20) volunteered for the study. ⋯ Percent drop-off in oxygen consumption, when compared with the first, in the second (RVO2(30-60)), third (RVO2(60-90)), fourth (RVO2(90-120)) and fifth (RVO2(120-150)) 30s time periods of recovery following the intermittent protocol was calculated. Correlations between VO2 max (ml x kg(-1) x min(-1)) and these variables were (r=.51, P=-0.03), (r=.44, P=0.06), (r=.63, P=-0.003) and (r=.6, P=0.007) respectively. Consequently it was concluded that maximal oxygen uptake particularly the peripheral component, is an important determinant of the ability to perform intermittent exercise of this nature and to recover between bouts.