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- Title
Sex differences in central and peripheral mechanisms of fatigue in cyclists.
- Authors
Glace, Beth; Kremenic, Ian; McHugh, Malachy
- Abstract
We examined peripheral versus central contributions to fatigue in men and women during prolonged cycling using a peripheral nerve magnetic stimulation-based technique. 11 men (41 ± 3 years) and 9 women (38 ± 2 years) cycled for 2 h at ventilatory threshold with 5, 1-min sprints interspersed, followed by a 3-km time trial. Quadriceps strength testing was performed isometrically in a semi-reclined position pre- and post-cycling: (1) MVC; (2) MVC with superimposed 3-s magnetic stimulation to measure central activation ratio (CAR), a measure of central fatigue; (3) peripheral magnetic stimulation (PMS) alone of the femoral nerve in a 4-s pulse train, a measure of peripheral fatigue. Data were analyzed with mixed model ANOVA. When adjusted for body mass, men and women had similar strength ( p = 0.876), and changes in MVC with time were similar between sexes, declining 22 % in men and 16 % in women ( p = 0.360). CAR was similar between sexes and decreased 15 % (effect of time, p < 0.001). Changes in PMS-elicited force were different between sexes: only men lost stimulated strength (6.30 to 5.21 vs. 5.48 to 5.53 N kg, interaction p = 0.036). Results clearly demonstrate that quadriceps fatigue after >2 h of cycling was of both central and peripheral origin in men but solely due to central mechanisms in women.
- Subjects
SEX differences (Biology); GENDER differences (Psychology); FATIGUE (Physiology); CYCLIST physiology; PHYSIOLOGICAL aspects of cycling; MUSCLE strength testing; MUSCLE strength measurement; PHYSIOLOGY
- Publication
European Journal of Applied Physiology, 2013, Vol 113, Issue 4, p1091
- ISSN
1439-6319
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.1007/s00421-012-2516-4