Electromyographic parameters in fatiguing exercises performed with different types of resistance

ABSTRACT The present study sought to investigate the electromyographic parameters of muscle fatigue during dynamic exercise conducted with variable resistance (elastic) and fixed resistance (pulley). Ten trained men participated voluntarily in the study. Two maximum voluntary isometric contractions (MVIC) of the elbow flexors were performed for 5 seconds and a two minutes interval rest was given between reps. Then, the volunteers performed unilateral elbow flexion repetitions until the exhaustion using fixed and elastic resistance with a pre-established rhythm of two seconds for each phase of the movement. Constant resistance was carried out at the pulley at 30% of MVIC. For the elastic resistance, load control was based on the subjective perception of the participant's effort. The exercise order was randomized, and electromyography signal of the biceps brachii muscle was recorded during contractions. From the electromyographic signal related to every movement, linear regression lines were drawn for root mean square (RMS) variables and median power frequency (MPF). The inclination of the lines normalized by the linear coefficient of regression equations were compared using the paired t-test. No significant differences between the types of resistance (elastic and pulley) were found. During elbow flexion exercise performed with elastic resistance and pulley, electromyographic parameters of fatigue did not differ. Effort perception during the exercise with an elastic implement does not influence the electromyographic signal pattern (RMS and MPF).