Dario Rodríguez-Matoso

Assessment of muscle fatigue after an ultra-endurance triathlon using tensiomyography (TMG)

Abstract In this study, we used tensiomyography (TMG) to assess muscle status immediately after an ultra-endurance triathlon. Maximal radial displacement or deformation of the muscle belly, contraction time, delay time, sustain time, and relaxation time were measured for both legs, and dependent t-tests were used to compare means between the beginning and end of the race. The 19 men assessed (age 37.9 ± 7.1 years; height 177.5 ± 4.6 cm; weight: 73.6 ± 6.5 kg) participated in the 2009 edition of the Lanzarote Ironman. Deterioration in the neural response was observed for contraction time (P = 0.008) and relaxation time (P = 0.011), with a moderate decrease in the response time (sustain time) and a loss in muscle stiffness (deformation of the muscle belly). The effect of muscle fatigue on the rectus femoris and biceps femoris was different. Barely any changes in contraction time, relaxation time, sustain time, and deformation of the muscle belly were observed, while only the contraction response time decreased to a significant extent (reduction in delay time; P = 0.003). The considerable loss in contractile capacity induced by a long-distance race was reflected in changes in the neuromuscular response and fluctuations in the contractile capacity of the muscle. These modifications, derived from a prolonged, exhausting effort, can be assessed in a simple, non-aggressive, non-invasive way using tensiomyography.

Effect of high-load and high-volume resistance exercise on the tensiomyographic twitch response of biceps brachii

The purpose of the present study was to assess the ability of TMG in detecting mechanical fatigue induced by two different resistance exercises on biceps brachii: high-volume (HV), and high-load (HL). Sixteen healthy subjects (age 25.1±2.6years; body mass 79.9±8.9kg; height 179±7.4cm) performed arm-curl in two different protocols (HV: 8×15×10kg, HL: 5×3×30kg). Tensiomyography was used to assess muscle response to both exercise protocols. The contractile capacity of biceps brachii significantly varied by means of the effects of potentiation and fatigue mechanisms that take place at different exercise phases. The most significant changes correspond to values of maximum radial displacement of muscle belly (D(m)), sustained contraction time (T(s)), relaxation time (T(r)), and contraction velocity (V(c)). The behavior of these parameters is, in general, similar in both exercise protocols, but they show subtle differences among them. During the first set, in both protocols, values for V(c) increase, along with a decrease in T(r), T(s), and D(m) values. Fatigue onset was evident from changes in such parameters, with HL being the first in showing these mechanisms. Tensiomyography has been shown to be highly sensitive in detecting fatigue-induced changes.

Study of mechanical characteristics of the knee extensor and flexor musculature of volleyball players

Abstract The aim of the present study was to analyse differences in muscle response and mechanical characteristics of the vastus medialis, rectus femoris, vastus lateralis, and biceps femoris in elite volleyball players of both sexes using tensiomyography. To this end, 47 players of nine nationalities playing for teams in the mens and womens Spanish Superleagues were assessed. The sample comprised 22 women (age 24.6±4.3 years; weight 72.14±10.06 kg; height 178.40±8.50 cm) and 25 men (age 25.0±4.3 years; weight 88.76±9.07 kg; height 194.71±7.84 cm). Tensiomyography was used to assess muscular response and muscular mechanical characteristics. For this purpose, the following variables were analysed: maximum radial displacement of muscle belly and normalized response speed. The findings show, both in men and women, a higher normalized response speed score in the vastus lateralis and vastus medialis compared with the rectus femoris and biceps femoris. A marked lateral symmetry of maximum radial displacement of the muscle belly was also observed in the musculature of the lower limbs, with no statistically significant differences being detected in either men or women. There were, however, clear differences in terms of normalized response speed between male and female volleyball players: women displayed a more pronounced difference in the normalized response speed of the musculature responsible for extension (vastus medialis, rectus femoris, and vastus lateralis) and flexion (biceps femoris) of the knee joint than men. Moreover, tensiomyography proved to be a highly sensitive tool for detecting such changes.

Effects of age and physical activity on response speed in knee flexor and extensor muscles

This study aims to determine the normalized response speed (Vrn) in vastus lateralis (VL) and biceps femoris (BF) muscles in different age groups using tensiomyography. Eighty-four male subjects were divided into four age groups: teenage subjects (T); undergraduate students (U), adult subjects (A), and the elderly group (E). Differences in Vrn were observed between E and T (p = 0.000), E and U (p = 0.000), and E and A (p = 0.018) for right VL and between E and T (p < 0.000) and U (p = 0.003) for left VL; between T and U (p = 0.010) and A (p = 0.000) for right VL, and A (p = 0.004) for left VL. Vrn in the BF displayed different behavior from that of the VL, increasing moderately or stabilizing and declining slightly in E, in right leg (p = 0.020). The data obtained highlighted a decline in Vrn for the VL in both legs with increasing age and, declines in BF response speed were observed only in E.

Evaluación de la respuesta muscular como herramienta de control en el campo de la actividad física, la salud y el deporte

Resumen La tensiomiografia es un metodo de evaluacion muscular desarrollado en la decada de los noventa en la Facultad de Ingenieria Electrica de la Universidad de Ljubliana (Eslovenia), bajo la direccion de Vojko Valencic. Mide la deformacion radial de un musculo cuando este es estimulado electricamente. La magnitud de estos cambios y el tiempo en el que se producen nos permiten obtener informacion sobre las caracteristicas mecanicas y la capacidad contractil de los musculos superficiales evaluados. El objetivo de este trabajo es hacer una revision actualizada de la produccion cientifica publicada y revisar los procedimientos metodologicos para su correcta aplicacion e interpretacion, aportando algunas reflexiones y propuestas que ayuden a sus usuarios y amplie la informacion disponible hasta el momento.

Analysis of the Response Speed of Musculature of the Knee in Professional Male and Female Volleyball Players

The aim of this study was to evaluate the normalized response speed (Vrn) of the knee musculature (flexor and extensor) in high competitive level volleyball players using tensiomyography (TMG) and to analyze the muscular response of the vastus medialis (VM), rectus femoris (RF), vastus lateralis (VL), and biceps femoris (BF) in accordance with the specific position they play in their teams. One hundred and sixty-six players (83 women and 83 men) were evaluated. They belonged to eight teams in the Spanish womens superleague and eight in the Spanish mens superleague. The use of Vrn allows avoiding possible sample imbalances due to anatomical and functional differences and demands. We found differences between Vrn in each of the muscles responsible for extension (VM, RF, and VL) and flexion (BF) regardless of the sex. Normalized response speed differences seem to be larger in setters, liberos and outside players compared to middle blockers and larger in males when compared to females. These results of Vrn might respond to the differences in the physical and technical demands of each specific position, showing an improved balance response of the knee extensor and flexor musculature in male professional volleyball players.

Study of extensor and flexor musculature in the knees of male and female volleyball players

Objective The aim of the present study was to analyse differences in muscle response and mechanical characteristics of the vastus medialis (VM), rectus femoris (RF), vastus lateralis (VL) and biceps femoris (BF) in elite volleyball players of both sexes using tensiomyography (TMG). Setting 47 players of nine nationalities playing in teams belonging to the mens and womens Spanish Superleagues (elite division) were assessed. Participants 22 women (age 24.59±4.27 years; weight 72.14±10.06 kg; height 178.40±8.50 cm) and 25 men (age 25.04±4.29 years; weight 88.76±9.07 kg; height 194.71±7.84 cm). Methods TMG was used to assess muscular response, muscular mechanical characteristics, and gender differences. For this purpose, the following variables were analysed: maximum radial displacement of muscle belly or maximum deformation (Dm), and normalised response speed (Vrn). Results The findings show, both in men and women, a higher normalised response speed (Vrn) score in the VL and VM compared to the RF and BF. A marked lateral symmetry of maximum radial deformation or displacement of the muscle belly (Dm) was also observed in the musculature of the lower limbs, with no statistically-significant differences being detected in either men or women. There were, however, clear differences in terms of muscle response between male and female volleyball players: women displayed a more pronounced difference in the Vrn of the musculature responsible for extension (VM, RF and VL) and flexion (BF) of the knee joint than men. Conclusions TMG proved to be a highly sensitive tool for detecting changes in lower limb muscle activity.

Mechanical response of knee muscles in high level bodyboarders during performance

INTRODUCTION: bodyboarding is a kind of surfing that has been growing very rapidly over the last decade and has now developed into one of the fastest growing water sports in the world.OBJECTIVES: evaluate the effects of fatigue on rectus femoris RF, vastus lateralis VL and vastus medialis VM and biceps femoris BF and semitendinosus ST during a high-level bodyboard competition using tensiomyography TMG.METHODS: subjects were 11 highly experienced years of practice: 15, SD=4.65 male bodyboarders age: 28.17, SD=2.89, body weight: 74.83, SD=6.13kg; height: 179.25, SD=3.93cm; BMI: 23.29, SD=1.81 participating in the final of the 2010 Spanish championship.RESULTS: the fatigue is especially evident due to a decrease in the values of relaxation time Tr and sustain time Ts caused by the specific characteristics of waves, how the waves evolve and the type of manoeuvre executed in competition due to the wave characteristics. The maximum radial displacement Dm value increased slightly in all muscles analysed and normalised response speed Vrn was stable, with a tendency to improve as athletes adapted to the type of physical effort and the environmental conditions of the competition.CONCLUSIONS: the study shows that the fatigue in the extensor and flexor muscles of the knee occurs in response to the demands of competition.INTRODUCCION: el bodyboard es una modalidad del surf que viene creciendo rapidamente en las ultimas decadas y actualmente es uno de los deportes acuaticos que mas crece en el mundo.OBJETIVOS: evaluar los efectos de la fatiga en los musculos: recto femoral RF, vasto lateral VL, vasto medial VM, biceps femoral BF y semitendinoso ST durante una competicion de alto nivel mediante la tensiomiografia TMG.METODOS: la muestra estaba compuesta por 11 bodyboarders de alto nivel anos de practica: 15, DE = 4,65, edad: 28,17, DE = 2,89, peso: 74.83, DE = 6,13 kg; altura: 179,25, DE = 3,93 cm; IMC: 23,29, DE = 1,81, participantes en la final del Campeonato de Espana de 2010.RESULTADOS: la fatiga es evidente debido a una disminucion de los valores del tiempo de relajacion Tr y tiempo de sustentacion Ts, que puede ser causada por las caracteristicas de las olas, de como estas se comportan y al tipo de maniobras realizadas durante la competicion. Los valores de desplazamiento maximo radial Dm aumentaron en todos los musculos analizados y la velocidad de respuesta normalizada Vrn se muestra estable, con tendencia a mejorar, debido a la adaptacion de los deportistas al tipo de esfuerzo y a las condiciones ambientales en que se desarrolla la competicion.CONCLUSION: el estudio muestra que la fatiga en los musculos extensores y flexores de la rodilla se produce en respuesta a las exigencias propias de la competicion.

CHANGES IN RESPONSE OF VASTUS LATERALIS AND BICEPS FEMORIS AFTER A PHYSICAL ACTIVITY PROGRAM IN SUBJECTS DIAGNOSED WITH ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE

Objetive The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of a physical activity (PA) program and subsequent detraining on the contractile capacity of the Vastus Lateralis (VL) and Biceps Femoris (BF) in patients diagnosed with Alzheimers Disease (AD). Methods A total of 37 subjects were divided in: the intervention group (IG) consisted of 19 subjects (75.58 years ±6.18) and the control group (CG) for 18 subjects (79.92 years ±7.03). The PA intervention program was 4 month length, 60 training sessions and 5 days/week. The Tensiomyography (TMG) was used to assess the maximum radial displacement of the muscle belly (Dm) and the normalized response velocity (Vrn) in VL and BF of both legs. The assessment was performed before intervention (Pre), at the end of four months of intervention (Post) and two months after finishing the intervention (Post 2). Results Vrn for VL in IG increased in both legs after the intervention program (p≤0.05) while later decreased in the post2 (p≤0.05). Although we observe an increase of Vrn in CG (p≤0.05) it was not significantly higher than baseline levels (pre). The BF shows the same trend than VL for Vrn in IG, whereas in CG there is a tendency to maintain values. Dm for VL shows a decrease in post and an increased in post 2 assessment in IG. Dm values for left BF show significant differences in IG whereas in CG there is a tendency to maintain values. Dm for VL in IG decrease in both legs in post assessment (p≤0.05), and increases in post2 (p≤0.05). However, Dm showed only significant increases in right VL post assessment compared to baseline. Conclusions A PA program adapted to elderly diagnosed with AD, produces changes in morphology and muscle responses. Further, it enhances balance and motor skills, which results in a reduction in the risk of falls, improves the quality of life, and return to baseline values.

INFLUENCE OF FAT PERCENTAGE, FRONT THIGH SKINFOLD AND GIRTH ON THE MAXIMUM RADIAL DISPLACEMENT OF THE DOMINANT RECTUS FEMORIS

Background Tensiomyography (TMG) is an innovative tool to control athletic training, and prevent and follow up muscular injuries. The reliability and validity for different population (sport modality, physical activity level, medical history, body composition, etc.) have been reported (Rodriguez-Matoso et al., 2012; Tous-Fajardo et al., 2010). Body composition of individuals may determine the mechanical response of muscular contraction produced by electrical stimulation. The aim of this study was to analyze the correlation of the values of fat percentage (%F), front thigh skinfold (FTS) and thigh girth (TG) to the maximal radial deformation (Dm) of the Rectus Femoris (RF) obtained using TMG. Methods A total of 193 participants were assessed: 132 high performance volleyball players (79 male, and 53 female), and 61 Sport Sciences college students (40 male, and 21 female). Anthropometric variables (%F, FTS, and TG) where assessed following the ISAK guidelines (Marfell-Jones, 2001) by a certified instructor (level 3). Faulkners equation was used to calculate %F, and the TMG was used following Rodriguez-Matoso et al (2012) guidelines. Pearson correlation was assessed for statistical analysis using the SPSS v.19.0 with a level of signification p≤0.05. Results Results did not show differences between total sample and gender-related samples (FTS vs Dm: r 2=0.0096; p=0.19, y %G vs Dm: r 2<0.001; p=0.98), neither when TG is used as a control variable (FTS vs Dm: r 2=0.01; p=0.18, and %G vs Dm: r 2<0.001; p=0.82). Conclusions In conclusion, the results point that Dm in this population is not affected by body composition variables such %F, FTS, or TG.