With the aim of comparing kinematic and neuromuscular parameters of Bandal Chagui kicks between 7 elite and 7 subelite taekwondo athletes, nine Bandal Chaguis were performed at maximal effort in a selective reaction time design, simulating the frequency of kicks observed in taekwondo competitions. Linear and angular leg velocities were recorded through 3D motion capture system. Ground reaction forces (GRF) were evaluated by a force platform, and surface electromyographic (sEMG) signals were evaluated in the vastus lateralis, biceps femoris, rectus femoris, tensor fasciae lata, adductor magnus, gluteus maximus, gluteus medius, and gastrocnemius lateralis muscles of the kicking leg. sEMG data were processed to obtain the cocontraction indices (CI) of antagonist vs. overall (agonist and antagonist) muscle activity. CI was measured for the hip and knee, in flexion and extension, and for hip abduction. Premotor, reaction (kinetic and kinematic), and kicking times were evaluated. Timing parameters, except kinetic reaction time, were faster in elite athletes. Furthermore, CI and angular velocity during knee extension, foot and knee linear velocity, and horizontal GRF were significantly higher in elite than in subelite athletes. In conclusion, selected biomechanical parameters of Bandal Chagui appear to be useful in controlling the training status of the kick and in orienting the training goal of black belt competitors.
Detrimental mental fatigue effects on exercise performance have been documented in constant workload and time trial exercises, but effects on a maximal incremental test (MIT) remain poorly investigated. Mental fatigue-reduced exercise performance is related to an increased effort sensation, likely due to a reduced prefrontal cortex (PFC) activation and inhibited spontaneous behavior. Interestingly, only a few studies verified if centrally active compounds may mitigate such effects. For example, carbohydrate (CHO) mouth rinse potentiates exercise performance and reduces effort sensation, likely through its effects on PFC activation. However, it is unknown if this centrally mediated effect of CHO mouth rinse may mitigate mental fatigue-reduced exercise performance. After a proof-of-principle study, showing a mental fatigue-reduced MIT performance, we observed that CHO mouth rinse mitigated MIT performance reductions in mentally fatigued cyclists, regardless of PFC alterations. When compared to placebo, mentally fatigued cyclists improved MIT performance by 2.24–2.33% when rinsing their mouth with CHO during MIT. However, PFC and motor cortex activation during MIT in both CHO and placebo mouth rinses were greater than in mental fatigue. Results showed that CHO mouth rinse mitigated the mental fatigue-reduced MIT performance, but challenged the role of CHO mouth rinse on PFC and motor cortex activation.
Background:Kinesio Taping (KT) is widely used, however the effects of KT on muscle activation
and force are contradictory. Objective:To evaluate the effects of KT on knee extension force in soccer players. Method:This is a clinical trial study design. Thirty-four subjects performed two maximal
isometric voluntary contractions of the lower limbs pre, immediately post, and 24
hours after tape application on the lower limbs. Both lower limbs were taped,
using K-Tape and 3M Micropore tape randomly on the right and left thighs of the
participants. Isometric knee extension force was measured for dominant side using
a strain gauge. The following variables were assessed: peak force, time to peak
force, rate of force development until peak force, time to peak rate of force
development, and 200 ms pulse. Results:There were no statistically significant differences in the variables assessed
between KT and Micropore conditions (F=0.645,
p=0.666) or among testing sessions (pre, post, and 24h after)
(F=0.528, p=0.868), and there was no
statistical significance (F=0.271, p=0.986) for
interaction between tape conditions and testing session. Conclusion:KT did not affect the force-related measures assessed immediately and 24 hours
after the KT application compared with Micropore application, during maximal
isometric voluntary knee extension.
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