Evaluation of Consecutive Maximum Contractions as a Test of Neuromuscular Function

Suzović, Dejan; Nedeljković, Aleksandar; Pažin, Nemanja; Planic, Nenad; Jarić, Slobodan

doi:10.2478/v10078-008-0017-7

Cited by 11 publications

(20 citation statements)

References 34 publications

(54 reference statements)

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“…First, ACMC variables could be confounded by the selected frequency of ACMC exertion and, secondly, one could claim that ACMC does not capture the maximum isometric muscle force, which could be of importance for some functional tasks. However, similar to unidirectional consecutive contractions evaluated in our recent study (34), the data suggest relatively stable values of ACMC within a wide range of frequencies. This finding, and the finding suggesting that the self-selected frequencies of ACMC could be within the evaluated frequency interval suggest that in future studies ACMC could be applied only at the selfselected frequency, which would considerably simplify the testing procedure.…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 87%

“…However, the apparent advantages of ACMC over SST could be the exertion of both lower and transient muscle forces, and a fewer number of trials for testing 2 antagonistic muscles. The latter point also represents an advantage of ACMC over the unidirectional consecutive maximum contractions we recently evaluated (34). Therefore, this study suggests that the ACMC could represent either an independent test of muscle function, or a test that could be complementary to SST, or both.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 71%

“…To address the abovementioned shortcomings of SST, we recently evaluated consecutive maximum contractions exerted by selected muscle group as a possible candidate for a muscle function test that could be complementary to SST (34). In short, the participants performed externally paced maximum isometric contractions (i.e., a series of consecutive maximum force exertions and relaxations) of the quadriceps muscle.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Alternating Consecutive Maximum Contractions as a Test of Muscle Function

Bozic¹,

Suzović²,

Nedeljković³

et al. 2011

Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research

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Although regularly used, the standard strength test (SST) is known to have several shortcomings, such as being based only on sustained maximum forces, and on a relatively large number of trials that expose the tested muscle to rapid fatigue. The purpose of this study was to evaluate alternating consecutive maximum contractions (ACMCs) as a test of the muscle function through its comparison with SST. Twenty-four participants performed both the externally paced isometric ACMC (i.e., series of consecutive maximum force exertions in 2 directions) and SST of the knee extensor and flexor muscle. The derived variables of both tests included the knee extensor and flexor peak forces (PFs) and their maximum rates of development. Movement speed and muscle power output were also assessed through standard maximum performance tests. Both ACMC and SST revealed on average high intratrial (intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC] > 0.80) and moderate-to-high test-retest reliability (ICC > 0.60), and significant (p < 0.05) positive relationships among the PFs and their rates of development of the tested muscles. The variables of both tests also suggested on average moderate correlations with the maximum performance tests. Finally, ACMC variables revealed relatively stable values across a wide range of frequencies including the 'self-selected' one. Although some properties of ACMC could be similar to SST, the important comparative advantages of ACMC could be relatively low and transitional maximum forces exerted, and fewer trials needed for testing 2 antagonistic muscles. Although further research is needed, particularly concerning the external validity and generalizability, we conclude that the ACMC represents a test of muscle function that could be applied either as an alternative or complementary test to SST.

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Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 87%

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 71%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

See 1 more Smart Citation

Alternating Consecutive Maximum Contractions as a Test of Muscle Function

Bozic¹,

Suzović²,

Nedeljković³

et al. 2011

Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research

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“…In addition to BFP, we also explored the alternating consecutive maximum contractions (ACMC) of knee flexors and extensors were tested over a wide range of frequencies that correspond to the most of our natural movement tasks, such as walking, running, and cycling (11, 50), as well as at the ‘self-selected’ frequency. (12).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Evaluation of Novel Tests of Neuromuscular Function Based on Brief Muscle Actions

Bozic

Çelik

Uygur

et al. 2013

Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research

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Although widely used, the standard strength test (SST) is known to provide moderate correlations with functional measures, while being based on sustained maximum forces and a relatively large number of trials. The aim of the present study was to compare the concurrent (with respect to SST) and external validity (with respect to the standard balance and maximum power output tests) of two alternate tests of neuromuscular function based on brief isometric actions. The first test provides a slope between the rates of torque development (RTD) and peak torques (T) measured from a number of consecutive rapid actions performed across a wide range of T levels (brief force pulses; BFP). The second test (alternating consecutive maximum contractions; ACMC) provides T and RTD from multiple cycles of rapid alternating maximum actions of two antagonistic muscle groups. The results obtained from 29 young and healthy subjects revealed moderate-to-high concurrent validity of ACMC (median r=0.56; p<0.05) and its similar, if not higher external validity than SST. Conversely, both the concurrent and external validity of BFP appeared to be relatively low (r=0.23; p>0.05). Since ACMC could also have advantage over SST by being based on somewhat lower and transitional muscle forces exerted and fewer trials are needed for testing two antagonistic muscles, we conclude that ACMC could be considered as either an alternative or complementary test to SST for testing the ability for rapid exertion of maximum forces. Conversely, BFP may offer a measure of the neuromuscular system ‘as a whole’ that is complementary to SST by providing outcomes that are relatively independent of muscle size and function.

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“…Based on the shortcomings of SST, the new test should be preferably based on short-lasting maximum contractions of the tested muscle or, alternatively, on alternating contractions of two antagonistic muscle group. Within the Wrst of our two recent studies we evaluated a muscle function test based on consecutive maximum contractions of selected muscle groups performed at diVerent frequencies (Suzovic et al 2008). The results revealed high reliability of the obtained F and RFD (i.e., ICC¸0.8).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Evaluation of alternating consecutive maximum contractions as an alternative test of neuromuscular function

et al. 2011

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The standard strength test (SST) has been based only on sustained maximum forces, as well as on relatively large number trials needed to record the maximum forces (F) and their rate of development (RFD). The aim of this study was to extend our recent research on alternating consecutive maximum contractions (ACMC) performed by antagonist muscles. Instead of varying the frequency, we explored the properties of ACMC performed at the self-selected frequency and compared it with SST. Knee extensors and flexors were tested in 64 participants. Within-session reliability of F and RFD of the two muscles evaluated through a single ACMC trial proved to be high (ICC ≥ 0.8), as well as their concurrent validity regarding the SST (r ≥ 0.7). Mainly strong relationships (r > 0.50) with the maximum performance tests also suggested moderate-to-high external validity of ACMC variables. Finally, the same variables were also able to distinguish among the participants of different training and physical activity history (p < 0.05). Taken together, these data suggest that ACMC could have the properties of reliability, external validity, and sensitivity similar to SST. However, since ACMC still retains some important advantages over SST (e.g., being based on a brief and fatigue free procedure for testing two antagonistic muscles, and exposing the muscle and joint tissues to relatively low and transient forces), one could conclude that ACMC performed at the self-selected frequency could be developed into a test of muscle function that could be either alternative or complementary to the SST.

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Evaluation of Consecutive Maximum Contractions as a Test of Neuromuscular Function

Cited by 11 publications

References 34 publications

Alternating Consecutive Maximum Contractions as a Test of Muscle Function

Alternating Consecutive Maximum Contractions as a Test of Muscle Function

Evaluation of Novel Tests of Neuromuscular Function Based on Brief Muscle Actions

Evaluation of alternating consecutive maximum contractions as an alternative test of neuromuscular function

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