Journal of Applied Physiology, Vol 74, Issue 6 2634-2640, Copyright © 1993 by American Physiological Society

ARTICLES

Intramuscular pressure and electromyography as indexes of force during isokinetic exercise

M. Aratow, R. E. Ballard, A. G. Crenshaw, J. Styf, D. E. Watenpaugh, N. J. Kahan and A. R. Hargens
Life Science Division, National Aeronautics and Space Administration Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, California 94035-1000.

A direct method for measuring force production of specific muscles during dynamic exercise is presently unavailable. Previous studies indicate that both intramuscular pressure (IMP) and electromyography (EMG) correlate linearly with muscle contraction force during isometric exercise. The objective of this study was to compare IMP and EMG as linear assessors of muscle contraction force during dynamic exercise. IMP and surface EMG activity were recorded during concentric and eccentric isokinetic plantarflexion and dorsiflexion of the ankle joint from the tibialis anterior (TA) and soleus (SOL) muscles of nine male volunteers (28-54 yr). Ankle torque was measured using a dynamometer, and IMP was measured via catheterization. IMP exhibited better linear correlation than EMG with ankle joint torque during concentric contractions of the SOL (IMP R2 = 0.97, EMG R2 = 0.81) and the TA (IMP R2 = 0.97, EMG R2 = 0.90), as well as during eccentric contractions (SOL: IMP R2 = 0.91, EMG R2 = 0.51; TA: IMP R2 = 0.94, EMG R2 = 0.73). IMP provides a better index of muscle contraction force than EMG during concentric and eccentric exercise through the entire range of torque. IMP reflects intrinsic mechanical properties of individual muscles, such as length-tension relationships, which EMG is unable to assess.

This article has been cited by other articles:

				L. L Andersen, S P. Magnusson, M. Nielsen, J. Haleem, K. Poulsen, and P. Aagaard Neuromuscular Activation in Conventional Therapeutic Exercises and Heavy Resistance Exercises: Implications for Rehabilitation Physical Therapy, May 1, 2006; 86(5): 683 - 697. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				A M Hunter, J M Watt, V Watt, and S D R Galloway Effect of lower limb massage on electromyography and force production of the knee extensors Br. J. Sports Med., February 1, 2006; 40(2): 114 - 118. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				M. P. D. Bell and M. J. White Cardiovascular responses to external compression of human calf muscle vary during graded metaboreflex stimulation Exp Physiol, May 1, 2005; 90(3): 383 - 391. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				G. Sjogaard, B. R. Jensen, A. R. Hargens, and K. Sogaard Intramuscular pressure and EMG relate during static contractions but dissociate with movement and fatigue J Appl Physiol, April 1, 2004; 96(4): 1522 - 1529. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				M. Kouzaki, M. Shinohara, K. Masani, M. Tachi, H. Kanehisa, and T. Fukunaga Local blood circulation among knee extensor synergists in relation to alternate muscle activity during low-level sustained contraction J Appl Physiol, July 1, 2003; 95(1): 49 - 56. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				W. L. Wasmund, E. C. Westerholm, D. E. Watenpaugh, S. L. Wasmund, and M. L. Smith Interactive effects of mental and physical stress on cardiovascular control J Appl Physiol, May 1, 2002; 92(5): 1828 - 1834. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				H. Langberg, D. Skovgaard, J. Bulow, and M. Kjar Negative interstitial pressure in the peritendinous region during exercise J Appl Physiol, September 1, 1999; 87(3): 999 - 1002. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				C. WILLY, H. GERNGROSS, and J. STERK Measurement of Intracompartmental Pressure with Use of a New Electronic Transducer-Tipped Catheter System J. Bone Joint Surg. Am., February 1, 1999; 81(2): 158 - 68. [Abstract] [Full Text]

				Q. Fu, Y. Sugiyama, A. Kamiya, A. S. M. Shamsuzzaman, and T. Mano Responses of muscle sympathetic nerve activity to lower body positive pressure Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol, October 1, 1998; 275(4): H1254 - H1259. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				R. E. Ballard, D. E. Watenpaugh, G. A. Breit, G. Murthy, D. C. Holley, and A. R. Hargens Leg intramuscular pressures during locomotion in humans J Appl Physiol, June 1, 1998; 84(6): 1976 - 1981. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]