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Int J Sports Med 2010; 31(8): 529-536
DOI: 10.1055/s-0030-1251989
Physiology & Biochemistry

© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Effects of Altering Pedal Frequency on the Slow Component of Pulmonary V˙O 2 Kinetics and EMG Activity

D. M. Hirai1 , B. T. Roseguini2 , F. Diefenthaeler3 , F. P. Carpes4 , M. A. Vaz5 , E. L. Ferlin2 , J. P. Ribeiro2 , 6 , F. Y. Nakamura1
  • 1State University of Londrina, Department of Physical Education, Londrina, Brazil
  • 2Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Exercise Pathophysiology Research Laboratory and Cardiology Division, Porto Alegre, Brazil
  • 3Federal University of Santa Catarina, Centro de Esportes, Biomechanics Laboratory, Florianopólis, Brazil
  • 4Federal University of Pampa, Uruguaiana, Brazil
  • 5Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, School of Physical Education, Exercise Research Laboratory, Porto Alegre, Brazil
  • 6Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Porto Alegre, Brazil
Further Information

Publication History

accepted after revision March 03, 2010

Publication Date:
29 April 2010 (online)

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Abstract

This study investigated the effects of pedal frequency on the slow component of pulmonary oxygen uptake (V˙O 2) kinetics during heavy exercise at the same relative intensity. We hypothesized that higher pedal frequency (expected to enhance fast-twitch muscle fiber recruitment) would be associated with greater slow component amplitude (A’s), surface electromyography (normalized root mean square; RMS) and blood lactate concentration ([lactate]). Eight subjects performed square-wave transitions to heavy exercise at 35 and 115 rpm. Furthermore, alternated cadences square-wave transitions (35–115 rpm) were performed to examine the potential effects of additional fast-twitch muscle fiber recruitment on the slow component. Significance was accepted when P<0.05. The A’s was greater at higher cadences (0.58±0.08 and 0.70±0.09 L.min−1 at 115 and 35–115 rpm, respectively) than at 35 rpm (0.35±0.04 L.min−1). Greater EMG increase over time (ΔRMS(10–3 min)) and [lactate] were observed at 115 and 35–115 rpm compared with 35 rpm. There was a significant correlation between A’s and overall ΔRMS(10–3 min) for all pedal frequencies combined (r=0.63; P=0.001). Pedal frequency had no effect on time constants or time delays. These findings are consistent with the concept that progressive recruitment of muscle fibers is associated with the V˙O 2 slow component.

Key words

exercise - contraction frequency - oxygen uptake - surface electromyography

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Correspondence

Prof. Fábio Yuzo Nakamura

Universidade Estadual de Londrina

Departamento de Educação Física

Rodovia Celso Garcia Cid km 380

Campus Universitário

86015-990 Londrina

Brazil

Phone: +55/43/3371 4238

Fax: +55/43/3371 4144

Email: fabioy_nakamura@yahoo.com.br

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