Using submaximal contractions to predict the maximum force-generating ability of muscles

• Published in: Muscle & nerve 2012-06, Vol.45 (6), p.849-858
• Main Authors: Flynn, Sarah, Knarr, Brian A., Perumal, Ramu, Kesar, Trisha M., Binder-MacLeod, Stuart A.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adult; Biological and medical sciences; burst superimposition; doublet interpolation; Electric Stimulation; Female; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; Humans; Male; maximum force-generating ability; Medical sciences; Models, Biological; Muscle Contraction - physiology; Muscle Strength - physiology; Muscle Strength Dynamometer; Muscle Weakness - physiopathology; Muscle, Skeletal - innervation; Muscle, Skeletal - physiology; Neurology; Predictive Value of Tests; Spasm - physiopathology; Striated muscle. Tendons; twitch; Vascular diseases and vascular malformations of the nervous system; Vertebrates: osteoarticular system, musculoskeletal system
• ISSN: 0148-639X; 1097-4598
• DOI: 10.1002/mus.23254

Introduction: Muscle weakness can be caused by decreases in either the maximum force‐generating ability of a muscle (MFGA) or neural drive from the nervous system (e.g., after a stroke). Presently, there is no agreed‐upon practical method for calculating the MFGA in individuals with central nervous system pathology. The purpose of this study was to identify the best method for determining MFGA. Methods: The predicted and estimated MFGA of the muscles of 23 non‐neurologically impaired subjects (13 males, 21.9 ± 1.9 years) were compared using the burst superimposition, twitch interpolation, doublet interpolation, twitch‐to‐tetanus ratio, and the adjusted burst superimposition methods. Results: The adjusted burst superimposition test was the most accurate predictor of MFGA. Conclusions: Further testing is needed to validate the use of the adjusted burst superimposition test in a neurologically impaired population. Muscle Nerve 45: 849–858, 2012