Direct relation of acute effects of static stretching on isokinetic torque production with initial flexibility level.

Purpose: To examine the acute effect of a single static-stretching session of hamstring muscles on torque production in relation with individual flexibility.

Methods: Maximal voluntary concentric torque of hamstring muscles was measured before and after a static-stretching session (6 × 30 s). Torque changes were correlated with the flexibility level determined at the onset of the experimental procedure.

Neuromuscular fatigue during a prolonged intermittent exercise: Application to tennis.

The time course of alteration in neuromuscular function of the knee extensor muscles was characterized during a prolonged intermittent exercise. Maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) and surface EMG activity of both vastii were measured during brief interruptions before (T(0)), during (30, 60, 90, 120, 150 and 180min: T(30), T(60), T(90), T(120), T(150), T(180)) and 30min after (T(+30)) a 3h tennis match in 12 trained players. M-wave and twitch contractile properties were analyzed following single stimuli.

Muscle deoxygenation and neural drive to the muscle during repeated sprint cycling.

Purpose: To investigate muscle deoxygenation and neural drive-related changes during repeated cycling sprints in a fatiguing context.

Methods: Nine healthy male subjects performed a repeated-sprint test (consisting of 10 x 6-s maximal sprints interspaced by 30 s of recovery). Oxygen uptake was measured breath-by-breath; muscle deoxygenation of the vastus lateralis was assessed continuously using the near-infrared spectroscopy technique.

Effects of two types of fatigue on the VO(2) slow component.

The aim of the study was to test the hypothesis of the involvement of type II fibres in the V.O (2) slow component phenomenon by using two prior fatiguing protocols on the knee extensor muscles. Nine subjects performed three constant-load cycling exercises at a work rate corresponding to 80 % of their V.

Changes in exercise characteristics, maximal voluntary contraction, and explosive strength during prolonged tennis playing.

Objectives: To examine changes in exercise characteristics, maximal voluntary contraction, and explosive strength during prolonged tennis playing.

Methods: Maximal isometric voluntary contraction (MVC), leg stiffness (hopping), and peak power in squat (SJ) and countermovement (CMJ) jumps were measured before, every 30 minutes during, and 30 minutes after a three hour tennis match in 12 well trained players. Heart rate (HR), the effective playing time (EPT), rating of perceived exertion (RPE), and muscle soreness of knee extensors were also measured.