Reliability of absolute versus log-transformed regression models for examining the torque-related patterns of response for mechanomyographic amplitude.

This study examined the test-retest reliability of the slopes (b) and y-intercepts (a) of the absolute and log-transformed regression models applied to the mechanomyographic amplitude (MMG(RMS)) versus torque (TQ) relationship. Fifteen participants (mean+/-SD age=23+/-4 yrs) performed two isometric maximal voluntary contractions (MVCs) and ten randomly ordered isometric leg extensions from 5% to 95% of their MVC during three separate trials. MMG(RMS) was recorded from the vastus lateralis during each MVC. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) and standard errors of measurement (SEMs) were calculated for test-retest reliability. ICCs for the b and a terms were 0.89 and 0.90 for the log-transformed and 0.85 and 0.76 for the absolute relationships, respectively. The SEM values (expressed as a percentage of the mean) for the b and a terms were 9.7% and 16.4% for the log-transformed and 18.9% and 57.1% for the absolute relationships, respectively. These results indicated that the b and a terms from both the absolute linear and log-transformed MMG(RMS) versus TQ relationships were relatively reliable (ICCs), however, the SEMs for the log-transformed relationships were lower than the absolute linear models. Furthermore, the b term from the log-transformed relationships may provide unique information regarding the nonlinear characteristics (plateau points) of the MMG(RMS) versus TQ relationship, whereas the a term may indicate upward or downward shifts in MMG(RMS) across the TQ spectrum. Thus, the log-transformed MMG(RMS) versus TQ relationships may offer an attractive alternative method for reliably quantifying and tracking changes in the TQ-related patterns of response for MMG(RMS) on a subject-by-subject basis.