scholarly journals Muscle coordination is key to the power output and mechanical efficiency of limb movements

2010 ◽  
Vol 213 (3) ◽  
pp. 487-492 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. M. Wakeling ◽  
O. M. Blake ◽  
H. K. Chan
Keyword(s):  
Power Output ◽  
Mechanical Efficiency ◽  
Muscle Coordination ◽  
Limb Movements

scholarly journals Muscle coordination limits efficiency and power output of human limb movement under a wide range of mechanical demands

2015 ◽  
Vol 114 (6) ◽  
pp. 3283-3295 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ollie M. Blake ◽  
James M. Wakeling
Keyword(s):  
Power Output ◽  
Mechanical Efficiency ◽  
Phase Shifts ◽  
Limb Movement ◽  
Maximum Efficiency ◽  
Muscle Coordination ◽  
Cycle Frequency ◽  
Duty Cycles ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Human Limb

This study investigated the influence of cycle frequency and workload on muscle coordination and the ensuing relationship with mechanical efficiency and power output of human limb movement. Eleven trained cyclists completed an array of cycle frequency (cadence)-power output conditions while excitation from 10 leg muscles and power output were recorded. Mechanical efficiency was maximized at increasing cadences for increasing power outputs and corresponded to muscle coordination and muscle fiber type recruitment that minimized both the total muscle excitation across all muscles and the ineffective pedal forces. Also, maximum efficiency was characterized by muscle coordination at the top and bottom of the pedal cycle and progressive excitation through the uniarticulate knee, hip, and ankle muscles. Inefficiencies were characterized by excessive excitation of biarticulate muscles and larger duty cycles. Power output and efficiency were limited by the duration of muscle excitation beyond a critical cadence (120–140 rpm), with larger duty cycles and disproportionate increases in muscle excitation suggesting deteriorating muscle coordination and limitations of the activation-deactivation capabilities. Most muscles displayed systematic phase shifts of the muscle excitation relative to the pedal cycle that were dependent on cadence and, to a lesser extent, power output. Phase shifts were different for each muscle, thereby altering their mechanical contribution to the pedaling action. This study shows that muscle coordination is a key determinant of mechanical efficiency and power output of limb movement across a wide range of mechanical demands and that the excitation and coordination of the muscles is limited at very high cycle frequencies.

A Systematic Review of Submaximal Cycle Tests to Predict, Monitor, and Optimize Cycling Performance

2016 ◽  
Vol 11 (6) ◽  
pp. 707-714 ◽  
Author(s):  
Benoit Capostagno ◽  
Michael I. Lambert ◽  
Robert P. Lamberts
Keyword(s):  
Heart Rate ◽  
Power Output ◽  
Perceived Exertion ◽  
Heart Rate Recovery ◽  
Mechanical Efficiency ◽  
Cycling Performance ◽  
Rating Of Perceived Exertion ◽  
Time To Exhaustion ◽  
Gross Mechanical Efficiency ◽  
Multiple Variables

Finding the optimal balance between high training loads and recovery is a constant challenge for cyclists and their coaches. Monitoring improvements in performance and levels of fatigue is recommended to correctly adjust training to ensure optimal adaptation. However, many performance tests require a maximal or exhaustive effort, which reduces their real-world application. The purpose of this review was to investigate the development and use of submaximal cycling tests that can be used to predict and monitor cycling performance and training status. Twelve studies met the inclusion criteria, and 3 separate submaximal cycling tests were identified from within those 12. Submaximal variables including gross mechanical efficiency, oxygen uptake (VO2), heart rate, lactate, predicted time to exhaustion (pTE), rating of perceived exertion (RPE), power output, and heart-rate recovery (HRR) were the components of the 3 tests. pTE, submaximal power output, RPE, and HRR appear to have the most value for monitoring improvements in performance and indicate a state of fatigue. This literature review shows that several submaximal cycle tests have been developed over the last decade with the aim to predict, monitor, and optimize cycling performance. To be able to conduct a submaximal test on a regular basis, the test needs to be short in duration and as noninvasive as possible. In addition, a test should capture multiple variables and use multivariate analyses to interpret the submaximal outcomes correctly and alter training prescription if needed.

scholarly journals Total power output generated during dynamic knee extensor exercise at different contraction frequencies

2000 ◽  
Vol 89 (5) ◽  
pp. 1912-1918 ◽  
Author(s):  
Richard A. Ferguson ◽  
Per Aagaard ◽  
Derek Ball ◽  
Anthony J. Sargeant ◽  
Jens Bangsbo
Keyword(s):  
Power Output ◽  
Accurate Determination ◽  
Knee Extensor ◽  
Mechanical Efficiency ◽  
Muscle Group ◽  
Total Power ◽  
Mechanical Power Output ◽  
External Power ◽  
Power Outputs ◽  
Total Power Output

A novel approach has been developed for the quantification of total mechanical power output produced by an isolated, well-defined muscle group during dynamic exercise in humans at different contraction frequencies. The calculation of total power output comprises the external power delivered to the ergometer (i.e., the external power output setting of the ergometer) and the “internal” power generated to overcome inertial and gravitational forces related to movement of the lower limb. Total power output was determined at contraction frequencies of 60 and 100 rpm. At 60 rpm, the internal power was 18 ± 1 W (range: 16–19 W) at external power outputs that ranged between 0 and 50 W. This was less ( P < 0.05) than the internal power of 33 ± 2 W (27–38 W) at 100 rpm at 0–50 W. Moreover, at 100 rpm, internal power was lower ( P < 0.05) at the higher external power outputs. Pulmonary oxygen uptake was observed to be greater ( P< 0.05) at 100 than at 60 rpm at comparable total power outputs, suggesting that mechanical efficiency is lower at 100 rpm. Thus a method was developed that allowed accurate determination of the total power output during exercise generated by an isolated muscle group at different contraction frequencies.

scholarly journals Longitudinal development of young talented speed skaters: physiological and anthropometric aspects

1994 ◽  
Vol 77 (5) ◽  
pp. 2311-2317 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. J. de Koning ◽  
F. C. Bakker ◽  
G. de Groot ◽  
G. J. van Ingen Schenau
Keyword(s):  
Oxygen Consumption ◽  
Longitudinal Study ◽  
Power Output ◽  
Mechanical Efficiency ◽  
Longitudinal Development ◽  
Physiological Variables ◽  
Speed Skating ◽  
Younger Age ◽  
Higher Power ◽  
Determining Factors

A longitudinal analysis of a group of speed skaters was done to identify the performance-determining factors for a successful speed skating career. This paper presents both the physiological and anthropometric results of this longitudinal study. Twenty-four athletes from the Dutch National Junior Speed Skating Team were followed from age 16–17 yr to age 20–21 yr. During the development from junior to senior speed skater, a number of anthropometric and physiological variables changed. There were no differences between successful and unsuccessful speed skaters from an anthropometric perspective; consequently, it was not possible to distinguish successful from unsuccessful athletes on anthropometric grounds. The longitudinal data showed that at a younger age the successful speed skaters had similar oxygen consumption, mechanical efficiency, and power output values compared with the unsuccessful speed skaters. Later in the study, successful speed skaters distinguished themselves by the ability to produce higher power output values. There were no anthropometric or physiological relationships found in this study on which performance at the age of 20–21 yr could be predicted with measurements at a junior age.

scholarly journals Myocardial Oxygen Consumption in the Sea Raven, Hemitripterus Americanus: the Effects of Volume Loading, Pressure Loading And Progressive Hypoxia

1985 ◽  
Vol 117 (1) ◽  
pp. 237-250 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. P. FARRELL ◽  
S. WOOD ◽  
T. HART ◽  
W. R. DRIEDZIC
Keyword(s):  
Oxygen Consumption ◽  
Power Output ◽  
Myocardial Oxygen Consumption ◽  
Mechanical Efficiency ◽  
Pressure Loading ◽  
Volume Loading ◽  
Perfused Heart ◽  
Linear Fashion ◽  
Progressive Hypoxia ◽  
O2 Delivery

1. Myocardial oxygen consumption (VOO2) was measured using an in situ, perfused heart preparation at 10°C. VOO2 increased in a linear fashion with power output when cardiac output (Vb) was elevated (volume loading). The increased VOO2 was possible through improved O2 delivery (increased Vb), but Δ POO2 (input POO2 - output POO2) was reduced. The mechanical efficiency of the heart was improved. 2. VOO2 also increased in a linear fashion with power output when output pressure was increased with Vb constant (pressure loading). The increased VOO2 was supported by increased O2 removal from the perfusate since oxygen delivery (Vb and input POO2) was constant. Once more, improved mechanical efficiency was observed. 3. VOO2 decreased as O2 delivery was reduced with progressive hypoxia. Even so, power output was maintained at a perfusate input POO2 of 81 Torr. Five of 11 hearts survived a 30-Torr POO2 exposure, but with a 29% decrease in power output and a 5-fold reduction in VOO2. The increase in the apparent aerobic efficiency which enabled this is discussed.

Dragonfly flight. III. Lift and power requirements.

1997 ◽  
Vol 200 (3) ◽  
pp. 583-600 ◽  
Author(s):  
JM Wakeling ◽  
CP Ellington
Keyword(s):  
Heat Production ◽  
Power Output ◽  
Aerodynamic Force ◽  
Lift Coefficient ◽  
Mechanical Efficiency ◽  
Specific Power ◽  
Free Flight ◽  
Mechanical Power Output ◽  
Low Costs ◽  
Calopteryx Splendens

A mean lift coefficient quasi-steady analysis has been applied to the free flight of the dragonfly Sympetrum sanguineum and the damselfly Calopteryx splendens. The analysis accommodated the yaw and accelerations involved in free flight. For any given velocity or resultant aerodynamic force (thrust), the damselfly mean lift coefficient was higher than that for the dragonfly because of its clap and fling. For both species, the maximum mean lift coefficient L was higher than the steady CL,max. Both species aligned their strokes planes to be nearly normal to the thrust, a strategy that reduces the L required for flight and which is different from the previously published hovering and slow dragonfly flights with stroke planes steeply inclined to the horizontal. Owing to the relatively low costs of accelerating the wing, the aerodynamic power required for flight represents the mechanical power output from the muscles. The maximum muscle mass-specific power was estimated at 156 and 166 W kg-1 for S. sanguineum and C. splendens, respectively. Measurements of heat production immediately after flight resulted in mechanical efficiency estimates of 13 % and 9 % for S. sanguineum and C. splendens muscles, respectively.

The Isocapnic Buffering Phase and Mechanical Efficiency: Relationship to Cycle Time Trial Performance of Short and Long Duration

2005 ◽  
Vol 30 (1) ◽  
pp. 46-60 ◽  
Author(s):  
David J. Bentley ◽  
Veronica E. Vleck ◽  
Gregoire P. Millet
Keyword(s):  
Power Output ◽  
Average Power ◽  
Time Trial ◽  
Mechanical Efficiency ◽  
Incremental Test ◽  
Long Duration ◽  
Average Power Output ◽  
And Performance ◽  
The Relationship

The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between the isocapnic buffer (βisocapnic) and hypocapnic hyperventilation (HHV) phases as well as performance in a short (20-min) and long (90-min) time trial (TT) in trained athletes. In addition, gross (GE, %) and delta (ΔE, %) efficiency were calculated and the relationship between these variables and the average power output (W) in each TT was determined. Thirteen male endurance athletes (Mean ± SD age 31 ± 6 yrs; body mass 75.6 ± 6.3 kg; height 185 ± 6 cm) completed a continuous incremental test to exhaustion for determination of the βisocapnic and HHV phases. A second submaximal test was used to determine GE and ΔE. The average power output (W) was measured in a 20-min and 90-min cycling TT. The βisocapnic phase (W) was significantly correlated to the average power output (W) in the 20-min TT (r = 0.58; p <  0.05), but not in the 90-min TT (r = 0.28). The HHV phase (W) was not significantly correlated to the average power output in the 20-min or 90-min TT. No significant correlation was found for GE or for ΔE and performance in the TT. The data from this study shows that βisocapnic together with HHV is not likely to be a useful indicator of cycle TT performance of 20- to 90-min duration. Furthermore, GE and ΔE determined from a submaximal incremental stepwise test are not related to cycling TT performance of different duration. Key words: incremental, correlation, metabolism, athletes, fatigue

Compression Ignition Linear Engine Design Variable Effects

2011 ◽  
Author(s):  
Csaba To´th-Nagy ◽  
Parviz Farmouri ◽  
Nigel N. Clark
Keyword(s):  
Power Output ◽  
Direct Injection ◽  
Mechanical Efficiency ◽  
Operating Frequency ◽  
Injection Timing ◽  
Control Input ◽  
Compression Ignition ◽  
Compression Ignition Engine ◽  
Stroke Length ◽  
Linear Engine

A linear engine/alternator was simulated and designed, and a prototype was built at West Virginia University. This paper describes the engine and presents original operational data. The linear engine was a two-cylinder, two-stroke, common rail direct injection, compression ignition engine. The engine was built using off the shelf components to reduce cost where it was possible. Engine control, injection duration and timing, were achieved using a microcontroller with piston position as a control input. Experiments on the engine were performed to study its behavior. The studied variables included mass of the translator, amount of fuel injected, injection timing, load, and stroke with operating frequency and mechanical efficiency as the basis of comparison. At this point of development, the engine was far from optimized; however, the trends in engine behavior were clear. Increasing the translator mass resulted in decreased operating frequency. Increasing the stroke length also resulted in decreased operating frequency. Overcharging and increased fueling rate, both, resulted in increased power output, efficiency, and operating frequency. Advancing injection timing resulted in increased frequency, efficiency and power output, and decreased stalling frequency. This suggests that the engine operated in an HCCI-like fashion.

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