Effect of balance training on neuromuscular function at rest and during isometric maximum voluntary contraction

Behrens, Martin; Mau-Moeller, Anett; Wassermann, Franziska; Bader, Rainer; Bruhn, Sven

doi:10.1007/s00421-014-3089-1

Cited by 19 publications

(15 citation statements)

References 42 publications

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“…In contrast, conventional balance training (CBT) performed on unstable surfaces and convex devices has been validated to improve postural stability ( Granacher et al, 2006 ; Gruber et al, 2007a , b ; Taube et al, 2008 ; Freyler et al, 2014 ) and to elicit functional and neuromuscular adaptations beneficial for fall avoidance, such as augmented muscle strength ( Bruhn et al, 2006 ). This includes explosive force and rate of force development ( Gruber and Gollhofer, 2004 ; Taube et al, 2007 ) as well as modified muscle activity, such as increased activation or reduced co-contraction by means of improved muscle coordination, induced by neural adaptations within the central nervous system ( Granacher et al, 2009 ; Nagai et al, 2012 ; Oliveira et al, 2013 ; Behrens et al, 2015 ). These neuronal adaptations were specified by higher amplitudes and shorter latencies in the early reflex responses in the shank muscles, resulting in augmented ankle joint stiffness ( Granacher et al, 2006 ) and reduced fall frequency ( Madureira et al, 2007 ) in response to postural perturbations.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Neuromuscular and Kinematic Adaptation in Response to Reactive Balance Training – a Randomized Controlled Study Regarding Fall Prevention

et al. 2018

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Slips and stumbles are main causes of falls and result in serious injuries. Balance training is widely applied for preventing falls across the lifespan. Subdivided into two main intervention types, biomechanical characteristics differ amongst balance interventions tailored to counteract falls: conventional balance training (CBT) referring to a balance task with a static ledger pivoting around the ankle joint versus reactive balance training (RBT) using externally applied perturbations to deteriorate body equilibrium. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of reactive, slip-simulating RBT compared to CBT in regard to fall prevention and to detect neuromuscular and kinematic dependencies. In a randomized controlled trial, 38 participants were randomly allocated either to CBT or RBT. To simulate stumbling scenarios, postural responses were assessed to posterior translations in gait and stance perturbation before and after 4 weeks of training. Surface electromyography during short- (SLR), medium- (MLR), and long-latency response of shank and thigh muscles as well as ankle, knee, and hip joint kinematics (amplitudes and velocities) were recorded. Both training modalities revealed reduced angular velocity in the ankle joint (P < 0.05) accompanied by increased shank muscle activity in SLR (P < 0.05) during marching in place perturbation. During stance perturbation and marching in place perturbation, hip angular velocity was decreased after RBT (P from TTEST, Pt < 0.05) accompanied by enhanced thigh muscle activity (SLR, MLR) after both trainings (P < 0.05). Effect sizes were larger for the RBT-group during stance perturbation. Thus, both interventions revealed modified stabilization strategies for reactive balance recovery after surface translations. Characterized by enhanced reflex activity in the leg muscles antagonizing the surface translations, balance training is associated with improved neuromuscular timing and accuracy being relevant for postural control. This may result in more efficient segmental stabilization during fall risk situations, independent of the intervention modality. More pronounced modulations and higher effect sizes after RBT in stance perturbation point toward specificity of training adaptations, with an emphasis on the proximal body segment for RBT. Outcomes underline the benefits of balance training with a clear distinction between RBT and CBT being relevant for training application over the lifespan.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Neuromuscular and Kinematic Adaptation in Response to Reactive Balance Training – a Randomized Controlled Study Regarding Fall Prevention

et al. 2018

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“…Premotor time was defined as the time interval between stimulus onset and EMG onset and motor time was measured as the time interval between EMG onset and torque onset [43]. Torque and EMG onsets were identified manually, as described previously [44]. The mean value of the ten test trials and the fastest trial were used for data analysis.…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Neuromuscular function of the quadriceps muscle during isometric maximal, submaximal and submaximal fatiguing voluntary contractions in knee osteoarthrosis patients

et al. 2017

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IntroductionKnee osteoarthrosis (KOA) is commonly associated with a dysfunction of the quadriceps muscle which contributes to alterations in motor performance. The underlying neuromuscular mechanisms of muscle dysfunction are not fully understood. The main objective of this study was to analyze how KOA affects neuromuscular function of the quadriceps muscle during different contraction intensities.Materials and methodsThe following parameters were assessed in 20 patients and 20 healthy controls: (i) joint position sense, i.e. position control (mean absolute error, MAE) at 30° and 50° of knee flexion, (ii) simple reaction time task performance, (iii) isometric maximal voluntary torque (IMVT) and root mean square of the EMG signal (RMS-EMG), (iv) torque control, i.e. accuracy (MAE), absolute fluctuation (standard deviation, SD), relative fluctuation (coefficient of variation, CV) and periodicity (mean frequency, MNF) of the torque signal at 20%, 40% and 60% IMVT, (v) EMG-torque relationship at 20%, 40% and 60% IMVT and (vi) performance fatigability, i.e. time to task failure (TTF) at 40% IMVT.ResultsCompared to the control group, the KOA group displayed: (i) significantly higher MAE of the angle signal at 30° (99.3%; P = 0.027) and 50° (147.9%; P < 0.001), (ii) no significant differences in reaction time, (iii) significantly lower IMVT (-41.6%; P = 0.001) and tendentially lower RMS-EMG of the rectus femoris (-33.7%; P = 0.054), (iv) tendentially higher MAE of the torque signal at 20% IMVT (65.9%; P = 0.068), significantly lower SD of the torque signal at all three torque levels and greater MNF at 60% IMVT (44.8%; P = 0.018), (v) significantly increased RMS-EMG of the vastus lateralis at 20% (70.8%; P = 0.003) and 40% IMVT (33.3%; P = 0.034), significantly lower RMS-EMG of the biceps femoris at 20% (-63.6%; P = 0.044) and 40% IMVT (-41.3%; P = 0.028) and tendentially lower at 60% IMVT (-24.3%; P = 0.075) and (vi) significantly shorter TTF (-51.1%; P = 0.049).ConclusionKOA is not only associated with a deterioration of IMVT and neuromuscular activation, but also with an impaired position and torque control at submaximal torque levels, an altered EMG-torque relationship and a higher performance fatigability of the quadriceps muscle. It is recommended that the rehabilitation includes strengthening and fatiguing exercises at maximal and submaximal force levels.

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“…Electrical stimulation was performed as described previously (Behrens et al, 2015a , b ). Briefly, the posterior tibial nerve was stimulated transcutaneously by two electrodes fixed in the popliteal fossa (cathode) and immediately distal to the patella on the anterior aspect of the knee (anode).…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The subjects performed three to five iMVC familiarization trials and testing was started once the coefficient of variance of three subsequent trials was below 5%. For H sup and V-wave testing, seven to nine isometric maximal voluntary plantar flexions were performed, respectively (Behrens et al, 2015a , b ).…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Neuromuscular function and fatigue resistance of the plantar flexors following short-term cycling endurance training

et al. 2015

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Previously published studies on the effect of short-term endurance training on neuromuscular function of the plantar flexors have shown that the H-reflex elicited at rest and during weak voluntary contractions was increased following the training regime. However, these studies did not test H-reflex modulation during isometric maximum voluntary contraction (iMVC) and did not incorporate a control group in their study design to compare the results of the endurance training group to individuals without the endurance training stimulus. Therefore, this randomized controlled study was directed to investigate the neuromuscular function of the plantar flexors at rest and during iMVC before and after 8 weeks of cycling endurance training. Twenty-two young adults were randomly assigned to an intervention group and a control group. During neuromuscular testing, rate of torque development, isometric maximum voluntary torque and muscle activation were measured. Triceps surae muscle activation and tibialis anterior muscle co-activation were assessed by normalized root mean square of the EMG signal during the initial phase of contraction (0–100, 100–200 ms) and iMVC of the plantar flexors. Furthermore, evoked spinal reflex responses of the soleus muscle (H-reflex evoked at rest and during iMVC, V-wave), peak twitch torques induced by electrical stimulation of the posterior tibial nerve at rest and fatigue resistance were evaluated. The results indicate that cycling endurance training did not lead to a significant change in any variable of interest. Data of the present study conflict with the outcome of previously published studies that have found an increase in H-reflex excitability after endurance training. However, these studies had not included a control group in their study design as was the case here. It is concluded that short-term cycling endurance training does not necessarily enhance H-reflex responses and fatigue resistance.

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Effect of balance training on neuromuscular function at rest and during isometric maximum voluntary contraction

Abstract: Data suggest that balance training reduced antagonistic muscle co-activity at the onset of triceps surae contraction and, in turn, increased isometric explosive voluntary strength of the plantar flexors.

Cited by 19 publications

References 42 publications

Neuromuscular and Kinematic Adaptation in Response to Reactive Balance Training – a Randomized Controlled Study Regarding Fall Prevention

Neuromuscular and Kinematic Adaptation in Response to Reactive Balance Training – a Randomized Controlled Study Regarding Fall Prevention

Neuromuscular function of the quadriceps muscle during isometric maximal, submaximal and submaximal fatiguing voluntary contractions in knee osteoarthrosis patients

Neuromuscular function and fatigue resistance of the plantar flexors following short-term cycling endurance training

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