TY - JOUR A1 - Schaefer, Laura A1 - Bittmann, Frank T1 - The adaptive force as a potential biomechanical parameter in the recovery process of patients with long COVID JF - Diagnostics N2 - Long COVID patients show symptoms, such as fatigue, muscle weakness and pain. Adequate diagnostics are still lacking. Investigating muscle function might be a beneficial approach. The holding capacity (maximal isometric Adaptive Force; AFisomax) was previously suggested to be especially sensitive for impairments. This longitudinal, non-clinical study aimed to investigate the AF in long COVID patients and their recovery process. AF parameters of elbow and hip flexors were assessed in 17 patients at three time points (pre: long COVID state, post: immediately after first treatment, end: recovery) by an objectified manual muscle test. The tester applied an increasing force on the limb of the patient, who had to resist isometrically for as long as possible. The intensity of 13 common symptoms were queried. At pre, patients started to lengthen their muscles at ~50% of the maximal AF (AFmax), which was then reached during eccentric motion, indicating unstable adaptation. At post and end, AFisomax increased significantly to ~99% and 100% of AFmax, respectively, reflecting stable adaptation. AFmax was statistically similar for all three time points. Symptom intensity decreased significantly from pre to end. The findings revealed a substantially impaired maximal holding capacity in long COVID patients, which returned to normal function with substantial health improvement. AFisomax might be a suitable sensitive functional parameter to assess long COVID patients and to support therapy process KW - Adaptive Force KW - maximal isometric Adaptive Force KW - holding capacity KW - muscle function KW - long COVID fatigue KW - post COVID syndrome KW - muscle weakness KW - neuromuscular control KW - biomechanical parameter Y1 - 2023 U6 - https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics13050882 SN - 2075-4418 VL - 13 IS - 5 PB - MDPI CY - Basel ER - TY - GEN A1 - Schaefer, Laura A1 - Bittmann, Frank T1 - The adaptive force as a potential biomechanical parameter in the recovery process of patients with long COVID T2 - Zweitveröffentlichungen der Universität Potsdam : Humanwissenschaftliche Reihe N2 - Long COVID patients show symptoms, such as fatigue, muscle weakness and pain. Adequate diagnostics are still lacking. Investigating muscle function might be a beneficial approach. The holding capacity (maximal isometric Adaptive Force; AFisomax) was previously suggested to be especially sensitive for impairments. This longitudinal, non-clinical study aimed to investigate the AF in long COVID patients and their recovery process. AF parameters of elbow and hip flexors were assessed in 17 patients at three time points (pre: long COVID state, post: immediately after first treatment, end: recovery) by an objectified manual muscle test. The tester applied an increasing force on the limb of the patient, who had to resist isometrically for as long as possible. The intensity of 13 common symptoms were queried. At pre, patients started to lengthen their muscles at ~50% of the maximal AF (AFmax), which was then reached during eccentric motion, indicating unstable adaptation. At post and end, AFisomax increased significantly to ~99% and 100% of AFmax, respectively, reflecting stable adaptation. AFmax was statistically similar for all three time points. Symptom intensity decreased significantly from pre to end. The findings revealed a substantially impaired maximal holding capacity in long COVID patients, which returned to normal function with substantial health improvement. AFisomax might be a suitable sensitive functional parameter to assess long COVID patients and to support therapy process T3 - Zweitveröffentlichungen der Universität Potsdam : Humanwissenschaftliche Reihe - 823 KW - Adaptive Force KW - maximal isometric Adaptive Force KW - holding capacity KW - muscle function KW - long COVID KW - post COVID syndrome KW - muscle weakness KW - neuromuscular control KW - biomechanical parameter Y1 - 2023 U6 - http://nbn-resolving.de/urn/resolver.pl?urn:nbn:de:kobv:517-opus4-585187 SN - 1866-8364 IS - 823 ER - TY - THES A1 - Schaefer, Laura T1 - Synchronisationsphänomene myotendinöser Oszillationen interagierender neuromuskulärer Systeme T1 - Synchronization phenomena of myotendinal oscillations during interaction of neuromuscular systems BT - mit Betrachtung einer Hypothese bezüglich unterschiedlicher Qualitäten isometrischer Muskelaktion BT - considering a hypothesis regarding different qualities of isometric muscle action N2 - Muskeln oszillieren nachgewiesener Weise mit einer Frequenz um 10 Hz. Doch was geschieht mit myofaszialen Oszillationen, wenn zwei neuromuskuläre Systeme interagieren? Die Dissertation widmet sich dieser Fragestellung bei isometrischer Interaktion. Während der Testmessungen ergaben sich Hinweise für das Vorhandensein von möglicherweise zwei verschiedenen Formen der Isometrie. Arbeiten zwei Personen isometrisch gegeneinander, können subjektiv zwei Modi eingenommen werden: man kann entweder isometrisch halten – der Kraft des Partners widerstehen – oder isometrisch drücken – gegen den isometrischen Widerstand des Partners arbeiten. Daher wurde zusätzlich zu den Messungen zur Interaktion zweier Personen an einzelnen Individuen geprüft, ob möglicherweise zwei Formen der Isometrie existieren. Die Promotion besteht demnach aus zwei inhaltlich und methodisch getrennten Teilen: I „Single-Isometrie“ und II „Paar-Isometrie“. Für Teil I wurden mithilfe eines pneumatisch betriebenen Systems die hypothetischen Messmodi Halten und Drücken während isometrischer Aktion untersucht. Bei n = 10 Probanden erfolgte parallel zur Aufzeichnung des Drucksignals während der Messungen die Erfassung der Kraft (DMS) und der Beschleunigung sowie die Aufnahme der mechanischen Muskeloszillationen folgender myotendinöser Strukturen via Mechanomyo- (MMG) bzw. Mechanotendografie (MTG): M. triceps brachii (MMGtri), Trizepssehne (MTGtri), M. obliquus externus abdominis (MMGobl). Pro Proband wurden bei 80 % der MVC sowohl sechs 15-Sekunden-Messungen (jeweils drei im haltenden bzw. drückenden Modus; Pause: 1 Minute) als auch vier Ermüdungsmessungen (jeweils zwei im haltenden bzw. drückenden Modus; Pause: 2 Minuten) durchgeführt. Zum Vergleich der Messmodi Halten und Drücken wurden die Amplituden der myofaszialen Oszillationen sowie die Kraftausdauer herangezogen. Signifikante Unterschiede zwischen dem haltenden und dem drückenden Modus zeigten sich insbesondere im Bereich der Ermüdungscharakteristik. So lassen Probanden im haltenden Modus signifikant früher nach als im drückenden Modus (t(9) = 3,716; p = .005). Im drückenden Modus macht das längste isometrische Plateau durchschnittlich 59,4 % der Gesamtdauer aus, im haltenden sind es 31,6 % (t(19) = 5,265, p = .000). Die Amplituden der Single-Isometrie-Messungen unterscheiden sich nicht signifikant. Allerdings variieren die Amplituden des MMGobl zwischen den Messungen im drückenden Modus signifikant stärker als im haltenden Modus. Aufgrund dieser teils signifikanten Unterschiede zwischen den beiden Messmodi wurde dieses Setting auch im zweiten Teil „Paar-Isometrie“ berücksichtigt. Dort wurden n = 20 Probanden – eingeteilt in zehn gleichgeschlechtliche Paare – während isometrischer Interaktion untersucht. Die Sensorplatzierung erfolgte analog zu Teil I. Die Oszillationen der erfassten MTG- sowie MMG-Signale wurden u.a. mit Algorithmen der Nichtlinearen Dynamik auf ihre Kohärenz hin untersucht. Durch die Paar-Isometrie-Messungen zeigte sich, dass die Muskeln und die Sehnen beider neuromuskulärer Systeme bei Interaktion im bekannten Frequenzbereich von 10 Hz oszillieren. Außerdem waren sie in der Lage, sich bei Interaktion so aufeinander abzustimmen, dass sich eine signifikante Kohärenz entwickelte, die sich von Zufallspaarungen signifikant unterscheidet (Patchanzahl: t(29) = 3,477; p = .002; Summe der 4 längsten Patches: t(29) = 7,505; p = .000). Es wird der Schluss gezogen, dass neuromuskuläre Komplementärpartner in der Lage sind, sich im Sinne kohärenten Verhaltens zu synchronisieren. Bezüglich der Parameter zur Untersuchung der möglicherweise vorhandenen zwei Formen der Isometrie zeigte sich bei den Paar-Isometrie-Messungen zwischen Halten und Drücken ein signifikanter Unterschied bei der Ermüdungscharakteristik sowie bezüglich der Amplitude der MMGobl. Die Ergebnisse beider Teilstudien bestärken die Hypothese, dass zwei Formen der Isometrie existieren. Fraglich ist, ob man überhaupt von Isometrie sprechen kann, da jede isometrische Muskelaktion aus feinen Oszillationen besteht, die eine per Definition postulierte Isometrie ausschließen. Es wird der Vorschlag unterbreitet, die Isometrie durch den Begriff der Homöometrie auszutauschen. Die Ergebnisse der Paar-Isometrie-Messungen zeigen u.a., dass neuromuskuläre Systeme in der Lage sind, ihre myotendinösen Oszillationen so aufeinander abzustimmen, dass kohärentes Verhalten entsteht. Es wird angenommen, dass hierzu beide neuromuskulären Systeme funktionell intakt sein müssen. Das Verfahren könnte für die Diagnostik funktioneller Störungen relevant werden. N2 - Muscles oscillate with a frequency of about 10 Hz. But what happens with myofascial oscillations if two neuromuscular systems interact? The dissertation is devoted to this question during isometric interaction. The test measurements provide hints for the presence of possibly two different forms of isometric muscle action. When two persons work against each other, each individual can subjectively choose to take up one of two modes: one can either hold isometrically – thus resist the force of the partner – or one can push isometrically – and therefore work against the resistance of the partner. In addition to the measurements to determine the interaction of neuromuscular systems, measurements with single individuals were done to evaluate the question, if probably two forms of isometric muscle action exist. The doctoral thesis consists of two separate parts concerning the content and methodology: I “Single Isometric” and II “Coupled Isometric”. For part I the hypothetical measurement modes - “holding” and “pushing” during isometric muscle action - were examined using a pneumatic system. During the measurements of n = 10 subjects the signal of pressure, force (strain gauge) and acceleration were recorded. Furthermore, the detection of the mechanic muscle oscillations of the following myotendinal structures occurred via Mechanomyo- (MMG) and Mechanotendography (MTG), respectively: triceps brachii muscle (MMGtri), tendon of triceps brachii muscle (MTGtri) and obliquus externus abdominis muscle (MMGobl). Each test person performed at 80 % of MVC six 15-seconds-measurements (three at holding and three at pushing mode, respectively; break: 1 min.) as well as four fatigue measurements (two at holding and two at pushing mode, respectively; break: 2 min.). In order to compare the two measurement modes holding and pushing, the amplitude of the myofascial oscillations as well as the force endurance were used. Significant differences between the holding and the pushing mode appeared especially when looking at the characteristics of fatigue. Subjects in the holding mode yielded earlier than during the pushing one (t(9) = 3.716; p = .005). In the pushing mode the longest isometric plateau amounts 59.4 % of the overall duration of the measurement. During holding it lasted 31.6 % (t(19) = 5.265, p = .000). The amplitudes of the single-isometric-measurements did not differ significantly. But the amplitude of the MMGobl varied significantly stronger during the pushing mode comparing to the holding one. Due to these partly significant differences between both measurement modes, this setting was considered for the second part „Coupled-Isometric“, too. For the coupled-isometric-measurements n = 20 subjects – divided into same-sex couples – were investigated during isometric interaction. The placement of the sensors is analogous to part I. The oscillations of the recorded MMG- and MTG-signals were analyzed regarding their coherence inter alia by algorithms of non-linear dynamics. Through the coupled-isometric-measurements it was shown, that also during isometric interaction the muscles and the tendons of both neuromuscular systems oscillate at the known frequency range of 10 Hz. Moreover, the systems are able to coordinate them in such a manner, that a significant coherence appears. This differed significantly from random pairings (number of patches: t(29) = 3.477; p = .002; Sum of 4 longest patches: t(29) = 7.505; p = .000). Thus it is concluded that neuromuscular complementary partners are able to synchronize themselves in the sense of coherent behavior. Regarding the parameters concerning the possibly existing forms of isometric muscle action, a significant difference at the coupled-isometric-measurements between holding and pushing appeared with respect to the characteristics of fatigue as well as the amplitudes of the MMGobl. The results of both sub studies strengthen the hypothesis that two forms of isometric muscle action exist. It is questionable whether one can talk of isometry at all, since each isometric muscle action consists of fine oscillations. This excludes a by definition postulated isometry. It is proposed to exchange this term with homeometry. The results of the coupled-isometric-measurements show inter alia, that neuromuscular systems are able to coordinate their myotendinal oscillations, so that coherent behavior arises. It is supposed that for this both systems have to be functionally intact. This procedure could become relevant for diagnostics of functional disorders. KW - Mechanomyografie KW - myofasziale Oszillationen KW - Isometrie KW - Interaktion KW - Synchronisation KW - mechanomyography KW - myofascial oscillations KW - isometric muscle action KW - interaction KW - synchronization Y1 - 2014 U6 - http://nbn-resolving.de/urn/resolver.pl?urn:nbn:de:kobv:517-opus-72445 ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Hoff, Marko A1 - Schaefer, Laura A1 - Heinke, Nancy A1 - Bittmann, Frank T1 - Report on adaptive force, a specific neuromuscular function JF - European journal of translational myology KW - Adaptive Force KW - isometric-eccentric force KW - muscle action KW - pneumatic force measuring system Y1 - 2015 U6 - https://doi.org/10.4081/ejtm.2015.5183 SN - 2037-7452 SN - 2037-7460 VL - 25 IS - 3 SP - 183 EP - 189 PB - PAGEPress CY - Pavia ER - TY - GEN A1 - Schaefer, Laura A1 - Carnarius, Friederike A1 - Dech, Silas A1 - Bittmann, Frank T1 - Repeated measurements of Adaptive Force BT - Maximal holding capacity differs from other maximal strength parameters and preliminary characteristics for non-professional strength vs. endurance athletes T2 - Zweitveröffentlichungen der Universität Potsdam : Humanwissenschaftliche Reihe N2 - The Adaptive Force (AF) reflects the neuromuscular capacity to adapt to external loads during holding muscle actions and is similar to motions in real life and sports. The maximal isometric AF (AFisomax) was considered to be the most relevant parameter and was assumed to have major importance regarding injury mechanisms and the development of musculoskeletal pain. The aim of this study was to investigate the behavior of different torque parameters over the course of 30 repeated maximal AF trials. In addition, maximal holding vs. maximal pushing isometric muscle actions were compared. A side consideration was the behavior of torques in the course of repeated AF actions when comparing strength and endurance athletes. The elbow flexors of n = 12 males (six strength/six endurance athletes, non-professionals) were measured 30 times (120 s rest) using a pneumatic device. Maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) was measured pre and post. MVIC, AFisomax, and AFmax (maximal torque of one AF measurement) were evaluated regarding different considerations and statistical tests. AFmax and AFisomax declined in the course of 30 trials [slope regression (mean ± standard deviation): AFmax = −0.323 ± 0.263; AFisomax = −0.45 ± 0.45]. The decline from start to end amounted to −12.8% ± 8.3% (p < 0.001) for AFmax and −25.41% ± 26.40% (p < 0.001) for AFisomax. AF parameters declined more in strength vs. endurance athletes. Thereby, strength athletes showed a rather stable decline for AFmax and a plateau formation for AFisomax after 15 trials. In contrast, endurance athletes reduced their AFmax, especially after the first five trials, and remained on a rather similar level for AFisomax. The maximum of AFisomax of all 30 trials amounted 67.67% ± 13.60% of MVIC (p < 0.001, n = 12), supporting the hypothesis of two types of isometric muscle action (holding vs. pushing). The findings provided the first data on the behavior of torque parameters after repeated isometric–eccentric actions and revealed further insights into neuromuscular control strategies. Additionally, they highlight the importance of investigating AF parameters in athletes based on the different behaviors compared to MVIC. This is assumed to be especially relevant regarding injury mechanisms. T3 - Zweitveröffentlichungen der Universität Potsdam : Humanwissenschaftliche Reihe - 831 KW - Adaptive Force KW - maximal isometric Adaptive Force KW - holding capacity KW - neuromuscular control KW - strength vs. endurance athletes KW - injury mechanisms KW - repeated adaptive isometric–eccentric muscle action KW - holding (HIMA) and pushing (PIMA) isometric muscle action Y1 - 2023 U6 - http://nbn-resolving.de/urn/resolver.pl?urn:nbn:de:kobv:517-opus4-588030 SN - 1866-8364 IS - 831 ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Schaefer, Laura A1 - Carnarius, Friederike A1 - Dech, Silas A1 - Bittmann, Frank T1 - Repeated measurements of Adaptive Force BT - maximal holding capacity differs from other maximal strength parameters and preliminary characteristics for non-professional strength vs. endurance athletes JF - Frontiers in physiology N2 - The Adaptive Force (AF) reflects the neuromuscular capacity to adapt to external loads during holding muscle actions and is similar to motions in real life and sports. The maximal isometric AF (AFisoₘₐₓ) was considered to be the most relevant parameter and was assumed to have major importance regarding injury mechanisms and the development of musculoskeletal pain. The aim of this study was to investigate the behavior of different torque parameters over the course of 30 repeated maximal AF trials. In addition, maximal holding vs. maximal pushing isometric muscle actions were compared. A side consideration was the behavior of torques in the course of repeated AF actions when comparing strength and endurance athletes. The elbow flexors of n = 12 males (six strength/six endurance athletes, non-professionals) were measured 30 times (120 s rest) using a pneumatic device. Maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) was measured pre and post. MVIC, AFisoₘₐₓ, and AFₘₐₓ (maximal torque of one AF measurement) were evaluated regarding different considerations and statistical tests. AFₘₐₓ and AFisoₘₐₓ declined in the course of 30 trials [slope regression (mean ± standard deviation): AFₘₐₓ = −0.323 ± 0.263; AFisoₘₐₓ = −0.45 ± 0.45]. The decline from start to end amounted to −12.8% ± 8.3% (p < 0.001) for AFₘₐₓ and −25.41% ± 26.40% (p < 0.001) for AFisoₘₐₓ. AF parameters declined more in strength vs. endurance athletes. Thereby, strength athletes showed a rather stable decline for AFmax and a plateau formation for AFisoₘₐₓ after 15 trials. In contrast, endurance athletes reduced their AFₘₐₓ, especially after the first five trials, and remained on a rather similar level for AFisomax. The maximum of AFisoₘₐₓ of all 30 trials amounted 67.67% ± 13.60% of MVIC (p < 0.001, n = 12), supporting the hypothesis of two types of isometric muscle action (holding vs. pushing). The findings provided the first data on the behavior of torque parameters after repeated isometric–eccentric actions and revealed further insights into neuromuscular control strategies. Additionally, they highlight the importance of investigating AF parameters in athletes based on the different behaviors compared to MVIC. This is assumed to be especially relevant regarding injury mechanisms. KW - Adaptive Force KW - maximal isometric Adaptive Force KW - holding capacity KW - neuromuscular control KW - strength vs. endurance athletes KW - injury mechanisms KW - repeated adaptive isometric–eccentric muscle action KW - holding (HIMA) and pushing (PIMA) isometric muscle action Y1 - 2023 U6 - https://doi.org/10.3389/fphys.2023.1020954 SN - 1664-042X VL - 14 PB - Frontiers Research Foundation CY - Lausanne ER - TY - GEN A1 - Schaefer, Laura A1 - Bittmann, Frank T1 - Parkinson patients without tremor show changed patterns of mechanical muscle oscillations during a specific bilateral motor task compared to controls T2 - Postprints der Universität Potsdam : Humanwissenschaftliche Reihe N2 - The pathophysiology of Parkinson’s disease (PD) is still not understood. There are investigations which show a changed oscillatory behaviour of brain circuits or changes in variability of, e.g., gait parameters in PD. The aim of this study was to investigate whether or not the motor output differs between PD patients and healthy controls. Thereby, patients without tremor are investigated in the medication off state performing a special bilateral isometric motor task. The force and accelerations (ACC) were recorded as well as the Mechanomyography (MMG) of the biceps brachii, the brachioradialis and of the pectoralis major muscles using piezoelectric-sensors during the bilateral motor task at 60% of the maximal isometric contraction. The frequency, a specific power ratio, the amplitude variation and the slope of amplitudes were analysed. The results indicate that the oscillatory behaviour of motor output in PD patients without tremor deviates from controls: thereby, the 95%-confidence-intervals of power ratio and of amplitude variation of all signals are disjoint between PD and controls and show significant differences in group comparisons (power ratio: p = 0.000–0.004, r = 0.441–0.579; amplitude variation: p = 0.000–0.001, r = 0.37–0.67). The mean frequency shows a significant difference for ACC (p = 0.009, r = 0.43), but not for MMG. It remains open, whether this muscular output reflects changes of brain circuits and whether the results are reproducible and specific for PD. T3 - Zweitveröffentlichungen der Universität Potsdam : Humanwissenschaftliche Reihe - 602 Y1 - 2020 U6 - http://nbn-resolving.de/urn/resolver.pl?urn:nbn:de:kobv:517-opus4-445431 SN - 1866-8364 IS - 602 ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Schaefer, Laura A1 - Bittmann, Frank T1 - Parkinson patients without tremor show changed patterns of mechanical muscle oscillations during a specific bilateral motor task compared to controls JF - Scientific Reports N2 - The pathophysiology of Parkinson’s disease (PD) is still not understood. There are investigations which show a changed oscillatory behaviour of brain circuits or changes in variability of, e.g., gait parameters in PD. The aim of this study was to investigate whether or not the motor output differs between PD patients and healthy controls. Thereby, patients without tremor are investigated in the medication off state performing a special bilateral isometric motor task. The force and accelerations (ACC) were recorded as well as the Mechanomyography (MMG) of the biceps brachii, the brachioradialis and of the pectoralis major muscles using piezoelectric-sensors during the bilateral motor task at 60% of the maximal isometric contraction. The frequency, a specific power ratio, the amplitude variation and the slope of amplitudes were analysed. The results indicate that the oscillatory behaviour of motor output in PD patients without tremor deviates from controls: thereby, the 95%-confidence-intervals of power ratio and of amplitude variation of all signals are disjoint between PD and controls and show significant differences in group comparisons (power ratio: p = 0.000–0.004, r = 0.441–0.579; amplitude variation: p = 0.000–0.001, r = 0.37–0.67). The mean frequency shows a significant difference for ACC (p = 0.009, r = 0.43), but not for MMG. It remains open, whether this muscular output reflects changes of brain circuits and whether the results are reproducible and specific for PD. Y1 - 2020 U6 - https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-020-57766-5 SN - 2045-2322 VL - 10 PB - Macmillan Publishers Limited, part of Springer Nature CY - London ER - TY - GEN A1 - Schaefer, Laura A1 - Bittmann, Frank T1 - Paired personal interaction reveals objective differences between pushing and holding isometric muscle action T2 - Postprints der Universität Potsdam : Humanwissenschaftliche Reihe N2 - In sports and movement sciences isometric muscle function is usually measured by pushing against a stable resistance. However, subjectively one can hold or push isometrically. Several investigations suggest a distinction of those forms. The aim of this study was to investigate whether these two forms of isometric muscle action can be distinguished by objective parameters in an interpersonal setting. 20 subjects were grouped in 10 same sex pairs, in which one partner should perform the pushing isometric muscle action (PIMA) and the other partner executed the holding isometric muscle action (HIMA). The partners had contact at the distal forearms via an interface, which included a strain gauge and an acceleration sensor. The mechanical oscillations of the triceps brachii (MMGtri) muscle, its tendon (MTGtri) and the abdominal muscle (MMGobl) were recorded by a piezoelectric-sensor-based measurement system. Each partner performed three 15s (80% MVIC) and two fatiguing trials (90% MVIC) during PIMA and HIMA, respectively. Parameters to compare PIMA and HIMA were the mean frequency, the normalized mean amplitude, the amplitude variation, the power in the frequency range of 8 to 15 Hz, a special power-frequency ratio and the number of task failures during HIMA or PIMA (partner who quit the task). A “HIMA failure” occurred in 85% of trials (p < 0.001). No significant differences between PIMA and HIMA were found for the mean frequency and normalized amplitude. The MMGobl showed significantly higher values of amplitude variation (15s: p = 0.013; fatiguing: p = 0.007) and of power-frequency-ratio (15s: p = 0.040; fatiguing: p = 0.002) during HIMA and a higher power in the range of 8 to 15 Hz during PIMA (15s: p = 0.001; fatiguing: p = 0.011). MMGtri and MTGtri showed no significant differences. Based on the findings it is suggested that a holding and a pushing isometric muscle action can be distinguished objectively, whereby a more complex neural control is assumed for HIMA. T3 - Zweitveröffentlichungen der Universität Potsdam : Humanwissenschaftliche Reihe - 714 KW - neural-control KW - task failure KW - lengthening contractions KW - force KW - oscillations KW - load KW - time KW - synchronization KW - activation KW - principles Y1 - 2021 U6 - http://nbn-resolving.de/urn/resolver.pl?urn:nbn:de:kobv:517-opus4-519119 SN - 1866-8364 IS - 714 ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Schaefer, Laura A1 - Bittmann, Frank T1 - Paired personal interaction reveals objective differences between pushing and holding isometric muscle action JF - PLOS One N2 - In sports and movement sciences isometric muscle function is usually measured by pushing against a stable resistance. However, subjectively one can hold or push isometrically. Several investigations suggest a distinction of those forms. The aim of this study was to investigate whether these two forms of isometric muscle action can be distinguished by objective parameters in an interpersonal setting. 20 subjects were grouped in 10 same sex pairs, in which one partner should perform the pushing isometric muscle action (PIMA) and the other partner executed the holding isometric muscle action (HIMA). The partners had contact at the distal forearms via an interface, which included a strain gauge and an acceleration sensor. The mechanical oscillations of the triceps brachii (MMGtri) muscle, its tendon (MTGtri) and the abdominal muscle (MMGobl) were recorded by a piezoelectric-sensor-based measurement system. Each partner performed three 15s (80% MVIC) and two fatiguing trials (90% MVIC) during PIMA and HIMA, respectively. Parameters to compare PIMA and HIMA were the mean frequency, the normalized mean amplitude, the amplitude variation, the power in the frequency range of 8 to 15 Hz, a special power-frequency ratio and the number of task failures during HIMA or PIMA (partner who quit the task). A “HIMA failure” occurred in 85% of trials (p < 0.001). No significant differences between PIMA and HIMA were found for the mean frequency and normalized amplitude. The MMGobl showed significantly higher values of amplitude variation (15s: p = 0.013; fatiguing: p = 0.007) and of power-frequency-ratio (15s: p = 0.040; fatiguing: p = 0.002) during HIMA and a higher power in the range of 8 to 15 Hz during PIMA (15s: p = 0.001; fatiguing: p = 0.011). MMGtri and MTGtri showed no significant differences. Based on the findings it is suggested that a holding and a pushing isometric muscle action can be distinguished objectively, whereby a more complex neural control is assumed for HIMA. KW - neural-control KW - task failure KW - lengthening contractions KW - force KW - oscillations KW - load KW - time KW - synchronization KW - activation KW - principles Y1 - 2021 U6 - https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0238331 SN - 1932-6203 VL - 16 IS - 5 PB - PLOS CY - San Francisco ER -