Can neuromuscular differences manifest by early adolescence in males between predominantly endurance and strength sports?
Document Type
Journal Article
Publication Title
European Journal of Applied Physiology
Publisher
Springer
School
School of Medical and Health Sciences / Centre for Human Performance
Abstract
Introduction: Although neuromuscular function varies significantly between strength and endurance-trained adult athletes, it has yet to be ascertained whether such differences manifest by early adolescence. The aim of the present study was to compare knee extensor neuromuscular characteristics between adolescent athletes who are representative of strength (wrestling) or endurance (triathlon) sports. Methods: Twenty-three triathletes (TRI), 12 wrestlers (WRE) and 12 untrained (CON) male adolescents aged 13 to 15 years participated in the present study. Maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) knee extensor (KE) torque was measured, and 100-Hz magnetic doublets were delivered to the femoral nerve during and after KE MVIC to quantify the voluntary activation level (%VA). The doublet peak torque (T100Hz) and normalized vastus lateralis (VL) and rectus femoris (RF) EMG (EMG/M-wave) activities were quantified. VL and RF muscle architecture was also assessed at rest using ultrasound. Results: Absolute and relative (to body mass) KE MVIC torques were significantly higher in WRE than TRI and CON (p < 0.05), but comparable between TRI and CON. No significant differences were observed between groups for %VA, T100Hz or either VL or RF muscle thickness. However, VL EMG/M-wave was higher, RF fascicle length longer, and pennation angle smaller in WRE than TRI and CON (all p < 0.05). Conclusion: The wrestlers were stronger than triathletes and controls, potentially as a result of muscle architectural differences and a greater neural activation. Neuromuscular differences can already be detected by early adolescence in males between predominantly endurance and strength sports, which may result from selection bias and/or physical training.
DOI
10.1007/s00421-024-05480-9
Access Rights
subscription content
Comments
Tarrit, B., Garnier, Y. M., Birat, A., Ruas, C. V., Estevam, E., Rance, M., . . . Ratel, S. (2024). Can neuromuscular differences manifest by early adolescence in males between predominantly endurance and strength sports?. European Journal of Applied Physiology. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-024-05480-9