Can neuromuscular differences manifest by early adolescence in males between predominantly endurance and strength sports?

Author Identifier

Kazunori Nosaka

https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7373-4994

Anthony Blazevich

https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1664-1614

Document Type

Journal Article

Publication Title

European Journal of Applied Physiology

Volume

124

First Page

2651

Last Page

2663

Publisher

Springer

School

School of Medical and Health Sciences / Centre for Human Performance

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, 124, 2651-2663. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-024-05480-9

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

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