Bourke, Rosie Jean (2016) The effects of localized fatigue in the knee extensors on crank power and muscle activation. Research Master thesis, Victoria University.

Abstract

Maximal power output during cycling exercise relies on the production of maximal force from the lower limb muscles, through their coordinated activation by the central nervous system. Larger levels of crank power are produced during the downstroke phase of the pedal cycle where the knee extensor muscles are highly activated and produce large levels of joint power. Reductions in force-generating capacity of the knee extensors resulting from fatiguing cycling exercises have been linked with a reduction in the ability of individuals to produce crank power and alterations in muscle coordination. However, fatigue induced by cycling exercises is likely to reduce the force-generating capacities of the other lower limb muscles, making it impossible to identify the effect of fatigue in the knee extensors on crank power production and muscle coordination. Isolated reductions in force-generating capacity of the knee extensors have been observed following singlejoint exercises requiring repeated contractions of this muscle group. To date, it is unknown how a unilateral single joint exercise effects power production during a bilateral movement. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of repeated contractions of the left knee extensor muscles on the production of crank power and the activation of the locomotor muscles of both lower limbs during bilateral maximal cycling exercise.

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