An Innovative Ergometer to Measure Neuromuscular Fatigue Immediately after Cycling.

Purpose: When assessing neuromuscular fatigue (NMF) from dynamic exercise using large muscle mass (e.g. cycling), most studies have delayed measurement for 1-3 min after task failure. This study aimed to determine the reliability of an innovative cycling ergometer permitting the start of fatigue measurement within 1 s after cycling. Methods: Twelve subjects participated in two experimental sessions. Knee-extensor NMF was assessed by electrical nerve and transcranial magnetic stimulation with both a traditional chair set-up (PRE and POST-Chair, 2 min post-exercise) and the new cycling ergometer (PRE, every 3 min during incremental exercise and POST-Bike, at task failure). Results: The reduction in maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) force POST-Bike (63 +/- 12% PRE; P 0.05). Vastus lateralis and rectus femoris M-wave and motor-evoked potential areas showed fair to excellent reliability (ICC = 0.45 to 0.88). The reduction in MVC and Db100 was greater on the cycling ergometer than the isometric chair. Conclusion: The innovative cycling ergometer is a reliable tool to assess NMF during and immediately post-exercise. This will allow fatigue etiology during dynamic exercise with large muscle mass to be revisited in various populations and environmental conditions. (C) 2017 American College of Sports Medicine

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