Human postural control is a complex process, but that is critical to understand in order to reduce the prevalence of occupational falls. Localized muscle fatigue (LMF), altered sensory input, and inter-individual differences (e.g. age and gender) have been shown to influence postural control, and numerous methods have been developed in order to quantify such effects. Recently, methods based on statistical mechanics have become popular, and when applied to center of pressure (COP) data, appear to provide new information regarding the postural control system. This study addresses in particular the stabilogram diffusion and Hurst exponent methods. An existing dataset was employed, in which sway during quiet stance was measured under different visual and surface compliance conditions, among both genders and different age groups, as well as before and after induction of localized muscle fatigue at the ankle, knee, torso, and shoulder. The stabilogram diffusion method determines both short-term and long-term diffusion coefficients, which correspond to open- and closed-loop control of posture, respectively. To do so, a "critical point" (or critical time interval) needs to be determined to distinguish between the two diffusion regions. Several limitations are inherent in existing methods to determine this critical point. To address this, a new algorithm was developed, based on a wavelet transform of COP data. The new algorithm is able to detect local maxima over specified frequency bands within COP data; therefore it can identify postural control mechanisms correspondent to those frequency bands. Results showed that older adults had smaller critical time intervals, and indicating that sway control of older adults was essentially different from young adults. Diffusion coefficients show that among young adults, torso LMF significantly compromised sway stability. In contrast, older adults appeared more resistance to LMF. Similar to earlier work, vision was found to play a crucial role in maintaining sway stability, and that stability was worse under eyes-closed (EC) than eyes-opened (EO) conditions. It was also found that the short-term Hurst exponent was not successful at detecting the effects of LMF on sway stability, likely because of a small sample size. The new critical point identification algorithm was verified to have better sensitivity and reliability than the traditional approach. The new algorithm can be used in future work to aid in the assessment of postural control and the mechanisms underlying this control. / Master of Science

Application of pressure in the form of taping and bracing has been shown to improve proprioception, and inducing localized muscle fatigue at various musculatures has been shown to adversely affect postural control. However, the potential for pressure application to mitigate the effects of localized muscle fatigue on postural control has not yet been determined. This study investigated specifically the effects of circumferential ankle pressure (CAP) and induced ankle fatigue on postural control. Fourteen young participants (seven males and seven females) performed fatiguing sub-maximal isotonic plantar flexion exercises on an isokinetic dynamometer, in the absence and presence of a pressure cuff (60 mm Hg) used to apply CAP. Proprioceptive acuity (PA) was determined using a passive-active joint position sense test, with categorical scores (low or high PA) used as a covariate. Postural sway during quiet standing was assessed using a force platform both pre- and post-fatigue as well as in the absence and presence of CAP. Application of CAP resulted in larger postural sway in individuals with low PA, and reduced postural sway in individuals with high PA. Fatigue effects on postural sway in individuals with low PA were more substantial as compared to individuals with high PA. CAP was found to be ineffective in mitigating the effects of fatigue on postural sway in individuals with lower PA. As a whole, the results suggest a potential for CAP as an ergonomic intervention in controlling fatigue-related fall incidents, though conclusive recommendations for use are not justified. / Master of Science

Diss. (sammanfattning) Umeå : Univ., 2005. / Härtill 5 uppsatser.

La prise en charge thérapeutique de la fatigue musculaire par le biais d’exercices physiques vise à améliorer la qualité de vie et implique habituellement des exercices unilatéraux ou l’électrostimulation neuromusculaire pour compenser une fonction musculaire altérée aussi bien chez les personnes saines ou dites vulnérables (e.g. atteintes d’une pathologie ou d’un traumatisme). La fatigue musculaire est une réduction de la capacité de production maximale de force, induite par l’exercice, que la tâche puisse être maintenue ou non (Bigland-Ritchie et al. 1983; Gandevia 2001; Enoka and Duchateau 2008). L’objectif général de cette thèse était d’étudier les stratégies d’activation neuromusculaire lors de la fatigue musculaire, de l’endurance musculaire et sur la performance musculaire au cours et/ou après des contractions volontaires et évoquées électriquement chez des personnes saines ou vulnérables tels que des enfants atteints d’infirmité motrice cérébrale (IMC) et des patients atteints de dystrophie musculaire facio-scapulo-humérale (DMFSH). / The clinical care of muscle fatigue with exercise therapies aim at quality of life improvement and usually involve unilateral exercises or neuromuscular electrical stimulation to compensate impaired muscle function in both healthy and health-compromised people. Muscle fatigue is a decline in maximal force production, induced with exercising, whether or not the task can be maintained (Bigland-Ritchie et al. 1983a; Gandevia 2001a; Enoka and Duchateau 2008). The overall objective of this thesis was to study the effect of neuromuscular activation strategies during muscle fatigue, endurance and muscle performance after voluntary and electrically evoked contractions in healthy and health-compromised populations such as children with cerebral palsy (CP) and patients with facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD).

Embora a analise no domínio da freqüência do sinal Eletromiográfico (EMG) seja empregada na caracterização do processo de fadiga muscular localizada sua aplicação, especificamente a da Freqüência Mediana (Fmed), é pouco explorada para a determinação do Limiar de Fadiga Eletromiográfico (LFE). Neste estudo foram realizadas análises baseadas em procedimentos experimentais executados em três diferentes modalidades de exercício: i) isométrico; ii) isotônico com peso fixo; iii) isotônico no cicloergômetro; onde foi monitorado o comportamento da Fmed do sinal EMG em três porções do músculo quadríceps femoral: vasto lateral, vasto medial e reto femoral. Os resultados demonstraram ser possível determinar o LFE através da monitoração da Fmed, em qualquer modalidade de exercício para todas as três porções musculares avaliadas. Entretanto, para o exercício isométrico e isotônico com peso fixo a qualidade dos ajustes, utilizados para o calculo do LFE, apresentou melhores índices estatísticos em comparação com os resultados obtidos no cicloergômetro. Pode ser considerado um reflexo deste comportamento a menor variação nos valores do LFE observada nas duas primeiras modalidades de exercício. Por conseqüência, nestas modalidades, uma melhor caracterização do LFE, relacionada sua definição teórica, foi observada. A análise complementar das bandas de freqüência isoladas demonstrou a possibilidade de melhoramentos relacionados ao processo metodológico de tratamento do sinal EMG para determinação do LFE. Entende-se que a determinação do LFE é uma temática controversa, porém ao mesmo tempo apresenta um grande potencial de exploração científica caracterizando, neste contexto, a contribuição deste estudo para a área / Tthough the analysis in the frequency domain of the Electromyographic Signal (EMG) was used in the characterization of the localized muscular fatigue process their application, specifically the Median Frequency (MF), is rarely explored for the determination of Electromyographic Fatigue Threshold (EMGFT). In this study analysis based in experimental procedures were executed in three different modalities of exercise: i) isometric; ii) dynamic with fixed load; iii) dynamic in the cycle ergometer; where was monitored the behavior of the EMG signal through the MF in three portions of the quadriceps muscle: vastus lateralis, vastus medialis and rectus femoris. The results demonstrated that the determination of EMGFT through the monitorization of MF was possible, in any modality of exercises for all the three muscular portions evaluated. However for the isometric and dynamic exercise with fixed load the quality of the adjustments, used for estimate the EMGFT, presented better statistical index in comparison with the results obtained in the cycle ergometer. May be considered a reflex of this behavior the smallest variation in the values of EMGFT observed in the first two modalities of exercise. For consequence, in these modalities, a better characterization of EMGFT was observed when related with your theoretical definition. The complemental analysis of the isolated bands of frequency demonstrated the possibility of improvement related in the methodological process of EMG signal processing for determination of EMGFT. The understanding around the determination of EMGFT demonstrated a controversial theme, however at the same time it presents a great potential of scientific exploration characterizing, in this context, the contribution of present study for this area

A menopausa é o final da vida reprodutiva da mulher e pode ter como consequência a perda da massa óssea e desenvolvimento da osteoporose. A sarcopenia decorrente do processo de envelhecimento acarreta na diminuição de massa e força muscular, déficit de desempenho e maior risco de quedas e fraturas. A Ressonância Nuclear Magnética (RNM) é uma ferramenta não invasiva e eficaz para a avaliação quantitativa e da dinâmica metabólica do músculo esquelético. Por meio do mapa T2 é possível captar as alterações musculares agudas causadas pela atividade física. A intensificação do sinal T2 é causada pelo movimento osmótico da água intramuscular, aumento da acidose e do volume do espaço intracelular. O objetivo desta pesquisa foi avaliar a influência da densidade mineral óssea no metabolismo muscular de mulheres pós-menopáusicas. Foram avaliadas 16 pacientes do sexo feminino, no período pós-menopausa há mais de 12 meses, com média de idade de 63 anos, divididas em Grupo-Osteoporose (GO=9) e Grupo Controle (CG=7). Todas foram submetidas ao exame de Ressonância Nuclear Magnética da região da coxa (RNM1) e em seguida fizeram uma dinamometria isocinética na velocidade de 180 graus/segundo (duas séries de 10 contrações voluntárias máximas) e exercícios específicos para ativação do músculo quadríceps (agachamento e \"step\"), e após os exercícios, fizeram a RNM2. Os resultados mostraram aumento do mapa T2, caracterizado pelo maior tempo de relaxamento nos dois grupos avaliados, sem diferença entre eles. Não se observou correlação significativa dos resultados da RNM2 com os parâmetros de força (pico de torque corrigido pela massa corporal) e potência (trabalho total das 10 repetições da segunda série) e com a dosagem de vitamina D. Também não houve correlação entre a dinamometria isocinética e dosagem de vitamina D. A osteoporose não afeta a resposta muscular do quadríceps ao exercício, avaliada pelo mapa T2 da ressonância nuclear magnética. A metodologia é robusta e eficiente, mostrando que a RM é um método sensível para medir mudanças metabólicas no músculo após o exercício / Menopause is the end of woman\'s reproductive life and consequences as loss of bone mass and osteoporosis may emerge. The ageing\'s sarcopenia entails the reduction of muscle mass and strength, deficit of physical performance and increases the risk of falls and fractures, which is also present in postmenopausal women. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a noninvasive and effective tool for quantitative assessment and metabolic dynamics of skeletal muscle. Through the T2 map is possible to capture acute muscle disorders caused by physical activity. Intensification of T2 sign is caused by osmotic movement of intramuscular water, increase of acidosis and intracellular space volume. The aim of this study was to evaluate bone mineral density in muscle metabolism in postmenopausal women. We evaluated 8 female patients in postmenopausal for more than 12 months, with a mean age of 63 years, divided into osteoporosis-group (GO=9) and control group (CG=7). They were submitted to MRI examination of thigh at rest (RM1), and then the isokinetic dynamometer at the speed of 180 degrees/second, 2 sets of 10 maximal voluntary contractions and specific exercises to activate the quadriceps muscle (squats and step) and then the RM2 to capture the muscle metabolic changes. For perception of fatigue level, samples of lactate were taken at rest (Lac1), after 1 minute (lac2) and 3 minutes (Lac3) from the end of the exercises. In both groups, it was observed variation of lac2 Lac3, confirming that fatigue levels and changes in RM2 compared to RM1 in the uptake of water were achieved due to intramuscular specific physical changes in post-exercise muscle metabolism. The results showed increased T2 map, characterized by the highest relaxation time in both groups and there are no difference between them. There was no significant correlation of the results of the RNM2 with the parameters of force (peak torque corrected by body mass) and potency (total work) and with the dosage of vitamin D. There was also no correlation between the isokinetic dinamometria and dosage of vitamin D. Osteoporosis does not affect the muscle response of the quadriceps to exercise, assessed by the T2 map of magnetic resonance imaging. The methodology proved to be robust and efficient, showing that MRI is a sensitive method to measure metabolic changes in muscle after exercise

O acúmulo intramuscular de íons H+ decorrente do exercício de alta intensidade inibe enzimas da via glicolítica, além de prejudicar diversas etapas do processo contrátil levando à fadiga. Especula-se que a suplementação combinada de betaalanina (via aumento da concentração de carnosina) e bicarbonato de sódio aumentaria a capacidade tamponante intra e extracelular refletindo em efeitos sinérgicos no metabolismo energético e no desempenho, do que quando suplementados isoladamente. Poucos estudos investigaram a eficácia da combinação dos suplementos durante o exercício e não há informações sobre os efeitos desta combinação nos sistemas energéticos. Portanto, esse estudo teve por objetivo investigar a eficácia da suplementação combinada ou isolada de betaalanina e bicarbonato de sódio enquanto estratégias de aumento da capacidade tamponante, bem como seu potencial na modulação do metabolismo energético e no desempenho do exercício intermitente de alta intensidade. O estudo contou com um desenho duplo-cego em que 77 voluntários (idade 38,6 ± 9,9 anos; massa corporal 76,6 ± 8,4 kg; VO2pico 59,3 ± 5,2 ml.kg-1.min-1) foram randomizados e aleatoriamente alocados em um dos 4 grupos sendo; beta-alanina (BA; n= 19), bicarbonato de sódio (BIC; n = 19), beta-alanina e bicarbonato de sódio (BA + BIC; n = 20) ou dextrose (PLA; n = 19). A eficácia das substâncias na contribuição dos sistemas energéticos foi comparada antes e após um período de 28 dias de suplementação de 6,4g/dia de beta-alanina e de 0,3g/kg de massa corporal de bicarbonato de sódio administrada 60 minutos antes de um exercício intermitente em cicloergômetro, que consistia de 4 séries de 1 minuto a 110% da potência aeróbia máxima com 1 minuto de intervalo e cadência constante. Após 10 minutos de repouso passivo, o desempenho era avaliado em um teste time-trial cuja meta era completar um trabalho total de 30 kJ, no menor tempo possível. Foram mensuradas as concentrações sanguíneas de pH, bicarbonato, excesso de base e lactato antes, durante e após os exercícios. As frações dos sistemas oxidativo e alático (ATP-CP) foram estimadas com base no consumo de oxigênio e o glicolítico pelo delta da concentração do lactato. O perfil energético do exercício intermitente consistiu na maior parte do sistema oxidativo (45 - 55%), seguido do sistema ATP-CP (35 - 40%) e do glicolítico (8 - 15%). A suplementação de bicarbonato de sódio elevou (P<0,001) as concentrações sanguíneas de bicarbonato (~ 6 mmol/L) e pH (~ 0,06 unidades) nos grupos BIC e BA + BIC, gerando uma maior concentração do lactato nas séries iniciais o que refletiu no aumento do custo energético glicolítico na primeira série do exercício intermitente, sendo estatisticamente significativo somente no grupo BIC (9,9 ± 7,2 kJ vs 18,7 ± 9,4 kJ; pré vs pós-suplementação). Não houve efeito da suplementação no tempo para completar o time-trial entre os grupos ou períodos de suplementação (BA -0,5%; BIC -1,4%; BA + BIC -4% e PLA 0%). A suplementação de bicarbonato de sódio, independentemente da suplementação de beta-alanina melhorou as variáveis de controle do equilíbrio ácido-base sanguíneo resultando na maior participação da via glicolítica, entretanto não conferiu benefícios adicionais ao desempenho / Intramuscular accumulation of H+ ions during high-intensity exercise inhibits glycolytic pathway enzymes and impairs several steps in the muscle-contraction process, causing fatigue. It has been suggested that a combined supplementation of betaalanine (through an increase in carnosine concentration) and sodium bicarbonate would increase intra- and extracellular buffering capacity causing synergetic effects on energy metabolism and performance, more than each supplement alone. Few studies investigate the effectiveness of combined supplements during exercise and there is no literature on the effects of this combination on energy system contribution. Therefore, the present study investigated the effectiveness of both beta-alanine and sodium bicarbonate alone and together in increasing buffering capacity as well as the potential for modulating energy metabolism and performance during high-intensity intermittent exercise. The study was double-blind and 77 volunteers (aged 38.6 ± 9.9 year, body mass 76.6 ± 8.4 kg; VO2peak 59,3 ± 5,2 ml.kg-1.min-1) were randomly assigned to four groups: beta-alanine (BA; n = 19), sodium bicarbonate (BIC; n = 19), beta-alanine and sodium bicarbonate (BA + BIC; n = 20), dextrose (PLA; n = 19). The efficacy of the substances in contributing to energy systems was compared before and after a 28-day period of supplementing 6.4g/day of beta-alanine and of 0.3g/kg of body mass of sodium bicarbonate administered 60 minutes before a cycling intermittent exercise, consisting of 4 sets of 1-minute each at 110% of maximum aerobic power with 1-minute intervals between each set and at an even pace. After 10 minutes of passive rest, performance was measured during a time-trial test in which participants were asked the complete 30 kJ of total work as fast as possible. Blood concentration of pH, bicarbonate, base excess, and lactate were measured before, during, and after intermittent and time trial protocols. The contributions of oxidative and anaerobic alactic (ATP-CP) were estimated based on oxygen consumption and the glycolytic system by the delta of lactate concentration. The energy demand of the intermittent exercises mostly consisted of the oxidative system (45-55%), followed by the ATP-CP system (35-40%), lastly glycolytic (8-15%). The sodium bicarbonate supplement elevated (P>0.001) blood concentration of bicarbonate (~6mmol/L) and pH (~0.06) units in the BIC and BA + BIC groups, generated a high concentration of lactate in the first sets, reflecting the increase in glycolytic energy cost in the first set of intermittent exercise, but was only statistically significant in the BIC group (9.9 ± 7.2 KJ vs 18.7 ± 9.4 KJ; pre vs postsupplementation). Supplementation did not have an effect on the time-trial times between groups or supplement periods (BA -0.5%, BIC -1.4%, BA + BIC -4%, PLA 0%). Supplementing with sodium bicarbonate, both alone and together with betaalanine improved blood acid-base control during high-intensity intermittent exercise resulting in high participation of the glycolytic metabolism, however it did not lead to additional performance

Apesar da prática da Ginástica Acrobática ser apontada por alguns estudos como um estímulo eficiente em gerar adaptações neuromusculares associadas a uma melhora no controle postural, até o presente momento nenhum estudo investigou o comportamento das oscilações posturais de ginastas da Ginástica Acrobática frente à manipulação de informações sensoriais, como por exemplo, na presença de informações táteis adicionais. Além disso, um grande número de estudos tem mostrado um aumento nas oscilações posturais em função da fadiga muscular. No entanto, não há na literatura investigações acerca dos efeitos da fadiga muscular sobre controle postural de ginastas da Ginástica Acrobática. Visto que diferentes tipos de treinamento físico, especialmente aqueles que requerem ações rápidas e habilidosas envolvendo equilíbrio e orientação corporal, induzem melhoras no controle postural, a hipótese levantada nesse estudo foi de que os ginastas da Ginástica Acrobática deveriam apresentar, após um protocolo de indução de fadiga muscular, um aumento nas oscilações posturais menos acentuados em comparação a não ginastas (i.e. um menor efeito da fadiga muscular sobre as oscilações posturais). Dessa forma, o objetivo desse estudo foi comparar, entre ginastas da Ginástica Acrobática (grupo GYN) e não ginastas (grupo CTRL), os efeitos da fadiga muscular dos flexores plantares do tornozelo sobre o controle postural, durante tarefas de postura unipodal com e sem a presença de informações táteis adicionais (i.e. com e sem contato do dedo indicador com uma superfície externa). Além disso, foi utilizada eletromiografia (EMG) de superfície de músculos do membro inferior e do tronco para avaliar mais profundamente as adaptações do sistema neuromuscular em função da instalação da fadiga. Os resultados indicaram que, para ambos os grupos GYN e CTRL, a fadiga muscular causou aumento das oscilações posturais, enquanto o toque causou diminuição das mesmas. No entanto, para o grupo CTRL (mas não para o grupo GYN) o efeito da fadiga parece ser dependente da condição de toque, visto que quando informações táteis adicionais estiveram presentes, o efeito da fadiga sobre as oscilações posturais foi atenuado. Apesar das oscilações posturais terem sido semelhantes entre os grupos GYN e CTRL, a análise dos sinais de EMG indicou que o grupo GYN utilizou menores níveis de ativação do músculo tibial anterior (ou ativações menos frequentes), assim como diferentes distribuições espectrais dos sinais de EMG provenientes do gastrocnêmio medial, bíceps femoral e do reto abdominal durante a tarefa de equilíbrio unipodal, independentemente da condição de fadiga ou de toque / Although Acrobatic Gymnastics practice has been considered effective in generating neuromuscular adaptations associated with postural control improvements, to date no study has investigated the behavior of postural sway of gymnasts of Acrobatics Gymnastics in response to the manipulation of sensory information such as the addition of tactile sensory cues. Moreover, a large number of studies have shown increased postural oscillations in response to muscle fatigue. However, no investigation has addressed the effects of muscle fatigue on the postural control of gymnasts of Acrobatics Gymnastics. As postural control is improved by different types of physical training, particularly those requiring skilled and fast actions, the hypothesis saised in this study was that gymnasts of Acrobatics Gymnastics would be less prone to fatigue-induced postural instabilities, thereby showing a smaller effect of muscle fatigue on postural sway. Therefore, the aim of this study was to compare the effects of plantar flexor muscle fatigue on the control of single leg stance between gymnasts of Acrobatics Gymnastics (GYN group) and non-gymnasts (CTRL group), during postural tasks performed with and without additional tactile information due to contact of the index finger with an external surface. Additionally, surface EMG of the lower limb and trunk muscles was used to further evaluate the fatigue-induced adaptations on the neuromuscular system. The results indicated that, for both GYN and CTRL groups, muscle fatigue caused an increase in postural sway, while the touching an external surface decreased it. However, for the CTRL group (but not for the GYN group) the effect of fatigue seems to be dependent on the touch condition, as the effect of fatigue on postural sway was attenuated in the presence of additional tactile information. Although postural sway parameters were similar between the GYN and CTRL groups, analysis of the EMG signals indicated that the GYN group used lower levels of tibialis anterior muscle activation (or less frequent activations), as well as different spectral distributions of the EMG signals from gastocnemius medialis, biceps femoris and rectus abdominis during the unipodal postural task, regardless of the fatigue or touch condition

INTRODUÇÃO: Atualmente ainda não está claro se a atividade muscular e o treinamento físico afetam a síntese de carnosina muscular (Mcar) em resposta à suplementação de beta-alanina. OBJETIVO: verificar o impacto da atividade e inatividade muscular sobre o conteúdo de carnosina muscular (Mcarn) e sobre o aumento de Mcarn em resposta à suplementação de beta-alanina e, adicionalmente, verificar seu efeito sobra a capacidade de realizar esforços de alta intensidade. METHODS: Dezesseis homens treinados com lesão medular (LM) (escala ASIA: AIS A ou AIS B) foram divididos em 2 grupos: beta-alanina (BA) (N = 11) e placebo (PL) (N = 5). Amostras de biópsias musculares foram obtidas do músculo vasto lateral inativo e do deltoide ativo, antes e após 28 dias de suplementação com beta-alanina (6.4 g.dia-1). Teste t independente foi aplicado para comparar a Mcar basal e a variação absoluta (PÓS - PRÉ) entre os músculos vasto lateral e deltoide. Um teste supramáximo de carga constante até a exaustão e um teste de Wingate de série única foram aplicados para verificar a capacidade de realizar esforços de alta intensidade. Análises por Modelo Misto foram aplicadas para comparar a Mcar, o tempo até a exaustão e os valores de potência pico intra e entre sujeitos. RESULTADOS: (média ± desvio padrão): a concentração basal de Mcar no vasto lateral foi significativamente maior que no deltoide (32,0 ± 12 vs. 20,5 ± 6,1 mmol.kg-1 de músculo seco; p = 0,02). As variações absolutas na Mcar foram significativamente maiores no grupo BA em comparação com o PL, tanto para o vasto lateral (BA: 17,6 ± 10,4 mmol.kg-1 de músculo seco; PL: 2,5 ± 2,3 mmol.kg-1 de músculo seco; p = 0,002) como para o deltoide (BA: 15,7 ± 6,8 mmol.kg-1 de músculo seco; PL: 1,4 ± 2,7 mmol.kg-1 de músculo seco; p <0,001). As variações absolutas verificadas no vasto lateral e deltoide não foram diferentes entre si (vasto lateral: 17,6 ± 10,4; deltóide: 15,7 ± 6,8 mmol.kg-1 do músculo seco; p = 0,6). Não houve efeito da suplementação sobre o tempo até exaustão e potência pico. CONCLUSÃO: a inatividade muscular crônica ocasionada por lesão medular, não afeta a Mcarn e também não interfere sobre o aumento de Mcarn em resposta à suplementação de BA. Estes resultados sugerem que a atividade muscular ou o estado de treinamento não influenciam a capacidade de síntese de Mcarn em resposta à suplementação de beta-alanina / BACKGROUND: it is currently unclear whether muscle activity and exercise training affect the ability of the skeletal muscle to synthesise carnosine in response to beta-alanine supplementation. PURPOSE: to study the impact of the extremes of muscle activity and inactivity on muscle carnosine content (Mcarn) and Mcarn loading in response to beta-alanine supplementation. METHODS: 16 trained male with spinal cord injury (SCI) (ASIA scale: AIS A or AIS B) were divided into 2 groups: beta-alanine (BA) (N = 11) and placebo (PL) (N = 5). Muscle biopsies samples were obtained from active deltoid and paralysed vastus lateralis at baseline and after 28 days of &#946;-alanine supplementation (6.4 g.day-1). Unpaired t-tests were applied to compare Mcarn at baseline and the absolute pre-post change in vastus lateralis and deltoid. Mixed model was used to compare Mcarn values within- and between-subjects. RESULTS: (mean±SD): Baseline Mcarn concentration in vastus lateralis was significantly higher than in deltoid (32.0±12 vs. 20.5±6.1 mmol.kg-1 dry muscle; p=0.02). Absolute changes in Mcarn was significantly higher in the BA group in comparison with PL for both vastus lateralis (BA: 17.6±10.4 mmol.kg-1 dry muscle; PL: 2.5±2.3 mmol.kg-1 dry muscle; p=0.002) and deltoid (BA: 15.7±6.8 mmol?kg-1 dry muscle; PL: 1.4±2.7 mmol?kg-1 dry muscle; p<0.001). Absolut changes in Mcarn following BA supplementation between inactive vastus lateralis and active deltoid was not different (vastus lateralis: 17.6±10.4; deltoid: 15.7±6.8 mmol?kg-1 dry muscle; p=0.6). CONCLUSION: chronic muscle inactivity due to paralysis in SCI does not affect Mcarn at baseline and does not affect Mcarn loading in response to BA supplementation. These results suggest that muscle activity or training status does not influence Mcarn synthesis capacity in response to beta-alanine supplementation

Chronic muscle pain is a significant medical and social problem and better understanding of the pathophysiological mechanisms involved is an important requirement for further development of diagnostics, treatment and rehabilitation methods. Experimental imaging studies have investigated functional neuroanatomy of different pain components. However, several aspects of brain mechanisms underlying brain processing of muscle pain remain unclear. The general goal of the present thesis was to study functional brain anatomy of systems underlying perception of muscle pain, processing of proprioceptive information and maintenance of fatiguing muscle contractions with an emphasize on their possible interrelations. Four series of experiment were carried out. Using an injection of hypertonic saline (HS) into the m. triceps to induce pain comparable with clinical muscle pain a significant activation of insula and putamen as well as decrease of activity in the temporal and occipital cortex in comparison with control stimulation were revealed. An advanced model of prolonged muscle pain were provided by the infusion of the HS during 20 minutes into m. erector spinae A complex dynamics of brain activity during the habituation to nociceptive stimulation was shown: initial activation of insula changed to decrease of activity in this and several other cortical areas. A conjunction analysis identified activations jointly significant in both experiments (despite localization of HS nociceptive stimulation) in the right insula, occipital and left parietal cortical areas. The study of brain activity in response to different modalities of prorioceptive inputs – passive movements, kinesthetic illusions and muscle vibration showed corresponding different patterns of activation in motor and somatosenory areas and temporal areas. Finally, the study of sustained isometric muscle contractions of various force levels and durations revealed that muscle fatigue is associated with contralateral activation of the motor and somatosensory areas and temporal areas and bilateral activation in the supplementary motor areas and cingular cortex, indicating that increased efforts needed to maintain required force and its eventual breakdown with fatigue might induce activation of additional cortical areas. Analysis of data obtained in all experimental series revealed that insula, secondary somatosensory and auditory areas are activated during both perception of muscle pain and processing of somatosensory afferentation. In conclusion, this thesis has elucidated brain processing of muscle pain showing distributed, bilateral patterns comprised of activated structures predominantly attributed to the medial pain system and deactivated structures. Furthermore, initial and late phases of tonic muscle pain are associated with different brain reactions, namely initial activation of the insula followed by a significant bilateral decrease of activity at the late stage. Area of brain cortex located near lateral sulcus and comprised of secondary somatosensory cortex, posterior part of the insula and adjacent auditory cortex is engaged in the perception of muscle pain and processing of somatosensory afferentation as well as maintenance of fatiguing muscle contractions.