Fatiguing Effects of Indirect Vibration Stimulation in Upper Limb Muscles- pre, post and during Isometric Contractions Superimposed on Upper Limb Vibration

Background Indirect vibration stimulation i.e. whole body vibration and upper limb vibration (ULV), are gaining popularity as exercise intervention for sports and rehabilitation applications. However, the fatiguing effects of indirect vibration stimulation are not yet fully understood. In addition, current vibration stimulation devices have a series of limitations. For this scope, we investigated the effects of ULV superimposed on fatiguing graded isometric contractions using a newly, purpose developed upper limb stimulation device. Twelve healthy volunteers were exposed to both ULV superimposed to fatiguing isometric contractions, at 80% of the maximum voluntary contractions (V) and just isometric contractions performed on a custom designed arm curl/flexion device- Control (C). The stimulation used consisted of 30Hz frequency of 0.4mm amplitude. Surface electromyographic (EMG) activity of the Biceps Brachii (BB), Triceps Brachii (TB), and Flexor Carpi Radialis (Forearm- FCR) were measured during both V and C conditions. EMG amplitude (EMGrms) and mean frequency (MEF) were computed to quantify muscle activity and fatigue levels respectively. Results All three muscles BB, TB and FCR displayed significantly higher reduction in MEFs and corresponding significant increase in EMGrms with the V than the C, during fatiguing contractions (P < 0.05). Post vibration treatment, all muscles showed higher levels of MEFs after recovery compared to the control. Conclusions Our results show that near maximal (80% of MVC) isometric fatiguing contractions superimposed on vibration stimulation lead to a higher rate of fatigue development compared to the isometric contraction alone in the upper limb muscles. Results also show, higher manifestation of mechanical fatigue post treatment with vibration compared to the control. Vibration superimposed on isometric contraction not only seems to alter the neuromuscular function during fatiguing efforts by inducing higher neuromuscular load but also post vibration treatment, potentially through the augmentation of stretch reflex and/or higher central motor command excitability.