Neuromuscular fatigability during repeated sprints assessed with an innovative cycle ergometer

Purpose Repeated sprint ability is an integral component of team sports. This study aimed to evaluate fatigability development and its aetiology during and immediately after a cycle repeated sprint exercise performed until a given fatigability threshold. Methods On an innovative cycle ergometer, 16 healthy males completed an RSE (10-s sprint/28-s recovery) until task failure (TF): a 30% decrease in sprint mean power (Pmean). Isometric maximum voluntary contraction of the quadriceps (IMVC), central alterations [voluntary activation (VA)], and peripheral alterations [twitch (Pt)] were evaluated before (pre), immediately after each sprint (post), at TF and 3 min after. Sprints were expressed as a percentage of the total number of sprints to TF (TSTF). Individual data were extrapolated at 20, 40, 60, and 80% TSTF. Results Participants completed 9.7 +/- 4.2 sprints before reaching a 30% decrease in Pmean. Post-sprint IMVCs were decreased from pre to 60% TSTF and then plateaued (pre: 345 +/- 56 N, 60% 247 +/- 55 N, TF: 233 +/- 57 N, p < 0.001). Pt decreased from 20% and plateaued after 40% TSTF (p < 0.001, pre-TF = - 45 +/- 13%). VA was not significantly affected by repeated sprints until 60% TSTF (pre-TF = - 6.5 +/- 8.2%, p = 0.036). Unlike peripheral parameters, VA recovered within 3 min (p = 0.042). Conclusion During an RSE, Pmean and IMVC decreases were first concomitant to peripheral alterations up to 40% TSTF and central alterations was only observed in the second part of the test, while peripheral alterations plateaued. The distinct recovery kinetics in central versus peripheral components of fatigability further confirm the necessity to reduce traditional delays in neuromuscular fatigue assessment post-exercise.

Automated summary

Repeated sprint ability is an important aspect of team sports. This study aimed to evaluate the development and causes of fatigue during and after a cycle repeated sprint exercise. The results showed that muscle power and activation levels decreased at the beginning of the sprints, while muscle contraction ability plateaued after 40% of the sprints. Unlike peripheral parameters, central fatigue recovered within 3 minutes. These findings highlight the importance of reducing delays in neuromuscular fatigue assessment post-exercise.