Neuromuscular Fatigue Is Not Different between Constant and Variable Frequency Stimulation

International audienceThis study compared fatigue development of the triceps surae induced by two electrical stimulation protocols composed of constant and variable frequency trains (CFTs, VFTs, 450 trains, 30 Hz, 167 ms ON, 500 ms OFF and 146 ms ON, 500 ms OFF respectively). For the VFTs protocol a doublet (100 Hz) was used at the beginning of each train. The intensity used evoked 30% of a maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) and was defined using CFTs. Neuromuscular tests were performed before and after each protocol. Changes in excitation-contraction coupling were assessed by analysing the M-wave [at rest (M-max) and during MVC (M-sup)] and associated peak twitch (Pt). H-reflex [at rest (H-max) and during MVC (H-sup)] and the motor evoked potential (MEP) during MVC were studied to assess spinal and corticospinal excitability of the soleus muscle. MVC decrease was similar between the protocols (28%, P<0.05). M-max, M-sup and Pt decreased after both protocols (P<0.01). H-max/M-max was decreased (P