Specific Neurotechnical Strength Training: Randomized Controlled Trial (NeuroTraining)
Trial Snapshot
- Phase
- Not Applicable
- Status
- Completed
- Sponsor
- University of Malaga
- Enrollment
- 34
- Locations
- 1
- Primary Endpoint
- Change from Baseline Mean Discharge Rate of Brachialis Biceps Motor Units at 4 weeks
Study Overview
Brief Summary
This study aims to apply a novel study methodology using high density electromyography (HDEMG) to know what are the mechanisms underlying the structural and functional changes obtained by two different training methods, commonly used, facilitating their understanding, study and subsequent application according to specific needs.
Detailed Description
Different training methodologies have previously shown similar results in the improvement of structural or functional characteristics such as hypertrophy or strength. However, the different nature of their methods has suggested for years the possibility that different neuromuscular mechanisms could be behind these observed characteristics.
The development of a new technology, such as high-density electromyography (HDEMG), capable of studying new properties previously hidden from assessment methods, such as the speed of nerve impulse propagation or the frequency of motor unit discharge, has allowed a more thorough study of the mechanisms.
This study aims to apply this new study methodology to know what are the mechanisms underlying the changes at the structural and functional level obtained by two different training methods, commonly used, facilitating their understanding, study and subsequent application according to specific needs.
For this reason, the main hypothesis is the generation of different neuromuscular mechanisms and adaptations by executing, for 4 weeks, two different training methodologies, obtaining a dissociation between the results obtained at the structural level (hypertrophy), functional (generation of strength) and HDEMG analysis of the central and peripheral characteristics of the neuromuscular system in each of the programs studied.
Study Design
- Study Type
- Interventional
- Allocation
- Randomized
- Intervention Model
- Parallel
- Primary Purpose
- Other
- Masking
- Single (Outcomes Assessor)
Masking Description
The assessor will not be aware of the group to which each subject has been assigned.
Eligibility Criteria
- Ages
- 18 Years to 35 Years (Adult)
- Sex
- Male
- Accepts Healthy Volunteers
- Yes
Inclusion Criteria
- •18-35 years
Exclusion Criteria
- •physical exercise that involves work of upper limbs during the time of the intervention
- •upper limb injury during the previous 12 months
- •systemic diseases
Arms & Interventions
Speed Loss 20% Group
The SL20% group will carry out a program based on the limitation of the speed loss, allowing to perform the exercise only until a speed loss of 20% is achieved, following a similar methodology previously published (Pareja-Blanco et al., 2017). The program will consist of a job for 4 weeks, with a frequency of 2 sessions a week. In each session, a 6-series routine with an open number of repetitions will be carried out twice, allowing as many repetitions as possible to perform until a 20% loss of execution speed is reached. The intensity of work will be 70% 1RM, resting 4 minutes between sets. As an only exercise, an elbow flexion (bicep curl) with dumbbell will be performed.
Intervention: Speed Loss 20% Strength Training (Other)
Reduced Rest Time Group
The RRT group will carry out a program based on the reduction of rest time between series, following a previously published methodology (Stragier et al., 2019). The program will consist of a job for 4 weeks, with a frequency of 2 sessions a week. In each session, a 5 series routine with progressive repetition volume (3 to 7) at 70% 1RM will be performed twice, resting 15 seconds between sets and 150 seconds between each of the 2 blocks. The exercise to be performed will be an elbow flexion (bicep curl) with dumbbell.
Intervention: Reduced Rest Time Strength Training (Other)
Outcomes
Primary Outcomes
Change from Baseline Mean Discharge Rate of Brachialis Biceps Motor Units at 4 weeks
Time Frame: Baseline and post-intervention (4 weeks after baseline)
The mean discharge rate of the Brachialis Biceps motor units will be evaluated using a high density electromyography device (HDEMG). For this, the signal produced during isometric contractions at different submaximal force levels (10, 30, 50, and 70%) will be recorded, using an external analog to digital signal converter Sessantaquattro (64-channel EMG amplifier; OT Bioelettronica, Turin, Italy).
Secondary Outcomes
- Arm circumference(Baseline and post-intervention (4 weeks after baseline))
- Speed of propagation of Brachialis Biceps Motor Units(Baseline and post-intervention (4 weeks after baseline))
- Isometric force of Brachialis Biceps using s-beam load cell(Baseline and post-intervention (4 weeks after baseline))
- Isometric force of Brachialis Biceps using hand dynamometer(Baseline and post-intervention (4 weeks after baseline))
- Muscle thickness (thickness) of the brachial biceps using ultrasound(Baseline and post-intervention (4 weeks after baseline))
Investigators
Dr. Antonio I Cuesta-Vargas
Director, Clinical Research
University of Malaga