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Original Article

Biceps Brachii Muscle Length Affects Force Steadiness with and Without Fatigue

Joshua C. Carr1 (), Xin Ye2, Hayden M. Tharp3
Department of Kinesiology, Texas Christian University, Forth Worth, TX 76129, USA
Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Hartford, West Hartford, CT, USA
Department of Health and Exercise Science, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK, USA
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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of muscle length and fatigue on maximal force, submaximal force steadiness, and electromyographic (EMG) activity of the biceps brachii.

Methods

Force and EMG responses were measured before and after a fatigue protocol consisting of maximal intermittent contractions of the elbow flexors until task failure (n = 20). The protocol was performed on two separate occasions in a randomized order. During one visit, the elbow joint was at 90° (EF90) and for the other, it was extended to 120° (EF120).

Results

The results show a large effect size for greater force loss following fatigue at long muscle length (P = 0.067, 𝜂p2 = 0.166). The fatigue-based decreases in force steadiness were not different between muscle lengths (P = 0.502, 𝜂p2 = 0.024). Force steadiness was lower at long muscle length before and after fatigue (P < 0.01, d = 0.691). Following fatigue, muscle excitation decreased and increased during maximal and submaximal force tasks, respectively, yet there were no lengthdependent EMG responses.

Conclusions

The novel findings show fatigue at long muscle length likely affects force loss to a greater degree than fatiguebased decreases in force steadiness. These data show lower elbow flexion force steadiness when the biceps brachii is in a lengthened position.

Keywords

Neuromuscular fatigueEMGElbow flexorsForce control

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Journal of Science in Sport and Exercise
Volume 3 Issue 4,
November 2021
Pages 364-373
DOI: 10.1007/s42978-020-00102-0
Cite this article:
Carr JC, Ye X, Tharp HM. Biceps Brachii Muscle Length Affects Force Steadiness with and Without Fatigue. Journal of Science in Sport and Exercise, 2021, 3(4): 364-373. https://doi.org/10.1007/s42978-020-00102-0
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