NCT06181071

Effectiveness of Distal and Proximal Muscle Fatigue for Healthy Young Adults

Investigation of the Acute Effects of Distal and Proximal Muscle Fatigue on the Mechanical and Viscoelastic Properties of Lower Extremity, Foot Pressure Distribution, and Balance in Healthy Young Adults

• Status: Completed
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 26 (actual)
• Sponsor: Saglik Bilimleri Universitesi · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 18 Years – 35 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Accepted

Summary

This is a study aiming to investigate the effects of acute muscle fatigue on muscle properties, balance and foot plantar pressure in healthy young adults (having no chronic diseases or orthopaedic diseases and physically active). This study also aims to compare the effects of foot muscle fatigue and hip muscle fatigue on balance and foot plantar pressure. The exercises for ankle muscle fatigue are heel rise with bending your knee and heel raise without bending your knees. The exercise for hip muscle fatigue is a single-leg squat. Before and after completing these all exercises, the balance is evaluated with an isokinetic balance device, the foot plantar pressure is evaluated with a pedobarography device and finally, the muscle properties are evaluated with a myotonPro device. All assessment devices are non-invasive.

Detailed description

The International Physical Activity Questionnaire (Short form) will be used to assess individuals' physical activity levels. Prior to the distal and proximal fatigue protocols, the participants' maximum isometric muscle forces of the gastrocnemius, soleus, tibialis anterior, rectus femoris, and gluteus maximus muscles will be evaluated using a dynamometer. Then, the mechanical and viscoelastic properties of these muscles and the iliotibial band will be assessed using the MyotonPro device, participants' static foot pressure on both feet will be evaluated through pedobarography, and individuals' dynamic balance and static balance will be evaluated on one foot using the Technobody isokinetic balance device. The individuals included in the study will undergo exercises targeting the foot plantar flexor and dorsiflexor muscles on the first day, and exercises targeting the hip flexor and extensor muscles on the second day. The researcher will measure the voluntary maximum isometric muscle strength using a dynamometer, Heel raise exercises will be performed in 3 sets, with 30 seconds of free walking allowed for rest between sets. Individuals will initially complete 3 sets of this exercise without bending their knees. Then, they will perform the heel raise exercise with bent knees. The researcher will measure the voluntary maximum isometric muscle strength using a dynamometer when the Modified Borg Scale indicates a level of 7 or above. If the muscle strength has decreased to 50% of the initial force, indicating fatigue, the exercise will be terminated. Second day, a single-leg squat will be performed in 3 sets, with 30 seconds of free walking allowed for rest between sets.The researcher will measure the voluntary maximum isometric muscle strength using a dynamometer when the Modified Borg Scale indicates a level of 7 or above. If the muscle strength has decreased to 50% of the initial force, indicating fatigue, the exercise will be terminated. After the distal fatigue protocol, the viscoelastic properties of the gastrocnemius, soleus, and tibialis anterior muscles will be assessed using the MyotonPro device, while the plantar pressures will be evaluated through pedobarography. Additionally, static and dynamic balances will be measured using the Technobody device. Following the proximal fatigue protocol, the mechanical and viscoelastic properties of the gluteus maximus and rectus femoris muscles, along with the iliotibial band, will be examined using the MyotonPro device. Similarly, plantar pressures will be analyzed through pedobarography, and static and dynamic balances will be assessed using the Technobody device. The collected data will be recorded by the researcher.

Conditions

• Healthy
• Young Adult
• Fatigue

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
OTHER	Distal Muscle Fatigue Protocol	Initially, sociodemographic data, muscle viscoelastic properties, foot plantar pressure, and static and dynamic balance are assessed. Additionally, the strengths of the plantar flexor and dorsiflexor muscles are evaluated. After these assessments, the heel raise exercise will be implemented in this protocol. Firstly, dominant leg, the heel raise exercise will be performed for 3 sets with the knees in full extension until the individual reaches fatigue. Subsequently, the heel raise exercise will be conducted for another 3 sets with the knee in flexion until the individual reaches fatigue. Following these exercises, Then, the strengths of the hip flexor and extensor muscles will be re-evaluated. If the individual reports a value of 7 or higher on the modified Borg scale, the viscoelastic properties of the muscles, foot plantar pressure, and static and dynamic balance will be reassessed when a 50% decrease in the initial strength is detected.
OTHER	Proximal Muscle Fatigue Protocol	One week after the application of the distal muscle fatigue protocol, the same individuals will undergo the proximal fatigue protocol. In this protocol, individuals will perform, dominant leg, a single-leg squat exercise targeting the fatigue of the hip flexor and extensor muscles. Prior to this exercise, the viscoelastic properties of the muscles, foot plantar pressure, static and dynamic balances, as well as the strengths of the hip flexor and extensor muscles will be assessed. Then, individuals will perform the single-leg squat exercise, 3 sets. When the individual indicates fatigue, the set will conclude, allowing a 30-second rest between sets. Then, the strengths of the hip flexor and extensor muscles will be re-evaluated. If the individual reports a value of 7 or higher on the modified Borg scale, the viscoelastic properties of the muscles, foot plantar pressure, and static and dynamic balance will be reassessed when a 50% decrease in the initial strength is detected.

Timeline

• Start date: 2023-12-01
• Primary completion: 2024-01-10
• Completion: 2024-01-18
• First posted: 2023-12-26
• Last updated: 2025-08-22

Locations

1 site across 1 country: Turkey (Türkiye)