Effect of Changes in Cycle Ergometer Settings on Bioelectrical Activity in Selected Muscles of the Lower Limbs
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2017 24, 228-234 Pol. J. Sport Tourism , 228 EFFECt OF CHANGES IN CyCLE ERGOMETER SETTINGs ON BIOELECTRICAL aCTIVITY IN SELECTED MUSCLES OF THE LOWER LIMBs ROBERT STASZKIEWICZ1A, MICHAŁ KAWULAK1A, LESZEK NOSIADEK1A, JAROSŁAW OMORCZYK1B, ANDRZEJ NOSIADEK2 1University of Physical Education in Krakow, Faculty of Physical Education and Sport, Department of Biomechanicsa, Department of Gymnastics and Danceb 2State Higher Vocational School in Tarnow, Department of Physical Education Mailing address: Robert Staszkiewicz, University of Physical Education in Krakow, Faculty of Physical Education and Sport, Department of Biomechanics, 78 Jana Pawla II Ave., 31-573 Krakow, tel.: +48 12 6831539, fax: +48 12 6831121, e-mail: [email protected] abstract Introduction. The aim of this study was to measure the duration of biopotentials in selected muscles of the lower limbs, evalu- ate the time of elevated bioelectrical activity in these muscles, and identify similarities and differences in electrical phenomena that occur in the muscles for various external settings of a cycle ergometer. Material and methods. The study examined 10 healthy people (5 women and 5 men) aged from 20 to 30 years. A cycle ergometer and EMG apparatus were used in the ex- periment. The bioelectrical activity of six muscles of the lower limbs (rectus femoris, vastus medialis, tibialis anterior, biceps femoris, gastrocnemius caput mediale, and gastrocnemius caput laterale) was recorded for four different settings of the cycle ergometer (variable saddle height and method of foot attachment to pedals). The EMG records were presented with reference to the bicycle crankset rotation cycle. Conclusions. The study found that changing the height of the saddle of the cycle ergometer and the use of toe clips in the pedals caused changes in bioelectrical activity in the muscles. The adjustment of saddle height affected the duration of potentials more noticeably than the use of toe clips. Furthermore, only one period of elevated electrical activity in the muscles of the lower limbs was found in the pedalling cycle. The longest time of the presence of action potentials was recorded for the m. gastrocnemius caput laterale, whereas the shortest time was observed in the m. vastus medialis. key words: biomechanics, electromyography, pedalling, muscle, lower limb introduction equipment at surgeries is the stationary bicycle (cycle ergom- eter). The popularity of this device stems from ease of use, easy Cycling, including riding a stationary bicycle (or cycle er- control of progress, and uncomplicated load modulation. Fur- gometer), is a popular topic of scientific research, particularly thermore, most patients have their own traditional bikes which among researchers in the field of biomechanics [1]. The research can later be used to continue the rehabilitation. Therefore, re- typically focuses on such aspects as improved pedalling efficien- searchers in biomechanics cooperate with physical therapists to cy [2], energy expenditure for this movement, improved energy prevent the adverse consequences of cycling [12, 13, 14], examine expenditure for the movement, and improved cycling comfort the effect of saddle height on knee joint load [15], and improve [3]. Studies have examined optimal positions on a bike [4, 5] rehabilitation protocols [16]. and the choice of adequate and optimal pedalling rate [6]. This study addresses a combination of problems which have Scientific interests are also focused on issues related to co- been discussed over the years. The innovative character of the ordination [7] during the driving motion of the cyclist’s body. study, however, lies in the fact that it approaches these issues in Some studies have been oriented at the use of new technological the context of physiotherapy. solutions in bicycles, ranging from changes in the area of the cogset [8] to the types of foot fixation to the pedals [9]. The aim of the study Numerous biomechanical examinations of locomotor activ- As mentioned before, physical therapies are often focused ity on a bicycle have helped gain knowledge useful for physi- on the patient’s movements. Therefore, physiotherapists use otherapists. Drozdek et al. [10] evaluated the effect of body various devices and accessories which allow for the engagement position adopted on a bicycle on the recordings of bioelectrical of selected muscles, i.e. those that are expected to be activated muscle activity (EMG). Similarly, the results of the studies that in the rehabilitation process. One of the ways of stimulating the examined the effect of various pedalling techniques on biome- muscles of the lower limbs is having the patient perform exer- chanical motion indices [11] can have some practical implica- cise on a cycle ergometer. tions. The aims of this study were as follows: The interest of physical therapists in the problems discussed a) to measure the duration of the biopotentials of selected results directly from the fact that one of the standard pieces of muscles of the lower limbs, Copyright © 2017 by the Józef Piłsudski University of Physical Education in Warsaw, Faculty of Physical Education and Sport in Biała Podlaska 2017 24, 228-234 Staszkiewicz et al.: EFFECT OF CHANGES IN CYCLE ... Pol. J. Sport Tourism , 229 b) to evaluate the time of elevated bioelectrical activity in was to record bioelectrical activity in six selected muscles of these muscles, one (left) lower limb. The EMG examinations were performed c) to evaluate the number of such phenomena during the for the following muscles: rectus femoris (rf), vastus medialis bicycle crankset motion, (Vm), tibialis anterior (TA), biceps femoris (Bf), gastrocnemius d) to describe the sequence of electrical phenomena with caput mediale (GCm), and gastrocnemius caput laterale (GCl). reference to specific muscles during pedalling, Three electrodes were glued to the skin over each muscle (posi- e) to explore similarities and differences in electrical phe- tive, negative, and referential electrodes). Dedicated disposable nomena in the muscles for different external settings of electrodes were used. The locations of gluing were consistent a bicycle. with the guidelines of the manufacturer of the EMG system and determined with high precision by means of MegaWin compu- material and methods ter software. The hair in the areas where the electrodes which received Research material the electrical potentials from the muscles were glued was shaved The examinations discussed in this study were carried out using an electric shaver, and the stratum corneum was removed in the Department of Biomechanics of the University of Physi- with cotton swabs and spirit. After the electrodes were mount- cal Education in Krakow. The study examined 10 healthy people ed, the wireless signal receivers were attached. The receivers (5 women and 5 men) aged from 20 to 30 years. Two exclusion sent signals to the central station with information about the criteria were used during recruitment for the study: involve- electrical phenomena in the muscles. Next, the information was ment in professional sport (cycling) and previous serious inju- processed and displayed on the computer screen. ries to the locomotor system. The study was aimed at identifying The examinations of biopotentials were divided into four a natural pedalling pattern in healthy people and evaluating the stages representing four different variants of settings. The first effect of external bicycle settings (saddle height and the use of stage consisted in recording them during pedalling with the toe clips) on this pattern. saddle set high and using bicycle toe clips. Saddle height was Basic morphological indices, that is body height and body adjusted individually so that in the middle of the cycle (when mass, in women were 167.2 ± 4.4 cm and 58.1 ± 9.5 kg (mean ± the foot was in the lowest position), the leg was fully extended SD). In the male group, these values were 180.7 ± 7.5 cm and in the knee joint. The second stage was similar to the first one 75.2 ± 7.4 kg, respectively. (the same saddle height), but the toe clips were removed during During the measurement, the study participants wore pedalling. During the third stage, the saddle was lowered each clothes that did not limit the range of movement, with the most time by half of the height of the first stage, and the toe clips important elements being comfortable shoes and shorts. Only remained detached. In the last (fourth) stage, the toe clips were this type of clothes made it possible to glue the electrodes to the attached again, and the saddle remained at the lowered height. muscles, made exercising on the cycloergometer comfortable, In each experiment (stages 1 to 4), the study participants and minimised the risk of disturbance in the signal flow from pedalled at a constant pedalling rate (rhythm) of 60 rpm (1 Hz). the electrodes to the central station. The participants were allowed to control the pedalling rate in two ways: by watching a display on the cycle ergometer and by Research procedure listening to the sound from a metronome. Following the guide- The most important components of the measurement sys- lines, the starting point of individual pedalling cycles adopted tem used in the study were a cycle ergometer (Monark 818 E Er- was the highest position of the left pedal. gomedic) and a wireless EMG apparatus (WBA Mega Electron- The biopotentials of the muscles were recorded during their ics). The set-up of the electrodes and the wireless signal receivers activity for each bicycle setting over a minimum of 15 complete during the measurement is presented in Figure 1. The basic task cycles (crankset rotations). The analysis was based on biopoten- tials recorded for only 10 (consecutive) cycles. The beginning of each cycle was also denoted with a marker in an electronic form by the person who supervised the experiment. Apart from the constant rotational speed of the crankset (and, consequently, the frequency), constant load was also used at each stage of the experiment. The option designed by the manufacturer of the cycle ergometer was used for this purpose.