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Functional connectivity between core and shoulder muscles increases during isometric endurance contractions in judo competitors

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Abstract

Purpose

The aim of this study was to assess the surface electromyogram (SEMG) changes within and between muscles of the torso and shoulder region during static endurance contraction in elite judokas. We hypothesized an increased functional connectivity of muscles from the shoulder and torso regions during sustained isometric contraction.

Methods

Twelve healthy, right-handed judo competitors participated in the study. The SEMG signals from the dominant trapezius (upper, middle and lower part), deltoideus anterior, serratus anterior, and pectoralis major muscles were recorded during isometric endurance contraction consisting of bilateral arm abduction at 90°. The normalized mutual information (NMI) was computed between muscle pairs as an index indicating functional connectivity.

Results

The NMIs increased significantly during endurance test for 10 of the 15 muscle pairs (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

We concluded that the increases in NMIs highlighted functional changes in the interplay between core and shoulder muscles during an endurance contraction in elite judokas.

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Abbreviations

MNF:

Mean power frequency

NMI:

Normalized mutual information

η2 :

Partial eta squared

RMANOVA:

Repeated measure analysis of variance

RMS:

Root mean square

RPE:

Rate of perceived exertion

SEMG:

Surface electromyography

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Acknowledgments

We appreciate the cooperation of Wiesław Błach the Head of Polish Judo Association and judo competitors in the present study.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Athletes Motor Skills, University School of Physical Education, al.I.J Paderewskiego 35, Wrocław, Poland

    Adam Kawczyński, Dariusz Mroczek, Sebastian Klich & Jan Chmura

  2. Laboratory for Ergonomics and Work-related Disorders, Center for Sensory-Motor Interaction (SMI), Department of Health Science and Technology, Aalborg University, Fredrik Bajers Vej 7 D-3, 9220, Aalborg East, Denmark

    Afshin Samani & Pascal Madeleine

  3. Department of Sport Didactics, University School of Physical Education, al.I.J Paderewskiego 35, Wrocław, Poland

    Wiesław Błach & Juliusz Migasiewicz

  4. Department of Team Games, University School of Physical Education, al.I.J Paderewskiego 35, Wrocław, Poland

    Paweł Chmura

Authors
  1. Adam Kawczyński
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  2. Afshin Samani
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  3. Dariusz Mroczek
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  4. Paweł Chmura
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  5. Wiesław Błach
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  6. Juliusz Migasiewicz
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  7. Sebastian Klich
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  8. Jan Chmura
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  9. Pascal Madeleine
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Pascal Madeleine.

Additional information

Communicated by Fausto Baldissera.

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Kawczyński, A., Samani, A., Mroczek, D. et al. Functional connectivity between core and shoulder muscles increases during isometric endurance contractions in judo competitors. Eur J Appl Physiol 115, 1351–1358 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-015-3114-z

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-015-3114-z

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