Influence of cold and hot conditions on postactivation in human skeletal muscles.

Abstract

The influence of cold (+5 degrees C), room temperature (+22 degrees C) and hot (+75 degrees C) air exposures on postactivation effects (PAE) in brachial biceps (BBs) and triceps (TBs) muscles were investigated bilaterally in six male subjects. PAE were evoked by 1 min volitional isometric contraction (VIC) at submaximal level in BBs by holding an inertial weight by palms, with right-angled elbows. At room temperature, average EMG during PAE (PAEav) usually was 2-4% and the integral of EMG (PAEint) was 3-7% of that of VIC respectively. PEA duration was 1-6 min. Cold exposure evoked an approximately two-fold increase of PAEint (P < 0.01). Hot exposure decreased PAEint (P < 0.01) and shortened PAE duration by approximately 50% (P < 0.01). In two subjects, long- term modulation of EMG intensity during PAE was observed. Cold increased the frequency and amplitude of these waves, while heat decreased them. In two subjects, alternation of BBs and TBs in EMG activity during PAE was observed. The data obtained suggest that postactivation of muscles strongly depends on the environmental temperature.