The Dmax method is a valid procedure to estimate physical working capacity at fatigue threshold

Muscle Nerve. 2017 Mar;55(3):344-349. doi: 10.1002/mus.25255. Epub 2016 Dec 23.

Abstract

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to determine the validity of the maximal distance-electromyography (Dmax-EMG) method for estimating physical working capacity at fatigue threshold (PWCFT ).

Methods: Twenty-one men and women (age 22.9 ± 3.0 years) volunteered to perform 12 sessions of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) over 4 weeks. Before and after HIIT training, a graded exercise test (GXT) was used to estimate PWCFT using the Dmax method and the original (ORG) method.

Results: There was a significant increase in PWCFT for both ORG (+10.6%) and Dmax (+12.1%) methods, but no significant difference in the change values between methods. Further, Bland-Altman analyses resulted in non-significant biases (ORG-Dmax) between methods at pre-HIIT (-6.4 ± 32.5 W; P > 0.05) and post-HIIT (-4.2 ± 33.1 W; P > 0.05).

Conclusion: The Dmax method is sensitive to training and is a valid method for estimating PWCFT in young men and women. Muscle Nerve 55: 344-349, 2017.

Keywords: cycle ergometry; electromyography; neuromuscular fatigue; reproducibility; sensitivity; validity.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Analysis of Variance
  • Electromyography
  • Exercise / physiology*
  • Exercise Test
  • Female
  • Healthy Volunteers
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Muscle Fatigue / physiology*
  • Physical Education and Training*
  • Physical Examination
  • Work Capacity Evaluation*
  • Young Adult