Purpose: The aim of the present study was to investigate the role of central and peripheral factors in neuromuscular fatigue induced by repeated maximal contractions in children and adults.
Methods: Eleven boys (9.9 ± 1.2 yr) and 12 men (23.9 ± 3.5 yr) completed a fatigue protocol consisting in a repetition of 5-s maximal isometric voluntary contractions (MVC) of the knee extensors separated by 5-s passive recovery periods until the generated torque reached 60% of its initial value. Single magnetic stimulations were delivered to the femoral nerve every five MVC to follow the course of voluntary activation level and the amplitude of the potentiated twitch torque (Qtw(pot)) and vastus lateralis and rectus femoris concomitant M-waves (Mmax).
Results: Torque reached 60% of initial value after 49.5 ± 16.8 and 34.0 ± 19.6 repetitions in boys and men, respectively (P < 0.05). Furthermore, men showed significantly higher knee extensor MVC decline than boys between 50% and 90% of total repetitions (P < 0.05). Voluntary activation remained unchanged in men, whereas it decreased significantly in boys (P < 0.05). In contrast, whereas Qtw(pot) remained unchanged in boys, Qtw(pot) decreased progressively up to 60% of total repetitions in men (P < 0.001). Finally, Mmax remained unchanged for vastus lateralis and rectus femoris muscles in both groups.
Conclusions: Children experienced no apparent peripheral fatigue and higher central fatigue than adults. The greater fatigue resistance in children could be related to a strategy of the CNS aimed at limiting the recruitment of motor units to prevent any extensive peripheral fatigue.