Introduction: We examined the extent to which fatiguing cycling exercise in the heat influences contractile function in modulating the force-frequency relationship.
Methods: Before (∽37.0 °C) and after (∽38.5 °C) exercise (ExH) and passive (PaH) hyperthermia, an 8-s train of stimulation at 10, 20, 50, and 100 Hz (2 s per frequency) and a potentiated twitch were evoked on the relaxed knee extensors using percutaneous stimulation.
Results: ExH and PaH produced a decrease in the 20:50 Hz force ratio, indicative of low-frequency fatigue (P < 0.01). This adjustment was more pronounced after ExH than PaH (P < 0.01). A rightward displacement in the force-frequency relationship occurred after ExH and PaH (P < 0.05) and was exacerbated by ExH (P < 0.05). Peak twitch force also decreased after ExH (P < 0.05).
Conclusions: ExH reduces force summation due to development of skeletal muscle fatigue, exacerbating the shift in force-frequency to the right relative to PaH.
Keywords: core temperature; fatigue; heat stress; low-frequency fatigue; muscle temperature.
© 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.