Comparison of Electromyographical Signal Analyses for Estimating Lactate Threshold

Authors

• Ronald L. Snarr, Georgia Southern UniversityFollow
• Danilo V. Tolusso, University of Alabama
• Ashleigh V. Hallmark, University of Alabama at Birmingham

Document Type

Conference Proceeding

Publication Date

2-22-2018

Publication Title

Proceedings of the Southeastern American College of Sports Medicine Regional Conference

Abstract

Background: Currently, no published literature exists comparing the most appropriate and efficient filtering methods of electromyographical (EMG) analyses to estimate the workload at which lactate threshold (LT) occurs.

Purpose: The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate and compare EMG transformations and time windows to predict LT.

Methods: Participants (n=14) completed a maximal exercise test on a cycle ergometer until exhaustion. Blood lactate was measured every minute, while EMG was recorded continuously at the vastus lateralis. EMG signaling was then transformed and filtered using two time-segment windows (i.e., 10 and 60 seconds), as well as three signal conversions (i.e., root mean square, smoothing, and peak amplitude averaging).

Results: Results indicated no mean differences between the EMG thresholds, for any of the filtering methods or time-segment windows, when compared to the LT criterion. Moderate correlations were seen when comparing the lactate and EMG time-curves ranging from 0.69 – 0.79.

Conclusions: EMG may be a useful tool to estimate the work rate associated with LT. Averaging EMG over a minute of time and continual 10-second recordings demonstrate comparable readings and allow an easier application of EMG threshold in the field.

Comments

Georgia Southern University faculty member, Ronald L. Snarr co-authored "Comparison of Electromyographical Signal Analyses for Estimating Lactate Threshold."

Recommended Citation

Snarr, Ronald L., Danilo V. Tolusso, Ashleigh V. Hallmark. 2018. "Comparison of Electromyographical Signal Analyses for Estimating Lactate Threshold." Proceedings of the Southeastern American College of Sports Medicine Regional Conference Chattanooga, GA: American College of Sports Medicine.
https://digitalcommons.georgiasouthern.edu/health-kinesiology-facpubs/98

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