Cramp Threshold Frequency in a Fatgiued Flexor Hallicus Longus Compared to a Rested Flexor Hallicus Longus

Abstract

Muscle fatigue is thought to cause a person’s exercise associated muscle cramps (EAMCs). However, there is little support that fatigue is the reason EAMCs occur. We examined if a fatigued muscle would make it more susceptible to an EAMC. Subjects were exposed to a cramping protocol, which included two seconds of stimulation with a minute rest until a muscle cramp was induced. The participant rested for 30 minutes and then completed a fatigue protocol. The subject performed reps of toe curls against a resistance band (sets of 10 curls with a one minute break in between sets) until muscle failure. Following fatigue, participants immediately completed the cramping protocol. Paired t-test analysis revealed that the change in cramp threshold frequency was not statistically significantly different in a fatigued flexor hallicus longus than in a rested flexor hallicus longus (t(9)= 1.69, p > .05). Although not statistically significant, results indicated a difference between the mean cramp threshold frequency in a fatigued flexor hallicus longus (25.80Hz ± 7.33) when compared to a rested flexor hallicus longus (28.20Hz ± 7.91) condition. Fatigue does not play a factor on EAMCs. Future studies should focus on a larger sample size and evaluation of other possible factors that influence EAMCs.