Class Contribution Form

Student Name: Thomas Murphy-Piro

Reference:

Fisher, J., Steele, J., & Jessop, D. (2016). Surface electromyography and force production ofa novel
strength training method suitable for microgravity. Journal of Trainology, 5(2), 46-52.

Brief Summary (250-word max)

In microgravity environments mechanical loading is a challenge leading to loss of
bone mineral density, muscle mass, and cardiovascular function in prolonged scenarios
such as space flight. Many of the prominent equipment choices to resistance pose issues
with size, noise, and effectiveness. Previous literature had shown ineffectiveness in
preventing the loss of muscle mass and bone mineral density for longer durations of
microgravity exposure. The purpose of the present study was to compare sEMG and force
production under maximal conditions between a traditional resistance training method
and an isometric component of contralateral limb resisted exercise for the deltoid and the
pectoral muscles. Using a Micro-Gym device 12 resistance trained males performed a
one repetition maximum bench press and isometric contractions at varying degrees.
sEMG was used to record the peak amplitude and peak force output of the pectoralis
major, the anterior deltoid, and the triceps brachii. The surface electromyography results
showed similar peak amplitude for the pectoralis major and anterior deltoid muscles for
traditional bench press and the isometric contractions. This suggests that that isometric
resistance training could produce similar motor unit recruitment. The triceps brachii
showed significantly lower amplitude for the isometric conditions which is likely due to
the range of motion of the bench press movement. These results suggest that isometric
training could be used as an effective alternative to traditional methods in micro gravity
environments.