Cadence vs power output: corticospinal excitability to muscles of the upper arm is modulated differently with increases in arm cycling intensity

Lockyer, Evan James (2017) Cadence vs power output: corticospinal excitability to muscles of the upper arm is modulated differently with increases in arm cycling intensity. Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

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Abstract

Indirect evidence suggests that arm cycling, like other forms of human locomotor outputs, is partially produced by a specialized set of neurones within the spinal cord, called a central pattern generator (CPG), although it is known that the brain also plays a role. Most of what is known regarding the neural control of locomotor outputs has come from research using several different neurophysiology techniques. From this research, it appears that the ‘type’ of locomotor intensity may be controlled differently by the central nervous system. Specifically, research suggests that the neural control of locomotor outputs is different when speed (i.e. cadence) and load (i.e. power output) are manipulated. To date, no study has compared the influence of cadence and power output on corticospinal and spinal excitability using transcranial magnetic stimulation and transmastoid electrical stimulation during arm cycling. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine corticospinal and spinal excitability to the biceps and triceps brachii during arm cycling as the cadence and power output were increased.

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