Tracking upper limbs fatigue by means of electronic dynamometry

Abstract

This study aimed to identify useful electronic grip dynamometry parameters to track differences between trained (TR) and untrained (UT) participants, and between dominant (DO) and non-dominant (ND) limbs as a consequence of upper limbs muscle fatigue following 10 RM tests of the brachial biceps. This experimental study with transversal design involved 18 young adult males, of whom 9 were untrained and 9 were experienced in resistance training.Isometric grip force was evaluated (30 seconds long) previous and after 10RM tests by means of a G200 Model grip dynamometer with precision load cell (Biometrics(r)). Significant differences between initial and final measurements were found only for trained participants: Peak force for TR-DO (67.1 vs 55.5 kgf, p = .0277); Raw average for TR-DO (46.96 vs 42.22 kgf, p = .0464), and for TR-ND (40.34 vs 36.13 kgf, p = .0277). Electronic grip dynamometry efficiently identified upper limbs fatigue in trained participants, being raw average measurements the best parameter.