Alterations of the in Vivo Torque-velocity Relationship of Human Skeletal Muscle Following 30 Days Exposure to Simulated Microgravity

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of 30 d of 6 degrees headdown bedrest (BR) on the in vivo strength of skeletal muscle. Peak angle specific (0.78 rad below horizontal) torque of the knee extensor (KE) and flexor (KF) muscle groups of both limbs was assessed during unilateral efforts at four speeds (0.52, 1.74, 2.97 and 4.19 rad.s-1) during concentric and at three speeds (0.52, 1.74 and 2.97 rad.s-1) during eccentric actions. The average decrease (p less than 0.05) of peak angle specific torque directly post-BR for the KE across speeds of concentric and eccentric actions was about 19% (n = 7). Recovery for 30 d following BR markedly improved strength to about 92% (p greater than 0.05) of "normal." Strength of the KF was not altered (p greater than 0.05) by BR (about a 6% decrease independent of speed and type of muscle action). Changes of strength were not affected by the type or speed of muscle action. The results indicate that strength of extensor more than of flexor muscle groups of the lower limb is decreased by 30 d of bedrest and that this response does not alter the nature of the in vivo torque-velocity relation.