Allman, B. L., & Rice, C. L. (2000). Intermittent high intensity fatigue and one-hour recovery in elbow flexors. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 32(5), Supplement abstract 829.

Males (N = 6) underwent an elbow flexor fatigue protocol on two separate occasions. Frequently repeated isometric contractions (3-sec on, 2-sec off), at 60% of maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) values, were performed until contraction force fell below 60% MVC. Recovery was assessed nine times during the first hour of recovery.

MVC declined linearly to approximately 56% within 50 contractions. Force production recovered quickly in the first three minutes to approximately 82% MVC, but was not fully restored within one hour.

Implication. Despite initial rapid recovery, several neuromuscular parameters fail to recover fully in one hour. Voluntary and tetanic force production is depressed during that period.

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