Methodological issues with the interpolated twitch technique

A number of methodological issues in the use of the interpolated twitch technique were investigated for their effect on true maximum force (TMF) and activation (ACT): timing of control (pre- vs post-contraction) and superimposed twitches (first vs second); type of twitch stimulus (primarily magnitude); and the type of extrapolation utilised. On three occasions subjects performed a series of maximal and sub-maximal contractions of the knee extensors, with electrically evoked twitches delivered before, during and after each contraction. The twitch-voluntary force relationship was concave for all types of twitch stimuli, and extrapolation using this relationship typically calculated TMF 39 N (7%) higher, and ACT 7% lower than linear extrapolation. The timing of the control (2-4%) and superimposed twitches (similar to 4%) both influenced TMF and ACT. Despite the different twitch stimuli being a range of magnitudes (13-32% maximum voluntary force) they did not affect TMF and ACT. A novel finding was that prior potentiation changed the shape of the twitch-voluntary force relationship. For precise measurement of TMF and ACT it is recommended that: extrapolation is based on the twitch-voluntary force relationship of the experimental model; and post-contraction potentiated twitches be used, as the superimposed twitch on a high level contraction appears to be potentiated. (c) 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.