Effect of remote voluntary contractions on knee extensor torque and RVD

Remote voluntary contractions (RVC) are described as muscle activation remote from but concurrent with the activation of a prime mover in an exercise. Previous studies have shown that this phenomenon may elicit augmented results when using it concurrently with another action. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of RVC on knee extensor rate of velocity development (RVD) and peak torque. Fourteen males and 16 females who were regularly active and free of any knee pathology for the past year took part in this study. Subjects performed three maximal dynamic knee extensions at three velocities with and without an RVC condition. The RVC condition consisted of holding hand dynamometers in each hand and maximally gripping while performing a maximal knee extension movement. The NO-RVC condition was the same only without gripping. Males produced greater peak torque and RVD than females across speeds and conditions. Analysis demonstrated RVC had no effect on knee extension peak torque but RVD decreased in the RVC condition (NO-RVC 2012.07(46.52)Nm/s/s RVC 1882.61(51.84)Nm/s/s). Grip strength of the left hand at 180 d/s decreased from 42.03(13.64)kgs to 38.83(1320)kgs in the RVC condition. In conclusion, RVC should not be used when attempting to maximize RVD because it may hinder results when performing a single joint movement.