[Muscle activity and energy expenditure]

Abstract

Most of increases in energy metabolism are induced by exercise. They are related with power and efficiency. In cycle ergometer exercise efficiency is positively correlated with exercise power and negatively correlated with pedaling rate. Ramp exercises are associated with an apparent increase in efficiency. Movements of daily life activity are too complex to make evaluation of power or efficiency possible. Energy expenditure assessment is based on direct measurement of the energy metabolism increase. The energy cost of movement or economy is calculated. Daily activity recording provides an assessment of the energy metabolism ability of patients. Muscle contractile activity is linked with ATP splitting. The pathways to resynthesize ATP include anaerobic glycogenolysis and the aerobic breakdown of substrates. Type I fibres have a higher oxidative capacity than type II fibres. Type II fibres demonstrate a higher glycolytic capacity, contract faster, and are more fatigable. Information relative to energy expenditure during daily life activity allows clinicians to better assess the clinical implications of the stress tests results.