Comments on: Electromyographic signature of isometric squat in the highest refuge in Europe

Abstract

We read with particular interest the study by Rua et al. (Eur J Transl Myol 33 (3) 11637, 2023 doi: 10.4081/ejtm.2023.11637) on the electromyographic (EMG) activity of the quadriceps muscle during squat at high-altitude. It offers interesting insights into how neural factors might alter muscle function during a multi-joint low-intensity motor task with sustained contraction after trekking under hypoxic conditions. However, the methodological processes and procedures used in the study could bias the interpretation of the outcomes. Therefore, we outline the procedural considerations that should be taken into account in further studies aimed at investigating the potential changes in quadriceps EMG activity during the squat as a result of trekking at high-altitude.

Keywords

• Hypoxia
• muscle fatigue
• HD-sEMG
• high altitude