Fatigue Analysis of Lower Limb Muscle Group Using Elliptical Machine with Constant Loading = Fatigue Analysis of Lower Limb Muscle Group Using Elliptical Machine with Constant Loading

다국어 초록 (Multilingual Abstract)

The elliptical machine or trainer is one of the most popular sports equipment for cardiorespiratory fitness training. In recent years, it is widely used in the family and the gymnasium in Taiwan. Therefore, it is necessary for further discussion about the movements of the elliptical machine, and various levels of the lower-limb muscular fatigue using the elliptical machine in various strengths.
The research collected the electromyography (EMG) signal of lower limb muscles, and used the commercially available software to analyze the possible timing that the fatigue appeared. The research applied this system to analyze the lower-limb muscular fatigue when using the elliptical machine with a constant resistance. It compiled the relevant literature, developed the experimental methods and analyzed the results. The subjects of this research arranged ten young people who used elliptical trainer for the first time. They carried the EMG and pedaled in a nature way. Then, Fourier transform was applied for all collected data, and the median frequency was calculated from 80% of the maximum value of the mild fatigue. The result showed that 60% of subject’s rectus muscle had been fatigued first.
As a result, when using the elliptical trainer, it was much easier to use the muscles of the front thigh and get tired. Most of the fatigue occurred from overusing the lower limb muscle. By understanding the biomechanics of the elliptical trainer, it could avoid or reduce the fatigue and injuries during exercise. The system can analyze the fatigue timing as well. The fatigue analysis results would help the elliptical machine users avoid injuries, and increasing the efficiency of elliptical training.