Objective: This study utilized surface electromyography and an Advanced Mechanical Technology, Inc. (AMTI) force plate to investigate the effects of fatigue induced by stationary cycling and squatting (Zama Bu) on human balance ability and the characteristics of lower limb muscle electromyographic parameters. Methods: Twenty male students from Dalian University of Technology were recruited to perform stationary cycling and squatting exercises until fatigue. The center of pressure sway area and electromyographic signals of the rectus femoris, biceps femoris, medial gastrocnemius, and tibialis anterior muscles were measured before and after fatigue. Results: (1) Fatigue induced by stationary cycling significantly decreased static balance ability (p<0.05), while fatigue induced by squatting significantly increased static balance ability (p<0.05), indicating a significant reduction in the muscle activation level and voluntary muscle strength of these lower limb muscles. Neither exercise had a significant effect on dynamic balance ability (p>0.05). (2) There were no significant differences in the effects of fatigue from stationary cycling versus squatting on the biceps femoris, medial gastrocnemius, and tibialis anterior muscles (p>0.05). A significant difference was observed in the rectus femoris (p<0.05): Stationary cycling significantly decreased its Integrated Electromyography (IEMG) and Root Mean Square (RMS) values, whereas squatting had the opposite effect. (3) Fatigue from stationary cycling significantly decreased the IEMG and RMS of the rectus femoris and tibialis anterior (p<0.05), and significantly decreased the IEMG of the medial gastrocnemius and biceps femoris (p<0.05). (4) Fatigue from squatting significantly decreased the IEMG and RMS of the gastrocnemius (p<0.05), and significantly increased the IEMG of the rectus femoris (p<0.05). Conclusion: Fatigue induced by stationary cycling leads to a decline in static balance ability, whereas fatigue induced by squatting leads to an improvement in static balance ability. Fatigue from stationary cycling causes significant fatigue and decreased muscle strength in all measured muscles. In contrast, fatigue from squatting primarily causes significant fatigue and decreased muscle strength in the gastrocnemius, while increasing the activation level of the rectus femoris muscle.
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Xing, S., Xu, J., Yuan, Z., Zhu, H. (2025) The Influence of Different Fatigue Inducing Factors on the Balance Ability of Male College Students. Scientific Research Bulletin, 2(6), 63-76. https://doi.org/10.71052/srb2024/JKJM9654