Analysis of the Effect of Training Driving on Electromyographic Parameters in Trained Karting Drivers: A Study of Fatigue and Its Relationship with Training Practice

The present study aimed to investigate changes in forearm muscle activity associated with short-term go-kart driving and its potential effect on muscle activation patterns. Methods: Eleven male karting league drivers (mean age: 23.18 ± 1.40 years; body mass: 83.27 ± 10.98 kg; height: 182.73 ± 5.66 cm) volunteered to participate. Electromyographic (EMG) activity was recorded from four muscles: extensor carpi radialis (ECR), extensor carpi ulnaris (ECU), flexor carpi radialis (FCR), and flexor carpi ulnaris (FCU). Baseline EMG was measured before the intervention, followed by two consecutive kart driving sessions on a 680 m closed track. Post-exercise EMG data were then collected. A re-peated-measures ANCOVA was used to analyze the effects of time (pre vs. post) while controlling for cumulative race time as a covariate. Results: Significant time-by-group interactions were observed, particularly in the ECR and ECU muscles on both left and right sides. Notable findings include increases in maximum and mean activity of the left and right ECR (e.g., ECR right max: F=51.57; p< 0.001; η²=0.851) and ECU (e.g., ECU right max: F=36.170; p