What does the term 'muscle fatigue' refer to?

Muscle fatigue refers to a decrease in muscle performance during sustained activity. This phenomenon occurs when there is an inability of the muscle to continue producing force or power, which can result from various factors such as depletion of energy sources, accumulation of metabolic byproducts like lactic acid, or impaired neuromuscular function.

When muscles are engaged in prolonged activity, they may eventually reach a point where they cannot contract as effectively, leading to diminished performance. This is an important concept in kinesiology, as understanding muscle fatigue can inform strategies for training, recovery, and performance optimization. The distinction between muscle fatigue and muscle soreness is also crucial, as soreness typically occurs after exercise due to micro-tears in muscle fibers rather than an immediate impact on muscle performance.