Stretch reflex gain scaling at the shoulder varies with synergistic muscle activity
Constantine P. Nicolozakes, M. Hongchul Sohn, Emma Baillargeon, David B. Lipps, Eric J. Perreault
Abstract
Careful coordination of muscles crossing the shoulder is needed to maintain the delicate balance between the joint's mobility and stability. We provide experimental evidence that stretch reflexes within shoulder muscles are modulated based on the aggregate activity of muscles crossing the joint, not just the activity of the muscle in which the reflex is elicited. Our results reflect coordination through neural coupling that may help maintain shoulder stability during encounters with environmental perturbations.
Topics & Concepts
Isometric exerciseReflexStretch reflexTorquePhysical medicine and rehabilitationElectromyographyExpansiveProprioceptionAnatomyPhysicsPsychologyMedicineNeurosciencePhysical therapyCompressive strengthThermodynamicsMuscle activation and electromyography studiesMotor Control and AdaptationEEG and Brain-Computer Interfaces