Startling stimuli increase maximal motor unit discharge rate and rate of force development in humans
Jakob Škarabot, Jonathan P. Folland, Aleš Holobar, Stuart N. Baker, Alessandro Del Vecchio
Abstract
Motor unit discharge characteristics are a key determinant of rate of force development in humans, but the neural substrate(s) underpinning such output remains unknown. Using decomposition of high-density electromyogram, we show greater number of discharges per motor unit per second and greater rate of force development after a startling auditory stimulus. These observations suggest a possible subcortical contribution to maximal in vivo motor unit discharge rate in adult humans.
Topics & Concepts
Motor unitNeurosciencePsychologyCommunicationMuscle activation and electromyography studiesChildren's Physical and Motor DevelopmentMotor Control and Adaptation