Modulations in motor unit discharge are related to changes in fascicle length during isometric contractions
Eduardo Martinez‐Valdes, Francesco Negro, Alberto Botter, Patricio A. Pincheira, Giacinto Luigi Cerone, Deborah Falla, Glen A. Lichtwark, Andrew G. Cresswell
Abstract
By employing ultrasound-transparent high-density EMG electrodes, we show that modulations in tibialis anterior muscle motor unit discharge rate were related to both changes in fascicle length and resultant torque. These relationships permitted the quantification of the relative delays between fluctuations in neural drive, muscle contraction, and transfer of torque via the tendon during sustained isometric dorsiflexion contractions, providing information on the conversion of neural activity into muscle force during a contraction.
Topics & Concepts
Isometric exerciseFascicleMotor unitAnatomyMedicinePhysical medicine and rehabilitationPhysical therapyMuscle activation and electromyography studiesAdvanced Sensor and Energy Harvesting MaterialsNeuroscience and Neural Engineering