Unlike voluntary contractions, stimulated contractions of a hand muscle do not reduce voluntary activation or motoneuronal excitability
Jessica M. D’Amico, David Rouffet, Simon C. Gandevia, Janet L. Taylor
Abstract
We demonstrate that reductions in voluntary activation and motoneuron excitability following 2-min isometric maximal contractions in humans occur only when fatigue is produced through voluntary contractions and not through electrically stimulated contractions. This is contrary to studies that suggest that changes in the superimposed twitch and therefore voluntary activation are explained by changes in peripheral factors alone. Thus, the interpolated twitch technique remains a viable tool to assess voluntary activation and central fatigue.
Topics & Concepts
Isometric exerciseTurnoverMuscle contractionPeripheralInternal medicineMedicineNeuroscienceEndocrinologyPsychologyEconomicsManagementMuscle activation and electromyography studiesNeuroscience and Neural EngineeringMotor Control and Adaptation