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01-10-2012 | Original Article

Different modulation pattern of spinal stretch reflex excitability in highly trained endurance runners

Authors: Tetsuya Ogawa, Noritaka Kawashima, Shuji Suzuki, Kimitaka Nakazawa

Published in: European Journal of Applied Physiology | Issue 10/2012

Abstract

This study was undertaken to elucidate the impact of long-term physical training on the modulation of stretch reflex excitability. To this end, electromyographic activities of the soleus muscle in response to quick toe-up rotation were compared between highly trained endurance runners (n = 8) and non-trained control subjects (n = 9). We specifically focused on the stretch reflex modulation under different voluntary activation levels, from rest to pre-activated conditions (5, 10, 20, and 30% of the maximal). While the two groups showed similar modulation patterns of the stretch reflex responses, the extent of reflex modulation in accordance with the muscle pre-activation level was larger in the trained group. The present results therefore suggest a different modulation pattern of the stretch reflex responses with changing activation level between individuals with different physical background, and the enhancement of the responses in the trained individuals may particularly be advantageous in exerting high level muscle contraction.

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Title: Different modulation pattern of spinal stretch reflex excitability in highly trained endurance runners
Authors: Tetsuya Ogawa
Noritaka Kawashima
Shuji Suzuki
Kimitaka Nakazawa
Publication date: 01-10-2012
Publisher: Springer-Verlag
Published in: European Journal of Applied Physiology / Issue 10/2012
Print ISSN: 1439-6319
Electronic ISSN: 1439-6327
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-012-2351-7

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Different modulation pattern of spinal stretch reflex excitability in highly trained endurance runners

Abstract

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

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