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European Journal of Applied Physiology

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Open Access 01-10-2017 | Original Article

Effect of prolonged vibration to synergistic and antagonistic muscles on the rectus femoris activation during multi-joint exercises

Authors: Ryoichi Ema, Hirokazu Takayama, Naokazu Miyamoto, Ryota Akagi

Published in: European Journal of Applied Physiology | Issue 10/2017

Abstract

Purpose

Unique neuromuscular activation of the quadriceps femoris is observed during multi-joint leg extensions: lower activation of the biarticular rectus femoris (RF) than monoarticular vasti muscles. As one of the potential mechanisms for the lower RF activation, Ia afferent-mediated inhibitory connections between synergistic muscles and/or between agonist and antagonist muscles have been proposed. If this is the major factor, it is hypothesized that RF activation during multi-joint leg extensions increases after prolonged vibration to synergistic and/or antagonist muscles. This study tested the hypothesis.

Methods

Fourteen men exerted maximal voluntary isometric knee extension and flexion and performed submaximal parallel squat before and after one of the following three interventions on different days: prolonged vibration to the vastus lateralis (VL, synergist) or biceps femoris (BF, antagonist), or quiet sitting for 30 min. Muscle activations of the quadriceps femoris and hamstrings were determined using surface electromyography.

Results

After prolonged VL or BF vibration, VL (21%) or BF (30%) activation during isometric contractions significantly decreased, which was significantly correlated with the reduction of the maximal isometric knee extension or flexion strength. The magnitude of RF activation during squat was significantly lower than those of VL and the vastus medialis. No significant increase in RF activation during squat was observed after vibrations.

Conclusion

The findings suggest that lower biarticular RF activation compared with the monoarticular vasti muscles during multi-joint exercises does not result from the modulation by peripheral inhibitory input from Ia afferents originating from synergist and/or antagonist muscles.

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Title: Effect of prolonged vibration to synergistic and antagonistic muscles on the rectus femoris activation during multi-joint exercises
Authors: Ryoichi Ema
Hirokazu Takayama
Naokazu Miyamoto
Ryota Akagi
Publication date: 01-10-2017
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: European Journal of Applied Physiology / Issue 10/2017
Print ISSN: 1439-6319
Electronic ISSN: 1439-6327
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-017-3702-1

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

Springer Medicine

Effect of prolonged vibration to synergistic and antagonistic muscles on the rectus femoris activation during multi-joint exercises

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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