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European Journal of Applied Physiology

Published in:

01-10-2020 | Original Article

Local knee heating increases spinal and supraspinal excitability and enhances plantar flexion and dorsiflexion torque production of the ankle in older adults

Authors: Henrikas Paulauskas, Neringa Baranauskiene, Junli Wang, Daiva Mikucioniene, Nerijus Eimantas, Marius Brazaitis

Published in: European Journal of Applied Physiology | Issue 10/2020

Abstract

Purpose

Aging is associated with progressive loss of active muscle mass and consequent decreases in resting metabolic rate and body temperature, and slowing of nerve conduction velocities and muscle contractility. These effectors compromise the ability of the elderly to maintain an upright posture during sudden balance perturbation, increase the risk of falls, and lead to self-imposed reduction in physical activity. Short-term superficial acute heating can modulate the neural drive transmission to exercising muscles without any marked change in deep-muscle temperature.

Methods

To determine whether the short-term (5 min) application of local passive knee-surface heating (next-to-skin temperature, ~ 44 °C) in healthy older subjects of both sexes (64–74 years; eight men/eight women) enhances reflex excitability, we compared the voluntarily and electrically induced ankle muscle torque production and contractile properties with those of healthy younger subjects of both sexes (21–35 years, 10 men/10 women).

Results

The application of local heating (vs. control) increased the maximal Hoffman reflex (H_max), the maximal volitional wave (V_sup) amplitude, and the H_max/M_max amplitude ratio, and decreased V_sup latency only in older adults. In the older adults (vs. younger adults), the application of local heating (vs. control trial) was accompanied by a significant increase in maximal voluntary peak torque, rate of torque development, and isokinetic peak torque of plantar flexion/dorsiflexion muscle contraction.

Conclusion

The spinal and supraspinal reflex excitability of older adults increased during local knee-heating application. The improved motor drive transmission observed in older adults was accompanied by increased voluntarily induced torque production of the ankle muscles during isometric/isokinetic contractions.

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Title: Local knee heating increases spinal and supraspinal excitability and enhances plantar flexion and dorsiflexion torque production of the ankle in older adults
Authors: Henrikas Paulauskas
Neringa Baranauskiene
Junli Wang
Daiva Mikucioniene
Nerijus Eimantas
Marius Brazaitis
Publication date: 01-10-2020
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: European Journal of Applied Physiology / Issue 10/2020
Print ISSN: 1439-6319
Electronic ISSN: 1439-6327
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-020-04449-8

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Local knee heating increases spinal and supraspinal excitability and enhances plantar flexion and dorsiflexion torque production of the ankle in older adults

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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