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European Journal of Applied Physiology

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01-10-2015 | Original Article

Non-uniform recruitment along human rectus femoris muscle during transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation

Authors: Kohei Watanabe, Motoki Kouzaki, Ryosuke Ando, Hiroshi Akima, Toshio Moritani

Published in: European Journal of Applied Physiology | Issue 10/2015

Abstract

Purpose

To test the hypothesis that motor units with different axonal excitability levels are localized in specific portions of the rectus femoris (RF) muscle using transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation.

Methods

M-waves were elicited by transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation and detected from 24 sites along longitudinal line of the muscle. The stimulation was applied to the femoral nerve, and the current level was gradually increased.

Results

The central locus activation, which is calculated from the spatial distribution of M-waves, appeared at the proximal regions at low stimulation level and then moved to the middle site of the muscle with an increase in the stimulation level. The results reveal that groups of motor units activated at different stimulation levels are located in different positions in the proximal–distal muscle direction.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that motor unit properties in proximal and other regions are not uniform within the RF muscle.

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Title: Non-uniform recruitment along human rectus femoris muscle during transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation
Authors: Kohei Watanabe
Motoki Kouzaki
Ryosuke Ando
Hiroshi Akima
Toshio Moritani
Publication date: 01-10-2015
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: European Journal of Applied Physiology / Issue 10/2015
Print ISSN: 1439-6319
Electronic ISSN: 1439-6327
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-015-3196-7

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Non-uniform recruitment along human rectus femoris muscle during transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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