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Journal of NeuroEngineering and Rehabilitation

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Open Access 01-12-2010 | Research

Vibration-induced extra torque during electrically-evoked contractions of the human calf muscles

Authors: Fernando H Magalhães, André F Kohn

Published in: Journal of NeuroEngineering and Rehabilitation | Issue 1/2010

Abstract

Background

High-frequency trains of electrical stimulation applied over the lower limb muscles can generate forces higher than would be expected from a peripheral mechanism (i.e. by direct activation of motor axons). This phenomenon is presumably originated within the central nervous system by synaptic input from Ia afferents to motoneurons and is consistent with the development of plateau potentials. The first objective of this work was to investigate if vibration (sinusoidal or random) applied to the Achilles tendon is also able to generate large magnitude extra torques in the triceps surae muscle group. The second objective was to verify if the extra torques that were found were accompanied by increases in motoneuron excitability.

Methods

Subjects (n = 6) were seated on a chair and the right foot was strapped to a pedal attached to a torque meter. The isometric ankle torque was measured in response to different patterns of coupled electrical (20-Hz, rectangular 1-ms pulses) and mechanical stimuli (either 100-Hz sinusoid or gaussian white noise) applied to the triceps surae muscle group. In an additional investigation, M_max and F-waves were elicited at different times before or after the vibratory stimulation.

Results

The vibratory bursts could generate substantial self-sustained extra torques, either with or without the background 20-Hz electrical stimulation applied simultaneously with the vibration. The extra torque generation was accompanied by increased motoneuron excitability, since an increase in the peak-to-peak amplitude of soleus F waves was observed. The delivery of electrical stimulation following the vibration was essential to keep the maintained extra torques and increased F-waves.

Conclusions

These results show that vibratory stimuli applied with a background electrical stimulation generate considerable force levels (up to about 50% MVC) due to the spinal recruitment of motoneurons. The association of vibration and electrical stimulation could be beneficial for many therapeutic interventions and vibration-based exercise programs. The command for the vibration-induced extra torques presumably activates spinal motoneurons following the size principle, which is a desirable feature for stimulation paradigms.

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Title: Vibration-induced extra torque during electrically-evoked contractions of the human calf muscles
Authors: Fernando H Magalhães
André F Kohn
Publication date: 01-12-2010
Publisher: BioMed Central
Published in: Journal of NeuroEngineering and Rehabilitation / Issue 1/2010
Electronic ISSN: 1743-0003
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/1743-0003-7-26

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Vibration-induced extra torque during electrically-evoked contractions of the human calf muscles

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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