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Anvar SH, Granacher U, Konrad A, Alizadeh S, Culleton R, Edwards C, Goudini R, Behm DG. Corticospinal excitability and reflex modulation in a contralateral non-stretched muscle following unilateral stretching. Eur J Appl Physiol 2023; 123:1837-1850. [PMID: 37072505 DOI: 10.1007/s00421-023-05200-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 04/20/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Muscle stretching effect on the range of motion (ROM) and force deficit in non-stretched muscle, and the underlying mechanisms, is an ongoing issue. This study aimed to investigate crossover stretching effects and mechanisms on the plantar flexor muscles. METHODS Fourteen recreationally active females (n = 5) and males (n = 9) performed six sets of 45-s static stretching (SS) (15-s recovery) to the point of discomfort of the dominant leg (DL) plantar flexors or control (345-s rest). Participants were tested for a single 5-s pre- and post-test maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) with each plantar flexor muscle and were tested for DL and non-DL ROM. They were tested pre- and post-test (immediate, 10-s, 30-s) for the Hoffman (H)-reflex and motor-evoked potentials (MEP) from transcranial magnetic stimulation in the contralateral, non-stretched muscle. RESULTS Both the DL and non-DL-MVIC force had large magnitude, significant (↓10.87%, p = 0.027, pƞ2 = 0.4) and non-significant (↓9.53%, p = 0.15, pƞ2 = 0.19) decreases respectively with SS. The SS also significantly improved the DL (6.5%, p < 0.001) and non-DL (5.35%, p = 0.002) ROM. The non-DL MEP/MMax and HMax/MMax ratio did not change significantly. CONCLUSION Prolonged static stretching improved the stretched muscle's ROM. However, the stretched limb's force was negatively affected following the stretching protocol. The ROM improvement and large magnitude force impairment (statistically non-significant) were transferred to the contralateral muscles. The lack of significant changes in spinal and corticospinal excitability confirms that the afferent excitability of the spinal motoneurons and corticospinal excitability may not play a substantial role in non-local muscle's ROM or force output responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saman Hadjizadeh Anvar
- School of Human Kinetics and Recreation, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, NL, A1C 5S7, Canada
| | - Urs Granacher
- Department of Sport and Sport Science, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Andreas Konrad
- School of Human Kinetics and Recreation, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, NL, A1C 5S7, Canada
- Institute of Human Movement Science, Sport and Health, Graz University, Graz, Austria
| | - Shahab Alizadeh
- School of Human Kinetics and Recreation, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, NL, A1C 5S7, Canada
| | - Robyn Culleton
- School of Human Kinetics and Recreation, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, NL, A1C 5S7, Canada
| | - Chris Edwards
- School of Human Kinetics and Recreation, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, NL, A1C 5S7, Canada
| | - Reza Goudini
- School of Human Kinetics and Recreation, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, NL, A1C 5S7, Canada
| | - David G Behm
- School of Human Kinetics and Recreation, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, NL, A1C 5S7, Canada.
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Nevanperä S, Hu N, Walker S, Avela J, Piirainen JM. Modulation of H-reflex and V-wave responses during dynamic balance perturbations. Exp Brain Res 2023; 241:1599-1610. [PMID: 37142781 DOI: 10.1007/s00221-023-06625-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Motoneuron excitability is possible to measure using H-reflex and V-wave responses. However, it is not known how the motor control is organized, how the H-reflex and V-wave responses modulate and how repeatable these are during dynamic balance perturbations. To assess the repeatability, 16 participants (8 men, 8 women) went through two, identical measurement sessions with ~ 48 h intervals, where maximal isometric plantar flexion (IMVC) and dynamic balance perturbations in horizontal, anterior-posterior direction were performed. Soleus muscle (SOL) neural modulation during balance perturbations were measured at 40, 70, 100 and 130 ms after ankle movement by using both H-reflex and V-wave methods. V-wave, which depicts the magnitude of efferent motoneuronal output (Bergmann et al. in JAMA 8:e77705, 2013), was significantly enhanced as early as 70 ms after the ankle movement. Both the ratio of M-wave-normalized V-wave (0.022-0.076, p < 0.001) and H-reflex (0.386-0.523, p < 0.001) increased significantly at the latency of 70 ms compared to the latency of 40 ms and remained at these levels at latter latencies. In addition, M-wave normalized V-wave/H-reflex ratio increased from 0.056 to 0.179 (p < 0.001). The repeatability of V-wave demonstrated moderate-to-substantial repeatability (ICC = 0.774-0.912) whereas the H-reflex was more variable showing fair-to-substantial repeatability (ICC = 0.581-0.855). As a conclusion, V-wave was enhanced already at 70 ms after the perturbation, which may indicate that increased activation of motoneurons occurred due to changes in descending drive. Since this is a short time-period for voluntary activity, some other, potentially subcortical responses might be involved for V-wave increment rather than voluntary drive. Our results addressed the usability and repeatability of V-wave method during dynamic conditions, which can be utilized in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuli Nevanperä
- Sports Technology Program, Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, Kidekuja 2, 88610, Vuokatti, Finland.
- NeuroMuscular Research Center, Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, Rautpohjankatu 8, PL35, 40700, Jyväskylä, Finland.
| | - Nijia Hu
- NeuroMuscular Research Center, Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, Rautpohjankatu 8, PL35, 40700, Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Simon Walker
- NeuroMuscular Research Center, Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, Rautpohjankatu 8, PL35, 40700, Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Janne Avela
- NeuroMuscular Research Center, Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, Rautpohjankatu 8, PL35, 40700, Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Jarmo M Piirainen
- Sports Technology Program, Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, Kidekuja 2, 88610, Vuokatti, Finland
- NeuroMuscular Research Center, Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, Rautpohjankatu 8, PL35, 40700, Jyväskylä, Finland
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Batista-Ferreira L, Rabelo NF, da Cruz GM, Costa JNDA, Elias LA, Mezzarane RA. Effects of voluntary contraction on the soleus H-reflex of different amplitudes in healthy young adults and in the elderly. Front Hum Neurosci 2022; 16:1039242. [PMID: 36590063 PMCID: PMC9797586 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2022.1039242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
A number of H-reflex studies used a moderate steady voluntary contraction in an attempt to keep the motoneuron pool excitability relatively constant. However, it is not clear whether the voluntary muscle activation itself represents a confounding factor for the elderly, as a few ongoing mechanisms of reflex modulation might be compromised. Further, it is well-known that the amount of either inhibition or facilitation from a given conditioning depends on the size of the test H-reflex. The present study aimed at evaluating the effects of voluntary contraction over a wide range of reflex amplitudes. A significant reflex facilitation during an isometric voluntary contraction of the soleus muscle (15% of the maximal voluntary isometric contraction-MVC) was found for both young adults and the elderly (p < 0.05), regardless of their test reflex amplitudes (considering the ascending limb of the H-reflex recruitment curve-RC). No significant difference was detected in the level of reflex facilitation between groups for all the amplitude parameters extracted from the RC. Simulations with a computational model of the motoneuron pool driven by stationary descending commands yielded qualitatively similar amount of reflex facilitation, as compared to human experiments. Both the experimental and modeling results suggest that possible age-related differences in spinal cord mechanisms do not significantly influence the reflex modulation during a moderate voluntary muscle activation. Therefore, a background voluntary contraction of the ankle extensors (e.g., similar to the one necessary to maintain upright stance) can be used in experiments designed to compare the RCs of both populations. Finally, in an attempt to elucidate the controversy around changes in the direct motor response (M-wave) during contraction, the maximum M-wave (Mmax) was compared between groups and conditions. It was found that the Mmax significantly increases (p < 0.05) during contraction and decreases (p < 0.05) with age arguably due to muscle fiber shortening and motoneuron loss, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leandra Batista-Ferreira
- Laboratory of Signal Processing and Motor Control, Faculty of Physical Education, University of Brasília, Brasília, Goiás, Brazil
| | - Natielle Ferreira Rabelo
- Neural Engineering Research Laboratory, Center for Biomedical Engineering, University of Campinas, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil,Department of Electronics and Biomedical Engineering, School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Campinas, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Gabriel Menezes da Cruz
- Laboratory of Signal Processing and Motor Control, Faculty of Physical Education, University of Brasília, Brasília, Goiás, Brazil
| | | | - Leonardo Abdala Elias
- Neural Engineering Research Laboratory, Center for Biomedical Engineering, University of Campinas, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil,Department of Electronics and Biomedical Engineering, School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Campinas, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Rinaldo André Mezzarane
- Laboratory of Signal Processing and Motor Control, Faculty of Physical Education, University of Brasília, Brasília, Goiás, Brazil,Postgraduate Program in Biomedical Engineering, University of Brasília, Brasília, Goiás, Brazil,*Correspondence: Rinaldo André Mezzarane,
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Roumengous T, Peterson CL. The assessment of biceps voluntary activation with transcranial magnetic stimulation in individuals with tetraplegia. Restor Neurol Neurosci 2022; 40:169-184. [DOI: 10.3233/rnn-221254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Assessment of voluntary activation is useful in the study of neuromuscular impairments, particularly after spinal cord injury (SCI). Measurement of voluntary activation with transcranial magnetic stimulation (VATMS) is limited by technical challenges, including the difficulty in preferential stimulation of cortical neurons projecting to the target muscle and minimal stimulation of antagonists. Thus, the motor evoked potential (MEP) response to TMS in the target muscle compared to its antagonist may be an important parameter in the assessment of VATMS. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of isometric elbow flexion angle on two metrics in individuals with tetraplegia following SCI: 1) the ratio of biceps/triceps MEP amplitude across a range of voluntary efforts, and 2) VATMS. METHODS: Ten individuals with tetraplegia and ten nonimpaired individuals were recruited to participate in three sessions wherein VATMS was assessed at 45°, 90°, and 120° of isometric elbow flexion. RESULTS: In SCI participants, the biceps/triceps MEP ratio was not modulated by elbow angle. In nonimpaired participants, the biceps/triceps MEP ratio was greater in the more flexed elbow angle (120° flexion) compared to 90° during contractions of 50% and 75% MVC, but VATMS was not different. VATMS assessed in the more extended elbow angle (45° flexion) was lower relative to 90° elbow flexion; this effect was dependent on the biceps/triceps MEP ratio. In both groups, VATMS was sensitive to the linearity of the voluntary moment and superimposed twitch relationship, regardless of elbow angle. Linearity was lower in SCI relative to nonimpaired participants. CONCLUSIONS: Increasing the MEP ratio via elbow angle did not enable estimation of VATMS in SCI participants. VATMS may not be a viable approach to assess neuromuscular function in individuals with tetraplegia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thibault Roumengous
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Carrie L. Peterson
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
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Kim SC, Cho SH. Effects of H-Reflex Onset Latency on Gait in Elderly and Hemiplegic Individuals. Medicina (B Aires) 2022; 58:medicina58060716. [PMID: 35743979 PMCID: PMC9228972 DOI: 10.3390/medicina58060716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2022] [Revised: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Objectives: The Hoffmann’s reflex (H-reflex) is important in electrodiagnostic testing because it improves sensitivity and specificity in diagnosing radiculopathies. Although quantitative electromyography (EMG) measurements for H-reflex amplitudes during the gait cycle have been performed in both hemiplegic and healthy individuals, research on the H-wave latency in these individuals during the gait cycle is lacking. Materials and Methods: The H-reflex latency of the soleus muscle was investigated in hemiplegic stroke patients and healthy elderly persons in this observational analytical study. Two groups of individuals participated in this study: healthy adults (n = 25) and stroke patients with hemiplegia (n = 25) were compared. An MP150 with Ag-Ag/Cl electrodes was utilized to record and analyse electromyography measurements. All individuals could walk independently indoors. Stimuli were administered to elicit the H-reflex in the four gait phases as the participant walked. Results: Stroke patients had a significantly shorter latency than did healthy patients in the mid-swing, mid-stance, and toe-off phases of the gait cycle; heel-strike latency did not significantly differ. Conclusions: These results can be used as diagnostic data to help account for patient characteristics or measure the recovery extent for treatment planning and gait training in hemiplegic individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seon-Chil Kim
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Keimyung University, 1095 Dalgubeol-daero, Daegu 42601, Korea;
| | - Sung-Hyoun Cho
- Department of Physical Therapy, Nambu University, 23 Cheomdanjungang-ro, Gwangju 62271, Korea
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +82-10-3060-1330
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CORATELLA GIUSEPPE, CÈ EMILIANO, DORIA CHRISTIAN, BORRELLI MARTA, LONGO STEFANO, ESPOSITO FABIO. Neuromuscular Correlates of the Contralateral Stretch-induced Strength Loss. Med Sci Sports Exerc 2021; 53:2066-2075. [PMID: 33831897 PMCID: PMC10097483 DOI: 10.1249/mss.0000000000002677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The current study investigated the effects of unilateral passive stretching on the neuromuscular mechanisms involved in the force-generating capacity of the contralateral muscle. METHODS Twenty-six healthy men underwent unilateral passive stretching of the plantarflexors (5 × 45 s on + 15 s off; total stretching time, 225 s). Before and after the stretching protocol, contralateral ankle range of motion, maximum voluntary contraction (MVC) of the plantarflexors, and surface electromyographic root-mean-square (sEMG RMS) of the soleus and the gastrocnemii muscles were determined. Concurrently, V-wave, maximum and superimposed H-reflex, and M-wave were elicited via nerve stimulation to estimate the supraspinal, spinal, and peripheral mechanisms, respectively. sEMG RMS, V-wave, and H-reflex were normalized to the M-wave. RESULTS After passive stretching, contralateral ankle range of motion was increased (+8% [1%/15%], effect size [ES] = 0.43 [0.02/0.84], P < 0.001), MVC of the plantarflexors was decreased (-9% [-21%/-2%], ES = -0.96 [-1.53/-0.38], P < 0.001), and the sEMG RMS/M-wave of the soleus and the gastrocnemii muscles was decreased (≈-9%, ES ≈ -0.33, P < 0.05). Concurrently, the V-wave/M-wave superimposed was decreased in all muscles (≈-13%, ES = -0.81 to -0.52, P < 0.05). No change in H-reflex/M-wave and M-wave was observed under both maximum and superimposed condition. The decrease in the MVC and the sEMG RMS of the contralateral muscle was accompanied by a decrease in the V-wave/M-wave but not the H-reflex/M-wave ratios and the M-wave. CONCLUSIONS The present outcomes suggest that only supraspinal mechanisms might be involved in the contralateral decrease in the maximum force-generating capacity.
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Affiliation(s)
- GIUSEPPE CORATELLA
- Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health (SCIBIS), Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, ITALY
| | - EMILIANO CÈ
- Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health (SCIBIS), Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, ITALY
- IRCSS Galeazzi Orthopedic Institute, Milan, ITALY
| | - CHRISTIAN DORIA
- Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health (SCIBIS), Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, ITALY
| | - MARTA BORRELLI
- Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health (SCIBIS), Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, ITALY
| | - STEFANO LONGO
- Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health (SCIBIS), Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, ITALY
| | - FABIO ESPOSITO
- Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health (SCIBIS), Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, ITALY
- IRCSS Galeazzi Orthopedic Institute, Milan, ITALY
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Khairullin AE, Eremeev AA, Grishin SN. Synaptic Aspects of Hypogravity Motor Syndrome. Biophysics (Nagoya-shi) 2019. [DOI: 10.1134/s0006350919050087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
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The effects of a single session of chiropractic care on strength, cortical drive, and spinal excitability in stroke patients. Sci Rep 2019; 9:2673. [PMID: 30804399 PMCID: PMC6389925 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-39577-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2018] [Accepted: 01/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The objective of this study was to investigate whether a single session of chiropractic care could increase strength in weak plantar flexor muscles in chronic stroke patients. Maximum voluntary contractions (strength) of the plantar flexors, soleus evoked V-waves (cortical drive), and H-reflexes were recorded in 12 chronic stroke patients, with plantar flexor muscle weakness, using a randomized controlled crossover design. Outcomes were assessed pre and post a chiropractic care intervention and a passive movement control. Repeated measures ANOVA was used to asses within and between group differences. Significance was set at p < 0.05. Following the chiropractic care intervention there was a significant increase in strength (F (1,11) = 14.49, p = 0.002; avg 64.2 ± 77.7%) and V-wave/Mmax ratio (F(1,11) = 9.67, p = 0.009; avg 54.0 ± 65.2%) compared to the control intervention. There was a significant strength decrease of 26.4 ± 15.5% (p = 0.001) after the control intervention. There were no other significant differences. Plantar flexor muscle strength increased in chronic stroke patients after a single session of chiropractic care. An increase in V-wave amplitude combined with no significant changes in H-reflex parameters suggests this increased strength is likely modulated at a supraspinal level. Further research is required to investigate the longer term and potential functional effects of chiropractic care in stroke recovery.
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Effectiveness of Foot Biomechanical Orthoses to Relieve Patients Suffering from Plantar Fasciitis: Is the Reduction of Pain Related to Change in Neural Strategy? BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2018; 2018:3594150. [PMID: 30643800 PMCID: PMC6311243 DOI: 10.1155/2018/3594150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2017] [Revised: 03/16/2018] [Accepted: 12/02/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Plantar fasciitis is a cause of chronic pain under the heel and bottom of the foot. One of the treatments to reduce pain consists of using plantar orthoses to address specific imbalances during foot placement or gait. The aim of the present study was to determine if reduction of pain with a treatment based on plantar orthoses is related to changes in reflexes and muscle activity of the muscles of the lower limbs. Ten patients (51.0±3.5 years, 76.0±2.38 kg, 171.9±1.8 cm, 3 women and 7 men) with plantar fasciitis for less than 1 year were followed up during nine weeks. Soleus M, H, and V waves recorded at rest and during voluntary contraction and Root Mean Square-Electromyogram from four leg muscles recorded during walking and static position were analyzed in patients before and 3, 6, and 9 weeks after wearing orthoses. Pain level and gait and posture parameters were also analyzed. Results were compared to five healthy participants exhibiting no pain (30.6±2.1 years, 60.0±3.5 kg, 167.0±3.4 cm, 3 women and 2 men). Results indicated that pain was significantly reduced after 3 weeks. Hmax/Mmax and Hsup/Msup ratios were significantly higher and MHmax/Mmax and MHsup/Msup were significantly lower in healthy participants compared to patients with plantar fasciitis. No difference in the V/Msup ratio was found between groups. Furthermore, all other measured locomotor, stabilometric, and electromyographic parameters remained unchanged throughout the entire protocol. The reduction of pain is not related to change in neural activity suggesting that, after 9 weeks of wearing plantar orthoses, patients are not yet cured and return to physical activity should be delayed.
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Moyne-Bressand S, Dhieux C, Decherchi P, Dousset E. Effectiveness of Foot Biomechanical Orthoses to Relieve Patients' Knee Pain: Changes in Neural Strategy After 9 Weeks of Treatment. J Foot Ankle Surg 2018; 56:1194-1204. [PMID: 29079236 DOI: 10.1053/j.jfas.2017.05.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2016] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Knee pain is one of the most common lower leg complaints. It is often treated with plantar orthoses to provide cushioning and correct locomotion, imbalances of the foot, and postural deficits. However, the published scientific data are poor concerning the mechanisms involved in pain reduction after wearing foot orthoses, and, to the best of our knowledge, no trial has investigated the mid-term effectiveness. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effectiveness of foot orthoses according to sound biomechanical principles in the treatment of knee pain. Attention was mainly focused on changes in the central control strategies. Fifteen subjects were included in the protocol. The patients with knee pain were compared with healthy participants (control group) exhibiting no knee pain. In the patients with knee pain, pain perception, dynamic analysis of the gait, stabilometry, the soleus Hoffmann reflex at rest and during voluntary contraction, and V-wave were measured before and 3, 6, and 9 weeks after wearing orthoses. In the control group (n = 5), the same parameters were recorded at 0, 3, 6, and 9 weeks, but the subjects had not worn orthoses. In the patient group (n = 10), the results indicated that pain had significantly decreased from the third week onward, although the parameters of gait and stabilometry remained unchanged. From the sixth week, the soleus Hoffmann reflex during voluntary contraction wave was significantly reduced, suggesting an increase in motoneuronal presynaptic inhibition by non-nociceptive afferents. The V-wave amplitude increased throughout the 9 weeks of the experiment, suggesting a progressive increase in corticospinal and/or extrapyramidal descending pathway inputs, probably due to pain reduction. In the control group, no change was observed throughout the experimental sessions. Our data indicated that foot orthoses relieved patients' knee pain and reduced the descending motor inhibition. Changes in spinal modulation could contribute to a better quality of life. However, this treatment failed to change the altered gait, despite changes in spinal and supraspinal modulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sébastien Moyne-Bressand
- Podiatrist, Aix-Marseille Université, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, L'Institut des Sciences du Mouvement Etienne-Jules Marey est une Unité Mixte de Recherche (UMR 7287), Equipe "Plasticité des Systèmes Nerveux et Musculaire" (PSNM), Parc Scientifique et Technologique de Luminy, Faculté des Sciences du Sport de Marseille, Marseille, France
| | - Carole Dhieux
- Podiatrist, Aix-Marseille Université, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, L'Institut des Sciences du Mouvement Etienne-Jules Marey est une Unité Mixte de Recherche (UMR 7287), Equipe "Plasticité des Systèmes Nerveux et Musculaire" (PSNM), Parc Scientifique et Technologique de Luminy, Faculté des Sciences du Sport de Marseille, Marseille, France
| | - Patrick Decherchi
- Professor, Aix-Marseille Université, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, L'Institut des Sciences du Mouvement Etienne-Jules Marey est une Unité Mixte de Recherche (UMR 7287), Equipe "Plasticité des Systèmes Nerveux et Musculaire" (PSNM), Parc Scientifique et Technologique de Luminy, Faculté des Sciences du Sport de Marseille, Marseille, France.
| | - Erick Dousset
- Assistant Professor, Aix-Marseille Université, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, L'Institut des Sciences du Mouvement Etienne-Jules Marey est une Unité Mixte de Recherche (UMR 7287), Equipe "Plasticité des Systèmes Nerveux et Musculaire" (PSNM), Parc Scientifique et Technologique de Luminy, Faculté des Sciences du Sport de Marseille, Marseille, France
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Abstract
It is well known that prolonged passive muscle stretch reduces maximal muscle force production. There is a growing body of evidence suggesting that adaptations occurring within the nervous system play a major role in this stretch-induced force reduction. This article reviews the existing literature, and some new evidence, regarding acute neurophysiological changes in response to passive muscle stretching. We discuss the possible contribution of supra-spinal and spinal structures to the force reduction after passive muscle stretch. In summary, based on the recent evidence reviewed we propose a new hypothesis that a disfacilitation occurring at the motoneuronal level after passive muscle stretch is a major factor affecting the neural efferent drive to the muscle and, subsequently, its ability to produce maximal force.
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Piponnier E, Ratel S, François B, Garcia-Vicencio S, Martin V. Assessment of the H-reflex using two synchronized magnetic stimulators in order to increase stimulus durations: A comparison with electrical stimulation. Neurosci Lett 2018; 675:89-94. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2018.03.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2017] [Revised: 02/09/2018] [Accepted: 03/18/2018] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Hight RE, Quarshie AT, Black CD. Voluntary muscle activation and evoked volitional-wave responses as a function of torque. J Electromyogr Kinesiol 2018; 41:1-8. [PMID: 29709787 DOI: 10.1016/j.jelekin.2018.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2017] [Revised: 02/28/2018] [Accepted: 04/14/2018] [Indexed: 10/17/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION This study employed a unique stimulation paradigm which allowed for the simultaneous assessment of voluntary activation levels (VA) via twitch-interpolation, and the evoked V-wave responses of the plantar flexors during submaximal and maximal contractions. Test-retest reliability was also examined. METHODS Fourteen participants repeated a stimulation protocol over four visits to assess VA and evoked V-wave amplitude across torque levels ranging from 20% to 100% MVC. MVC torque and EMG amplitude were also measured. RESULTS VA increased nonlinearly with torque production and plateaued by 80% MVC. V-wave amplitude increased linearly from 20% to 100% MVC. There were no differences in any dependent variable across visits (p > 0.05). VA demonstrated moderate to substantial reliability across all torque levels (ICC = 0.76-0.91) while V-wave amplitude exhibited fair to moderate reliability from 40% to 100% (ICC = 0.48-0.74). DISCUSSION We were able to reliably collect VA and the V-wave simultaneously in the plantar flexors. Collection of VA and V-wave during the same contraction provides distinct information regarding the contribution of motor-unit recruitment and descending cortico-spinal drive/excitability to force production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert E Hight
- The Department of Health and Exercise Science, The University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK, United States.
| | - Alwyn T Quarshie
- The Department of Health and Exercise Science, The University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK, United States
| | - Christopher D Black
- The Department of Health and Exercise Science, The University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK, United States
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Christiansen TL, Niazi IK, Holt K, Nedergaard RW, Duehr J, Allen K, Marshall P, Türker KS, Hartvigsen J, Haavik H. The effects of a single session of spinal manipulation on strength and cortical drive in athletes. Eur J Appl Physiol 2018; 118:737-749. [PMID: 29327170 PMCID: PMC5843672 DOI: 10.1007/s00421-018-3799-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2017] [Accepted: 01/01/2018] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Purpose The primary purpose of this study was to investigate whether a single session of spinal manipulation (SM) increases strength and cortical drive in the lower limb (soleus muscle) of elite Taekwondo athletes. Methods Soleus-evoked V-waves, H-reflex and maximum voluntary contraction (MVC) of the plantar flexors were recorded from 11 elite Taekwondo athletes using a randomized controlled crossover design. Interventions were either SM or passive movement control. Outcomes were assessed at pre-intervention and at three post-intervention time periods (immediate post, post 30 min and post 60 min). A multifactorial repeated measures ANOVA was conducted to assess within and between group differences. Time and session were used as factors. A post hoc analysis was carried out, when an interactive effect was present. Significance was set at p ≤ 0.05. Results SM increased MVC force [F(3,30) = 5.95, p < 0.01], and V-waves [F(3,30) = 4.25, p = 0.01] over time compared to the control intervention. Between group differences were significant for all time periods (p < 0.05) except for the post60 force measurements (p = 0.07). Conclusion A single session of SM increased muscle strength and corticospinal excitability to ankle plantar flexor muscles in elite Taekwondo athletes. The increased MVC force lasted for 30 min and the corticospinal excitability increase persisted for at least 60 min.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Lykke Christiansen
- Department of Sports Science and Clinical Biomechanics, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark.,Nordic Institute of Chiropractic and Clinical Biomechanics, Odense, Denmark
| | - Imran Khan Niazi
- Center for Chiropractic Research, New Zealand College of Chiropractic, 6 Harrison Road, Mount Wellington, Auckland, New Zealand. .,SMI, Department of Health Science and Technology, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark.
| | - Kelly Holt
- Center for Chiropractic Research, New Zealand College of Chiropractic, 6 Harrison Road, Mount Wellington, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Rasmus Wiberg Nedergaard
- Center for Chiropractic Research, New Zealand College of Chiropractic, 6 Harrison Road, Mount Wellington, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Jens Duehr
- Center for Chiropractic Research, New Zealand College of Chiropractic, 6 Harrison Road, Mount Wellington, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Kathryn Allen
- Center for Chiropractic Research, New Zealand College of Chiropractic, 6 Harrison Road, Mount Wellington, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Paul Marshall
- School of Science and Health, Western Sydney University, Sydney, Australia
| | | | - Jan Hartvigsen
- Department of Sports Science and Clinical Biomechanics, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark.,Nordic Institute of Chiropractic and Clinical Biomechanics, Odense, Denmark
| | - Heidi Haavik
- Center for Chiropractic Research, New Zealand College of Chiropractic, 6 Harrison Road, Mount Wellington, Auckland, New Zealand
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Neva JL, Brown KE, Mang CS, Francisco BA, Boyd LA. An acute bout of exercise modulates both intracortical and interhemispheric excitability. Eur J Neurosci 2017; 45:1343-1355. [PMID: 28370664 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.13569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2016] [Revised: 03/23/2017] [Accepted: 03/24/2017] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Primary motor cortex (M1) excitability is modulated following a single session of cycling exercise. Specifically, short-interval intracortical inhibition and intracortical facilitation are altered following a session of cycling, suggesting that exercise affects the excitability of varied cortical circuits. Yet we do not know whether a session of exercise also impacts the excitability of interhemispheric circuits between, and other intracortical circuits within, M1. Here we present two experiments designed to address this gap in knowledge. In experiment 1, single and paired pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) were used to measure intracortical circuits including, short-interval intracortical facilitation (SICF) tested at 1.1, 1.5, 2.7, 3.1 and 4.5 ms interstimulus intervals (ISIs), contralateral silent period (CSP) and interhemispheric interactions by measuring transcallosal inhibition (TCI) recorded from the abductor pollicus brevis muscles. All circuits were assessed bilaterally pre and two time points post (immediately, 30 min) moderate intensity lower limb cycling. SICF was enhanced in the left hemisphere after exercise at the 1.5 ms ISI. Also, CSP was shortened and TCI decreased bilaterally after exercise. In Experiment 2, corticospinal and spinal excitability were tested before and after exercise to investigate the locus of the effects found in Experiment 1. Exercise did not impact motor-evoked potential recruitment curves, Hoffman reflex or V-wave amplitudes. These results suggest that a session of exercise decreases intracortical and interhemispheric inhibition and increases facilitation in multiple circuits within M1, without concurrently altering spinal excitability. These findings have implications for developing exercise strategies designed to potentiate M1 plasticity and skill learning in healthy and clinical populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- J L Neva
- Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, 212-2177 Westbrook Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - K E Brown
- Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, 212-2177 Westbrook Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - C S Mang
- Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, 212-2177 Westbrook Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - B A Francisco
- Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, 212-2177 Westbrook Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - L A Boyd
- Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, 212-2177 Westbrook Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z3, Canada
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Grosprêtre S, Duclay J, Martin A. Assessment of Homonymous Recurrent Inhibition during Voluntary Contraction by Conditioning Nerve Stimulation. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0167062. [PMID: 27880831 PMCID: PMC5120836 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0167062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2016] [Accepted: 11/08/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
In humans, the amount of spinal homonymous recurrent inhibition during voluntary contraction is usually assessed by using a peripheral nerve stimulation paradigm. This method consists of conditioning the maximal M-wave (SM stimulus) with prior reflex stimulation (S1), with 10 ms inter-stimulus interval (ISI). The decrease observed between unconditioned (S1 only) and conditioned (S1+SM) reflex size is then attributed to recurrent inhibition. However, during a voluntary contraction, a superimposed SM stimulation leads to a maximal M-wave followed by a voluntary (V) wave at similar latency than the H-reflex. This wave can therefore interfere with the conditioned H-reflex when two different stimulation intensities are used (S1 and SM), leading to misinterpretation of the data. The aim of the present study was to assess if conditioning V-wave response instead of H-reflex, by applying SM for both stimuli (test and conditioning), can be used as an index of recurrent inhibition. Conditioned and unconditioned responses of soleus and medial gastrocnemius muscles were recorded in twelve subjects at 25% and at 50% of maximal voluntary contraction at the usual ISI of 10 ms and an optimal inter-stimulus of 15 ms determined upon M- and V-wave latencies. Conditioned H-reflex (obtained with S1+SM paradigm) was significantly lower than the unconditioned by ~30% on average, meaning that the amount of inhibition was 70%. This amount of recurrent inhibition was significantly lower at higher force level with both methods. Regardless of the level of force or the conditioning ISI, results obtained with V-wave conditioning (SM+SM) were similar at both force levels, linearly correlated and proportional to those obtained with H conditioning. Then, V-wave conditioning appears to be a reliable index of homonymous recurrent inhibition during voluntary contraction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sidney Grosprêtre
- INSERM CAPS UMR 1093, Cognition, Action and Sensorimotor Plasticity, Université de Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, Dijon, France
- EA4660, C3S Culture Sport Health Society, Université de Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, Besançon, France
- * E-mail:
| | - Julien Duclay
- Toulouse NeuroImaging Center, Université de Toulouse, Inserm, UPS, Toulouse, France
| | - Alain Martin
- INSERM CAPS UMR 1093, Cognition, Action and Sensorimotor Plasticity, Université de Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, Dijon, France
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Changes in tibialis anterior corticospinal properties after acute prolonged muscle vibration. Eur J Appl Physiol 2016; 116:1197-205. [DOI: 10.1007/s00421-016-3378-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2015] [Accepted: 04/08/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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Papaiordanidou M, Mustacchi V, Stevenot JD, Vanoncini M, Martin A. Spinal and supraspinal mechanisms affecting torque development at different joint angles. Muscle Nerve 2015; 53:626-32. [DOI: 10.1002/mus.24895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2015] [Revised: 08/31/2015] [Accepted: 09/03/2015] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Papaiordanidou
- UMR7287, CNRS, Aix-Marseille University; 163 avenue de Luminy 13288 Marseille France
| | - Valérie Mustacchi
- UMR7287, CNRS, Aix-Marseille University; 163 avenue de Luminy 13288 Marseille France
| | - Jean-Damien Stevenot
- UMR7287, CNRS, Aix-Marseille University; 163 avenue de Luminy 13288 Marseille France
| | - Michele Vanoncini
- UMR7287, CNRS, Aix-Marseille University; 163 avenue de Luminy 13288 Marseille France
| | - Alain Martin
- INSERM U1093 Cognition, Action et Plasticité Sensorimotrice, Université de Bourgogne, UFR STAPS; Campus Universitaire Dijon France
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Changes in H-reflex and V-waves following spinal manipulation. Exp Brain Res 2015; 233:1165-73. [PMID: 25579661 DOI: 10.1007/s00221-014-4193-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2014] [Accepted: 12/22/2014] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
This study investigates whether spinal manipulation leads to neural plastic changes involving cortical drive and the H-reflex pathway. Soleus evoked V-wave, H-reflex, and M-wave recruitment curves and maximum voluntary contraction (MVC) in surface electromyography (SEMG) signals of the plantar flexors were recorded from ten subjects before and after manipulation or control intervention. Dependent measures were compared with 2-way ANOVA and Tukey's HSD as post hoc test, p was set at 0.05. Spinal manipulation resulted in increased MVC (measured with SEMG) by 59.5 ± 103.4 % (p = 0.03) and force by 16.05 ± 6.16 4 % (p = 0.0002), increased V/M max ratio by 44.97 ± 36.02 % (p = 0.006), and reduced H-reflex threshold (p = 0.018). Following the control intervention, there was a decrease in MVC (measured with SEMG) by 13.31 ± 7.27 % (p = 0.001) and force by 11.35 ± 9.99 % (p = 0.030), decreased V/M max ratio (23.45 ± 17.65 %; p = 0.03) and a decrease in the median frequency of the power spectrum (p = 0.04) of the SEMG during MVC. The H-reflex pathway is involved in the neural plastic changes that occur following spinal manipulation. The improvements in MVC following spinal manipulation are likely attributed to increased descending drive and/or modulation in afferents. Spinal manipulation appears to prevent fatigue developed during maximal contractions. Spinal manipulation appears to alter the net excitability of the low-threshold motor units, increase cortical drive, and prevent fatigue.
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Grosprêtre S, Martin A. Conditioning effect of transcranial magnetic stimulation evoking motor-evoked potential on V-wave response. Physiol Rep 2014; 2:2/12/e12191. [PMID: 25501438 PMCID: PMC4332197 DOI: 10.14814/phy2.12191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to examine the collision responsible for the volitional V‐wave evoked by supramaximal electrical stimulation of the motor nerve during voluntary contraction. V‐wave was conditioned by transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) over the motor cortex at several inter‐stimuli intervals (ISI) during weak voluntary plantar flexions (n = 10) and at rest for flexor carpi radialis muscle (FCR; n = 6). Conditioning stimulations were induced by TMS with intensity eliciting maximal motor‐evoked potential (MEPmax). ISIs used were ranging from −20 to +20 msec depending on muscles tested. The results showed that, for triceps surae muscles, conditioning TMS increased the V‐wave amplitude (~ +250%) and the associated mechanical response (~ +30%) during weak voluntary plantar flexion (10% of the maximal voluntary contraction ‐MVC) for ISIs ranging from +6 to +18 msec. Similar effect was observed at rest for the FCR with ISI ranging from +6 to +12 msec. When the level of force was increased from 10 to 50% MVC or the conditioning TMS intensity was reduced to elicit responses of 50% of MEPmax, a significant decrease in the conditioned V‐wave amplitude was observed for the triceps surae muscles, linearly correlated to the changes in MEP amplitude. The slope of this correlation, as well as the electro‐mechanical efficiency, was closed to the identity line, indicating that V‐wave impact at muscle level seems to be similar to the impact of cortical stimulation. All these results suggest that change in V‐wave amplitude is a great index to reflect changes in cortical neural drive addressed to spinal motoneurons. This study aimed to condition V‐wave by transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), allowing assessing the amplitude and time‐delays of the descending drive. Thus, by modulating TMS intensities, levels of voluntary contraction and inter‐stimuli intervals, we were able to estimate the possible site of the collision allowing recording of V‐wave and the link with motor‐evoked potential magnitude and V‐wave amplitude. These results bring new knowledge about the modulation of the V‐wave and its interpretation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sidney Grosprêtre
- Faculté des sciences du sport, INSERM U1093, Université de Bourgogne, Dijon, France
| | - Alain Martin
- Faculté des sciences du sport, INSERM U1093, Université de Bourgogne, Dijon, France
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Modulation of exercise-induced spinal loop properties in response to oxygen availability. Eur J Appl Physiol 2014; 115:471-82. [PMID: 25361617 DOI: 10.1007/s00421-014-3032-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2014] [Accepted: 10/15/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
This study investigated the effects of acute hypoxia on spinal reflexes and soleus muscle function after a sustained contraction of the plantar flexors at 40% of maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVC). Fifteen males (age 25.3 ± 0.9 year) performed the fatigue task at two different inspired O₂ fractions (FiO₂ = 0.21/0.11) in a randomized and single-blind fashion. Before, at task failure and after 6, 12 and 18 min of passive recovery, the Hoffman-reflex (H max) and M-wave (M max) were recorded at rest and voluntary activation (VA), surface electromyogram (RMSmax), M-wave (M sup) and V-wave (V sup) were recorded during MVC. Normalized H-reflex (H max/M max) was significantly depressed pre-exercise in hypoxia compared with normoxia (0.31 ± 0.08 and 0.36 ± 0.08, respectively, P < 0.05). Hypoxia did not affect time to task failure (mean time of 453.9 ± 32.0 s) and MVC decrease at task failure (-18% in normoxia vs. -16% in hypoxia). At task failure, VA (-8%), RMSmax/M sup (-11%), H max/M max (-27%) and V sup/M sup (-37%) decreased (P < 0.05), but with no FiO2 effect. H max/M max restored significantly throughout recovery in hypoxia but not in normoxia, while V sup/M sup restored significantly during recovery in normoxia but not in hypoxia (P < 0.05). Collectively, these findings indicate that central adaptations resulting from sustained submaximal fatiguing contraction were not different in hypoxia and normoxia at task failure. However, the FiO₂-induced differences in spinal loop properties pre-exercise and throughout recovery suggest possible specific mediation by the hypoxic-sensitive group III and IV muscle afferents, supraspinal regulation mechanisms being mainly involved in hypoxia while spinal ones may be predominant in normoxia.
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Cattagni T, Martin A, Scaglioni G. Is spinal excitability of the triceps surae mainly affected by muscle activity or body position? J Neurophysiol 2014; 111:2525-32. [DOI: 10.1152/jn.00455.2013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to determine how muscle activity and body orientation contribute to the triceps surae spinal transmission modulation, when moving from a sitting to a standing position. Maximal Hoffmann-reflex (Hmax) and motor potential (Mmax) were evoked in the soleus (SOL), medial and lateral gastrocnemius in 10 male subjects and in three conditions, passive sitting, active sitting and upright standing, with the same SOL activity in active sitting and upright standing. Moreover volitional wave (V) was evoked in the two active conditions (i.e., active sitting and upright standing). The results showed that SOL Hmax/Mmax was lower in active sitting than in passive sitting, while for the gastrocnemii it was not significantly altered. For the three plantar flexors, Hmax/Mmax was lower in upright standing than in active sitting, whereas V/Mmax was not modulated. SOL H-reflex is therefore affected by the increase in muscle activity and change in body orientation, while, in the gastrocnemii, it was only affected by a change in posture. In conclusion, passing from a sitting to a standing position affects the Hmax/Mmax of the whole triceps surae, but the mechanisms responsible for this change differ among the synergist muscles. The V/Mmax does not change when upright stance is assumed. This means that the increased inhibitory activity in orthostatic position is compensated by an increased excitatory inflow to the α-motoneurons of central and/or peripheral origin.
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Affiliation(s)
- T. Cattagni
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale 1093, Faculty of Sport Science, University of Burgundy, Dijon, France
| | - A. Martin
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale 1093, Faculty of Sport Science, University of Burgundy, Dijon, France
| | - G. Scaglioni
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale 1093, Faculty of Sport Science, University of Burgundy, Dijon, France
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M-wave, H- and V-reflex recruitment curves during maximal voluntary contraction. J Clin Neurophysiol 2013; 30:415-21. [PMID: 23912583 DOI: 10.1097/wnp.0b013e31829ddcf1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To investigate whether the H reflex-M wave recruitment curves obtained during maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) differ from rest and to determine the stimulation intensities allowing to record stable reflex responses. METHODS Full recruitment curves (precision, 2 mA) were obtained from the soleus muscle in 14 volunteers at rest and during plantar flexion MVCs. RESULTS Maximal M-wave reached significantly larger amplitude during MVC (+2.2 [0.4; 3.9] mV) for a higher stimulation intensity (+7.9 [-0.4; 16] mA). Similarly, maximal H-reflex reached significantly larger amplitude during MVC than at rest (+3.2 [0.9; 5.5] mV) for a much higher stimulation intensity (+17.7 [9.7; 25.7] mA). V-wave amplitude plateaued only when M-wave during MVC plateaued, that is, at higher intensity than M-wave at rest. V-wave was correlated to the maximal H-reflex during MVC (r = 0.79, P < 0.05). CONCLUSION Electrically evoked potentials showed a specific recruitment curve during MVC with higher maximal values attained for higher stimulation intensities. Thus, recording reflex responses during MVC based on intensities determined at rest or as a percentage of M-wave may yield inaccurate results. V-wave presented a plateau for stimulation intensity of 1.5 times the onset of the resting M-wave plateau. Evoked potentials obtained during actual contractions should be normalized to M-waves obtained during contractions of the same force level.
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Cho SH, Lee JH. Comparison of the Amplitudes of the H-reflex of Post-stroke Hemiplegia Patients and Normal Adults during Walking. J Phys Ther Sci 2013; 25:729-32. [PMID: 24259840 PMCID: PMC3805002 DOI: 10.1589/jpts.25.729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2013] [Accepted: 02/15/2013] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to compare H-reflex characteristics during gait
of hemiplegic stroke patients. [Subjects] Twenty-five patients and age-matched twenty-five
volunteers in good health were studied. All the subjects could walk independently.
[Methods] An MP150 (BIOPAC Systems, Inc., Goleta, CA, USA) was used to record the
electromyography (EMG) data collected with Ag-Ag/Cl measurement electrodes (BIOPAC,
diameter of 2 cm). [Results] The comparison showed significant differences of
Hmax/Mmax ratio (%) in all gait cycles between the stroke group
and the control group. [Conclusion] In conclusion, this study furnished basic reference
data for gait strategies and functional training programs for hemiplegic stroke
patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sung-Hyoun Cho
- Department of Physical Therapy, Graduate School of Physical Therapy, Daegu University
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Lapole T, Canon F, Pérot C. Ipsi- and contralateral H-reflexes and V-waves after unilateral chronic Achilles tendon vibration. Eur J Appl Physiol 2013; 113:2223-31. [PMID: 23652708 DOI: 10.1007/s00421-013-2651-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2013] [Accepted: 04/19/2013] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Chronic Achilles tendon vibration has previously shown its effectiveness in improving plantar flexor's strength and activation capacities. The present study investigated the related neural mechanisms by analyzing H-reflexes and V-waves of the soleus (SOL) and gastrocnemii (GM gastrocnemius medialis; GL gastrocnemius lateralis) muscles under maximal isometric plantar flexion. Moreover, recordings were conducted bilaterally to address potential crossed effects. 11 subjects were engaged in this study. Maximal voluntary contraction and superimposed H-reflexes and V-waves were quantified in both legs at baseline (PRE) and 2 weeks later to verify repeatability of data (CON). Then, subjects were retested after 14 days of daily unilateral Achilles tendon vibration (VIB; 1 h per day; frequency: 50 Hz). No changes were reported between PRE and CON data. In the VIB condition, there was an increase in MVC for both the vibrated (+9.1 %; p = 0.016) and non-vibrated (+10.2 %; p = 0.009) legs. The H-reflex increased by a mean 25 % in the vibrated SOL (p < 0.001), while it remained unchanged for the contralateral side (p = 0.531). The SOL V-wave also increased in the vibrated limb (+43.3 %; p < 0.001), as well as in the non-vibrated one (+41.9 %; p = 0.006). Furthermore, the GM V-wave increased by 37.8 % (p = 0.081) in the vibrated side and by 39.4 % (p = 0.03) in the non-vibrated side. However, no changes were reported for the GL muscles. While the present study confirmed the strength gains induced by chronic Achilles tendon vibration, the results indicated a cross-education phenomenon with differences in neural adaptations between the vibrated leg and non-vibrated leg.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Lapole
- CNRS UMR 7338 Biomécanique et Bioingénierie, Université de Technologie de Compiègne, 60205 Compiègne Cedex, France
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El Bouse AO, Gabriel DA, Tokuno CD. Examining the reliability of the flexor carpi radialis V-wave at different levels of muscle contraction. J Electromyogr Kinesiol 2012; 23:296-301. [PMID: 23158208 DOI: 10.1016/j.jelekin.2012.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2012] [Revised: 10/14/2012] [Accepted: 10/15/2012] [Indexed: 10/27/2022] Open
Abstract
This study examined the reliability and scaling of the flexor carpi radialis (FCR) V-wave during submaximal and maximal voluntary muscle contractions (MVC). 23 participants were tested on three separate sessions. For each session, participants performed isometric wrist flexions at five contraction levels (20, 40, 60, 80 and 100 %MVC). When the target contraction level was reached, a supramaximal electrical stimulus was applied to the median nerve in order to elicit an FCR V-wave. Across all participants, the FCR V-wave amplitude, normalized to its superimposed M-wave amplitude, increased from 0.030±0.001 to 0.143±0.015 (P<0.001) as the muscle contraction increased from 20 to 100 %MVC. Contraction level did not influence the reliability of evoking the FCR V-wave, as the V-wave demonstrated both stability and consistency. With the exception of a single day main effect during the 20 %MVC condition, V:Msup was not different across days or trials (P>0.05) indicating measurement stability. High reliability co-efficients (0.827-0.913) at each contraction level signified measurement consistency. This study establishes that FCR V-waves can be reliably evoked during both submaximal and maximal muscle contractions and suggests the possibility for FCR V-wave recordings to be used to document neuromuscular adaptations associated with factors such as training or fatigue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amr O El Bouse
- Department of Kinesiology, Brock University, 500 Glenridge Avenue, St. Catharines, ON, Canada L2S 3A1
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Grosprêtre S, Martin A. H reflex and spinal excitability: methodological considerations. J Neurophysiol 2012; 107:1649-54. [PMID: 22190624 DOI: 10.1152/jn.00611.2011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The Hoffmann reflex has been the tool most commonly used in exercise studies to investigate modulations in spinal excitability. However, the evolution of electromyographic responses with the increase in stimulation intensity has rarely been assessed when the muscle is active. The purpose of this study was thus to identify that part of the recruitment curve at which the investigation of the Hoffmann reflex is the most reliable in assessing spinal excitability during muscle contraction. Two recruitment curves were determined from the soleus and the medialis gastrocnemius, in passive and active (50% of maximal isometric voluntary contraction) conditions. No differences were found between the H reflexes in the two conditions in the ascending part of the recruitment curves, while the intensity necessary to elicit the same percentage of maximal H wave was different in the descending part of the curve, up to the maximal M wave. We concluded that during motor tasks, changes in spinal excitability should be assessed by recording H responses in the ascending part of the curve, where modulations do not depend either on the background electrical activity of the muscle tested or on methodological considerations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sidney Grosprêtre
- INSERM U887, Faculté des sciences du sport, BP 27 877, Dijon, France
| | - Alain Martin
- INSERM U887, Faculté des sciences du sport, BP 27 877, Dijon, France
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Vila-Chã C, Falla D, Correia MV, Farina D. Changes in H reflex and V wave following short-term endurance and strength training. J Appl Physiol (1985) 2012; 112:54-63. [DOI: 10.1152/japplphysiol.00802.2011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
This study examined the effects of 3 wk of either endurance or strength training on plasticity of the neural mechanisms involved in the soleus H reflex and V wave. Twenty-five sedentary healthy subjects were randomized into an endurance group ( n = 13) or strength group ( n = 12). Evoked V-wave, H-reflex, and M-wave recruitment curves, maximal voluntary contraction (MVC), and time-to-task-failure (isometric contraction at 40% MVC) of the plantar flexors were recorded before and after training. Following strength training, MVC of the plantar flexors increased by 14.4 ± 5.2% in the strength group ( P < 0.001), whereas time-to-task-failure was prolonged in the endurance group (22.7 ± 17.1%; P < 0.05). The V wave-to-maximal M wave (V/Mmax) ratio increased significantly (55.1 ± 28.3%; P < 0.001) following strength training, but the maximal H wave-to-maximal M wave (Hmax/Mmax) ratio remained unchanged. Conversely, in the endurance group the V/Mmax ratio was not altered, whereas the Hmax/Mmax ratio increased by 30.8 ± 21.7% ( P < 0.05). The endurance training group also displayed a reduction in the H-reflex excitability threshold while the H-reflex amplitude on the ascending limb of the recruitment curve increased. Strength training only elicited a significant decrease in H-reflex excitability threshold, while H-reflex amplitudes over the ascending limb remained unchanged. These observations indicate that the H-reflex pathway is strongly involved in the enhanced endurance resistance that occurs following endurance training. On the contrary, the improvements in MVC following strength training are likely attributed to increased descending drive and/or modulation in afferents other than Ia afferents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina Vila-Chã
- Polytechnic Institute of Bragança, Bragança
- Universidade do Porto, Faculdade de Engenharia, Porto, Portugal
| | - Deborah Falla
- Department of Neurorehabilitation Engineering, Bernstein Center for Computational Neuroscience, University Medical Center Göttingen, Georg-August University; and
- Pain Clinic, Center for Anesthesiology, Emergency and Intensive Care Medicine, University Hospital Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | | | - Dario Farina
- Department of Neurorehabilitation Engineering, Bernstein Center for Computational Neuroscience, University Medical Center Göttingen, Georg-August University; and
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Kidgell DJ, Pearce AJ. What Has Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Taught Us About Neural Adaptations To Strength Training? A Brief Review. J Strength Cond Res 2011; 25:3208-17. [DOI: 10.1519/jsc.0b013e318212de69] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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Test-retest reliability of v-wave responses in the soleus and gastrocnemius medialis. J Clin Neurophysiol 2011; 28:217-21. [PMID: 21399516 DOI: 10.1097/wnp.0b013e31821215cf] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
This study was designed to assess the reliability of the first volitional (V) wave, which can be used as a measure of efferent neural drive, while also reflecting reflex excitability. Ten subjects volunteered for one familiarization session followed by an experimental test session and an identical retest session spaced 3 to 8 days apart. V-waves were evoked in the tibial nerve during plantar flexion maximal voluntary isometric contractions (MVCs). Test-retest reliability was assessed using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), along with standard error of measurement and 95% confidence intervals for the following variables: MVC force, surface electromyogram activity (EMG), and the peak-to-peak V-wave amplitude in soleus (SOL) and gastrocnemius medialis (GM). The superimposed M-wave (MSUP) accompanying V-wave stimulation was also obtained for normalization purposes. Substantial reliability was documented for V/MSUP in both SOL (ICC = 0.86) and GM (0.90), as well as for the non-normalized V-wave in SOL (0.92). Moderate reliability was displayed for the non-normalized V-wave response in GM (0.78). Substantial reliability was also established for EMG/MSUP (>0.82) and MVC force (0.98). This study provides novel evidence that V-wave responses can be consistently measured in the SOL and GM, thus advocating its continued use in future research.
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Electrical stimulation for testing neuromuscular function: from sport to pathology. Eur J Appl Physiol 2011; 111:2489-500. [PMID: 21590274 DOI: 10.1007/s00421-011-1996-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 121] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2011] [Accepted: 05/02/2011] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Laurin J, Dousset E, Carrivale R, Grélot L, Decherchi P. Recovery pattern of motor reflex after a single bout of neuromuscular electrical stimulation session. Scand J Med Sci Sports 2011; 22:534-44. [PMID: 21362055 DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0838.2010.01279.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
We aimed at determining the recovery pattern of neural properties of soleus muscle after a single bout of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) session. Thirteen subjects performed an NMES exercise (75 Hz, 40 contractions, 6.25 s per contraction). Maximal voluntary contraction (MVC), H-reflex at rest and during voluntary contraction fixed at 60% of MVC (respectively, H(max) and H(sup) ) and volitional (V) wave were measured before and during the recovery period following this exercise [i.e., immediately after, 2 h (H2), 2 days (D2) and 7 days (D7)]. MVC exhibited an immediate and a delayed declines at 2 days (respectively, -29.8±4.6%, P<0.001; -13.0±3.4%, P<0.05). Likewise, V/M(sup) was decreased immediately and 2 days after NMES session (respectively, -43.3±11.6%, P<0.05; 35.3±6.6%, P<0.05). The delayed decrements in MVC and V-wave occurred concomitantly with muscle soreness peak (P<0.001). It could be concluded that motor command alterations after an NMES resistance session contributed to the immediate and also to the delayed decreases in MVC without affecting resting and active H-reflex excitability. These results suggested that spinal circuitry function of larger motoneurons was inhibited by NMES (as indicated by the depressed V-wave responses) contrary to the smaller one (indicated by the unchanged H-reflex responses).
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Affiliation(s)
- J Laurin
- UMR CNRS 6233, Institut des Sciences du Mouvement (ISM), Parc Scientifique et Technologique de Luminy, Faculté des Sciences du Sport de Marseille, Etienne-Jules MAREY, Université de la Méditerranée (Aix-Marseille II) - Aix-Marseille Université, Cedex, France
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Seynnes OR, Maffiuletti NA, Horstman AM, Narici MV. Increased H-reflex excitability is not accompanied by changes in neural drive following 24 days of unilateral lower limb suspension. Muscle Nerve 2010; 42:749-55. [PMID: 19229968 DOI: 10.1002/mus.21228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to determine whether the gain in soleus H-reflex excitability induced by unilateral lower limb suspension (ULLS) is associated with changes in neural drive to the plantar flexor muscles. Six male subjects (23 ± 2 years, 187 ± 7 cm, 79 ± 9 kg) underwent 24 days of ULLS of the dominant limb. Plantar flexor maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) torque, activation capacity (twitch interpolation), soleus maximal electromyographic (EMG) activity, Hoffman (H)-reflex, and the first volitional (V) wave normalized to the compound muscle action potential (M-wave) were quantified before and after ULLS. Following ULLS, MVC torque decreased by 15% (P < 0.05). However, neither activation capacity nor EMG activity was significantly altered after the suspension. The V-wave remained unchanged consistently after ULLS, whereas the H-reflex increased significantly (+20%). Furthermore, there was no significant relationship between changes in H-reflex and V-wave over the ULLS period. These findings indicate that 24 days of ULLS can result in a substantial reduction of muscle strength without any apparent change in voluntary activation capacity. H-reflex and V-wave findings suggest that the spinal adaptations that underlie the unloading-induced increase in resting soleus H-reflex excitability did not significantly affect the efferent motor output to the plantar flexor muscles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivier R Seynnes
- Institute for Biomedical Research into Human Movement and Health, Manchester Metropolitan University, Alsager, UK.
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Berger MJ, Watson BV, Doherty TJ. Effect of maximal voluntary contraction on the amplitude of the compound muscle action potential: Implications for the interpolated twitch technique. Muscle Nerve 2010; 42:498-503. [DOI: 10.1002/mus.21692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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Nordlund Ekblom MM. Improvements in dynamic plantar flexor strength after resistance training are associated with increased voluntary activation and V-to-M ratio. J Appl Physiol (1985) 2010; 109:19-26. [DOI: 10.1152/japplphysiol.01307.2009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate if, and via what mechanisms, resistance training of the plantar flexor muscles affects voluntary activation during maximal voluntary eccentric and concentric muscle actions. Twenty healthy subjects were randomized into a resistance training group ( n = 9) or a passive control group ( n = 11). Training consisted of 15 sessions of unilateral mainly eccentric plantar flexor exercise over a 5-wk period. During pre- and posttraining testing, dynamic plantar flexor strength was measured and voluntary activation was calculated using the twitch interpolation technique. The soleus Hoffman reflex (H-reflex) was used to assess motoneurone excitability and presynaptic inhibition of Ia afferents, whereas the soleus V-wave was used to test for changes in both presynaptic inhibition of Ia afferents and supraspinal inputs to the motoneurone pool. H-reflexes, V-waves, supramaximal M-waves, and twitches were evoked as the foot was moved at 5°/s through an angle of 90° during passive ankle rotations (passive H-relexes and M-waves) and during maximal voluntary concentric and eccentric plantar flexions [maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) H-reflexes, M-waves, and V-waves]. Training induced significant improvements in plantar flexor strength and voluntary activation during both concentric and eccentric maximal voluntary actions. Soleus passive and MVC H-to-M ratios remained unchanged after training, whereas the soleus V-to-M ratio was increased during both concentric and eccentric contractions after training. No changes were found in the control group for any of the parameters. The enhanced voluntary strength could be attributed partly to an increase in voluntary activation induced by eccentric training. Since the passive and MVC H-to-M ratios remained unchanged, the increase in activation is probably not due to decreased presynaptic inhibition. The increased V-to-M ratio for both action types indicates that increased voluntary drive from supraspinal centers and/or modulation in afferents other than Ia afferents may have contributed to such an increase in voluntary activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- M. M. Nordlund Ekblom
- Biomechanics and Motor Control Laboratory, Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, and The Swedish School of Sport and Health Sciences, Stockholm, Sweden
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Cronin NJ, Peltonen J, Ishikawa M, Komi PV, Avela J, Sinkjaer T, Voigt M. Effects of contraction intensity on muscle fascicle and stretch reflex behavior in the human triceps surae. J Appl Physiol (1985) 2008; 105:226-32. [DOI: 10.1152/japplphysiol.90432.2008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The aims of this study were to examine changes in the distribution of a stretch to the muscle fascicles with changes in contraction intensity in the human triceps surae and to relate fascicle stretch responses to short-latency stretch reflex behavior. Thirteen healthy subjects were seated in an ankle ergometer, and dorsiflexion stretches (8°; 250°/s) were applied to the triceps surae at different moment levels (0–100% of maximal voluntary contraction). Surface EMG was recorded in the medial gastrocnemius, soleus, and tibialis anterior muscles, and ultrasound was used to measure medial gastrocnemius and soleus fascicle lengths. At low forces, reflex amplitudes increased despite a lack of change or even a decrease in fascicle stretch velocities. At high forces, lower fascicle stretch velocities coincided with smaller stretch reflexes. The results revealed a decline in fascicle stretch velocity of over 50% between passive conditions and maximal force levels in the major muscles of the triceps surae. This is likely to be an important factor related to the decline in stretch reflex amplitudes at high forces. Because short-latency stretch reflexes contribute to force production and stiffness regulation of human muscle fibers, a reduction in afferent feedback from muscle spindles could decrease the efficacy of human movements involving the triceps surae, particularly where high force production is required.
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Duclay J, Robbe A, Pousson M, Martin A. Effect of angular velocity on soleus and medial gastrocnemius H-reflex during maximal concentric and eccentric muscle contraction. J Electromyogr Kinesiol 2008; 19:948-56. [PMID: 18555699 DOI: 10.1016/j.jelekin.2008.04.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2008] [Revised: 03/07/2008] [Accepted: 04/28/2008] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
At rest, the H-reflex is lower during lengthening than shortening actions. During passive lengthening, both soleus (SOL) and medial gastrocnemius (MG) H-reflex amplitudes decrease with increasing angular velocity. This study was designed to investigate whether H-reflex amplitude is affected by angular velocity during concentric and eccentric maximal voluntary contraction (MVC). Experiments were performed on nine healthy men. At a constant angular velocity of 60 degrees /s and 20 degrees /s, maximal H-reflex and M-wave potentials were evoked at rest (i.e., H(max) and M(max), respectively) and during concentric and eccentric MVC (i.e., H(sup) and M(sup), respectively). Regardless of the muscle, H(max)/M(max) was lower during lengthening than shortening actions and the H(sup)/M(sup) ratio was higher than H(max)/M(max) during lengthening actions. Whereas no action type and angular velocity effects on the MG H(sup)/M(sup) were found, the SOL H(sup)/M(sup) was lower during eccentric than concentric MVC and this depression was increased with higher angular velocity. Our findings indicate that the depression of the H-reflex amplitude during eccentric compared to concentric MVC depends mainly on the amount of inhibition induced by lengthening action. In conclusion, H-reflex should be evoked during both passive and active dynamic trials to evaluate the plasticity of the spinal loop.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julien Duclay
- INSERM U887, Faculté des Sciences du Sport, BP 27 877, Dijon F-21078, France.
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Racinais S, Girard O, Micallef JP, Perrey S. Failed excitability of spinal motoneurons induced by prolonged running exercise. J Neurophysiol 2006; 97:596-603. [PMID: 17093121 DOI: 10.1152/jn.00903.2006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The main purpose of this study was to investigate the modulations in H-reflex and V-wave responses (spinal loop properties) induced by prolonged locomotion activities. The second purpose was to compare the development of central fatigue between continuous and intermittent running modes. Eleven males randomly performed two 90-min running exercises either continuously (CONT, first ventilatory threshold) or intermittently (INT, 150 s at a velocity 20% higher than that during CONT/30 s of recovery). Neuromuscular tests of the plantar flexors [including M-wave and H-reflex at rest and M-wave and V-wave during maximal voluntary contraction (MVC)] were performed before and 5 and 30 min after the running exercises. During MVC, the torque significantly decreased (P < 0.05) from preexercise to 5 and 30 min postexercise (-11 and -9%, respectively), as did the RMS/M ratio (-11 and -13%, respectively) and the V/M ratio (-19 and -37%, respectively) for the soleus muscle. At rest, the H/M ratio also decreased significantly (P < 0.001) from preexercise to 5 and 30 min postexercise (-61 and -55%, respectively). Last, no difference in the alteration of spinal loop properties was noted between CONT and INT. In conclusion, the results regarding H-reflex and V-wave suggest for the first time a modulation in spinal loop properties after prolonged running.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Racinais
- Faculté des Sciences du Sports, Laboratoire EA 2991, Efficience et Déficience Motrices, Université de Montpellier 1, 700 Avenue du Pic Saint Loup, 34090 Montpellier, France.
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Gondin J, Duclay J, Martin A. Soleus- and Gastrocnemii-Evoked V-Wave Responses Increase After Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation Training. J Neurophysiol 2006; 95:3328-35. [PMID: 16481458 DOI: 10.1152/jn.01002.2005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of the study was to use combined longitudinal measurements of soleus (SOL) and gastrocnemii evoked V-wave and H-reflex responses to determine the site of adaptations within the central nervous system induced by 5 wk of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) training of the plantar flexor muscles. Nineteen healthy males subjects were divided into a neuromuscular electrostimulated group ( n = 12) and a control group ( n = 7). The training program consisted of 15 sessions of isometric NMES over a 5-wk period. All subjects were tested before and after the 5-wk period. SOL, lateral gastrocnemius (LG), and medial gastrocnemius (MG) maximal H-reflex and M-wave potentials were evoked at rest (i.e., Hmax and Mmax, respectively) and during maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) (i.e., Hsup and Msup, respectively). During MVC, a supramaximal stimulus was delivered that allowed us to record the V-wave peak-to-peak amplitudes from all three muscles. The SOL, LG, and MG electromyographic (EMG) activity as well as muscle activation (twitch interpolation technique) were also quantified during MVC. After training, plantar flexor MVC increased significantly by 22% ( P < 0.001). Torque gains were accompanied by an increase in muscle activation (+11%, P < 0.05), SOL, LG, and MG normalized EMG activity (+51, +54, and +60%, respectively, P < 0.05) and V/Msup ratios (+81, +76, and +97%, respectively, P < 0.05). Hmax/Mmax and Hsup/Msup ratios for all three muscles were unchanged after training. In conclusion, the increase in voluntary torque after 5 wk of NMES training could be ascribed to an increased volitional drive from the supraspinal centers and/or adaptations occurring at the spinal level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julien Gondin
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Equipe de Recherche Mixte 207, Motricité Plasticité Laboratory, Faculty of Sport Sciences, University of Burgundy, Dijon Cedex, France.
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Duclay J, Martin A. Evoked H-Reflex and V-Wave Responses During Maximal Isometric, Concentric, and Eccentric Muscle Contraction. J Neurophysiol 2005; 94:3555-62. [PMID: 16049144 DOI: 10.1152/jn.00348.2005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
This study was designed to investigate the modulations of H-reflex and V-wave responses during passive and maximal active dynamic actions. Experiments were performed on 16 healthy males [age: 24 ± 4 (SD) yr]. Maximal H-reflexes ( Hmax) and M-waves ( MmaxR) were evoked at the same muscle length during passive isometric, shortening and lengthening actions and during maximal voluntary isometric, concentric, and eccentric plantar-flexion. In all contraction types, supra-maximal stimulus intensity was used to evoke the superimposed maximal M wave ( MmaxA) and V wave ( V) of the soleus muscle. At rest, the Hmax/ MmaxR ratio was significantly reduced during lengthening with respect to isometric and shortening actions ( P < 0.05). For each action type, the ratio between H reflex superimposed to the contraction ( Hsup) and MmaxA was not different from Hmax/ MmaxR ratio. When plantar flexors were maximally voluntary activated, the Hsup/ MmaxA ratio was still lower during eccentric contraction as compared with isometric and concentric efforts (0.33 ± 0.03 vs. 0.47 ± 0.02 and 0.50 ± 0.03, P < 0.001), whereas V/ MmaxA ratios were similar for all contraction types (isometric 0.26 ± 0.02; concentric 0.23 ± 0.03, and eccentric 0.24 ± 0.02; P > 0.05). The V/ MmaxA ratio was significantly lower than Hsup/ MmaxA during isometric and concentric MVC ( P < 0.001). No difference was observed between V/ MmaxA and Hsup/ MmaxA ratios during eccentric efforts. The H-reflex modulations, present during lengthening actions, were mainly attributed to presynaptic inhibition of Ia afferents and to homosynaptic postactivation depression. Results on V wave and H reflex suggest that during eccentric MVC, the spinal loop is specifically modulated by the supra-spinal centers and/or neural mechanisms at spinal level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julien Duclay
- INSERM/ERM 207 Motricité-Plasticité, Faculté des Sciences du Sport, BP 27 877-21 078 Dijon Cedex, France.
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Duclay J, Martin A. Effect of dynamic maximal voluntary contraction on soleus and gastrocnemii H-reflex and V wave responses. Comput Methods Biomech Biomed Engin 2005. [DOI: 10.1080/10255840512331388362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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Lévénez M, Kotzamanidis C, Carpentier A, Duchateau J. Spinal reflexes and coactivation of ankle muscles during a submaximal fatiguing contraction. J Appl Physiol (1985) 2005; 99:1182-8. [PMID: 15845774 DOI: 10.1152/japplphysiol.00284.2005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
This study examined the involvement of spinal mechanisms in the control of coactivation during a sustained contraction of the ankle dorsiflexors at 50% of maximal voluntary contraction. Changes in the surface electromyogram (EMG) of the tibialis anterior and of two antagonist muscles, the soleus and lateral gastrocnemius, were investigated during and after the fatigue task. Concurrently, the compound action potential (M-wave) and the Hoffmann reflex of the soleus and lateral gastrocnemius were recorded. The results showed that the torque of the ankle dorsiflexors and the average EMG of the tibialis anterior during maximal voluntary contraction declined by 40.9 +/- 17.7% (mean +/- SD; P < 0.01) and 37.0 +/- 19.9% (P < 0.01), respectively, at task failure. During the submaximal fatiguing contraction, the average EMG of both the agonist and antagonist muscles increased, leading to a nearly constant ratio at the end of the contraction when normalized to postfatigue values. In contrast to the monotonic increase in average EMG of the antagonist muscles, the excitability of their spinal reflex pathways exhibited a biphasic modulation. The amplitude of the Hoffman reflexes in the soleus and lateral gastrocnemius increased to 147.5 +/- 52.9% (P < 0.05) and 166.7 +/- 74.9% (P < 0.01), respectively, during the first 20% of the contraction and then subsequently declined to 66.3 +/- 44.8 and 74.4 +/- 44.2% of their initial values. In conclusion, the results show that antagonist coactivation did not contribute to task failure. The different changes in voluntary EMG activity and spinal reflex excitability in the antagonist muscles during the fatiguing contraction support the concept that the level of coactivation is controlled by supraspinal rather than spinal mechanisms. The findings indicate, however, that antagonist coactivation cannot simply be mediated by a central descending "common drive" to the motor neuron pools of the agonist-antagonist muscle pairs. Rather, they suggest a more subtle regulation of the drive, possibly through presynaptic mechanisms, to the motoneurons that innervate the antagonist muscles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morgan Lévénez
- Laboratory of Applied Biology, Université Libre de Bruxelles, 28 Ave. P. Héger, CP 168, 1000 Brussels, Belgium
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