Effect of electromyostimulation training on soleus and gastrocnemii H- and T-reflex properties

When muscle is artificially activated, as with electromyostimulation (EMS), action potentials are evoked in both intramuscular nerve branches and cutaneous receptors, therefore activating spinal motoneurons reflexively. Maximal soleus and gastrocnemii H- and T-reflex and the respective mechanical output were thus quantified to examine possible neural adaptations induced at the spinal level by EMS resistance training. Eight subjects completed 16 sessions of isometric EMS (75 Hz) over a 4-week period. Maximal soleus and gastrocnemii M wave (M_max), H reflex (H_max) and T reflex (T_max) were compared between before and after training, together with the corresponding plantar flexor peak twitch torque. No significant changes were observed for electromechanical properties of H_max reflex following EMS. On the other hand, peak twitch torque produced by T_max, but not by equal-amplitude H reflex, significantly increased as a result of training (+21%, P<0.05). These changes were associated with a trend towards a significant increase for normalized gastrocnemii (+21%, P=0.07) but not soleus T_max reflex. It is concluded that, contrary to results previously obtained after voluntary physical training, EMS training of the plantar flexor muscles did not affect alpha motoneuron excitability and/or presynaptic inhibition, as indicated by H-reflex results. On the other hand, in the absence of change in a control group, T_max electromechanical findings indicated that: (1) equal-amplitude H- and T-reflex adapted differently to EMS resistance training; and (2) EMS had an effect on gastrocnemii but not on soleus muscle, perhaps because of the differences in respective motor unit characteristics (e.g., axon diameter).     

The auditory startle response in post-traumatic stress disorder

Changes in the reflex amplitude throughout the day have been observed in non-human mammals. The present experiment tested whether diurnal fluctuations also occur in humans. Hoffmann reflex (H-reflex) amplitude was measured in soleus and flexor carpi radialis (FCR) muscles from the data collected over a 12-h period between 7:00–9:00 a.m. and 7:00–9:00 p.m. At 4-h intervals, M/H recruitment curves were obtained, and two measures of H-reflex excitability were calculated. The maximal H-reflex (H _max) was calculated as the average of the three largest H-reflexes. H-reflexes were also sampled from the ascending limb of the M/H recruitment curve (H _A, n=10), with a corresponding M-wave of 5% M _max. All values were normalized to the maximal M-wave (M _max). Soleus H-reflex amplitude and plantar flexion maximal voluntary isometric contraction force (MVIC) were significantly smaller (p<0.05) in the morning (H _max=57.2% M _max, H _A=42.3%, M _max, MVIC=162.1 Nm) than in the evening (H _max=69.1% M _max, a 20.1% increase, H _A=54.1% M _max, a 27.4% increase and MVIC=195.8 Nm, a 20.8% increase). In contrast, FCR H-reflex amplitude and FCR MVIC were unchanged across all testing sessions. The data show that diurnal fluctuations are present in the amplitude of the human soleus but not in the FCR H-reflex. Diurnal fluctuation in the human soleus H-reflex amplitude must be considered when interpreting H-reflex data, especially when a repeated measures design spanning several days is utilized.     

Prediction of <Emphasis Type="Italic">V</Emphasis>O<Subscript>2max</Subscript> with daily step counts for Japanese adult women

The purpose of the study was to develop a new non-exercise VO_2max prediction model using a physical activity (PA) variable determined by pedometer-determined step counts (SC, steps day⁻¹) in Japanese women aged 20–69 years old. Eighty-seven and 102 subjects were used to develop the prediction model, and to validate the new model, respectively. VO_2max was measured using a maximal incremental test on a bicycle ergometer. SC was significantly related to VO_2max (partial correlation coefficient r = 0.40, P < 0.001) after adjusting for BMI (kg m⁻²) and age (years). When the new prediction equation developed by multiple regression to estimate VO_2max from age, BMI, and SC (R = 0.71, SEE = 5.3 ml kg⁻¹ min⁻¹, P < 0.001) was applied to the Validation group, predicted VO_2max correlated well with measured VO_2max (r = 0.81, P < 0.001), suggesting that SC is a useful PA variable for non-exercise prediction of VO_2max in Japanese women.     

Differences in H-reflex between athletes trained for explosive contractions and non-trained subjects

Summary The efficacy of type la synapse on alpha-motoneurons of soleus and lateral gastrocnemius muscles has been investigated, using the H-reflex technique, in athletes engaged in sports requiring very rapid and intense contractions (sprinters and volley-ball players) as well as in non-trained subjects. It has been observed, in both muscles, that the ratio between the mean value of the maximal reflex response (H_max) and the mean value of the maximal direct response (M_max) elicited upon electrical stimulation of the tibial nerve is significantly smaller in athletes trained for explosive-type movements than in non-trained subjects. This difference in the H_max:M_max ratio was dependent on a smaller amplitude of H_max and not on a greater amplitude of M_max. No significant differences were observed between sprinters and volley-ball players. In both trained and non-trained subjects, soleus and lateral gastrocnemius muscles displayed significant differences in H_max: M_max ratio and M_max amplitude but not in H_max amplitude. Since the H-response is considered to be due mainly to activation of the smallest motoneurons in the motoneuronal pools, the difference in H_max amplitude and H_max:M_max ratio between athletes and non-trained subjects could have been dependent on a lower incidence of these motoneurons in the athletes. This is in accord with the mechanical needs of muscles during explosive-type power training. Although this difference ,ay have been wholly determined genetically, the possibility is discussed as to whether the lower incidence in sprinters and volley-ball players of small motoneurons could have been related to a training-induced transformation of small and slow motoneurons into large and fast ones.     

Morning to evening changes in the electrical and mechanical properties of human soleus motor units activated by H reflex and M wave

The aim of the present study was to compare the relative contribution of the soleus motor units (MUs) activated by H and M waves to the plantar-flexion torque in the morning and in the evening. Twelve healthy male subjects (physical education students) took part in this investigation. The electromechanical properties of the plantar flexor muscles were recorded at two different times of day: between 06:00 and 08:00 h and between 17:00 and 19:00 h. Plantar-flexion torque and concomitant electromyographic activity of soleus muscle were assessed under voluntary and evoked conditions. The results indicated a significant decrease in maximal voluntary muscle torque of triceps surae and associated soleus EMG in the evening as compared with the morning. The mean values of MVC ranged from 131.6±9.6 N m in the morning to 125.1±9.0 N m in the evening. Peak-to-peak values of soleus H _max and M _max potentials were comparable in the morning and in the evening (2.97 vs 3.18 mV and 7.95 vs 7.44 mV for H _max and M _max, respectively). The H _max/M _max ratio was not modified between the two experimental test sessions (34.8 vs 41.3%). The peak amplitude of the twitch produced by the H _max wave decreased significantly. When estimating the mechanical contribution to of the slowest and fastest-twitch MUs reflexively and directly activated, we observed that the contribution of the slowest MUs did not change while those of the fastest decreased significantly in the evening. To conclude, a weaker reflex twitch torque caused by higher fatigue state of the MUs directly activated by the M wave which accompanied H _max in the evening may be regarded as a possible explanation of the weaker plantar-flexion torque production in the evening.     

Longitudinal changes in haemoglobin mass and <Emphasis Type="Italic">V</Emphasis>O<Subscript>2max</Subscript> in adolescents

This study assessed the relationship between haemoglobin mass (Hb_mass) and maximum oxygen consumption (VO_2max) in adolescents over 1 year. Twenty-three subjects (11–15 years) participated; 12 undertook ~12 months of cycle training (cyclists) and 11 were sedentary (controls). Hb_mass and VO_2max were measured approximately every 3 months. At baseline there was a high correlation (r = 0.82, P < 0.0001) between relative VO_2max (ml kg⁻¹ min⁻¹) and relative Hb_mass (g kg⁻¹). During 12 months there was a significant increase in relative VO_2max of the cyclists but not the controls; however, there was no corresponding increase in relative Hb_mass of either group. The correlation between percent changes in relative VO_2max and relative Hb_mass was not significant for cyclists (r = 0.31, P = 0.33) or controls (r = 0.42, P = 0.19). Training does not increase relative Hb_mass in adolescents consistent with a strong hereditary role for Hb_mass and VO_2max. Hb_mass may be used to identify adolescents who have a high VO_2max.     

Threshold of the soleus muscle H-reflex is less sensitive to the change in excitability of the motoneuron pool during plantarflexion or dorsiflexion in humans

In the present study, we investigated whether weak (10% of maximal voluntary contraction) tonic dorsiflexion (DF) and plantarflexion (PF) affects the two conventional parameters used for evaluating the excitability of the soleus motoneuron (MN) pool, i.e. the ratio of the threshold of H-reflex to that of M-response (H_th:M_th) and the ratio of the maximal amplitude of H-reflex to that of M-response (H_max:M_max) in human subjects. The results showed that the H_max:M_max decreased during DF and increased during PF compared with that during rest, whereas no clear alteration was observed in H_th:M_th. These results are consistent with the scheme proposed by earlier workers, who have argued that neither inhibitory nor facilitatory effects of the conditioning stimulus apply to specific spinal reflex circuits occurring around the threshold of the test H-reflex. It is suggested, therefore, that the conventional use of the H_th:M_th ratio as a parameter reflecting the excitability of the MN pool should be reconsidered.     

Eccentric exercise inhibits the H reflex in the middle part of the trapezius muscle

The objectives of this study were to (1) investigate the modulation of the H reflex immediately after and 24 h after eccentric exercise in the presence of delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS) and (2) test the reproducibility of the H reflex in trapezius across days. H reflexes were recorded from the dominant middle trapezius muscle by electrical stimulation of the C3/4 cervical nerve in ten healthy subjects. DOMS was induced by eccentric exercise of the dominant shoulder. H reflexes were obtained in four sessions: “24 h before”, “Pre”, “Post”, and “24 h after” eccentric exercise. Ratios of maximal H reflex and M wave responses (H _max/M _max) were compared between sessions. In addition, a between session comparison was done for the ratios of H reflex amplitudes (H _{i_75}/M _max, and H _{i_50}/M _max) obtained from the stimulus intensity needed to obtain 75 and 50 % of H _max at “24 h before”. No ratio changes were found when comparing “24 h before” and “Pre” recordings. A decrease in H _{i_50}/M _max was found at “Post” (P < 0.05) and decreases in both H _{i_75}/M _max and H _{i_50}/M _max were observed at “24 h after” (P < 0.05). This study presented evidence that an acceptable day-to-day reproducibility of the H reflex could be obtained with the applied experimental setup. Furthermore, immediately after and 24 h after exercise a stronger stimulus intensity was needed to reach the same magnitude of the H reflex reflecting that the recruitment curve was shifted to the right. This modulation of the stimulus–response relationship could be caused by presynaptic inhibition of Ia afferent fibres’ input to the motoneuron by group III and IV afferents.     

Temperature dependence of soleus H-reflex and M wave in young and older women

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of altered local temperature on soleus H-reflex and compound muscle action potential (M wave) in young and older women. H-reflex and M wave responses were elicited in 10 young (22.3±3.3 years) and 10 older (72.5±3.2 years) women at three muscle temperatures: control (34.2±0.3°C), cold (31.3±0.5°C) and warm (37.1±0.2°C). H-reflex output, expressed as the ratio between maximal H-reflex and maximal M wave (H_max/M_max), was lower in the older, compared with the younger, group, regardless of temperature. In control temperature conditions, for example, the H_max/M_max ratio was 36.8±24% in the young and 25.4±20% in the older (P<0.05). Warming had no effect on the H-reflex output in either group, whilst cooling increased H-reflex output only in the younger group (+28%). In both groups, cooling increased (+5.3%), and warming decreased (–5.5%) the H-reflex latency. This study confirms that older individuals experience a reduced ability to modulate the reflex output in response to a perturbation. In a cold environment, for example, the lack of facilitation in the reflex output, along with a delayed reflex response could be critical to an older individual in responding to postural perturbations thus potentially compromising both static and dynamic balance.     

Cortical and spinal adaptations induced by balance training: correlation between stance stability and corticospinal activation

Aim: To determine the sites of adaptation responsible for improved stance stability after balance (=sensorimotor) training, changes in corticospinal and spinal excitability were investigated in 23 healthy subjects. Methods: Neural adaptations were assessed by means of H‐reflex stimulation, transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and conditioning of the H‐reflex by TMS (H_cond) before and after 4 weeks of balance training. All measurements were performed during stance perturbation on a treadmill. Fast posterior translations induced short‐ (SLR), medium‐ and long‐latency responses (LLR) in the soleus muscle. Motor‐evoked potential‐ (MEP) and H_cond‐amplitudes as well as H_max/M_max ratios were determined at SLR and LLR. Postural stability was measured during perturbation on the treadmill. Results: Balance training improved postural stability. H_max/M_max ratios were significantly decreased at LLR. MEPs and H_cond revealed significantly reduced facilitation at LLR following training. A negative correlation between adaptations of H_cond and changes in stance stability was observed (r = ?0.87; P < 0.01) while no correlation was found between stance stability and changes in H_max/M_max ratio. No changes in any parameter occurred at the spinally organized SLR and in the control group. Conclusion: The decrease in MEP‐ and H_cond‐facilitation implies reduced corticospinal and cortical excitability at the transcortically mediated LLR. Changes in cortical excitability were directly related to improvements in stance stability as shown by correlation of these parameters. The absence of such a correlation between H_max/M_max ratios and stance stability suggests that mainly supraspinal adaptations contributed to improved balance performance following training.     

Phase- and task-specific modulation of soleus <Emphasis Type="Italic">H</Emphasis>-reflexes during drop-jumps and landings

H-reflexes in the soleus muscle were previously shown to be decreased in drop-jumps at the instant of the short latency response (SLR) of the stretch reflex when falling height was increased. The aim of the present study was to elucidate task-specific modulation of H-reflexes during drop-jumps in more detail. Therefore, soleus H-reflex excitability was compared in drop-jumps from three different falling heights (30, 50, 75 cm) and between drop-jumps and landings. In landings, there is no need for high tendomuscular stiffness like in drop-jumps. Therefore, we assumed reduced spinal excitability of soleus Ia afferents which should be reflected as reduced H-reflexes. H-reflex recruitment curves were recorded in 23 subjects (24 ± 2 years) at the instant of the SLR during drop-jumps (30 cm-LH, 50 cm-MH, 75 cm-EH) and landings (30 cm falling height). Furthermore, recruitment curves were recorded at ground contact (GND) as a reference to SLR. At SLR, H/M ratios were higher during drop-jumps (LH: 0.49 ± 0.18) than during landings (0.33 ± 0.18, P < 0.001). H/M ratios did not differ at GND (LH: 0.46 ± 0.15; landings: 0.46 ± 0.14). H/M ratios were progressively decreased at the SLR from LH, to MH, to EH (MH: 0.44 ± 0.17; EH: 0.40 ± 0.16, P < 0.001). Again, there were no differences at GND (MH: 0.46 ± 0.15; EH: 0.44 ± 0.16). The present study provides further evidence of phase-specific (GND vs. SLR) and task-specific modulation of SOL Ia afferent input. These modulations were thought to be initiated prior to touch down.     

Amplitude of the maximum motor response (Mmax) in human muscles typically decreases during the course of an experiment

 It was shown that the amplitude of the soleus M _max and H _max responses decreases in the course of long-lasting H-reflex studies. The peak-to-peak amplitudes of the M _max and H _max responses in the soleus muscle (and the M _max in the tibialis anterior muscle and small hand muscles) were measured repeatedly for 1–3 h in 20 subjects. 3–5 M _max responses and 5–10 H _max responses were elicited about every 3 min while the subject was at rest. Decreases in the soleus M _max response of up to 50.5% (mean 20.5% SEM 2.2) and of the soleus H _max of up to 49.7% (mean 19.1% SEM 3.7) in relation to the amplitudes measured at the beginning of the experiment were seen in 17 subjects. In 3 subjects no M _max amplitude decrease was seen. The maximum decrease was reached between 10 and 100 min (mean 44.2 min SEM 4.3). An M_max amplitude decrease was also seen in the tibialis anterior muscle and in two small hand muscles. In some subjects the decrease of the M _max response seemed to be initiated by the infrequent supramaximal stimulations. The possible causes for this amplitude reduction, as well as the methodological consequences of these findings for H-reflex studies and fatigue studies, are briefly discussed. Received: 1 July 1998 / Accepted: 9 October 1998     

Modulation of the soleus H reflex by electrical subcortical stimuli in humans

Over the past two decades, the H reflex has been used as a neural tool to assess the effect on the motoneuronal pool of conditioning volleys in supraspinal descending tracts elicited by transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) or auditory stimuli. However, mechanisms mediating such modulation are unclear. These hypothesized neural pathways are likely to be affected by single electrical stimulus applied through the electrodes implanted in the subthalamic nucleus for deep brain stimulation (sSTNDBS). To improve our knowledge on such mechanisms, we examined in 11 Parkinson’s disease patients the effects of conditioning sSTNDBS applied contralateral and ipsilateral to the H reflex recording on the amplitude of the soleus H reflex, at interstimulus intervals (ISIs) between 0 and 110 ms. There was a significant main effect of the ISI (P < 0.001) and of the sSTNDBS stimulation side (P = 0.019) on the percentage change in the soleus H-reflex amplitude. Contralateral sSTNDBS modulation of the soleus H reflex resembles that of TMS in healthy subjects with two facilitation phases (at 5–20 ms and at 60 ms), while after ipsilateral sSTNDBS, there is only a single facilitation phase peaking up at 5 ms later than the first facilitation period observed with contralateral stimulation. These findings contribute to the discussion of the mechanisms underlying the excitability of the spinal alpha motoneuron pool and the modulation of the H reflex by supraspinal stimuli.     

Soleus H-reflex modulation during body weight support treadmill walking in spinal cord intact and injured subjects

The soleus H-reflex modulation pattern was investigated in ten spinal cord intact subjects during treadmill walking at varying levels of body weight support (BWS), and nine spinal cord injured (SCI) subjects at a BWS level that promoted the best stepping pattern. The soleus H-reflex was elicited by tibial nerve stimulation with a single 1-ms pulse at an intensity that the M-waves ranged from 4 to 8% of the maximal M-wave (M_max). During treadmill walking, the H-reflex was elicited every four steps, and stimuli were randomly dispersed across the gait cycle which was divided into 16 equal bins. EMGs were recorded with surface electrodes from major left and right hip, knee, and ankle muscles. M-waves and H-reflexes at each bin were normalized to the M_max elicited at 60–100 ms after the test reflex stimulus. For every subject, the integrated EMG area of each muscle was established and plotted as a function of the step cycle phase. The H-reflex gain was determined as the slope of the relationship between H-reflex and soleus EMG amplitudes at 60 ms before H-reflex elicitation for each bin. In spinal cord intact subjects, the phase-dependent H-reflex modulation, reflex gain, and EMG modulation pattern were constant across all BWS (0, 25, and 50) levels, while tibialis anterior muscle activity increased with less body loading. In three out of nine SCI subjects, a phase-dependent H-reflex modulation pattern was evident during treadmill walking at BWS that ranged from 35 to 60%. In the remaining SCI subjects, the most striking difference was an absent H-reflex depression during the swing phase. The reflex gain was similar for both subject groups, but the y-intercept was increased in SCI subjects. We conclude that the mechanisms underlying cyclic H-reflex modulation during walking are preserved in some individuals after SCI.     

Effectiveness of low-frequency vibration recovery method on blood lactate removal,muscle contractile properties and on time to exhaustion during cycling at <Emphasis Type="Italic">V</Emphasis>O<Subscript>2max</Subscript> power output

The aim of the study was to determine the effectiveness of low-frequency vibration recovery (LFV-rec) on blood lactate removal, muscle contractile properties, and on time to exhaustion during cycling at maximal oxygen uptake power output (pVO_2max). Twelve active males carried out three experimental sessions. In session 1, participant’s maximal oxygen uptake (VO_2max) and pVO_2max were determined, and in sessions 2 and 3, the participants performed a fatiguing exercise (2 min of cycling at pVO_2max) and then a 15 min recovery period using one of two different methods: LFV-rec which consisted on sitting with feet on the vibratory platform (20 Hz; 4 mm) and passive recovery (P-rec), sitting without vibration stimulus. After that, participants performed an all-out exercise test on cycle ergometer at pVO_2max. In the recovery period, variables such as heart rate (HR), blood lactate concentration [Lac], and tensiomyographic parameters (D _m: maximal radial displacement; T _s: time of contraction maintenance, and T _r: relaxation time) were measured. In an all-out exercise test, mean time to exhaustion (TTE), total distance covered (TD), mean cycling velocity (V _m), and maximal HR (HR_max) were also assessed. The results showed no effect of recovery strategy on any of the assessed variables; nevertheless, higher values, although not significant, were observed in TTE, TD, and V _m after LFV-rec intervention. In conclusion, LFV-rec strategy applied during 15 min after short and intense exercise does not seem to be effective on blood lactate removal, muscle contractile properties, and on time to exhaustion during cycling at pVO_2max.     

Acute passive stretching alters the mechanical properties of human plantar flexors and the optimal angle for maximal voluntary contraction

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether acute passive stretching (APS) reduced maximal isometric voluntary contraction (MVC) of the plantar flexors (PF) and if so, by what mechanisms. The PF in 15 female volunteers were stretched for 10 min (5×120 s) by a torque motor to within 2° of maximum dorsiflexion (D) range of motion (ROM). MVC with twitch interpolation, maximal Hoffmann reflex (H_max) and compound action potentials (M_max) were recorded at 20° D. Stretch reflexes (SR) were mechanically induced at 200° s^–1 between 0° and 10° D and SR torque and EMG amplitude were determined. All tests were assessed pre- (pre) and post-APS (post-test₁). MVC, SR, and M_max were again assessed after additional stretch was applied [mean 26 (1)° D; post-test₂] to test if the optimal angle had been altered. EMG was recorded from soleus (SOL), medial gastrocnemius (MG) and tibialis anterior (TA) using bipolar surface electrodes. APS resulted in a 27% decrease in mean peak passive torque (P<0.05). MVC and SR torque were 7% (P<0.05) and 13% lower at post-test₁ (P<0.05), respectively. SR EMG amplitude of SOL and MG was reduced by 27% (P<0.05) and 22% (P<0.05), respectively. The H_max/M_max EMG and H_max/M_max torque ratios were unchanged at post-test₁. At post-test₂, MVC and SR EMG recovered to pre-APS values, while the SR and M_max torque increased by 19% and 13%, respectively (P<0.05). The decrease in MVC during post-test₁ was attributed to changes in the mechanical properties of PF and not to reduced muscle activation.     

Motor-neuron pool excitability of the lower leg muscles after acute lateral ankle sprain

Context:

Neuromuscular deficits in leg muscles that are associated with arthrogenic muscle inhibition have been reported in people with chronic ankle instability, yet whether these neuromuscular alterations are present in individuals with acute sprains is unknown.

Objective:

To compare the effect of acute lateral ankle sprain on the motor-neuron pool excitability (MNPE) of injured leg muscles with that of uninjured contralateral leg muscles and the leg muscles of healthy controls.

Design:

Case-control study.

Setting:

Laboratory.

Patients or Other Participants:

Ten individuals with acute ankle sprains (6 females, 4 males; age = 19.2 ± 3.8 years, height = 169.4 ± 8.5 cm, mass = 66.3 ±11.6 kg) and 10 healthy individuals (6 females, 4 males; age = 20.6 ± 4.0 years, height = 169.9 ± 10.6 cm, mass = 66.3 ± 10.2 kg) participated.

Intervention(s):

The independent variables were group (acute ankle sprain, healthy) and limb (injured, uninjured). Separate dependent t tests were used to determine differences in MNPE between legs.

Main Outcome Measure(s):

The MNPE of the soleus, fibularis longus, and tibialis anterior was measured by the maximal Hoffmann reflex (H_max) and maximal muscle response (M_max) and was then normalized using the H_max:M_max ratio.

Results:

The soleus MNPE in the ankle-sprain group was higher in the injured limb (H_max:M_max = 0.63; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.46, 0.80) than in the uninjured limb (H_max:M_max = 0.47; 95% CI, 0.08, 0.93) (t₆ = 3.62, P = .01). In the acute ankle-sprain group, tibialis anterior MNPE tended to be lower in the injured ankle (H_max:M_max = 0.06; 95% CI, 0.01, 0.10) than in the uninjured ankle (H_max:M_max = 0.22; 95% CI, 0.09, 0.35), but this finding was not different (t₉ = −2.01, P = .07). No differences were detected between injured (0.22; 95% CI, 0.14, 0.29) and uninjured (0.25; 95% CI, 0.12, 0.38) ankles for the fibularis longus in the ankle-sprain group (t₉ = −0.739, P = .48). We found no side-to-side differences in any muscle among the healthy group.

Conclusions:

Facilitated MNPE was present in the involved soleus muscle of patients with acute ankle sprains, but no differences were found in the fibularis longus or tibialis anterior muscles.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">V</Emphasis>O<Subscript>2</Subscript>max during successive maximal efforts

The concept of VO₂max has been a defining paradigm in exercise physiology for >75 years. Within the last decade, this concept has been both challenged and defended. The purpose of this study was to test the concept of VO₂max by comparing VO₂ during a second exercise bout following a preliminary maximal effort exercise bout. The study had two parts. In Study #1, physically active non-athletes performed incremental cycle exercise. After 1-min recovery, a second bout was performed at a higher power output. In Study #2, competitive runners performed incremental treadmill exercise and, after 3-min recovery, a second bout at a higher speed. In Study #1 the highest VO₂ (bout 1 vs. bout 2) was not significantly different (3.95 ± 0.75 vs. 4.06 ± 0.75 l min⁻¹). Maximal heart rate was not different (179 ± 14 vs. 180 ± 13 bpm) although maximal V _E was higher in the second bout (141 ± 36 vs. 151 ± 34 l min⁻¹). In Study #2 the highest VO₂ (bout 1 vs. bout 2) was not significantly different (4.09 ± 0.97 vs. 4.03 ± 1.16 l min⁻¹), nor was maximal heart rate (184 + 6 vs. 181 ± 10 bpm) or maximal V _E (126 ± 29 vs. 126 ± 34 l min⁻¹). The results support the concept that the highest VO₂ during a maximal incremental exercise bout is unlikely to change during a subsequent exercise bout, despite higher muscular power output. As such, the results support the “classical” view of VO₂max.     

Quantification of T- and H-responses before and after a period of endurance training

Summary Tendon (T-) and Hoffmann (H-) responses in the soleus muscle were quantified either separately or in association to compare the mononeurons activated and to study their changes after a period of endurance training. In a first experiment T- and H-responses of the same amplitude were compared: the electrical stimulus (inducing the H-response) and the Achilles tendon tap (inducing the T-response) were associated so that the T-response firstly was concomitant with the H-response, and secondly shifted 10 ms forward or back compared to the H-response. From the study of these combined reflexes we would suggest that the same motoneurons are involved in T- or H-responses of the same amplitude. In a second experiment the maximal H-responses, the T-responses and maximal aerobic power (W _aer,max) were measured on 20 subjects before and after a period of endurance training. For 75% of the subjects the W _aer,max and the reflex parameters (T or H) varied in the same direction: most of them exhibited higher values of both W _aer,max and reflex amplitudes while the others had W _aer,max and reflex values hardly modified or decreased. The different effects of the training period could reflect the heterogeneity of the subject's status and involvement in sport. In most cases the T: Hmax ratios were also influenced, reflecting the fact that T- and H-responses were not identically affected by training. Thus it is suggested that an endurance training programme can influence not only the excitability of the motoneurons but also the response of the muscle receptors to stretch. An interpretation in terms of a change of spindle receptivity and/or a change in their recruitment due to a greater stiffness of the trained muscles is suggested.     

Quantifying the effects of voluntary contraction and inter-stimulus interval on the human soleus <Emphasis Type="Italic">H</Emphasis>-reflex

The human soleus H-reflex is commonly tested as an indicator of the reflex excitability of the calf muscles with infrequent stimuli to a subject seated and at rest. However, the reflex varies widely with the level of voluntary contraction and with the time history of stimulation. We studied two aspects of this variation. Antagonist (tibialis anterior) activation decreases the response, while increasing agonist (soleus) activation increases the H-reflex to a peak after which it declines. In subjects with large H-reflexes at rest, the reflex peaked at low levels of contraction. In contrast, in subjects with small H-reflexes at rest, the reflex peaked at higher levels of contraction for reasons that were elucidated using a realistic computer model. A parabolic curve fitted the maximum amplitude of the H-reflex in the model and over the entire range of contractile levels studied. The second aspect studied was post-activation depression or homosynaptic depression (HD), which has been described previously as a reduction of a second H-reflex elicited shortly after an initial reflex. We confirmed the presence of HD in resting, seated subjects for intervals up to 4 s. However, by voluntarily activating the soleus muscle, HD was drastically reduced when seated and abolished when standing. This suggests that HD may be absent in normal, functional movements and perhaps in clinical conditions that alter H-reflexes. Meaningful, quantitative measurements of reflex excitability can only be made under voluntary activity that mimics the condition of interest.