[Analysis of the interference electromyogram of human soleus muscle after exposure to vibration]

The properties of m. soleus surface EMG recorded under conditions of voluntary contraction against vibrational stimulation were studied using vibration-triggered averaging and spectral estimates. The averaging procedure indicated EMG bursts locked to the vibration cycle. Narrow peaks appeared in the EMG spectrum at vibration frequency and harmonics. These effects were more pronounced in rectified EMG at low vibration frequencies (30-70 Hz) and in EMG at high frequencies (70-120 Hz). The disappearance of the peak after ischemic blockade preceded that of the tendon reflex. The peak normalized to the EMG power decreased when the force was enlarged. The peak augmented with prolonged contraction under vibration. The results are suggested to reflect alterations of the relative weight of the excitatory inflow through short spindle-motoneuron connections in the overall motoneuron inflow.