Jove
Visualize
Contact Us
JoVE
x logofacebook logolinkedin logoyoutube logo
ABOUT JoVE
OverviewLeadershipBlogJoVE Help Center
AUTHORS
Publishing ProcessEditorial BoardScope & PoliciesPeer ReviewFAQSubmit
LIBRARIANS
TestimonialsSubscriptionsAccessResourcesLibrary Advisory BoardFAQ
RESEARCH
JoVE JournalMethods CollectionsJoVE Encyclopedia of ExperimentsArchive
EDUCATION
JoVE CoreJoVE BusinessJoVE Science EducationJoVE Lab ManualFaculty Resource CenterFaculty Site
Terms & Conditions of Use
Privacy Policy
Policies

Related Concept Videos

Torque01:10

Torque

22.5K
Torque is an important quantity for describing the dynamics of a rotating rigid body. We see the application of torque in many ways in the world, such as when pressing the accelerator in a car, which causes the engine to apply additional torque on the drivetrain. Here, we define torque and provide a framework to create an equation to calculate torque for a rigid body with fixed-axis rotation.
Torque can be considered as the rotational counterpart to force. Since forces change the translational...
22.5K
Torque Free Motion01:15

Torque Free Motion

814
The torque-free motion refers to the movement of a rigid body in space when no external torques are acting upon it. This type of motion can be observed in environments where there are no external forces or frictions, like in outer space. For example, a rotation of Mars in space is a torque-free motion. Mars is an axisymmetric object, meaning it has an axis of symmetry along which it rotates, designated as the z-axis. The rotating frame of reference is defined such that the center of mass of...
814
Net Torque Calculations01:19

Net Torque Calculations

11.5K
When a mechanic tries to remove a hex nut with a wrench, it is easier if the force is applied at the farthest end of the wrench handle. The lever arm is the distance from the pivot point (the hex nut in this case) to the person’s hand. If this distance is large, the torque is higher. Only the component of the force perpendicular to the lever arm contributes to the torque. Therefore, pushing the wrench perpendicular to the lever arm is more advantageous. If multiple people apply force to...
11.5K
Long-term Depression01:05

Long-term Depression

33.3K
Long-term depression, or LTD, is one of the ways by which synaptic plasticity—changes in the strength of chemical synapses—can occur in the brain. LTD is the process of synaptic weakening that occurs over time between pre and postsynaptic neuronal connections. The synaptic weakening of LTD works in opposition to synaptic strengthening by long-term potentiation (LTP) and together are the main mechanisms that underlie learning and memory.
33.3K
Freezing Point Depression and Boiling Point Elevation03:12

Freezing Point Depression and Boiling Point Elevation

40.1K
Boiling Point Elevation
The boiling point of a liquid is the temperature at which its vapor pressure is equal to ambient atmospheric pressure. Since the vapor pressure of a solution is lowered due to the presence of nonvolatile solutes, it stands to reason that the solution’s boiling point will subsequently be increased. Vapor pressure increases with temperature, and so a solution will require a higher temperature than will pure solvent to achieve any given vapor pressure, including one...
40.1K
Depressants01:28

Depressants

429
Depressant drugs, including alcohol and sedative-hypnotics, diminish central nervous system activity by enhancing the action of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a neurotransmitter that reduces brain activity and promotes relaxation. These substances can have various therapeutic uses but also pose significant risks, especially when misused or combined.
Alcohol is a common depressant that can induce a sense of relaxation and reduced inhibition at low doses. Contrary to its occasional...
429

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by
Same author

Alterations to longitudinal muscle morphology and mechanical function following immobilization and recovery in female ovariectomized and intact rats.

Experimental physiology·2026
Same author

Investigation of a Low-cost Portable Inline Dynamometer for Measuring Isometric Knee Extensor Strength.

International journal of sports physical therapy·2026
Same author

The role of group III/IV afferent feedback in the ventilatory, pressor and metabolic responses to exercise in normoxia and hypoxia.

The Journal of physiology·2026
Same author

Project FURTHER: A Physiological, Biomechanical, and Psychosocial Profile of an All-Female 6-Day Ultramarathon Race.

Sports medicine - open·2026
Same author

Effects of electrical cutaneous stimulation of the foot sole on voluntary plantarflexion rate of torque development after fatigue in males.

European journal of applied physiology·2026
Same author

Stretch-shortening cycles mitigate single muscle fibre power deficits following a two-week immobilization of the rat hindlimb.

Journal of muscle research and cell motility·2026

Related Experiment Video

Updated: Feb 2, 2026

Perspectives on Neuroscience
26:41

Perspectives on Neuroscience

Published on: July 31, 2007

5.3K

Central contributions to torque depression: an antagonist perspective.

Caleb T Sypkes1, Vincenzo S Contento1, Leah R Bent1

  • 1Neuromechanical Performance Research Laboratory, Department of Human Health and Nutritional Sciences, College of Biological Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada.

Experimental Brain Research
|November 21, 2018
PubMed
Summary

Torque depression reduces muscle force after shortening. This study found that torque depression in dorsiflexors also decreases soleus spinal excitability while increasing supraspinal excitability, revealing neuromechanical coupling effects.

Keywords:
Cervicomedullary motor evoked potential CMEPIntegrated electromyography iEMGMotor evoked potential MEPTranscranial magnetic stimulation TMS

More Related Videos

In Vivo Measurement of Hindlimb Dorsiflexor Isometric Torque from Pig
09:41

In Vivo Measurement of Hindlimb Dorsiflexor Isometric Torque from Pig

Published on: September 3, 2021

4.3K
Operant Learning of Drosophila at the Torque Meter
17:31

Operant Learning of Drosophila at the Torque Meter

Published on: June 16, 2008

14.0K

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Feb 2, 2026

Perspectives on Neuroscience
26:41

Perspectives on Neuroscience

Published on: July 31, 2007

5.3K
In Vivo Measurement of Hindlimb Dorsiflexor Isometric Torque from Pig
09:41

In Vivo Measurement of Hindlimb Dorsiflexor Isometric Torque from Pig

Published on: September 3, 2021

4.3K
Operant Learning of Drosophila at the Torque Meter
17:31

Operant Learning of Drosophila at the Torque Meter

Published on: June 16, 2008

14.0K

Area of Science:

  • Neuromechanics
  • Motor Control
  • Human Physiology

Background:

  • Torque depression (TD) is a decrease in muscle force after active shortening.
  • Previous research on TD focused on agonist muscles, leaving antagonist responses unknown.
  • Understanding TD's effect on antagonist muscles is crucial for grasping voluntary force production.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate how torque depression affects spinal and supraspinal excitability of the soleus, an antagonist muscle.
  • To explore the neuromechanical coupling between muscle shortening and central nervous system excitability.

Main Methods:

  • Eight participants performed torque depression and isometric reference contractions.
  • Electromyography (EMG) and evoked potentials (MEPs, CMEPs, Mmax) were recorded from the soleus muscle.
  • Corticospinal and spinal excitability were assessed by analyzing normalized MEP and CMEP amplitudes.

Main Results:

  • Torque depression was associated with a 13% reduction in dorsiflexor torque.
  • Spinal excitability of the soleus decreased by 10% (normalized CMEP).
  • Supraspinal excitability of the soleus increased by 17% (normalized MEP).

Conclusions:

  • Active muscle shortening and torque depression influence antagonist muscle excitability.
  • Findings suggest a neuromechanical coupling where TD impacts antagonist activation.
  • Mechanisms underlying TD modulate neural drive during voluntary contractions.