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Nonlinear stretch reflex interaction during cocontraction

R R Carter1, P E Crago, P H Gorman

  • 1Department of Biomedical Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio.

Journal of Neurophysiology
|March 1, 1993
PubMed
Summary
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Stretch reflexes in thumb muscles (flexor pollicis longus and extensor pollicis longus) show nonlinear interactions during cocontraction. Joint stiffness is not a simple sum of individual muscle responses, varying with cocontraction levels.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Biomechanics
  • Human Motor Control

Background:

  • The control of antagonist muscles is crucial for stable joint movement.
  • Stretch reflexes play a significant role in modulating muscle activity and joint stiffness.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of stretch reflexes in controlling antagonist thumb muscles (flexor pollicis longus and extensor pollicis longus) during isolated contractions and cocontraction.
  • To compare reflex actions under different contraction conditions and determine if interactions are linear.

Main Methods:

  • Measured torque of flexor pollicis longus (FPL) and extensor pollicis longus (EPL) during imposed interphalangeal joint extension.
  • Calculated incremental joint stiffness based on torque and angle changes.
  • Assessed stiffness during single muscle contractions and varying levels of cocontraction.

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Main Results:

  • Incremental stiffness increased with preload torque during single muscle contractions, indicating non-constant regulation.
  • During cocontraction, stiffness varied with the level of antagonist muscle co-activation, not solely by net torque.
  • Measured stiffness during cocontraction differed from the sum of individual muscle stiffnesses, revealing nonlinear reflex interactions.

Conclusions:

  • Stretch reflex interactions between antagonist thumb muscles are nonlinear.
  • The contribution of stretch reflexes to joint stiffness during cocontraction is not a simple summation of individual muscle reflex responses.
  • These findings highlight complex neural control mechanisms for stabilizing joints during dynamic tasks.