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Interaction between muscle stiffness and stretch reflex sensitivity after long-term stretch-shortening cycle exercise
1Neuromuscular Research Center, Department of Biology of Physical Activity, University of Jyväskylä, Finland.
Abstract:
The short latency stretch-reflex component (M1) and its interactions with muscle stiffness and with muscle performance were investigated before and after long-term stretch-shortening cycle (SSC) exercise. Dramatic fatigue induced reduction in maximal SSC performance capability, and electromyographic activity was accompanied by a consistent decrease in the M1 reflex component and eccentric peak stiffness of the muscle. It can be suggested, therefore, that the decreased muscle performance is not simply a direct effect of central or peripheral fatigue, but is partly due to impairment of the ability to utilize stiffness-related elastic energy.
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