Changes in motor unit recruitment thresholds of the human anconeus muscle during torque development preceding shortening elbow extensions. 2012

B Harwood, and C L Rice
Canadian Centre for Activity and Aging, School of Kinesiology, The University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada.

Rate of torque development and the subsequent movement velocity are modulated by motor unit (MU) properties, primarily MU discharge rate and MU recruitment threshold (MURT). In isometric conditions, MURTs have been shown to decrease with increased rates of torque development. It is unclear whether this relationship is similar in the production of dynamic shortening contractions. Using fast joint velocities to drive the system, we aimed to determine how anconeus MURTs recorded during the torque production phase preceding movement were affected in relation to the resultant peak elbow extension velocity. Recruitment thresholds of 17 MUs from 9 young men were tracked throughout non-isokinetic dynamic elbow extensions with velocities ranging from 64°/s to 500°/s at a constant resistance of 25% of maximal voluntary isometric contraction and during isometric elbow extensions (0°/s). Relative MURTs decreased ∼50% from the slowest (<25% of maximal velocity) to the fastest (>75% of maximal velocity) resultant velocity ranges (P < 0.05). Although a significant (P < 0.001) but weak (r = -0.27, R(2) = 0.08) relationship was observed between MURT and resultant peak elbow extension velocity for the group, only 7 of the 17 MUs displayed significant moderate (r = -0.40, R(2) = 0.17) to strong (r = -0.85, R(2) = 0.73) negative MURT-velocity relationships. These data indicate variable responses of MURTs with increasing resultant peak velocity, which may be related to the intrinsic properties of individual MUs.

UI MeSH Term Description Entries
D007537 Isometric Contraction Muscular contractions characterized by increase in tension without change in length. Contraction, Isometric,Contractions, Isometric,Isometric Contractions
D008297 Male Males
D009046 Motor Neurons Neurons which activate MUSCLE CELLS. Neurons, Motor,Alpha Motorneurons,Motoneurons,Motor Neurons, Alpha,Neurons, Alpha Motor,Alpha Motor Neuron,Alpha Motor Neurons,Alpha Motorneuron,Motoneuron,Motor Neuron,Motor Neuron, Alpha,Motorneuron, Alpha,Motorneurons, Alpha,Neuron, Alpha Motor,Neuron, Motor
D009068 Movement The act, process, or result of passing from one place or position to another. It differs from LOCOMOTION in that locomotion is restricted to the passing of the whole body from one place to another, while movement encompasses both locomotion but also a change of the position of the whole body or any of its parts. Movement may be used with reference to humans, vertebrate and invertebrate animals, and microorganisms. Differentiate also from MOTOR ACTIVITY, movement associated with behavior. Movements
D011999 Recruitment, Neurophysiological The spread of response if stimulation is prolonged. (Campbell's Psychiatric Dictionary, 8th ed.) Recruitment, Motor Unit,Motor Unit Recruitment,Neurophysiological Recruitment
D004550 Elbow Region of the body immediately surrounding and including the ELBOW JOINT.
D004551 Elbow Joint A hinge joint connecting the FOREARM to the ARM. Elbow Joints,Joint, Elbow,Joints, Elbow
D004576 Electromyography Recording of the changes in electric potential of muscle by means of surface or needle electrodes. Electromyogram,Surface Electromyography,Electromyograms,Electromyographies,Electromyographies, Surface,Electromyography, Surface,Surface Electromyographies
D006801 Humans Members of the species Homo sapiens. Homo sapiens,Man (Taxonomy),Human,Man, Modern,Modern Man
D000328 Adult A person having attained full growth or maturity. Adults are of 19 through 44 years of age. For a person between 19 and 24 years of age, YOUNG ADULT is available. Adults

Related Publications

B Harwood, and C L Rice
April 2022, Muscle & nerve,
B Harwood, and C L Rice
March 2002, The Journal of sports medicine and physical fitness,
B Harwood, and C L Rice
January 1993, Experimental brain research,
Copied contents to your clipboard!