Voluntary inhibition of the myotatic reflex and premotor response to joint angle displacement. 1976

W W Spirduso, and A M Duncan

EMGs from the deltoid muscle of the nonpreferred arm were obtained from 18 subjects (9 males, 9 females). The EMGs resulted from a stretch reflex (reflex latency) from the fall of the relaxed arm from an electromagnet and from the resultant EMGs of a voluntary response to stop the preceived falling arm (premotor response). Ten normal trials were followed by 10 inhibition trials. By conscious relaxation of the arm and inhibition of the deltoid muscle, all subjects on most trials were able to completely eliminate the voluntary premotor responses. Elimination of the myotatic reflex proved much more difficult with two subjects completely inhibiting it on all trials and ten subjects on at least one trial; however when the reflex was not inhibited, the inhibited condition resulted in significantly reduced reflex duration and an increased reflex latency. No sex difference was found in the ability to inhibit the EMG responses.

UI MeSH Term Description Entries
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
D009132 Muscles Contractile tissue that produces movement in animals. Muscle Tissue,Muscle,Muscle Tissues,Tissue, Muscle,Tissues, Muscle
D012018 Reflex An involuntary movement or exercise of function in a part, excited in response to a stimulus applied to the periphery and transmitted to the brain or spinal cord.
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
D005260 Female Females
D006801 Humans Members of the species Homo sapiens. Homo sapiens,Man (Taxonomy),Human,Man, Modern,Modern Man
D000293 Adolescent A person 13 to 18 years of age. Adolescence,Youth,Adolescents,Adolescents, Female,Adolescents, Male,Teenagers,Teens,Adolescent, Female,Adolescent, Male,Female Adolescent,Female Adolescents,Male Adolescent,Male Adolescents,Teen,Teenager,Youths
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
D001132 Arm The superior part of the upper extremity between the SHOULDER and the ELBOW. Brachium,Upper Arm,Arm, Upper,Arms,Arms, Upper,Brachiums,Upper Arms

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