Increased inhibitory effects on close synergists during muscle fatigue in the decerebrate cat

Brain Res. 1988 Feb 2;440(1):199-203. doi: 10.1016/0006-8993(88)91178-x.

Abstract

We compared the magnitude of reflex inhibition induced in the soleus muscle by contraction or stretch of the medial gastrocnemius (MG), before, during, and after electrically induced fatigue of the MG. Our findings are that MG fatigue is accompanied by a substantial increase in soleus inhibition, which then recovers with MG rest. This increased inhibition may explain, at least in part, the decline in motoneuron discharge rate that has been described in fatiguing human muscle.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cats
  • Decerebrate State*
  • Electric Stimulation
  • Fatigue / physiopathology*
  • Isometric Contraction*
  • Muscle Contraction*
  • Muscle Denervation
  • Muscles / physiopathology*
  • Reflex