Abstract
Small step load changes were superimposed on a constant load applied to the extensor muscles of the human ankle joint. Comparison of the induced loading reflex during: (1) steady muscle contraction supporting a constant load, and (2) a voluntary movement under this same load, shows in both bases two peaks in the reflex electromyogram. The first peak is much reduced during voluntary movement and is also most affected by the rate of stretch. The size and latency of the second peak is strongly dependent on the contractile state of the muscle at the time of load application. Both peaks are separated by inhibition; this depression in motoneurone firing sometimes dominates the loading response, minimizing the effectiveness of the load compensation reflex.
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Monster, A.W. (1973). Loading Reflexes During Two Types of Voluntary Muscle Contractions. In: Stein, R.B., Pearson, K.G., Smith, R.S., Redford, J.B. (eds) Control of Posture and Locomotion. Advances in Behavioral Biology, vol 7. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4613-4547-3_27
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4613-4547-3_27
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