Citation

Patikas DA, Mersmann F, Bohm S, Schroll A, Marzilger R, Arampatzis A. Muscle Nerve 2016; 54(5): 952-958.

Affiliation

Department of Training and Movement Sciences, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2016, John Wiley and Sons)

DOI

10.1002/mus.25142

PMID

27065438

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Our purpose was to examine the H-reflex during balance recovery after a simulated forward fall from 2 different inclination angles.

METHODS: The Soleus H-reflex of 15 healthy adults was measured in 2 different leaning positions (exerting a horizontal force at 15% and 30% of body weight, respectively), with no release (Int0) and at 2 different intervals (Int1, Int2) after the release (∼45 and ∼65ms, respectively).

RESULTS: During Int2 the H-reflex which was evoked before the onset of the Soleus EMG was significantly higher than the H-reflex induced 20 ms earlier (Int1). No significant difference was observed between Int0 and Int1 and between the 2 leaning positions.

DISCUSSION: These findings indicate that Ia afferent input is facilitated before muscle activation during forward falling. This could be important for the timely activation and increased rate of force development required during this task. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

© 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Language: en