Difference in the Motor Unit Firing Behavior During Submaximal Isometric Ramp Contraction Between Healthy Children Aged 6-12 Years and Young Adults.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction/aims

Although nervous system maturation is a key factor underlying the difference in muscle strength between children and adults, specific neural strategies for modulating motor unit (MU) firing during graded force production remain largely unexplored. This study aimed to clarify the differences in MU firing behavior between children and young adults during submaximal isometric ramp contractions.

Methods

Eighteen healthy children (aged 6-12 years) and 18 healthy young adults performed maximal voluntary contractions (MVCs) and submaximal ramp contractions to 50% of MVC for isometric knee extension. High-density surface electromyography data were collected from the vastus lateralis muscle and were decomposed to identify individual MU firing. MUs were analyzed acco

SUBMITTER: Okudaira M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12690003 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature