Lower motor unit discharge rates in gastrocnemius lateralis, but not in gastrocnemius medialis or soleus, in runners with Achilles tendinopathy: a pilot study.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

Deficits in muscle performance could be a consequence of a reduced ability of a motor neuron to increase the rate in which it discharges. This study aimed to investigate motor unit (MU) discharge properties of each triceps surae muscle (TS) and TS torque steadiness during submaximal intensities in runners with Achilles tendinopathy (AT).

Methods

We recruited runners with (n = 12) and without (n = 13) mid-portion AT. MU discharge rate was analysed for each of the TS muscles, using high-density surface electromyography during 10 and 20% isometric plantar flexor contractions.

Results

MU mean discharge rate was lower in the gastrocnemius lateralis (GL) in AT compared to controls. In AT, GL MU mean discharge rate did not increase as torque increased from 10% pea

SUBMITTER: Fernandes GL 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9684880 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature