Abstract
Resistance of passive elements augments force production during muscle stretch and as short as nine days of immobilization increases the quantity and stiffness of these passive elements in animal models (Williams et al. J. Anat. 158:109, 1988). Hence it is conceivable that reduction in eccentric strength and neural activation following immobilization would be less than reduction in other expressions of muscle strength. Sedentary healthy young men's (n=24) and women's (n=24) left legs were immobilized for 3 weeks. Before and after immobilization each quadriceps was tested for peak isometric and isokinetic eccentric and concentric (60°/s) force and associated peak EMG activity of the vastus lateralis. Eight male and 6 female subjects, who did not undergo immobilization (IM), were also tested for left leg only. The Table shows the mean percent changes in strength and EMG (* p <.05). Immobilization significantly but uniformly decreased muscle strength and neural activation. In contrast to animal data, the uniform strength loss after immobilization does not reflect alterations in the quantity or quality of the passive elements as assessed by the different contraction modes in humans.Table
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: Medicine &amp Science in Sports &amp Exercise
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
