Initial force production before sag is enhanced by prior contraction followed by a 3-minute rest period in fast motor units of the rat medial gastrocnemius

Abstract

Unfused tetanic contractions evoked in fast motor units exhibit extra-efficient force production at the onset of contraction, an effect called “boost”. Boost is diminished in subsequent contractions if there is a short rest period between contractions, but can be re-established with a longer period of rest. We tested the hypothesis that contractile activity and rest could enhance boost-related metrics. Two sets of 3 unfused tetani were evoked 3 min apart in fast fatigable (FF) and fast fatigue-resistant (FR) motor units of the rat medial gastrocnemius. The greatest changes occurred in the first unfused tetanic contractions. Relative to the first contraction in the first set, the first contraction in the second set exhibited higher peak force during boost in a subset of motor units (76% of FF and 48% of FR). Enhanced force during boost was influenced by interaction of slowing of twitch contraction time (up to 20% and 25%, for FF and FR motor units, respectively), half-relaxation time (up to 37% and 49% for FF and FR motor units, respectively), and potentiation of the first twitch (up to 13% and 5% for FF and FR motor units, respectively). Examination of twitches evoked between sets suggested opportunity for greater enhancement of boost with shorter intervening rest periods. The phenomenon of enhanced boost following motor unit activity may interest sports scientists.